Last Updated on December 15, 2023 by Jason Nguyen
No matter how careful you are, spills are going to happen in your home, and it’s likely that some of those will happen on your carpets. What do you do when someone spills coffee, juice, or wine on your carpets? Will you just cover up the stain with some furniture to make it go away or scrub as hard as possible at the stain until it disappears?
Neither one of these are very good solutions for dealing with stains, and we are going to share with you a few things you can do to make sure that your carpet stains don’t last.
Treat It Fast!
The most important rule of dealing with carpet stains is to clean them up as quickly as you can. The longer you wait, the harder they are to clean and the higher your risk is that the stain will become permanent.
For wet spills, you can dab at them with a slightly damp cloth or towel. Do not rub vigorously, since that can make the stain set quickly and make it more difficult to remove. A wet cloth helps to break the liquid down and dilute it, preventing the spill from setting into a stain as quickly. Once the liquid dries, it is more likely to become a stain.
Use Baking Soda as a Cure-All
Baking soda is a wonder product that can clean and freshen just about anything. Those who know some great cleaning hacks to do with baking soda already know what a great solution it is to the problem of a spill.
Apply a little baking soda to the affected area and let it set for just a moment. Then, use a wet brush to scrub gently at the carpet where the baking soda was placed. You should see a difference in the carpet and should notice that the stain is coming out.
The baking soda should be allowed to rest on your carpet for about 30 minutes, but not longer than that. You don’t want it to seep down into the carpet pile too deeply. Half an hour should be enough time for the baking soda to dry and clump. From there, you can vacuum it up.
The great thing about using baking soda for cleaning carpets is that they absorb moisture and remove unpleasant odors, so your carpet should look, feel, and smell clean when you are done. If you notice that there is still a little stain left when you are finished, then you can repeat the process.
Use a Stain Remover for Tough Stains
What do you do if the spill has set into a stain? Can baking soda still work? It might, but you may have to use something tougher for that kind of problem. It will depend on what kind of stain you are dealing with and what kind of material your carpet is made out of.
You can buy a stain remover from the store and use that on your carpet, but you need to be careful about the kind of stain remover you purchase. Some of them will be a bit harsh and could damage your carpet. The best way to test if the product you bought is safe is to use it on a part of the carpet that is not easily visible. Try a spot check with your stain remover on a very small portion of the carpet and let it set for a few minutes to see if it damages or discolors the carpet in any way.
Once you know it is safe to use, you can use it on the stain or in more visible areas of the carpet.
Clean Your Carpet Several Times a Year
You can lighten and brighten your carpet by cleaning it every so often. This will help to get rid of some stains and remove dirt and other debris that is hiding in the carpet. You can also apply a carpet guard to it once it is clean to help protect your carpet from stains in the future.
Cleaning your carpet can be a daunting task, and you may want to leave it for a Philadelphia maid service or other cleaning professional near you. The professionals know how to clean carpets in such a way that they are not damaged and so that they are well protected.
Once your carpet is properly cleaned, it will be much easier to take care and will look better for longer. It will also last longer, since removing all the dirt helps to cut down on friction that wears down carpet fibers.
Stains don’t have to be permanent, if you use the right cleaning techniques and you know how to handle spills when they happen. We hope our guide helps you to take good care of your carpet so it can look its best for years to come.
