Whether you have older carpeting in your home in need of some TLC or new carpet that you want to keep in a pristine condition, steps need to be taken to remove stains from the flooring whenever they occur. Failure to tend to stains as soon as they happen can lead to permanent damage. Here are a few steps to take to keep your home's carpeting looking its absolute best.
Blot Wet Material From Carpeting
There are many ways carpeting can become damaged, from unfortunate drink spills to children running across floors with muddy feet. As soon as you notice a potential for a stain, jump into action and blot the affected area with a clean towel. Do not rub the towel across the carpet as this could drag the staining material across additional square footage, leading to even bigger spots on the floor. Blotting wet areas that are subject to staining in the future can greatly reduce the intensity of the stain, thereby leading to less effort to try to remove it.
Try Vinegar To Remove Color
Vinegar works well on many staining agents and it is completely safe for most carpeting. Spray a bit of vinegar mixed with water upon the stain and repeat the blotting process. In time, the stain will likely decrease in intensity. If you have an Oriental rug or a similarly styled carpet with ink that could possibly run, it is best to contact a professional for assistance in stain removal.
Use Stain Protectant If Possible
If you have a fear of stains getting upon your carpeting, or if you just had carpeting installed, consider adding a layer of protectant to help repel liquids from saturating the material. This type of protectant is usually sprayed upon the carpeting and then allowed to dry before subjecting the floors to foot traffic. You will need to reapply the spray every few months for the best effectiveness against staining.
Steam Clean Carpets Regularly
Stains can be removed via steam cleaning. If you have a stain that has been set into carpeting, and you are unable to remove it on your own using vinegar or water, it is best to purchase a steam cleaner or hire a steam cleaning service to tend to the floors. This process leaves carpeting with a fresh, vibrant appearance after the flooring dries. Many carpet steam cleaning services also add a protectant to their cleaning mixture to help thwart future stains.
Contact a carpet steam cleaning service near you to learn more.