Carpet can help cozy up your home and create a more welcoming environment. Plus, carpets, today, have come a long way and can last longer than ever. However, nothing is more disheartening than having an accident or stain ruin your new flooring, and unfortunately, not all stains are created equal. Knowing how to treat common household stains can save you the headache of replacing your carpet or just putting up with the eyesore. Here are several common residential stains techniques for your carpet:
Glue
Not all adhesive are made with the same compounds. For most glues, scrape up as much to begin the removal process. Then, you want the glue to harden. Apply an ice cube to help tighten the glue and break off as much as possible. You can also apply acetone that has been diluted in water to help remove the remaining glue or use a more natural approach with distilled white vinegar.
Red Wine
Time is your enemy with most stains and wine is no exception. This stain can be quite tricky, so handling it fast is vital. First, remove as much wine from the surface of the carpet using white paper towels. Do not rub to clean because this can cause the wine to penetrate the carpet fibers making it much harder to remove. You can then add small amounts of water to help dilute the red wine. Continue to pat up this liquid and remove as much as possible. Next, you will need to create a stain removing paste. Mix baking soda with water until it forms a paste-like texture then apply the mixture to your stain and allow it to dry. Use a vacuum to remove the dried paste and apply a manufacturer-recommended carpet stain remover as soon as possible. These can be one of the toughest stains to remove so prepare for multiple attempts.
Urine
Use paper towels to remove as much urine as possible from the carpet. Create a homogenous blend of water and white vinegar. Apply it to the stain and continue to use white paper towels to soak up the liquid. You may want to use a shop vacuum to remove the remaining urine. It is recommended to steam clean the area as well to help eliminate the odor from lingering and staying embedded in the padding.
Try to remove stains as soon as you notice them. Most stains become worse over time and can penetrate deep into the carpet fibers. Some manufacturers have created solution-dyed carpets which can be cleaned with bleach, which is another great option. Make sure your carpet can handle the bleach before applying it by consulting with your manufacturer.
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