Stains happen, and when they do we hope that they’re easy to remove. For simple stains, that don’t require the carpet cleaning services of an expert, a variety of DIY solutions exist. Here we cover a variety of methods, some well-known and others not so much.
Solutions for Simple Rug Stains
Note, we do not recommend these solutions for fragile or antique rugs. Be also aware that colors could bleed if the treatment is not done properly.
Ammonia
Pour one cup of clear ammonia and mix it with a ½ gallon of warm water. Then take a sponge and apply the solution to stains in your carpeting or upholstery. Let the spot dry completely and then reapply if necessary.
Shaving cream
Not only does shaving cream work on simple stains like food and dirt, it’s also a good option for oil and grease stains. First, blot the stain with a damp sponge and pat it. Then squirt some shaving cream on the stain and wipe it clean with the damp sponge. For tougher stains like oil and grease, apply the shaving cream to the stain and work it in as much as possible. When you’re finished, let the area dry and then rub it clean with a soft cloth.
Salt
Red wine stains will send most homeowners into a panic, but if you act quickly and have a bottle of salt and a bottle of white wine handy, you can get the stain out. While the red wine is still wet, pour some white wine on it until the color is diluted. Then grab a sponge, wet it with cold water, and clean the area. Once the area is clean, cover the area with salt and wait 10 minutes. Then vacuum the area and prepare to be impressed with this unusual but effective stain-removal trick.
WD-40
WD-40 has an established reputation as a multi-use product, and you can add carpet stain removal to the list. Spray WD-40 on the stain, wait two minutes, and then apply your household carpet cleaner to the stain/WD-40 combo. You can also use a sponge and warm soapy water. Scrub the area until the stain is 100 percent removed.
Baking Soda
This is the mother of all household carpet cleaners, and has been a trusted solvent for generations. The aftermath of puppy accidents and upset stomachs are well-addressed by baking soda. After cleaning the area as best you can, cover the spot in baking soda and pat it into to the damp rug. Let the area dry and then vacuum the spot. Baking soda not only cleans the stain, it also deodorizes and sanitizes the affected area.
When combined with salt, baking soda can remove grease stains. Mix equal parts of both substances and sprinkle the mixture on the stain. Then use a rigid brush to work the solution into the rug. Wait five hours and then vacuum the area.
When It’s Time to Call a Professional
A Personal Touch Carpet Cleaning is all about helping our customers save money. There are plenty of DIY opportunities for various household needs, including simple stains. But for more complex matters like carpet stretching, carpet repair, and bed bug eradication, make sure to contact our expert team. Remember at A Personal Touch, “We don’t cut corners, we clean them.”
