Stains…We all hate them, but more often than not, they are inevitable. No matter how much care we put into preventing them, sometimes we just can’t. Accidents from that spilled fruit punch, glass of red wine, or even your pets can cause your once spotless carpet to look soiled and discolored. Here’s some advice from a professional Las Vegas carpet cleaner — although your first reaction would be to reach for the nearest rag to absorb the mess, it is important to remember a few things before you make your stain worse and even permanent. First and foremost, the risk of permanent staining can be reduced by tending to it immediately, so don’t let it sit. The first thing a homeowner should do when a spill occurs either on their carpet or upholstery, is to gently blot the soiled area with a dry white paper towel or cloth. Be careful not to rub, as this will make the stain harder to remove. This should be done regardless of what the origin of the stain is.
Pet Stain Removal
For pet stains, any solid debris should be picked up with gloves and disposed of. There are many carpet spot removers sold in your local hardware or grocery stores that can aid in lifting these types of stains, as they also assist in the removal of the odor that pet messes tend to leave behind. The key in using these household cleaners is not to over apply them. Since the average household doesn’t have the equipment to extract the cleanser, whatever is applied will dry in the carpet. Soap dried into the carpet can make it more susceptible to stains in the long run.
Dye Stain Removal
For dye stains, including those made from red kool-aid or red wine, a homemade solution can be applied. Mix 1/4 cup of white vinegar with one tablespoon of Dawn dish soap, and add water. Apply to the stain, and allow it to soak for 5 to 10 minutes. These types of stains are the hardest to remove, as the dye used in these liquids are, under normal circumstances, used to change colors permanently.
Grease and Oil Stain Removal
For grease or oil stains, there are a few at-home tricks you can try before you call a Las Vegas carpet cleaner. The first one would be to use rubbing alcohol. Apply it to a paper towel first, place the paper towel on the stain, and then add some pressure, being careful not to rub. Repeat this process twice. If this doesn’t do the trick, move on to plan B. Cover the oil stain with cornstarch or baby powder. Brush it over the area slightly with your fingers and allow it to sit for at least an hour. The oil will be absorbed into the powdery substance, at which time you can vacuum up. Repeat a second time for large stains. If there is any evidence left of the stain, apply a small amount of Dawn dish soap and work into the fibers with your fingers. This will be the only exception to the “no rub” rule. Use an old toothbrush to scrub into the carpet further. To rinse the area, use small amounts of water at a time, and use dry towels to soak up the sudsy water.
While these are just a few of the most common household stains people deal with, there is a list of plenty more. These tips usually do the job on small, minor stains, but for larger areas, it is usually easier to call in a professional.