Carpet stains: they’re unsightly, hard to remove, and very easy to create. If you’ve got carpet in your home, chances are you’ve got carpet stains too. They’re pretty much impossible to avoid as it is. And if you throw pets and small children into the mix, chances are there’s a carpet stain coming for you as we speak!
Carpet stains have also been the subject of more myths than we can count. Everyone seems to have a solution, but not all of them work as well as each other. So let’s take a look at some of the tips we’ve heard, and see which works the best.
When it comes to removing carpet stains, there’s a golden rule: dab, don’t scrub! Here’s why
Before we go into the best products for carpet stain removal, let’s brush up on technique. When it comes to carpet first aid, there is a right and a wrong way. So let’s approach this with a hypothetical. You’re first on the scene of a terrible accident: there’s red wine on the carpet. You’ve got a paper towel at your disposal, but nothing else – what do you do?
Our advice: dab, don’t scrub! As shock and horror set in, your first instinct is sure to be scrubbing. But as you scrub away in desperation, you’re actually working the excess wine into the carpet fibres. Basically, scrubbing causes the stain to spread outwards and penetrate deeper. That’s why dabbing is the way to go. It absorbs the wine that hasn’t soaked in and prevents the stain from worsening.
What are the best products for carpet stain removal? Let’s look at what makes a good stain remover
Now that you’ve contained the accident, it’s time to start looking at solutions. That unsightly wound in your carpet has to go, and there’s a product out there that will allow you to get rid of it. But which product is that? There are so many carpet stain removal solutions out there that matching the product with the stain is tough.
That’s why you need to look at what makes a good stain remover. A good stain remover will lift the stain from the carpet fibres, without damaging them. It’ll also allow you to extract the stain from the carpet without spreading it, once it’s lifted from the fibres. If you can find a stain remover that ticks those boxes, you’re set.
Looking for a DIY carpet stain solution? Mix vinegar, dish soap, and water, then apply by spraying
Of course, a trip to the shops isn’t always possible. Perhaps it’s a Sunday night, and the shops are closed. Maybe it’s a public holiday. Either way, time is of the essence; your stain is taking hold every minute it goes untreated. Luckily, there’s a solution in almost every cleaning cupboard, whether you see it or not: vinegar, dish soap, and water. Mixing those solutions, and spraying them lightly on the stain, will begin the process of breaking down the stain. That will prevent it penetrating further. The dish soap will also create a foam if dabbed lightly. That will allow you to extract some of the stains with a vacuum.
Finally, see the experts for a professional carpet clean – that’s the best approach to removing carpet stains
Of course, even the best carpet stain removers won’t have the same effect as a professional clean. That’s why we recommend a complete steam clean every now and then. Doing so will lift the stain with greater power and more effect. Another option is to try and avoid the stain altogether. Of course, accidents are unavoidable. But with the right variety of stain-resistant carpet, you can make the aftermath much more manageable.
For information about carpet flooring, contact the experts at Ashmore Carpets.
