Carpet Stain Removal - Be Prepared

Removing carpet stains is a fact of life since no type of carpeting is stain-proof. Knowledge of how to clean carpets along with the right solutions, a bit of practice and a lot of patience will keep rugs looking new.

Carpet stain removal can be a do-it-yourself job once you understand the proper procedures. It's possible to use readily available household items as effective cleaning solutions.

Cleaning a carpet stain can be a simple or tedious process depending on the type of spot and how long it has been left on the carpet. Sometimes several applications or a different kind of solution is required.

Remove spills before they become permanent. Most fresh spills will come out if handled immediately as long as the carpet has been treated with a topical soil resistant product. DuPont's Stainmaster, patented Wear-Dated carpet fiber and R2X by Shaw are examples of carpet stain protection.

This type of treatment allows spilled liquids to bead on the surface of the fiber and not soak in. Have a professional cleaner reapply treatments every two or three years.

Scrape any solids with a blunt knife and blot as much of the spill as possible. Try household ammonia for blood or urine; white vinegar for red wine or coffee stains; and non oily nail polish remover. Rubbing alcohol for ink stains, make up and lipstick must be used carefully so as not to damage the latex backing of the carpet.

Blot on a solution of dish detergent (Dawn or Joy are best) without bleach or lanolin - ¼ teaspoon to 1 quart water - rinse and allow to dry with a brick weighted over top of a pad of white paper towels.

Sugar drinks (like soda): if not properly removed, the sugar will attract soil.

Red drinks: the same color dyes are used in drinks as in carpet dyeing(!). Deal with them immediately - if the stain does not come out, contact a professional for the right advice so the mark does not become permanent.

Permanent stains - iodine, mustard with tumeric, bleach and acne medications all may add unwanted color or strip the carpet of its color. A carpet dye technician may be able to treat the area and redye with the original color.

Along with immediate stain removal, regular cleaning is necessary to prolong the life of your investment.