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4 Expert Hacks for Removing Carpet Stains

Carpets remain one of the more durable types of flooring, both in residential and commercial spaces. Depending on the type of carpet, keeping them clean can be quite easy. 

The search for durability and versatility often leads many homeowners to opt for the commercial flooring Melbourne companies are using in office spaces. Not only are these types of carpets excellent for high-traffic areas, but they’re also low maintenance. Still, having good carpet-care guidelines is essential!

Cleaning Tips for Your Home or Office Carpets

Few things can be quite as annoying as having a stain on your newly installed carpet! Even on quality carpets, using the wrong chemicals or not acting soon enough will leave you with a ruined carpet for sure. Fortunately, it doesn’t have to come to that. Our experts have compiled a list of easy-to-follow hacks to get just about any stain out of your carpet. 

  1. Ink Stains

If you’ve installed the commercial carpets Melbourne and other Australian cities’ businesses rely on to create professional office spaces, then the last thing you want is an ink stain! Whether it’s a leaky pen, printer ink or an old-fashioned ink bottle, the good news is, if you act fast you should be able to get it out. Here’s how:

  • Avoid rubbing, as this will spread the stain
  • Use a clean white cloth dipped in isopropyl alcohol (commonly called rubbing alcohol) with a high percentage (white cloths and towels prevent any colour transference during the cleaning process)
  • Dab the stain gently (without rubbing)
  • Let the alcohol rest on the stain for several minutes
  • Use a wet and dry (liquid-friendly) vacuum to remove the excess moisture
  • You may need to repeat the process for a severe stain
  • If you don’t have isopropyl on hand, you can use nail polish remover, vinegar or white wine
  1. Pet Stain

As much as you try and develop a proper bathroom routine for your furry friend, accidents do happen. Here are some suggestions to remove both the stain and the odour:

  • Start by removing any solid debris from the carpet
  • Use a pet-specific stain cleaning product, and again, don’t rub 
  • If the stain has dried, moisten it with water and apply the cleaning product
  • For the odour, use a ¼ cup of vinegar with a cup of warm water mixed into a spray bottle
  • Spray the mixture on the stain and let sit for a few minutes
  • Use a clean cloth and blot the stain until it’s gone
  • You can wash the area with warm soapy water afterwards to ensure any bacteria is removed
  • Repeat if necessary and air dry where possible
  1. Coffee Stains

If you love coffee, there’s always a chance of a cup being tipped over. Luckily, this mess is easier to remove than you think. 

  • Use a dry white towel to blot the area 
  • Make a mixture of vinegar, water and non-bleach, mild soap and add to your trusty spray bottle
  • Spray the stain liberally and let the mixture rest on the carpet for a few minutes
  • Blot with a clean towel to soak up the coffee and soapy mixture
  • Repeat as necessary to remove a larger stain
  • If you prefer, stock up on specialised stain removers for these types of accidents—be sure to test them on a small, out-of-sight spot first and ensure they don’t damage the carpet
  1. Kool-Aid (or any children’s juice stain)

As much as we love and adore our little angels, they come with spills which can often lead to stains. Juices are a common kiddy-related spill and should be cleaned up as soon as possible to avoid staining your carpets or attracting ants:

  • Blot the stain with a dry, white towel—again, don’t rub the stain as this will cause saturation in the carpet pad
  • Add a solution of mild dish detergent, white vinegar and water to your spray bottle—a ratio of ¼ cup white vinegar to 1 tablespoon of dish liquid and fill the bottle with water
  • Spray the solution onto the stain and allow to soak for 5 to 10 minutes
  • Dab the area with a clean, dry towel until the carpet is clear of the mess

Final Thoughts

The secret to handling many carpet stains is as simple as cleaning the area immediately and using the dabbing and blotting method rather than rubbing. Using the right stain remover for the type of stain is also crucial. 

Most carpet shampoo and cleaner brands also offer a specialised stain remover that makes it super easy to tackle the most common stains. Invest in a packet of small white cloths or towels, vinegar and nail polish remover. Be sure though to check that these products can be safely used on your carpet to avoid any damage.

Being prepared for any coffee stain will go a long way toward keeping your carpets looking new for a long time to come!

Christopher Stern

Christopher Stern is a Washington-based reporter. Chris spent many years covering tech policy as a business reporter for renowned publications. He has extensive experience covering Congress, the Federal Communications Commission, and the Federal Trade Commissions. He is a graduate of Middlebury College. Email:[email protected]

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