How to Clean Stubborn Stains from Your Carpets
Carpets and area rugs are a lovely addition to your room and can bring character to your space, make it feel cozy and welcoming, and lighten up a room. That’s why when they get stained, it can be a major buzz kill.
Here are a few pro tips on cleaning and maintaining your carpets and getting any pesky stains out!
Blot Stains Don't Rub Them
Resist the urge to scrub a stain as it appears. This will only drive the stain further into the carpet. Instead, use a damp cloth and blot the stain with a cleaning solution and water from the outside in.
Club Soda: The Hero Cleaner
Club soda works to get out even the toughest stains and when used correctly can be a lifesaver to your fabrics. First, pour club soda on a clean cloth and blot the stain. If the stain appears to diminish - use more club soda and continue blotting. If that doesn’t do the trick, mix one-part white vinegar with one part club soda in a handheld spray bottle and give the stain a good spray. Let the solution sit for 10-15 minutes and press a clean, dry sponge down on the saturated area to soak up the stain.
Freeze Dry Gum
You step on chewing gum in the streets and track it into your home and onto your rug. Don’t panic! Grab a few ice cubes and press them against the gum for a few seconds. Use a spoon to lift the gum and a pair of scissors to cut the carpet as close to the gum as possible. The cut won’t be noticeable as long as you don’t cut too much off so be sure to get in nice and tight.
Dish Soap: Grease Fighting Cleaner
Grease stains may be the bane of all existence. They’re pesky and hard to remove, luckily, dish soap is made to cut through tough grease. Place a few drops of dish soap into a bath of warm water and mix the solution in a spray bottle. Soak the greasy stain and let sit, following by a blot by a clean cloth or paper towel.
Candy Land
With kids in the house, it’s easy to end up with candy stuck to the carpet. Simply scrape the candy out of the fibers with a butter knife, then soak the area with a sponge dipped in water mixed with a mild soap. It’s important to get the sugar out or it can attract other dirt and debris.
Area rugs and home carpets only need to be vacuumed once or twice a week, depending on footfall traffic. There are a few steps you can take to protect your rugs:
- Spot clean spills right away to keep them from staining.
- Avoid wearing shoes on rugs to keep outside dirt from being tracked in.
- To absorb odors, lightly sprinkle a little baking soda over the rug and let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes before vacuuming.
- Rotate the rug every six months for even wear.
Area rugs and carpeting can add warmth and character to your home but be sure they are well taken care of to keep them looking new and keep your home dust-free.
Want more cleaning advice? Head over to our blog for more tips on how to keep your home clean on the regular!