Carpets are amazing flooring materials that bring an unmatched level of warmth into any interior. They can appear luxurious and if you choose the right kind, they will last you a long time without any issues. However, in an average household, all kinds of accidents are expectable. Be it an unintentional spill during a house party, your puppy still not being potty trained or simply your kids forgetting to take their shoes off when they run inside, carpets have to endure a lot of hardships, and this can considerably shorten their lifespan. But worry not; there is a solution to everything, and that includes carpet stains. Knowing how to act when spills happen will allow you to remove almost any stain and enjoy a new-looking carpet for years. Here is what you need to know.

Types of stains

First and foremost, you should know about the different types of stains that are threatening your carpets. The most common type that you will encounter is probably water-based stains. Thankfully, these are also the easiest to remove. So, if you happen to spill soda, you don’t have to panic, but water-based stains also include mud and dirt. There are also protein-based water-soluble stains that are, on the other hand, a little more difficult to get rid of. These include milk, blood and other bodily fluids. Then, another common type of stains involves oils and fats – for instance, if you drop a piece of greasy food or if your child is using the carpet as their canvas for their crayons. These pose a bigger problem, especially if you have a synthetic carpet as the oil will cling onto the chemicals in its fibers. Finally, there are also other types of stains that require special methods to remove. Such are, for example, wax and gum stains, nail polish or even glue. Knowing the type of stain you are dealing with is key in approaching the removal process. 

Ways of removing stains

When an accident happens, acting fast is key. The more time the stain has to set into your carpet, the lower your chances at removing it successfully become. So, as soon as you see that glass of red wine slipping out of someone’s hand, take your phone and start looking for ways of removing stains. If you already know what to do, even better. To help you not waste any time, here are the most common stains and the steps you should take.

Above all, try to remove excess liquid (or solid bits) immediately. Use an absorbent cloth or paper towel to blot away as much of the stain as you can. However, be sure not to rub as that could result in pushing the stain deeper into the fibers of your carpet.

For simple water-soluble stains, apply water to dilute the stain and try removing it with a cloth. Just make sure you go from the outside edges towards the center so that you don’t spread the stain even further. If the stain has already started to set, add a tiny bit of mild dish soap to your water. However, if you are dealing with protein-based stains, be careful with hot water, as it will aggravate the situation. If you’re trying to get rid of a blood stain, apply cold water immediately. Steer clear of acidic cleaners too in case of protein-based stains.

As for oil stains, the steps are mostly similar. You should make a mild dish soap solution by mixing eight ounces of water with a quarter of a teaspoon of dish soap that does not contain lanolin or bleach. However, you have to be aware of your carpet’s characteristics for the best result. For carpet that is not treated to be stain-resistant, a dry carpet cleaner is recommended. You can also try baking soda for fatty stains. Sprinkle it on the stain and let it sit for a few hours, then vacuum it.

As for wax and gum stains that might look impossible to remove, you should reach for ice as soon as possible. Apply some ice cubes on the area and allow the gum or wax to freeze. After that, try to remove the stain by chipping it away. You can also use a vacuum here. For the little bits of wax that remain in the carpet, grab an old cloth that you don’t mind ruining and, using an iron, melt and transfer the wax onto the cloth.

If you’re dealing with stubborn pet stains or a common offender in the form of coffee, a vinegar and water solution will be your best friend. This solution helps in removing the odor of the said pet stain, too. For coffee, you will need to add a quarter of a cup of dish detergent to your ¼ cup of vinegar and a quart of water solution, too.

How you’ll need to approach a carpet stain will largely depend on the type of stain you are dealing with as well as the type of carpet you have. This is why it is essential that you do a bit of research so that you don’t accidentally ruin your carpet by using the wrong method.