Have a spill? Try these tips and tricks right away to break up those nasty stains and then call a professional carpet cleaner in to get out the rest.
Coffee and soda
Unfortunately, these two beverages will wreak permanent havoc on your carpets or rugs if not treated immediately. They will dye the fibers and once dry it is very difficult to remove the stain completely, although the color can fade. Club soda is a lifesaver and a household necessity. Pour it onto the stain and blot it. Another trick is to use 2 tablespoons of white vinegar with four cups of warm water.
Chocolate
Once again, get club soda on the stain right away. Use a paper towel to get any excess pieces of chocolate off, then use a carpet spray cleaner.
Candle wax
Wax can seem like an impossible item to get off of carpet, but it’s actually quite simple. You simply need to freeze the wax completely with ice. You can place plastic baggies of ice directly onto the wax and leave it there for awhile. When the wax is rock hard and cold, you can begin to remove it. Use a blunt edge tool to crack the ice and then vacuum it up quickly. If there are any particles of wax left, scrape it with a blunt object. This method is great for gum, too!
Pet urine
Fido is great but pet urine on your carpet is not. Apply baking soda to the stain as soon as you can, and use a paper towel to quickly blot up excess moisture. Dampen the area with water and apply additional baking soda, letting it set overnight. In the morning, vacuum it up. You can also use a vinegar solution of 1/2 cup of white vinegar mixed with 1/4 cup warm water. Pour onto the stain and then place a dry towel over it. Let is set overnight and apply a heavy object to the towel since the pressure will help the towel absorb the stain.
Maintenance
If you’ve picked up nothing else, hopefully it’s the importance of having club soda in the house! It will help on nearly any stain, from mud to wine. Professionals recommend having carpets and rug steam cleaned at least once a year and it is surprisingly affordable (keep an eye for specials and coupons). Vacuum at least once a week, but two or three times a week is best! Also invest in a good spray cleaner made for carpets. They help out in a jiffy, too!
[ Oct 11, 2009 ]