Removing Carpet Stains
No matter how careful we are and how much we try and look after our carpet, unfortunately getting spills and other dirt on our carpet is inevitable at some point. However this does not have to be a big problem. What is important, is how quickly we get the stain removal process under way. The faster we get cleaning the more likely it is that the stain can be totally removed and our carpet will look like new again.
There are many cleaning solutions and products available for this job but often the best solution is simple and you will already have the necessary product(s) required at home. Below is a list of cleaning methods and a handy guide for removing stains. Please note these are only suggestions and cannot be guaranteed to work but hopefully they will make make getting rid of that annoying stain a whole lot easier so you can relax in the knowledge that your carpet is stain-free again.
Important notes:
All cleaning methods and agents should be firstly tested on an inconspicuous area of carpet.
Never apply cleaning agent directly onto carpet, always use a cloth or sponge.
Do not rub or scrub your carpet, you should blot and pat only.
To avoid spreading a stain, start from the outside of the stain and work inwards.
1. The first thing you need to do is scoop up any dirt or matter. If it is just a dry stain then vacuum thoroughly.
2. Secondly you need to absorb any liquid. To do this you should use a clean white towel or sponge. Keep blotting until you have absorbed as much liquid as possible.
3. Next you need to follow the suggested cleaning methods and guide below.
4. Then rinse the area thoroughly with cold water using a clean white cloth.
5. And finally completely blot dry with a clean towel and allow to fully air dry.
6. If the stain still remains, you should contact a professional carpet cleaner.
Cleaning Methods:
See cleaning guide below to see which of these methods you should use
1. Cold Water
2. Detergent Solution: One teaspoon of wool detergent with one teaspoon of white vinegar and one litre of warm water
3. Clear Household disinfectant
4. Dry cleaning solvent eg: White Spirit (to be used only on dry carpet)
5. Ice cubes in a plastic bag. Then pick or scrape off substance
6. Vinegar Solution: 1/3 cup of white vinegar and 2/3 cup of water
7. Warm water
8. Nail polish remover (Lanolin Free only)
9. Surgical alcohol
10. Vacuum clean
11. Mineral Turpentine or Methylated Spirits
12. Seek services of a professional carpet cleaner
Cleaning Guide:
Refer to the below carpet cleaning table for stain removal instructions.
WOOL CARPET CLEANING | |||
Stain | Step 1 | Step 2 | Step 3 |
Begin with Step 1 and proceed to following steps if necessary | |||
Alcoholic Drinks | 1 | 2 | |
Asphalt | 10 | 4 | |
Berries | 2 | 11 | |
Bleach | 1 | 11 | |
Blood | 1 | 2 | |
Butter | 4 | 2 | |
Chalk | 2 | 4 | |
Chewing Gum | 5 | 4 | |
Chocolate | 4 | 2 | |
Coffee | 1 | 2 | 6 |
Cream | 2 | 4 | |
Egg | 2 | 11 | |
Faeces | 2 | 3 | 11 |
Fruit Juice | 1 | 2 | |
Glue | 11 | ||
Gravy | 7 | 2 | |
Grease | 4 | 2 | |
Hair Dye | 11 | ||
Ice Cream | 2 | 4 | |
Ink (Ballpoint) | 9 | 2 | |
Ink (Felt Tip) | 4 | 2 | |
Insecticides | 11 | ||
Lipstick | 4 | 2 | |
Liquor | 1 | 2 | |
Milk | 2 | 4 | |
Mouthwash & Toothpaste | 2 | 4 | |
Mustard | 2 | ||
Nail Polish | 8 | 4 | |
Oil | 4 | 2 | |
Ointment | 4 | 2 | |
Paint (Oil Base) | 10 | 4 | |
Paint (Water Base) | 1 | 2 | |
Rust | 6 | 11 | |
Salad Dressing | 2 | 4 | |
Shoe Polish | 4 | 2 | |
Soft Drinks | 1 | 2 | |
Tea | 1 | 2 | 6 |
Tomato Sauce | 7 | 2 | |
Urine (Fresh) | 1 | 2 | 3 |
Urine (Old) | 11 | ||
Vomit | 2 | 3 | 6 |
Water Colours | 1 | 2 | |
Wine | 1 | 2 | 6 |
Unknown Substance | 4 | 2 | 11 |