Treating & Cleaning Carpet Stains Escarosa Cleaning & Restoration

In the carpet cleaning business, we came across all kinds of spots and stains. The items that can stain a carpet are literally limitless – just ask any parent! And for every type of stain, you are likely to hear all sorts of wacky remedies for removing it. However, there are some general rules for treating stains based upon the characteristics of the spilled material.

Carpet Cleaning: General Advice

For almost any stain, the most important thing is to promptly remove as much of the material as possible. The longer a stain sits, the harder it will be to get it out. For dry dirt or other non-liquid spills, use the hose on a vacuum to remove the material. For liquid spills, first use a dry cloth to blot the area, starting at the outer edge of the stain and working towards the middle. Never scrub a stain, which can push the material deeper into the carpet and pad. After cleaning, be sure that the carpet dries completely before walking on it or returning furniture to its original position.

Escarosa Cleaning and Restoration Pro Tip – Before using any type of cleaner on your carpet (including plain water!), carefully test it first in an inconspicuous area of your carpeting. The material your carpet is made from is crucial to how you treat a stain and how effective that treatment will be. The advice in this article is based upon treating common stains on carpeting made from synthetic fibers and latex backing. If your carpeting is made from natural fibers like wool or cotton, or if you are just not sure of the composition, call an expert!

Carpet Cleaning: Water-based Stains

For water-based stains like juice, beer, milk, soda, coffee, red wine, or tea, try the following:

1. Mix a solution of ¼ teaspoon of clear hand or dish washing detergent with one cup of warm water (not hot) in a bowl. In a separate bowl, mix ½ cup distilled white vinegar into one cup of water.
2. Dip a clean white towel into the detergent solution and blot the soiled area. Gently press the towel into the carpet fibers and wait 10 minutes. Then use a clean cloth to blot the stain until it feels dry.
3. Next, cover the soiled area with a new, clean cloth dipped into the vinegar mixture. Place a heavy object on top of this cloth, pressing it into the carpet fibers. If your heavy object has a painted or stained surface, use a piece of plastic wrap between the object and the cloth to prevent the color from transferring to your carpet.
4. Leave the weighted cloth in place for 10 to 15 minutes, then remove the weight and cloth and blot the area until dry with a new clean cloth starting on the outside edges and working your way in.
5. If the stain is still visible, repeat the above steps.

For a slightly quicker way to remove water-based stains, try a few of the commercial spotters that have been proven to work well on this type of stain. We have found Natures Miracle Stain and Odor Remover or Unique Natural Products Wine Stain Eater to be effective in many situations.

Carpet Cleaning: Oil-based Stains

For oil-based stains from greasy food or candle wax, try the following:

1. Place a clean, dry cotton cloth over the stain and heat the area with an iron on the low setting. As the oil warms, it can be drawn up into the cloth and out of your carpet.
2. Repeat with a new towel (or rotate the same towel to a clean area) until the stain has been absorbed.
3. After you have removed as much as possible with the warm cloth, you can perform the same process for water-based stains recommended above.

WARNING: Care should be taken when using an iron. If the iron gets too hot it can damage your carpet by melting the carpet fibers. Never touch an iron directly to your carpet!

While we have had success using these suggested treatments, there are many variables involved in treating and cleaning stains. Escarosa Cleaning and Restoration can not be held responsible for any damage sustained during the use of these or other spotting procedures.

When in Doubt – Call a Carpet Cleaning Professional!

Sometimes you just might not know what that funky stain is or where it came from. When you get blank stares and answers like “I don’t know,” “wasn’t me,” or, “it was like that when I got here,” it’s time to call in the cavalry. Using the wrong cleaning solution or method can end up making matters worse by spreading or setting the stain. A trained and certified professional can quickly assess and treat the stain properly, saving you time, money and heartache.

Whether you are ready for a yearly carpet cleaning or need help with a difficult stain, give us a call! The carpet cleaning professionals at Escarosa Cleaning and Restoration can take care of the problem, and you can get back to simply loving your carpet.