Have an “oops” moment and left a nasty spill all over your carpet? If you’re worried about preventing a stain or long term damage, take a moment to breathe and follow our quick tips below!
Don’t Panic
First and foremost, keep in mind that many different kinds of stains can usually be removed from your carpet if you catch them early enough. Common culprits like wine, coffee, blood, grass, mud, and tomato sauce may look jarring, but with the right tools in hand, you might just be able to fix your spill without any lasting reminders. Before we break down a few reliable methods, the number one rule to remember is:
BLOT, Don’t Scrub
To remove a stain, you want to lift it from your carpet fibres, not risk scrubbing them deeper or spreading it. Gently blotting any excess liquid is your first step for success.
Know What You’re Working With
Another key component of a successful stain removal is knowing how to neutralize the substance you want to get rid of. Some will do well with just water, but for other substances you may need additional help. Examples of water soluble spills include:
- Berries
- Colas
- Gravy
- Mud
- Excrement (sorry, mom!)
- Ice cream, and more.
Examples where you may need to boost your cleaning power include:
- Blood
- Wine
- Chocolate
- Coffee
- Mustard and more.
Ramp up your solution with 1 tablespoon of fabric friendly ammonia (not on wool or wool blend carpets) or a gentle detergent. Avoid using bleach if you are unsure of what kind of carpet you have, or if you are unsure if it is best suited as it can easily harm your flooring.
Advanced Stains
Sometimes, life happens. For stains that have been left for a considerable amount of time, or contain lipids, oils, or waxes, you may face some difficulty. If you’re unsure of how to proceed…it might be best to consult a professional before making any moves.
Don’t stress
Mistakes happen, we get it! If it’s time to replace the past and forget about your little mishap, visit Ashley Fine Floors to find the perfect carpet to bring your space back to life!