 | Melvin Lorg Melvin Lorg is the owner of Mel's World Class Carpet Cleaning. He has been in the carpet cleaning business for over thirteen years. Mel's company is certified by the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC). Mel spends much of his time teaching his carpet cleaners how to achieve excellence in cleaning and customer service, and has dedicated his business to helping homeowners get the highest return from their carpet investment. Mel welcomes your inquires and can be reached by phone at (800) 318-9812, (316) 687-9812 or (316) 941- 3500. |
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ANSWER:There are a lot of products on the market that promise to remove stains from your carpet, but there are many different “home remedies” that are specific for certain types of stains. There are a couple of definitions that will help with the treatments listed below. Blotting the stain is much more effective than rubbing. To blot a stain, cover the area with a clean towel or a thick pad of paper towels and use the heel of your hand to blot. Repeat the blotting process until the stain has been absorbed. Soapy water is created by mixing a few drops of CLEAR hand or dishwashing soap with water. Do not use laundry detergent or “creamy” soap. Rinse the area of a stain by misting with water or blotting the area with a wet towel. Repeat this process until there is no more residue, and remember not to rub the carpet. These few definitions will help you effectively complete the following home remedies.
For stains such as blood, berries, candy, chocolate, soft drinks, coffee, gravy or ice cream use hydrogen peroxide because it will bleach these stains without breaking down the dyes from the carpet. First, scoop up the solids with a spoon, next blot the liquids and rinse repeatedly. If the stain continues use soapy water, rinse and repeat. If the improvement stops using this technique, dab on hydrogen peroxide (3 percent solution), wait one hour and repeat as needed.
For beer stains and cat urine use a mixture containing one cup white vinegar and one cup water. First blot up the spill and rinse, if the stain does not go away, use soapy water, rinse and repeat until the stain disappears. If this does not work, apply the vinegar and water mixture with a spray bottle, blot with a dry towel and rinse. Repeat if necessary. Ketchup, cough syrup, mixed drinks, soy sauce and watercolor paints can be removed by first blotting up the spills or scooping up the solids with a utensil. Mix one tablespoon ammonia with ½ cup of water and apply the solution to the stain with a spray bottle, blot the extra solution with a dry towel and rinse. If the stain does not go away, use soapy water, rinse and repeat. You may also try the hydrogen peroxide method if the ammonia does not work. For stains such as asphalt, tar, wax, crayon, metal polish, grease, hand lotion, ballpoint ink and makeup first blot or scoop up as much of the stain as possible.
For wax spills, cover the area with a brown paper towel, and use it to “transfer” the wax by ironing on warm. Apply rubbing alcohol (full strength) with a towel or a cotton ball. If the stain is deep, blot with a clean towel and repeat until the stain is removed. If the stain is only on the tip of the carpet, gently rub the stain in one direction because blotting the stain may push the stain deeper into the carpet. If neither of these methods works, blot the stain with soapy water, rinse and repeat until the stain is gone or use the hydrogen peroxide method from above. Some stains and spills call for special methods. Chewing gum is one of these cases. First, freeze the gum with ice, break the gum off in bits and pick them out of the carpet. For rust stains, apply soapy water, rinse and repeat. For nail polish stains, apply a non-oily nail polish remover to a cotton ball and touch lightly to the stain, blot and repeat. Be careful not to get the nail polish remover on the carpet backing. These at home remedies will help with the everyday spills and stains that each household encounters, but for professional carpet cleaning and stain removal it is in your best interest to call a professional so your carpet is not ruined because of a small spill or stain.