Removing Three of the Most Common Carpet Stains

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​Removing Three of the Most Common Carpet Stains
Try as we might, just regular living will mean stains from time to time.  While regular carpet cleaning by a professional is always advised, there are times in between when you need to know what to do to protect your carpets. 
We’ve made a list of 20 of the most commonly experienced stains, and the best way to handle them before calling the pros.  We hope this helps you, and we look forward to seeing you for your regularly scheduled deep-cleaning.
For starters, treat a stain or a spill IMMEDIATELY!  Take care of removing any excess liquid by using a clean white absorbent cloth and blotting thoroughly.  If it’s a solid (like chocolate), scrape down with a dull-edged object (like a ruler), or a dull knife blade.  Test your removal solution in a corner that isn’t seen.  Treat, let the carpet dry, and brush the pile to the original texture. If there is no discoloration or damage to the carpet fibers, then feel free to continue with the spotted or stained area. 

Here are several solutions you can try:

1.  Using an ammonia solution – Combine 1 T. household ammonia with a half cup of filtered water. 
2. Using a bleach mixture – Use hydrogen peroxide or something like sodium perbolate, which is what is used in Clorox II.  DO NOT use chlorine bleach!
3. Using a simple detergent solution – Just combine 1 tsp. of a colorless mild dish washing liquid in one cup of lukewarm water. 
4. A dry-cleaning solvent - These can be purchased and used.  However, be very careful to use in small amounts because this “dry spotting” agents can cause damage to the backings of carpets.  Never use anything that has a gasoline or lighter fluid component.
5. Using an enzyme detergent.  If you do any shopping for laundry products, you’ve seen these on the grocery aisles.  Just make a solution by following the label instructions on the container.  It’s important to NOT SOAK your carpet with this.  Let the enzyme solution stay on the stain only as long as recommended on the label.  Then, blot it and remove it. 
6. It’s called POG – and it’s for Paint, Oil, and Grease.  You can find solutions like this in your local hardware store. 
7. Last but not least – try a vinegar solution.  Be sure to always keep white distilled vinegar on hand; it’s so valuable in cleaning and deodorizing.  Just combine 1/3 C. of vinegar with twice that amount of water (2/3 C.)  

Now, let’s talk about specific kinds of stains and the best remedy (see list above for details).
Every solution should be at a cool temperature – never hot) and blot after each application.
 

• Blood 

Detergent, ammonia, enzyme – try in that order. Then, be sure to finish by rinsing completely and blot until dry.  If the stain is stubborn, you could try a rust remover or oxalic acid solution.  You can also bleach with 3-5 percent hydrogen peroxide. 

• Butter or Margarine

First, try the dry cleaning solvent method…blot thoroughly.   Then, use the detergent with cool water, and blot.  Next, try the white vinegar routine.  Always rinse and blot.

• Ketchup and Tomato Sauces

First, use the cool detergent solution…rinse, blot. Then try the ammonia solution, and lastly, the enzyme combination.  If the stain persists, try the hydrogen peroxide, same as in removing blood (see above).
If after all this, the stain refuses to come out, please call the professional – that would be US!

You can reach Castaway Carpet Cleaning at 925-634-3212.

Take care of your carpets – there’s a lot of living that takes place on them, and it’s not a small investment. 

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