How to Remove Spots from Carpet

Since modern carpet is stain resistant, it is much easier to clean than older carpets. Carpet spots can easily be taken care of if you do it quickly. If spots are left for a long time, they may soak in, which increases the difficulty of removal. This can result in spots becoming permanent in the carpet. Set-in stains can even leave spots on stain resistant carpet. As soon as possible after a spill, you should take a cloth and blot the area to absorb the spill. Use a clean, dry cloth to blot the stain. It is important not to rub the spill since that can cause it to spread out to larger areas of your carpet. Begin by blotting the edges to prevent the liquid from spreading then continue blotting until all of the liquid has been removed from the carpet.

You can vacuum any food crumbs or other dry particles that are on the carpet. Don't ever use any products that could harm your carpet or any hard-bristled brushes. It is a good idea to pre-treat carpet spots and stains. Numerous products are available to help remove spots from your carpet. Once you choose a cleaner, make sure you read and carefully follow the directions on the back. To apply the cleaner, use a blotting method to gently work it into the carpet. Repeat until the stain is gone. A stain that is heavily soiled and has set into the carpet can, at times, require numerous attempts before it is removed. Less is more. Don't use any more cleaning solution than the instructions say is appropriate; you must follow directions for the best results.

If no carpet cleaning solution is available, you can try cleaning your carpet with a home-made solution. Water is a good first choice. For spots that have not set into the carpet, simply using water can work. If water proves ineffective, try removing the stain using a very small amount of clear dish detergent with warm water. This can sometimes work very well, but don't use a dish detergent that contains bleach. Another suggestion is to use a combination of white vinegar and water to remove carpet stains. It is prudent to test the solution on a small carpet remnant prior to using it on your floor. Doing this ensures that your carpet will not have any discoloration.

It can be difficult to remove stains made by pets. Those of us who are pet owners often deal with pet stains. For pet stains, use a spot cleaner and try to remove these stains immediately. Ignoring a stain can cause it to become set-in and difficult to remove. It can also leave undesired odors in your home.

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[Via Gardening]