How To Remove Stains From Your Carpet Or Upholstery
Carpet and upholstery stains are an inevitable part of life, whether it's a spilled glass of wine, a pet accident, or a dropped plate of food. These stains can be unsightly and frustrating, but the good news is that you can easily remove most of them with the right techniques and products. The key is to act quickly so that the stain cannot set. There are several things to consider when you want the best carpet stain remover to treat those troublesome spills.
General Tips for Stain Removal
Before you use any specific stain removal methods, there are some general tips to keep in mind.
Know Your Upholstery
Before you use any cleaning solution on upholstery or carpeting, check the labels or product information for cleaning codes. These codes define the cleaning methods that are safe for the fabric. For example, “W” means water-based cleaning, “S” refers to solvent-based cleaning, “WS” means you can use both water-based and solvent-based methods, and “X” means vacuum-only. If your labels have other codes that you don't recognize, check for information to ensure proper treatment.
Blot, Don't Rub
When a spill occurs, your first instinct may be to rub at the stain with a towel or other absorbent material. Unfortunately, this can actually push the stain further into the fibers and make it harder to eliminate.
Instead, blot the stain gently with a clean cloth or paper towel. Repeat this process to absorb as much of the liquid or spill as possible before you treat the area with a carpet stain remover.
How to Remove Stains From Carpet
Removing stains from your upholstery and carpets requires a careful approach. After you blot as much of the initial spill as possible, vacuum the area to remove any dirt, loose particles, or debris that could otherwise interfere with the process. This reduces the risk of spreading the stain and makes it easier to treat.
Apply a Cleaning Solution
The cleaning solution you use will depend on the type of stain you're dealing with. For organic stains, such as food and pet accidents, opt for an enzyme cleaner to break down stubborn organisms. Use a vinegar and water solution to treat stains based in ink or wine.
You can also create your own stain-removal solution by adding a quarter of a Sheets Laundry Club detergent sheet to a spray bottle of water. Shake the bottle well to mix the solution thoroughly. This spray solution is effective at treating a variety of stains.
Spray the carpet stain remoer of your choice liberally to the affected area.
Blot the Treated Stain
Just as you did with the initial stain, blot the treated stain area with a clean cloth or a paper towel. Repeat the process, blotting directly and firmly until you eliminate the excess solution. Rinse the area by spraying it with water, then repeat the blotting process. Do this until the stain is gone.
Use Steam for Stubborn Stains
If blotting is insufficient, steam is an effective tool as well. The heat and moisture from the steam will help loosen the stain and make it easier to remove. Use a steam cleaner or even a hand-held steamer to treat the stain. Just make sure you treat the fabric in an inconspicuous area first to ensure that the steam won't damage it.
Prevention and Maintenance
While knowing how to remove stains is important, preventing them is even better. There are a few preventative measures that you can take to keep your carpets and upholstery looking their best.
Use Stain Repellent Treatments
Applying a stain barrier product to your carpets and upholstery will make the material resistant to stains. This can make it easier for you to clean up spills because these products usually keep liquids from seeping into the fabric, reducing the need for a carpet stain remover.
Keep Up With Maintenance Cleaning
Regular vacuuming can help you keep dirt and debris away from your carpets and upholstery. You might also want to consider professional cleaning once every year or two to keep things looking their best and spot clean couch cushions as needed.
React Quickly to Spills
One of the most important things to consider is how quickly you respond to spills. The longer a spill sits, the more time it has to penetrate fibers and become a stubborn stain. Place a thick layer of paper towels or a clean cloth over a spill right away to soak up as much of the liquid as possible.
You might struggle with removing upholstery stains without the right products and techniques. These tips will help you keep those fabrics looking great. With these carpet stain remover tips and Sheets Laundry Club products, you can treat those problematic spills quickly and reduce the risk of stubborn lingering stains.
Jamie Dorman
Jamie Dorman is the Social Media and Content Manager at Sheets Laundry Club. She has been in advertising for 11 years and is passionate about keeping our clothes and planet clean with eco-conscious products. She is also an avid reader, recreational guitarist and her favorite Sheets Laundry Club scent is Sea Breeze.