Stains are one of the most common carpet cleaning problems. But let’s face the fact that old stains are an exception. Removing these stains can seem like a tough task. But the good thing is that they are a nightmare as long as you don’t know how to clean them the right way.
In this detailed blog, we will explain to you how to get rid of old stains on your carpet. With the help of these details, you can banish those pesky marks and get a spotless, fresh-looking carpet.
Tackle Old Carpet Stains With These Five Simple Steps
1. Identify The Stain
First, inspect the carpet and identify the stain. To deal with different stains, you need to use different solutions, and a proper identification of the stain helps you know what solution you have to use for that stain that you have to clean.
If you avoid this step, you may end up using the wrong solutions and do more harm than good to the carpet.
2. Scrape Away Any Solids
Next, use a butter knife or spoon and carefully remove as much solid matter (like dried chocolate) from the stain as possible. Scraping away solids allows the cleaning solution to affect the stain more effectively.
3. Vacuum The Carpet
The third step in line is to vacuum the carpet. A vacuum has a strong suction that traps, sucks, and removes dirt and other debris from the carpet fibers. If these particles remain unremoved, they may mix up with the cleaning solution and affect the overall process.
4. Start Cleaning The Stain
So as the carpet is now ready, it’s time to get rid of old stains from the carpet. But before you apply any solution, don’t forget to test it in a hidden part of the carpet first to make sure that it doesn’t yield any harmful effects.
(i) Oil And Grease
To remove oil and grease from the carpet, all you have to use is a combination of baking soda, vinegar, and dish soap.
- First, sprinkle baking soda powder on the stain.
- Then, in a spray bottle, mix a cup of white vinegar and a cup of water, followed by a few drops of dish soap.
- Shake the bottle well and sprinkle the solution onto the stain. Allow it to sit for an hour or two. Once the wait is over, rinse the area thoroughly and blot dry.
(ii) Pet Urine Stains
To remove pet urine stains, enzymatic cleaners are the best option you can opt for. These cleaners contain various enzymes that break down the stain-causing molecules in the first place.
So, buy a good-quality enzymatic cleaner (specifically made to use on carpets) and apply it over the stain as per the instructions written on the product label.
(iii) Chocolate Stains
To deal with old chocolate stains, liquid dish soap comes as your handy help. Thus, in a spray bottle, mix ¼ teaspoon of liquid dish soap with one cup of warm water.
Now, dampen a clean cloth with this solution and apply it over the stain. Blot gently, working from the outside towards the center. Let the solution sit for some 10-15 minutes before you rinse and blot it dry.
(iv) Tea Or Coffee
A solution of hydrogen peroxide and dish soap is all that you have to use in order to banish old tea or coffee stains. Fill a bowl with water and add one teaspoon of hydrogen peroxide (3%) with half a teaspoon of dish soap. Mix the solutions well with a spoon.
Then, dampen a cloth in the solution and blot the stain with it. Allow it to sit for about 10 minutes. After that, rinse the area with cold water to remove any residue and blot dry.
(v) Wine Or Juice
For wine or juice stains, you can use club soda. Pour a small amount of club soda onto the stain and blot it with a clean cloth. Keep blotting until the stain no more appears. As it gets completely banished, rinse the area with clean water and blot it dry.
You can also read: Tips To Remove Ink Stains From The Carpet
5. Allow The Carpet To Dry
So as the old stains are dealt with, allow your carpet to dry thoroughly. This is because as you’ve rinsed the solutions, there are chances that some moisture may remain trapped within the fibers (despite the fact that you’ve blotted it).
If this moisture remains trapped, the carpet may become a breeding ground for mold spores which can stir up a number of allergies in you. Hence, to remove this moisture, turn on your dehumidifiers, or place table fans near the cleaned area. In addition, open all windows to let natural air come and circulate throughout your home.
Proper drying not only helps maintain the carpet but also leads to a healthier home. Carpet cleaning is essential for allergy prevention and maintaining a clean and healthier home.
Maintaining a clean and allergy-free home carpet cleaning is essential for allergy prevention.
Let’s Sum It Up!
Even though it’s quite easy to deal with carpet stains, removing old carpet stains can turn out as a tough challenge. But come what may, with the help of the right cleaning solutions, you can easily get rid of old stains from your carpets the right way and help maintain them in the long run.
However, if any method fails to yield the results (although that’s quite common when stains turn too stubborn to remove with household solutions), feel free to contact professionals at Beverly Hills Carpet Cleaners.
They use top-notch cleaning solutions and tools to clean every type of stain to its core, ensuring they don’t resurface and restore your carpet to its former glory.