Keep your carpets looking flawless with these carpet spot removal techniques used by professionals
Your carpets add warmth and comfort to any room, but they can also be a magnet for spills and stains. While some stains can be easily removed with household cleaning products, other stubborn stains require a more professional approach.
Keeping carpets looking good as new requires a lot of work. Instead of waiting for a deep clean once or twice a year, it is easier to complete regular maintenance on your carpets. When you take care of the carpet in between cleans, you will keep your carpet looking clean and vibrant for longer.
However, it is impossible to prevent large, noticeable stains from happening. This is especially true for large commercial spaces that see a lot of foot traffic. Anyone who walks through your space has the potential to spill coffee or track dirt on your carpet. That’s why we’re walking you through the top 12 professional carpet spot removal techniques you need to know.
In this guide, we will cover some of the most effective carpet spot removal techniques used by professional carpet cleaners. By following these tips, you can keep your carpets looking clean and fresh for years to come. Let’s get started!
Act Quickly
When you see a stain, it is time to get out the carpet spot removal techniques
The key to successful spot removal is to act quickly. The longer a stain sits on your carpet, the harder it will be to remove. As soon as you notice a spill, blot it up with a clean cloth or paper towel. Avoid rubbing the stain, as this can push the stain deeper into the carpet fibers.
When stains get pushed deeper into your carpeting, you run the risk of carpet wicking after you’ve deep-cleaned the carpet. Once you have blotted the carpet stain with a cloth or paper towel, it’s time to get out your carpet spot removal tools.
Test for Colorfastness
Some carpet cleaning solutions can damage your carpet
Before using any cleaning products on your carpet, it is important to test for colorfastness. This means testing the cleaning solution on a small, inconspicuous area of your carpet to ensure that it won’t cause any discoloration or damage. To test for colorfastness, apply a small amount of the cleaning solution to a hidden area of your carpet and wait 10-15 minutes. If the color remains unchanged, you can safely use the cleaning solution on your carpet.
On the other hand, if the solution begins to cause discoloration then you need to try a different option. No matter the type of carpet you have, it is always recommended to test for colorfastness. If you neglect to test your cleaning products, you’ll have a bigger mess on your hands than you did to start.
Use the Right Cleaning Solution for Those Tough Stains
Get the best results by choosing the right carpet spot removal techniques
Different stains require different cleaning solutions. Using the wrong cleaning solution can actually make the stain worse or cause damage to your carpet fibers. Here are some common types of stains and the cleaning solutions that work best:
- Oil-based stains – Use a solvent-based cleaner, such as rubbing alcohol or mineral spirits.
- Food and beverage stains – Use a solution of white vinegar and warm water or mild dish soap.
- Pet stains – Use an enzymatic cleaner specifically designed for pet stains.
- Ink stains – Use rubbing alcohol or nail polish remover (acetone).
If you aren’t in the business of cleaning carpets, then you may not have known that different stains require different products. If you want to get the best results, you probably want to ditch the all-in-one cleaner and opt for one of the solutions listed.
Start with a Thorough Vacuuming
Make sure your carpets are free of any dirt or dust before applying treatment solutions
Before attempting to remove any stains from your carpets, it is important to start with a thorough vacuuming. This will help to remove any loose dirt and debris from the surface of the carpet, making it easier to tackle any stains that remain. Use a high-quality vacuum cleaner with strong suction power and be sure to go over the entire carpet, including the edges and corners.
Should you neglect to vacuum before applying the cleaning solution, then you will have a more difficult time getting the stain out. You also risk pushing the existing dirt and dust further into the carpet threads.
Use a Pre-Treatment Solution
Using a pre-treatment solution gives you the best chance of complete stain removal
For heavily soiled carpets or stubborn stains, a pre-treatment solution is a great tool to help loosen dirt and grime. These solutions are designed to be applied to the carpet before cleaning, and they work by breaking down dirt and grime so that they can be easily removed. Simply apply the pre-treatment solution to the affected area and allow it to sit for the recommended amount of time before cleaning. Once the pre-treatment solution is applied, you are ready to apply the cleaning solution and begin your carpet spot removal. Depending on the size and severity of the stain, you may need to employ a few different cleaning methods to remove the stain entirely. Luckily, we’re exploring some of those methods in the next few sections.
Use a Carpet Cleaning Machine
If home remedies aren’t working for you, you may need a carpet-cleaning machine
For deep stains or heavily soiled carpets, a carpet cleaning machine can be a great investment. These machines are available to rent or buy. The carpet cleaning machines use hot water and cleaning solutions to deep clean your carpets. The hot water mixes with the cleaning solution and removes dirt and stains from deep within the fibers. While these machines are expensive, they can save you money in the long run by extending the life of your carpets.
For large commercial spaces, Whittaker’s innovative low-moisture encapsulation carpet cleaning system is an excellent way to combat stains. The encapsulation chemistry removes stains without having to use gallons of warm water. Since far less water is used, there is less drying time and less of an opportunity for wicking. Though encapsulation carpet cleaning is not a replacement for deep cleaning, it does help keep carpets looking vibrant and new for as long as possible. Plus, it has the ability to remove stains that occur in between deep cleans.
Know the Limitations of DIY Carpet Stain Removal
Not every stain can be removed with home remedies
While it can be tempting to try and remove stains from your carpets yourself, it is important to understand the limitations of DIY stain removal. Some stains, such as those caused by bleach or certain dyes, may be impossible to remove completely without causing damage to the carpet fibers.
Additionally, attempting to remove a stain with the wrong cleaning solution can actually make the stain worse. If you are unsure about how to remove a stain or if it is particularly stubborn, it may be best to consult with a professional cleaner.
Hiring a Professional Cleaner
For those especially difficult stains, you should seek the help of a professional
If you have tried all of the above techniques and still can’t remove the stain, it may be time to call in a professional cleaner. Professional cleaners have access to even more professional carpet spot removal techniques that can remove even the toughest stains. Additionally, professional cleaners can help extend the life of your carpets by removing dirt and debris that have worn down the fibers over time.
Don’t Forget About Odor Removal
Too often, people forget odor removal is a part of the carpet spot removal process
In addition to removing stains from your carpets, it is important to address any odors that may be present. Over time, carpets can absorb odors from pets, smoke, and other sources, which can be difficult to remove. If you have had the same carpet for a while, you may not even notice odors that have built up in your carpeting over time.
To remove odors from your carpet, start by thoroughly cleaning the affected area with a solution of white vinegar and water. You can also sprinkle baking soda over the affected area and let it sit for several hours before vacuuming. For particularly stubborn odors, consider using an odor-eliminating product designed specifically for carpets. There are many of these products available on the market—especially for pet owners.
Use a Stain Guard
No one wants the same stains occurring after spot removal!
Once you have successfully removed a stain from your carpet, consider using a stain guard to help prevent future stains from occurring. Stain guards work by creating a protective barrier on the surface of the carpet, which helps to repel spills and stains. There are a variety of stain guards available on the market, so be sure to choose one that is appropriate for your carpet type and usage. Once again, it is important to note that carpet cleaning and protection products are not one-size-fits-all. Prevent causing additional damage to your carpet by making sure all of the products used meet the specifications of your carpet.
Know When to Replace Your Carpet
Despite your best efforts for stain and odor removal, it may be time to replace your carpet
Finally, it is important to know when it is time to replace your carpet. While regular cleaning and maintenance can help extend the life of your carpets, there will come a time when they are simply too worn out or damaged to be salvaged. Signs that it may be time to replace your carpet include excessive wear and tear, persistent odors, and stains that cannot be removed. If you are unsure whether your carpets need to be replaced, consult with a professional cleaner or carpet installer.
With their help, you can come up with a plan to replace your carpet. From there, you can consult with professionals on how to best maintain your new carpet. They will be able to inform you about the best products to use for your carpet type. With their advice, you’ll be able to keep your carpet looking brand new for years to come.
Removing stains from your carpets requires a combination of quick action, the right cleaning solutions, and proper technique. By following the carpet spot removal tips outlined in this guide, you can keep your carpets looking their best for years to come. When in doubt, it is always better to seek professional help rather than risk causing damage to your carpets. With the right care and maintenance, you can maintain the look and feel of your carpet for many years to come.
