This Is How to Get Old Stains Out of Carpet
Carpet is a beautiful flooring option that turns any room into a warm and cozy space… until you spill a glass of wine or your kids somehow smear the peanut butter and jelly sandwich everywhere.
You can’t just wipe up those types of spills, but that doesn’t mean your carpet is ruined forever. You don’t have to rearrange the furniture to make sure it’s covered. If you have the right cleaning solutions and use the right methods, you can get any stain out of any carpet.
All it takes is a bit of work and a bit of patience.
We’ve put together this guide to help you learn how to get old stains out of carpet (no matter what type of stain it is), so let’s get started!
Figure Out What You’re Dealing With
Start by taking a close look at the stain. Do your best to figure out what it is, but don’t worry if you aren’t exactly sure. Make your best guess and go from there.
Why is this important?
There are two types of stains: water-soluble stains (stains that will dissolve in water) and stubborn water-soluble stains (stains that need a bit of extra help. Here are a few common examples of each one.
Water-Soluble Stains
- Sodas
- Alcoholic drinks
- Jelly
- Berries
- Ice cream
- Latex paint
- Washable ink
- Food dyes
- Urine
- Etc.
Stubborn Water-Soluble Stains
- Wine
- Chocolate
- Coffee
- Tea
- Vomit
- Etc.
Get the Right Cleaning Solution
Based on the type of stain you’re dealing with, you can find a cleaning solution designed to remove it. If you want to save some money (or stay away from chemicals), you can also try DIY cleaning solutions first, such as vinegar or (for difficult water-soluble stains) ammonia.
There are a few other supplies you’ll need as well, so make sure you have the following things on hand before you start:
- Gloves (they’ll protect your skin from chemicals or gross substances)
- Spray bottle
- A few microfiber cloths
If you don’t have any microfiber cloths, you can use paper towels. However, microfiber cloths are much more absorbent and will remove the stain faster and easier.
Get to Work on That Stain
Before you start applying the cleaning solution, you might want to open some windows first. This will create airflow through the room, which will both keep the smell from getting overwhelming and help the carpet dry faster when you’re done.
Apply the Cleaning Solution
Dump some of your cleaning solutions into a spray bottle and spritz it over the stain.
Don’t go crazy here. If you get the carpet too wet, the moisture can puddle and spread under the carpet. It will take a long time for this moisture to dry, and it can easily turn into a breeding ground for mold, which puts your health at risk.
Let It Sit
let cleaner sit for 15 to 20 minutes, this will let the moisture rehydrated the stain which will help it separate from the carpet fibers easier
Blot With a Cloth
Don’t srub the stain! This can separate the carpet fibers, which will damage your carpet and make it look old and frayed. Instead, gently massage the solution into the carpet with a finger if needed.
Use your microfiber cloth to blot the stain. Start on the outside of the stain and work your way inward. Otherwise, you might accidentally spread the stain and ruin more of your carpet.
Rinse the Carpet
Once the stain has started to fade, grab a clean microfiber cloth and dampen it with warm water. Then repeating the blotting process to rinse out any remaining cleaning solution and debris.
Pat It Dry
Next, take a third microfiber cloth and pat it over the stain to remove the moisture. You should then let the carpet dry completely before covering it with furniture or walking on it.
Repeat If Needed
You may need to repeat this process several times until the stain is fully removed (no need to dry between each attempt). Just keep applying the cleaning solution, blotting, and rinsing until the stain is gone.
Dealing With Stubborn Stains
Did the stain still stick around even after following the tips above? You may need to buy (or rent) a carpet cleaner and go over the spot a few times. Since these machines have more power than you do on your hands and knees, it might be enough to solve the problem.
How to Get Old Stains Out of Carpet: Hire a Professional
Not sure how to get old stains out of carpet if they just refuse to go away at all?
If you still can’t get that stain out no matter what you try, it’s time to hire a professional carpet cleaner. They have top-of-the-line equipment, the best cleaning solutions, and a lot of experience. They’ll be able to remove any stain on your carpet, no matter what type of stain it is or how large it is.
Not sure where to find one?
Our team at Towers Restoration and Cleaning will take a look at your carpet and recommend the best cleaning method for your needs. We can get that spot out of your favorite carpet so it can be the centerpiece or your living room again.
Don’t hesitate to give us a call at 972-723-8667 today, or feel free to send us a message. We’ll answer any questions you might have and help you schedule an appointment right away.