How to Get Stains Out of Carpet

You worked so hard to remind people to remove their shoes and avoided bringing food into your carpeted rooms. And then it happened: the coffee spill or the flying gravy boat at Thanksgiving. Before reaching for the nearest bottle of cleaning solution, keep in mind that the best carpet cleaning solution is often water. Blot (don't rub) the stain with a clean, slightly damp white cloth.

If plain water doesn't work, move on to a carpet stain remover or DIY solution. The best carpet stain remover will be tailored to what caused the stain. Follow these three steps and you'll know exactly how to clean carpet stains.

Step 1: Remove excess ASAP

Scrape off any excess solids with a spoon or a butter knife as soon as possible so your cleanable spill doesn't turn into a permanent stain. Gently blot away excess liquid with a clean, white, absorbent cloth ($5, Target), working from the outside edge of the stain toward the center to prevent spreading. "Always blot, never rub, which can permanently damage carpet fibers," says Derek Christian of My Maid Service. Repeat until the cloth no longer picks up any color.

Step 2: Apply a carpet stain remover

Spray any remaining stain with a carpet stain remover, following the manufacturer's instructions for application. You can also clean the carpet with a vinegar solution. For a homemade carpet stain remover, stir 1 teaspoon of mild dishwashing liquid into 1 quart of warm water, add ¼ teaspoon of white vinegar, and apply to the carpet stain. No matter which carpet cleaner you use, take care not to over-wet the stain, which can damage the backing. Let sit for 10 minutes.

Editor's Tip: Always test for color fastness in an inconspicuous spot before applying a carpet stain remover.

Step 3: Blot stain away

Using a clean, white, absorbent cloth, blot from the outside in. Repeat until the stain no longer transfers to the cloth. Blot with cold water, then blot dry. For thorough drying, try this trick: Cover the damp area with a ½-inch-thick layer of cloth or paper towels. Weigh them down with a heavy object and change out paper towels until dry.

(713) 480-0581

Rosenberg, TX 77469

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Source: better homes and gardens

In Erika's Cleaning Services, we have built our house cleaning service on trust and satisfaction. When we clean your home, we will treat it with the utmost care and respect. Our excellent references speak for themselves. We have been providing professional house cleaning services to many satisfied customers for many years.