Removing Carpet Marks and Stains

Paint, coffee, wine, or juice – regardless of the type of stain, it seems like carpets are magnets for mess. And, depending on the type of stain, different techniques are recommended for removal. While there are some basic carpet cleaning truths that should be employed (i.e. blot stains and rinse thoroughly with clean water, and never scrub carpets as you may damage carpet fibres), specific stains will be cleaned using different tools or techniques. In this article, Saskatoon Carpet Cleaning will discuss water-soluble stains, fats and oils, and regular maintenance to keep your carpets looking their best.

Water-Soluble Stains

Examples of water-soluble stains are:

  • Alcohol
  • Berries
  • Cola
  • Feces
  • Dye
  • Gravy
  • Mud
  • Milk
  • Wet or Latex Paint

What you'll do:

For these types of stains, start with a cleaning solution of ¼ teaspoon of white vinegar with 32 ounces of water. Carefully blot the stain until it lifts and rinse with clean water. Dry the spot working from the outside toward the middle.

Some water-soluble stains will not clean easily with this method. Such stains include blood, chocolate, coffee, mustard, tea, vomit, and wine. For these stains, mix 1 tablespoon of ammonia with 1 cup of water (except if you are cleaning wool or wool-blend carpet, please call us). If this cleaning solution fails, contact us for further advice.

Oil and Wax Stains

When it comes to oil and wax stains, simply place a paper towel over the spot and use a clothes iron on warm setting. This should lift the stain into the paper towel for easy removal.

Glue

To remove glue, lightly moisten a cotton ball or cloth with rubbing alcohol and gently press it against the stain. As the glue becomes moistened, you should be able to wipe it off. Repeat this process until the glue stain is removed completely.

Wax and Gum

Another technique for wax that also works well for gum is to use an ice cube to freeze the wax or gum, and then break it up with a large, hard object. Before the stain can soften again, vacuum it away.

If you are still having problems, you might consider calling a professional carpet cleaner at Saskatoon Carpet Cleaning.

Removing Lipstick Stains

Spills and stains occur. Often times we face unusual cases of stains we never expected. Lipstick can somehow make it to our carpet and removing it may be a challenge. There are a few steps you can follow to get rid of a lipstick stain.

What you’ll need:

  • Cloth
  • Spot Remover
  • Dry Cleaning Solvent
  • Ammonia
  • Water
  • White Vinegar

What you’ll do:

  1. Apply some dry cleaning solvent to the cloth and rub the stain.
  2. Apply some spot remover then dry as much of it as possible.
  3. Let it dry and then check if it’s been removed.
  4. Let it sit then apply some water to the stain.
  5. Create a mixture of spotter with ammonia and apply to the stain.
  6. Blot the area then flush with water. If the stain still exists move to the next step.
  7. Mix some white vinegar with the wet spotter and apply.
  8. Flush with water and let it dry.

It’s always important to deal with stains as quickly as possible!

What to be mindful of:

  1. Don’t use ammonia on silk or wool.
  2. If the stain spreads at any point, flush immediately with dry cleaning solvent.
  3. If you are still having problems, you might consider calling a professional carpet cleaner at Saskatoon Carpet Cleaning.

Removing Tomato Juice or Sauce

A tomato stain may occur while eating spaghetti or drinking a Caesar. There are steps that could be followed to get rid of the stain. The most important thing to do is dealing with the stain as soon as possible.

What you’ll need:

  • Sponge
  • Lemon slices or juice
  • Stain remover
  • Cleaning pads
  • Towels

What you’ll do:

  1. Sponge the area with water then sponge it with lemon juice or place some lemon slices on it. Remember to apply light strokes moving from the center of the stain.
  2. Flush with water then blot until you’re unable to blot any more liquid.
  3. Let it dry and then check if it’s been removed.

If it hasn’t been removed, move on to the next set of steps.

  1. Apply wet spotter then cover the stain with a pad that has wet spotter on it and let it sit till as much of the stain as possible has been removed.
  2. Change the pad to ensure the removal of as much of the stain as possible.
  3. Keep applying wet spotter to the pad and use your discretion.
  4. Repeat till none of the stain is left then flush thoroughly and let it dry.

If you are still having problems, you might consider calling a professional carpet cleaner at Saskatoon Carpet Cleaning.

Removing Rust Stains

Rust stains are tough to handle. It is possible to remove them using simple household items that are quite available. It’s important to tackle the stain as soon as it’s found.

What you’ll need:

  • Rust remover
  • Cloth or sponge
  • Water
  • Cleaning solution

What you’ll do:

  1. Apply rust remover directly to the stain and rub it in with a clean cloth or sponge.
  2. Let it sit for a few minutes to allow the remover to work on the rust stain.
  3. Rinse the area with clean water and blot it dry.
  4. If necessary, repeat the process until the stain is removed.

If you are still having problems, you might consider calling a professional carpet cleaner at Saskatoon Carpet Cleaning.

Removing Water Stains

Water stains can appear from spills or leaks. They are usually easy to handle if treated correctly. Here are the steps to follow for cleaning water stains:

What you’ll need:

  • Clean cloths
  • Water
  • Vinegar
  • Drying equipment

What you’ll do:

  1. Blot the water stain with a clean cloth to absorb as much moisture as possible.
  2. Mix equal parts water and vinegar, and apply the solution to the stain with a clean cloth.
  3. Blot the stain with the cloth until it lifts. Rinse the area with clean water and blot dry.
  4. Use drying equipment if necessary to ensure the area is thoroughly dried.

If you are still having problems, you might consider calling a professional carpet cleaner at Saskatoon Carpet Cleaning.