Carpets and stains seem to like each other. Many foods, drinks, and other products may leave unsightly stains on your favourite rug or living room carpet. If that happens too often for your liking, you will love this article. We will share some simple homemade carpet stain removers.
If you are unsure of how to approach the particular stain, do not worry and keep reading. Make sure you use the correct method since using the wrong product may not get the job done but also cause damage and discolouration to the fabric of your carpet or upholstery.
Here are some of the best carpet cleaning solutions you can use at home:
1. Hydrogen peroxide – You found a mystery stain on your carpet? Usually, identifying the stain first is the key to choosing the correct cleaning method. In such a case, mix 1 teaspoon of a 3% hydrogen peroxide solution and a bit of cream of tartar or a dab of non-gel toothpaste. Rub the paste on the stained area with a soft cloth. Grab another cloth or a sponge dipped in plain water, rinse the stain and let it completely dry. The stain should be gone.
2. Baking soda – Baking soda is great for removing stains and neutralising bad odours. This method is perfect for vomit and urine stain removal. Remove solids and dab at the stained area to soak up as much liquid as possible. Sprinkle baking soda all over the stain and pat with a paper towel. Let the baking soda soak up the stain and let it completely dry. Then, brush it off and vacuum the area to restore and lift the carpet fibres. If you want to remove bad odours, sprinkle the area with baking soda, let it sit for 4-5 hours, and then remove it.
3. Meat tenderiser – If some blood ends up on your carpet, cover the stained area with equal parts of cold water and meat tenderiser. Let the solution stay on for about 30 minutes, then sponge it off with cold water.
4. Club soda – Club soda is great for removing pet pee and other difficult stains. Blot up any excess urine using paper towels immediately, soak in club soda, blot again, and clean with diluted carpet shampoo. Club soda may also be used to erase stains from spilt coffee and tea; simply pour liberally over the stain and blot to dry.
5. Baby wipes – Baby wipes are one of the best, most practical and quick ways to get rid of a spot. If you just spilled something, grab a wet wipe and start blotting at the stained area. The wipes will not only absorb the moisture but the stain as well. Since they are so easy to use, keep a package in your car so you are ready to tackle any stain that occurs on the interior of your vehicle as well.
6. Toothbrushes – If you did not tend to a stain as soon as it occurred, it may have already soaked deep into the fibres of your carpet. The removal of such a stain can be extremely hard. The best way to loosen dirt and grime from the fabric of the carpet or upholstery piece is by using a soft-bristled toothbrush. Pick the best cleaning solution according to the type of stain – bleach, ammonia, liquid laundry detergent, etc. Dip the toothbrush and gently scrub away the stain.
7. Ice cubes -Ice cubes can be the perfect solution if you dropped some gum on your carpet/upholstery. Once the um sticks to the fibres of your carpet, it will be nearly impossible to take it out. Grab an ice pack or a few ice cubes in a plastic bag, place them on the affected area and wait until the gum is completely frozen. Once it is hard, the gum will chip and you will be able to easily remove it from the carpet fibres. You can also use a butter knife or a plastic scraper to remove all the gum particles from the fabric.
8. Dry cleaning liquid – If you regularly snack on the couch in the living room, grease stains will not be uncommon in your house. Those can sometimes be a pain to get rid of. The best cleaning method for such occasions is using dry cleaning fluid. Blot up excess oil from the stain using a paper towel, then work the liquid into the stained fabric. Avoid harsh scrubbing and work starting at the outer edges and working your way towards the centre.
9. Paint remover – For spilt paint, nail polish, or ink, you can use paint remover. Place some on a cotton ball and dab it on the stained area. Always make sure you test this method in a small, inconspicuous area of your carpet to avoid damage – paint remover may harm the fibres or cause discolouration.