The real trick to avoiding stains is to address the spill or stain immediately. Carpet stains that only take seconds to create can linger in a carpet long after multiple carpet cleanings, especially if they are not addressed properly.

If not cleaned properly carpet spots can get worse and even grow over time. If you want to stay on top of your carpet stains here are our top tips for dealing with some common carpet spots.

You can get rid of unwanted odors, carpets spots and clean stains with a solution of hydrogen peroxide, warm water and fresh table salt. You can also use clean smelling citrus oils for covering up pet odors.

Things you will need to clean and freshen up your carpets include: Paper towels or a clean cloth, carpet shampoo or dish soap, warm water, a sponge, hydrogen peroxide, and table salt.

Removing Wine Stains

Using salt removes red wine safely. When the stain is wet, use a sponge or cloth to soak up as much as possible. Cover the stain with table salt and let it sit until the salt turns red. Vacuum up and look. No stain!

Try making up a mixture of fifty percent liquid detergent and fifty percent hydrogen peroxide. Pat into the stain and leave for a few minutes then dry off with clean dry cloth.

Repeat as needed. I used this and it removed a whole bottle of red wine from my cream colored carpet. And I thought I was going to have to replace it!!

Removing Solids form Carpet

The question we get asked most often is how to treat spots and solids on a carpet between professional cleanings. To remove the solids, (usually brought in by your pet), from your carpets, get something with a wide flat edge and carefully scrape the solids up from the carpet.

When you are lifting the debris from the carpet you need to be careful not to push it down into the fibers. Now you can deal with the spot that gets left behind.

Most carpet manufacturers recommend that you use cleaning solutions and then pat the area dry. Towels make an excellent blotter; they are great for absorbing most liquids. Press firmly with the towel over the spot on the carpet. It should easily transfer to the towel, which is more absorbent. You should note that rubbing the carpet with the towel might cause irreparable damage and push the stain deeper into the carpet.

When using any type of carpet spot remover make sure that it does not contain bleach. Always test it in an inconspicuous area before applying to the spot. Although most carpets manufactured nowadays are color fast, (meaning as long as the carpet spots are aggressively and completely rinsed the dyes will adhere to the carpet fibers), be sure to TEST first.

Commercial Cleaning Solutions to Remove Stains

When using a commercial cleaner, always follow the instructions on the cleaning solution bottle. In general apply several drops of the solution and blot the area gently with a clean white towel. If no color transfer occurs, apply the solution again. Wait half an hour to one hour and inspect for any damaging color changes. Allow the solution to remain on the spot for the recommended length of time before removing the detergent.

Treat the stained area with the proper spotting solution until the stain is removed. Always use small amounts of the cleaning agents and blot frequently.

It is very important to NEVER pour a dry cleaning solution directly onto the carpet or allow a dry cleaning solution to reach the carpet backing. Dry cleaning fluids may destroy the latex that holds the primary and secondary backings together. Please remember to exercise caution when using any dry cleaning fluid.

Carpet Cleaning Machines

Many of the portable upright type carpet cleaners give you a lot of the cleaning power. Ideally you would use this to clean a whole room not just a few minor spots on a carpet. This should be done at least once a year to keep your carpet in tiptop shape.

How the Carpet Cleaning Machines Work

When using a carpet-cleaning machine the water is mixed with cleaning detergent and the resulting solution is sprayed onto the surface to be cleaned. A vacuum motor is used, (similar to a vacuum cleaner) to generate suction to remove the cleaning solution and the trapped dirt back into the cleaning machine.

When using a steam cleaner the spots on a carpet may need to be gone over more than once to completely remove them. Steam is pumped to the nozzle where it is brought into contact with the carpet being cleaned.

You can use water or ideally a cleaning solution, (usually recommended by the manufacturer), with the steam cleaner. The more up-market steam cleaners have controls to manage the delivery of the vapor to your carpet.

Conclusion

There are many types of cleaning solutions, machines and spot sprays available to clean and freshen up your carpets. The most important thing to remember to avoid a long-term stain is removing the spill immediately.

A clean towel pressed firmly on the spot is the most effective way to address an immediate spill. Heavy traffic areas required more assistance. Steam is the still the most effective way to clean those heavy traffic areas and stubborn stains.