Tips to Remove Carpet Stains

If you have selected carpet as your residential flooring option, then you are probably well aware of both the benefits and disadvantages that come along with your decision. Carpet can help hide any existing flaws on the floor; it is soft and comfortable to walk on, provides insulation and reduced noise levels, and is a very affordable option. However, carpet is also easily stained and damaged and does require maintenance to keep it looking its best. Carpet easily retains stains and odors, which is especially problematic if you have kids or pets. The maintenance costs associated with these problems can also add up.

There are a few ways you can help save your carpet and remove pesky stains:

Pet Stains

Pet stains are probably the most common stain associated with carpet for residential flooring. It is important to clean up any mess you see right away. If it is a wet spot, then you can blot the area until it is almost dry. While cleaning it is important, you will also want to neutralize a pet stain to kill the odor. White vinegar mixed with warm water can be sprayed onto the carpet. Allow it to soak for several minutes before you begin to blot the area dry. In place of vinegar, you can also use laundry stain remover or detergent.

Coffee Stains

The second most common stain on carpet is coffee. How many times have you run into the kitchen to grab that coffee but end up spilling it as you walk back across the carpet? Even a few small drops can cause staining. First, blot the area with a dry towel. Don’t oversaturate the towel if it is a big stain, though, because doing so can actually cause the stain to spread. In this case, you can use the vinegar and water mixture as before, but you may have to repeat the process several times to get rid of the stain completely.

The secret to cleaning any carpet stains is to try to catch them right away before they have the chance to soak all the way through the carpet. However, many carpets available now offer stain resistance which are a great choice if you have pets or small kids.

Regular maintenance and cleaning are also recommended when you choose carpet as your primary residential flooring so that you can ensure that it continues to look new and stays fresh.