Carpet Stain and Odor Removers

Many households today are very casual when it comes to eating meals. We bring out the TV tray and sit on the couch to eat while watching one of our favorite shows.

Unfortunately, this will mean a spill will eventually happen on the carpet. When this does happen, have your carpet stain removers handy and clean the stain as soon as you possibly can.

The Do’s and Don’ts of Removing Stains and Cleaning Spills

Here’s a short list of some things to keep in mind the next time you clean up a spill or remove a stain on your carpet.

• If spills happen, get to it as quickly as possible.
• Blot spills with a clean towel or paper towels and soak up as much of the spill as possible. If the spill is a larger area, lay the towel over it and do the happy dance. Some stains can be avoided by just taking this step.
• Work from the outside of the stained area and work your way in towards the center of the stain.
• Many people make the mistake of rubbing back and forth, side to side or in circles when removing a stain. Don’t do it, it is one of the worst things that you can do. Rubbing the spill will actually push the spill deeper into the carpet, spread the stain and you can fray the carpet fibers if you rub too hard.

What Can you Use to Clean Carpets?

Below are some different options for cleaning carpets when a spill happens. Always blot up as much liquid as possible before treating a stain. Be sure to cover the area you’ve cleaned with a clean towel until dry to keep it from getting dirty from shoes or pets. It’s also important to note that not all carpets are created the same; it’s always a good idea to test in an inconspicuous place on your carpet.

Non Foaming Detergent (Such As Laundry Soap)

One carpet cleaning solution is to simply using laundry detergent to clean carpets. Designed to get even the toughest stains out of your clothes, mixing just one tablespoon of clear liquid detergent or dishwashing detergent in 1 cup of water and blotting it into the carpet stain can often remove stains easily. Detergent is a surfactant and makes water “wetter”, that is it is able to penetrate deep into carpet fibers more so than using water alone. Don’t use to much soap though because all soap leaves a residue and if enough of this residue is left behind, it will attract future staining.

Should you Use Ammonia to Clean Carpet Stains

Although there are uses for ammonia around the house, cleaning carpets with it may not be a good option. Ammonia could cause discoloration of carpet fibers plus some carpets that are made of wool or natural fibers, ammonia can damage these types of carpets.

Salt and Club Soda for Removing Carpet Stains

Have an extra tough stain you can’t get out? Try sprinkling some salt on the carpet stain, then pour a bit of club soda onto the salt. The chemical reaction will take about an hour or two so cover the stain with a clean towel. Blot up any excess water and vacuum.

Using Oxygen Cleaners

The brand doesn’t matter so much as what the cleaner is made with, but using an oxygen cleaner to make a sudsy paste can tackle many organic carpet stains like grass, foods and drink spills more easily than other methods.

Hydrogen Peroxide plus Dish Soap Can Remove Many Carpet Stains

Household strength hydrogen peroxide is a great product. We keep many bottles on hand as part of our cleaning arsenal. Not only will this work for fruit juice stains, but wine, coffee, and many other stains as well.

Hydrogen peroxide works like a bleach – without being bleach. As with any new cleaning process, check in an inconspicuous spot first to see how it might react with your carpet.

• Work quickly with this first step and blot up as much of the stain as possible.
• When you have done this, mix together two tablespoons hydrogen peroxide with one tablespoon dish soap and apply to the remaining stain.
• Let sit a few minutes then gently work into the stain with your fingers.
• Cover with plastic wrap then a towel to keep the hydrogen peroxide in the dark as it will turn to water when exposed to light and let this sit a few more minutes.
• Check the progress and if the stain has lightened, cover again for a few minutes.
• When you are finished, rinse the area with just water and blot.
• Cover until dry.

Removing Odors from Carpeting

Sometimes with spilled foods, kids, pets, dirty shoes, etc. – carpets can harbor odors. Let’s take a look at some of the ways you can remove odors from carpeting.

Using White Vinegar in a Carpet Cleaner to Remove Odors

To help fluff up and deodorize carpets, use equal parts white vinegar and warm water to make an excellent carpet cleaning solution. Just add to the carpet cleaner’s reservoir tank and you’re on your way for great results. Yes, it may smell a bit like the vinegar but only for a short time.

Baking Soda and Essential Oil to Freshen Carpets

Baking soda is one of the cheapest and best ways to deodorize a carpet – and it works! In a bowl mix together one cup baking soda with about 15 to 20 drops essential oil.

Some nice essential oils to use are: lavender, rosemary, geranium, citrusy scents, or clove. You can also create your own scents using two or three essential oils together.

When you’ve mixed the ingredients together, transfer to a mason jar or a jar that has a shaker lid (something that will hold the amount of mix you made). You can also poke holes in the lid of a jar to make your own shaker lid (I make sure to pound the underside of the holes so there are no sharp points).

Apply liberally to carpets and let sit for at least a couple hours to overnight. Vacuum thoroughly when done.

You can also use Borax, just mix with 1/2 cup baking soda and 1/2 cup borax with the essential oils.