Have you experienced a mishap at home and are now frantically trying to determine the best way to pull a nasty stain out of your carpet before it has time to set? With both the spring season around the corner and people spending more time at home than usual, accidental spills and “oops” moments are bound to increase. Below are some key tips to help to avoid disaster and treat stains for the best long term results.
Breathe
Before you let the panic set in, it’s important to remember that many kinds of stains can usually be removed from your carpet if you catch them early. Culprits like wine, coffee, blood, etc, may look disheartening, but with the right tools in hand, you have a solid chance of removing any lasting marks.
Blotting, Not Scrubbing
To remove a stain, you want to lift it from your carpet fibres, not risk scrubbing them in deeper or spreading it. Gently blotting will help to pull the liquids from your carpet and help expedite the removal process.
Know Your Neutralizers
Another key component of a successful stain removal is knowing how to neutralize the substance you want to get rid of. Certain compounds may be easy to remove with just water, where others will need some additional lifting power. Examples of water-soluble spills include:
- Berries
- Colas
- Gravy
- Mud, and more
Examples where you may need to boost your cleaning power include:
- Blood
- Wine
- Chocolate
- Coffee
Ramp up your solution with 1 tablespoon of fabric-friendly ammonia (not on wool or wool-blend carpets) or a gentle detergent. Bleach should be used as a last resort, and only when you are certain it will not damage your carpet material.
Advanced Stains
For stains that have been left for a considerable amount of time, or that contain lipids, oils, or waxes, removal can be more difficult. If you’re unsure of how to proceed, consulting a professional is the best course of action.
Know When To Fold
Sometimes, despite our best efforts, our carpets may be beyond saving. Should you find yourself in this position, the team at Ashley Fine Floors is happy to work alongside you to find the best replacement options available. With full-scale installation services and more, we make it easy to find the right fit for your home. Contact us today to learn more!