Carpeting and upholstery make any home feel warm, cozy and stylish. But they are also prone to tough stains. The spilled glass of red wine, the muddy paw print or the ink blot are quick eyesores that can ruin your expensive furnishings.
Good news is the fact that with techniques and knowledge you can remove the toughest stains and get your carpets and upholstery looking new again. This is your ultimate guide to removing tough stains – from stain science to cleaning products and methods.
We’ll go over six key areas to help you stain-remove like a pro. You’ll walk away with confidence and the ability to handle just about any stain. Let’s dive in!
1. How to Study Stains
Understanding stains before you start stain removal techniques is important. A stain happens when something stains the fibers of your carpet or upholstery. Depending on the stain type and material it will affect, the best way to remove it will be determined.
Stains may be split into 3 main types: wet stains; wet stains; and dried up stains. Those are water-based, oil-based and protein-based. Stains that are water-based include spills of coffee, juice and wine. These stains usually are easier to remove as they dissolve in water. Grease, makeup and cooking oil are harder to stain because they repel water. Protein-based stains like blood, sweat and food particles are especially stubborn and may need enzymatic cleaner to breakdown the proteins.
The key to stain removal is action. The deeper a stain penetrates the fibers the longer it stays – it is harder to remove. Blotting the stain before it sets can prevent it from rubbing. Additionally make sure you use the proper cleaning solution for the stain to avoid staining your carpets/upholstery.
Understanding stain science will help you choose the right cleaning methods and products.
2. The Best Stain Removal Tools & Products
The right tools and products are necessary for stain removal. There are dozens of cleaners out there, but some basic ones will get rid of nearly all stains.
The most versatile stain removal tool is a clean white cloth or paper towel. White is important because dye transferred from colored cloths can spread dye onto your carpet or upholstery and make the stain worse. Microfiber cloths are particularly absorbent and gentle on fabrics.
A spray bottle is another tool for spreading cleaners evenly. For tougher stains a soft bristle brush can scrub the stain without ripping the fibers. A vacuum with an upholstery attachment can also remove dry debris and loosen dirt before cleaning.
Starting with cleaning solutions is important. Mild dish soap in water works well for cleaning most stains. White vinegar is another option for breaking down odors and water-based stains. Baking soda absorbs odors and lifts stains – great on carpets!
For stubborn stains, buy specialized cleaners. For protein-based stains like blood and pet accidents, enzyme based cleaners work best. A substitute for chlorine bleach that removes tough stains on colorfast fabrics is oxygen-based bleach. Test any cleaning solution on a small area first to see if it will not discolor or damage.
Get your cleaning tools and products ready to tackle any stain.
3. Remove Common Stains Step by Step
You know the basics of stains – and have the tools – so let’s remove common stains step by step. All stains work differently – follow these guidelines.
For water stains like coffee, wine or juice, blot the stain with a clean cloth to take in as much liquid as you can. One teaspoon mild dish soap in one cup warm water, and apply to stain with a spray bottle o cloth. Blot the area from outside in to prevent spreading of the stain. Rinse under running clean water and blot dry.
Oil-based stains like grease or makeup require another procedure. Baked soda or even cornstarch will absorb the oil from the stain and should sit for 15-20 minutes. Vacuum up any powdery material and then apply a little dish soap directly to the stain. Scrub with a soft bristle brush, rinse under water and blot dry.
Protein-based stains like blood or pet accidents are especially tricky. Blot the stain first in cold water (hot water may set the stain). Give an enzyme-based cleaner a 10-15 minute soak to break down the proteins. Blot with a clean cloth, rinse with water and blot dry the area.
For ink stains use rubbing alcohol or an ink remover. Baste the stain with a damp cloth soaked in the solution – do not rub. Rinse well with water and blot dry.
Follow these easy steps to remove common stain types and keep carpets and upholstery looking new.
4. Tackling Tough Stains: Advanced Techniques
Some are more stubborn and require advanced stain removal techniques. Those include red wine, pet urine and mold stains.
Red wine stains are especially scary but can be removed easily. Blotting first absorbs as much wine as possible using a clean cloth. Add salt or baking soda to the stain to soak up the remaining liquid and vacuum it up. Make a solution of 1 part white vinegar to 2 parts water and apply to the stain. Blotting with a soft cloth, rinse with water and blot dry.
Pet urine stains need immediate attention to avoid odors and irreversible damage. Blot with a damp cloth to remove any liquid from the area. Soak an enzyme-based cleaner for 10-15 minutes. Blot area with a blotting cloth, rinse with water and dry. Pour baking soda on the odors lingering and vacuum up after a while.
Mold stains are ugly and unhealthy. Mold removal: Combine 1 cup white vinegar with 1 cup water and apply to the stain. Scrub with a fine bristle brush, rinse off with a little water and dry with a blotting paper. With extreme cases of mold, consult a professional cleaner.
With these advanced techniques you can tackle the toughest stains confidently.
5. Preventing Stains: Proactive Measures
Understanding how to remove stains is important, but preventing them is way better. Some preventative steps will minimize the risk of staining upholstery and carpets.
The best way to stay away from staining is by having a no-shoes policy at home. Shoe tracks can pick up dirt, mud and other stains. Set up a shoe storage area near the entrance and have family members and guests remove their shoes upon entry.
Rugs and mats in traffic areas can also protect your carpets. Mats at every entrance catch dirt and moisture before it reaches your carpets. Use a rug under the table in dining areas to catch spills of food and drink.
On upholstery apply a fabric protector to protect against stains. These repel liquids and help clean up spills before they become stains. Vacuuming often also prevents dirt and debris from accumulating and causing stains on your carpet and upholstery.
Take these proactive steps to avoid staining and keep your carpets and upholstery looking new.
6. How to Call a Pro
While some stain removal is easy enough with DIY methods, sometimes you need to call a pro in. When a stain is big, old, or stubborn – or if it’s silk or antique fabric – professional cleaning may be the safest and best option.
Specialized equipment and cleaning solutions allow professional cleaners to remove tough stains without ripping up carpets or upholstery. The same team knows how to work with delicate materials and get your furnishings cleaned safely and effectively.
If multiple methods have failed to remove the stain or you’re worried about causing damage, call a professional. The expense of professional cleaning can be well worth it to sustain the lifetime of your upholstery and carpets.
Conclusion
Carpet stain removal does not have to be a chore. Knowing the science behind stains, having the tools and items you need, and following the steps in this guide can help you remove even tough stains confidently.
Remember, fast removal is key – use the right approach for the stain type and material. Learn how you can avoid stains and when to call for a professional, and you will have new upholstery and carpets to take a look at for decades to come.
So the next time you spill or stain something, relax – you got this! You can restore your carpets & upholstery to their original beauty and have a brand new home with the knowledge and skills in this ultimate guide.
Comments