Carpets and rugs are two household items that will eventually get dirty and spoiled no matter what you do to keep them clean and new. Regular vacuuming can only lift the dust. Still, the actual concern is the stains that happen over time, solidifying into stubborn marks that fail to go away. Carpet cleaning professionals charge a hefty fee to clean these stains, but what if there were actual tricks that could remove these stains for good without you having to spend a fortune?
What stains the carpet?
Almost everything! From plain water to juice, coffee, shoe marks, etc., everything can ruin a carpet and make it shabby, but some counter methods can help you lift these stains easily, leaving behind soft and plush carpet fabric that looks brand new.
Ways to remove carpet stains
Before we dive into the "tips and hacks," let us understand the types of stains and how they can be removed easily.
- Liquid Spills - Usually, coffee, tea, wine, or juice could be the cause of these liquid stains. These can absorb the carpet surface and harden the carpet fabric while discoloring it. To get rid of these stains, mix water, liquid dishwashing soap, white vinegar, and warm water into a bowl. Depending on the stain, prepare your mixture. Use a spray bottle to spray on the affected area and a clean sponge to scrub gently. Depending on the material of your carpet, be as firm or light as needed. Use cold water to wipe and clean the solution, and repeat the process if necessary. You can leave the solution on stubborn stains for some time and remove it after 5-10 minutes to completely lift the stain.
- Mud Marks - Common reasons for muddy prints are shoe prints or your beloved pet’s paw prints. You can use water and a damp cloth to remove mud traces. After that, mix some baking soda and water and form a paste. Apply that on the carpet and let it sit for a couple of minutes till you see baking soda changing its color. It will lift the stain off the carpet, which can easily be removed with a clean cloth or damp towel. Let the area air dry before proceeding to use it again.
- Grease stains - Your guests can drop food on your new carpet, but that should be the least of your worries because this is easily removable. Remove any traces of dropped food or crumbs from the carpet. You can use a vacuum cleaner for a faster and more detailed job. Then use a mixture of dishwashing liquid with some water and rub that in to remove the grease and grime. For best results, wipe with a fresh cloth and dust some baking soda on top to help it accumulate the extra grease. Vaccum the excess off after 15 minutes.
Carpet Care Tips:
- To have a well-maintained carpet, you need to refresh it almost every other week, depending on where it is placed and the foot traffic it receives. Using a combination of baking soda and water will help remove minor stains and scuffs and will also help with any odor. This refreshes the carpet, making it cleaner and more hygienic.
- Avoid keeping your carpets or rugs in direct sunlight. Outdoor mats and rugs that are made with sturdier materials can withstand the temperatures, so be mindful of that.
- Invest in a good carpet stain remover or conditioner for quick hazards and instant removal if needed. But avoid using harsh chemicals such as bleach and stain removers that are not manufactured for this purpose.
