Stubborn Stains Don’t Stand a Chance with These Stain Removal Tricks
You'll be Surprised by These Stain Removers
Everyone can benefit from a few tips and tricks for stain removal. It is important to understand what works best for different types of stains and how to apply the different options.
A beautiful carpet can be instantly ruined by a stain. It is the first thing most people will notice when they walk into a room. Fortunately, if you know how to get a stain out, it can be a fairly simple process.
Stain Removal
The first step is to blot the stain as quickly as possible. Do not rub it as this will spread the stain and don’t leave it too long. The faster the better.
Use a clean dry cloth, sponge or paper towel. Always work from the outside of the stain inwards. Gently dab at it and soak up as much of the offending liquid as possible. You can continue to dab after adding a cleaning solution. You want a gentle blotting action so you do not grind the mess into the fiber of the carpet.
There are a number of products that can be used to remove stains and the good news is, many of them you will already have around the house.
Here are a few of the top tips and tricks for stain removal.
Club Soda
This is not an old wives’ tale — club soda is effective for treating beer or wine stains. First, blot the stain as explained above and then blot with club soda. You can mix club soda with equal parts of water and white vinegar and leave that on for 10 minutes or so. Then continue the blotting process.
Once you have successfully removed the stain, wash the area with warm water and use a paper towel to dry. Club soda is also effective on pet accidents and a number of other stains.
Salt
Most of us know this popular trick with red wine. If you or a guest have the misfortune of spilling red wine, quickly pour a liberal amount of salt over it. Leave it for 10 to 15 minutes and vacuum it up. Do the same thing for ketchup or tomato sauce. In both cases, the faster you work, the better.
Shaving Cream
This is one many people have not heard of. Shaving cream is effective against most stains. Spray it directly onto the stain and leave for half an hour. After that time, blot it all off with a cloth or sponge.
Ice for Gum
This trick works incredibly well. If gum is stuck to your carpet or fabric, use ice to freeze it. After 30 to 40 seconds the gum will harden and can be removed with a blunt knife or spoon. Depending on the carpet fibers, you might have to cut a small amount away, but this should not be noticeable.
Heat for Wax
The opposite trick works for wax stains. Cover the stain with a clean cloth and gently heat the area with a medium heat iron. Use a paper towel to absorb the liquid wax and scrape the offending stain away with a blunt knife.
Dishwasher Detergent on Grease Stains
Dishwashing detergent is designed to cut through grease and therefore works well on stains caused by grease. Just drizzle a few drops over the stain or make a spray solution. Then blot it as always.
Hydrogen Peroxide
This is good for blood stains. First, try to get as much off as you can using soapy water. Then apply peroxide on the stain. Apply and dab and then dry off with a clean cloth.
Remember, with blood stains, always use cold water. Warm water will make the stain worse.
Organic Cleaners for Pet Stains
Pet stains are best treated with a spray-on organic cleaning solution. After the normal dabbing, it might take a bit of scrubbing to get the area clean and smelling good again. Eco-Spot is a popular and effective brand.
Candy Mess
This is a common problem especially if you have children or parties. Get as much of the candy off with a blunt knife before cleaning with a sponge and soapy water. Ensure you get rid of all the sugar, otherwise the stain will attract bugs and dirt.
Beer
Yes, believe it or not, the humble beer is good for stubborn coffee and tea stains. Pour it on and rub it. Repeat if necessary.
Cornstarch
Make a paste of milk and cornstarch and apply to ink stains. Leave it to dry and then brush and vacuum it off. The same technique can also work on oil and grease.
Baking Soda
Vomit or urine can be cleaned with good old baking soda and it helps remove any odors. As always, dab up what you can and then pour the baking soda over the affected area. Allow it to absorb the mess and dry before vacuuming it all away.
Branded Carpet Cleaners
There are a number of products on the market that work well as all-purpose stain removers. They include foams and shampoos. It is important to follow the instructions on the product and it is wise to test on a small area first to ensure it does no damage.
Treating a stain quickly with the right technique and the correct stain remover will get rid of the stain or, at the very least, most of the stain. Keep these tips on hand so you always know how to get a stain out when accidents happen.