Tips for Removing Stains from Carpets and How to Keep Them Clean.

The Best Way to Clean Carpets

Everybody has their own opinion on the best way to carpet clean. Personally, I think there is an optimum way to do the job but there are different aspects to cleaning a carpet.

Our carpets take a lot from us and our pets and the correct process to clean carpets really depends upon the exact job that needs to be done.

Vacuuming Carpets

For basic carpet maintenance, vacuuming at least once a week is standard practice. Possibly more often if you have kids and pets. A good vacuum cleaner, for your carpet type, is the best option. If you’ve purchased new carpets, ask the seller what is the best vacuum to use. The whole idea is to get as much dirt from not only the carpet but from the padding underneath it.

Vacuuming is not a race to see how fast you can get it done. Use slow even strokes and overlap. Start vacuuming in one direction, then turn the vacuum and go over it again, this will help carpet fibers from naturally wanting to lay a certain way and it’s also more effective at cleaning the carpet. Don’t forget to use the hose to get around the baseboards.

Spot Cleaning Spills and Stains on Carpet

If possible, clean stains and spills as soon as you can. Even if it’s just water, blot up the moisture right then. Always blot stains, never rub at a stain as it will push whatever you are cleaning deeper into the carpet fibers.

Removing Pet Stains

Remove any solids from the carpet with a butter knife or spatula (anything with a dull edge). Blot at liquid stains using paper towels.

• Mix a half cup white vinegar with four cups water.
• Pour a little of the mixture onto the stain. Do not over saturate the area.
• Blot the area until you soak up as much liquid as you can.
• To remove any odor, pour a liberal amount of baking soda over the area then use an old toothbrush to carefully work it in.
• Let sit on the stain for at least an hour, cover with something so no one disturbs it.
• Vacuum when finished.
• Cover the area with a rag if necessary until dry.

Removing Coffee Stains

Who doesn’t like having a cup of coffee in the morning and maybe after a good dinner as well? If this is you then you know how easy it can sometimes be to spill a little on the floor.

• Absorb as much of the stain as you can by blotting with paper towels. Work from the outside of the stain in towards the middle of the stain to avoid spreading further.
• Pour cool water over the stain and blot again until you have absorbed as much liquid as you can. This may be all you need to do but if you still see a stain, move to the next step.
• Mix together two cups warm water and two teaspoons liquid dish soap.
• Saturate a clean cloth in the mixture and blot the stain again. Again working from the outside in. Change to a clean section of cloth as needed.
• Use dry paper towel or cloth to absorb liquid.
• Cover until dry then vacuum.

Removing Greasy Stains

I learned how to get rid of grease on my carpeting during my first month of marriage. My wonderful husband came home from work and walked in the living room wearing greasy shoes. At least he walked backward out of the room when I yelled but he forgot to retrace his steps.

Luckily, getting rid of the grease prints wasn’t as bad as I thought it would be. A simple solution of one half cup hot water and two tablespoons Lestoil worked wonders. If the stain is very heavy, use more Lestoil in the mixture.

• Dip a clean washrag into the mixture then firmly apply pressure on the stain.
• Leave the rag on the stain and let sit about five minutes.
• Change to a clean spot on the rag, dip it in the cleaning mixture and blot the stain and it should begin to lift from the carpet. Repeat as needed.
• When the stain is gone, cover with a clean towel until dry then vacuum.

Keeping Carpets Clean

To keep carpets clean longer be sure to place doormats inside and outside entry areas. Remove shoes before entering the house. Bath pets regularly and wipe their feet off when they come inside.

Vacuum regularly, treat stains immediately and you’ll enjoy the carpet for years to come.