You may be very careful, but there will come a time when something spills on your carpet. If that spill is not cleaned quickly while it’s still wet, it can become a permanent stain. In this article, we will discuss the three most common types of carpet stains and how to remove them.
1. Water-based Stains:
Water soluble carpet stains can include spills from drinks like coffee or soda. One of the more common water soluble stains are pet urine stains. To remove these stains, first immediately blot the area with a clean, white towel or paper towel to absorb as much of the liquid as you can out of the carpet fibers and carpet pad.
Next, mix a quarter teaspoon of white vinegar with 32 ounces of cold water. Apply this solution to the carpet stain with a spray bottle. Let it sit for a few minutes, then blot the spot dry from the outside edges of the stain to the center of the stain.
If you happen to spill your alcoholic beverage and have a pesky red wine stain on your white carpet, even these types of carpet stains are possible to remove with the right carpet cleaning method.
First, you’ll want to mix a solution of one cup or two cups of warm to hot water with one eighth of a teaspoon of mild dishwashing detergent. Then, with a clean but old towel, blot the affected area from the outer edges of the wine stain to the middle until worked in. Finish the process by adding cold water to a clean towel and blot until completely dry.
2. Oil-based Stains:
Oil-based stains include anything that is not water-soluble like makeup, grease, oil or other fats. To remove these stains, you should first scrape up any solid pieces, then blot the area with a clean, white towel or paper towel to absorb as much of the oil as possible.
Next, apply a generous amount of talcum powder, baking soda, or cornstarch to the stain and let it sit for 15-20 minutes. Next, vacuum the area to remove the powder.
To remove any of the remaining oils from the carpet fibers, you can blot the area with a clean cloth dipped in warm water or rubbing alcohol.
3. Protein-based Stains:
Protein-based stains are water-soluble stains from blood, vomit, or other bodily fluids. To remove these stains, first clean up any solid pieces.
Next, you should mix one part hydrogen peroxide with one part water and apply the solution to the protein-based stain with a spray bottle. Let the solution sit for a few minutes, then blot gently. Always work from the outermost edge of the stain to the center. You will want to blot the carpet completely dry.
If you happen to have blood stains that are hard to remove with the above method, you can also try to mix a cold water solution with a non-bleach detergent to the blood stain. Next, blot completely dry starting at the outer edges to the center of the stain.
You can also try using a store bought enzymatic cleaning solution specifically made to remove protein-based stains. Enzymatic cleaners are also great for removing pet stains.
Hiring a Professional in Columbia, SC for Carpet Stain Removal
If you have any carpet stains that won’t budge with DIY cleaning methods, you can always contact a professional carpet cleaning company in Columbia to professionally remove set in carpet stains. At Carpet Cleaning of Columbia, our professionals have years of knowledge and experience to remove any type of stain from your carpets or upholstery.
We understand that accidents happen, which is why we offer stain removal services to help you keep your home looking its best.
So, whether you have a water-based, oil-based, or protein-based stain, we have the tools and knowledge to quickly remove it. We also offer a wide range of other carpet cleaning services, so you can rest easy knowing your carpets will be cleaned thoroughly and efficiently. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation. We look forward to serving you!