For those who take pride in their homes, few things sting with regret, like discovering a fresh, unsightly stain on your pristine carpet.
Whether from food, beverages, shoes, or pets, a nasty blot can transform even the most luxurious carpets and make them look like something from the aftermath of a TV drama crime scene.
But while it may be too late to head back to the store and opt for that hardwood flooring your mother-in-law urged you to get at the time, there are some tricks of the trade you can use to downgrade the damage.
Caring for stained carpets is a delicate balance of do’s and don’ts – that’s why Build-it has consulted South-East Queensland-based carpet cleaning experts Bleachy Clean to find out what you should and shouldn’t do to keep your floors in pristine condition for as long as possible.
What not to do
Don’t ignore a stain:
If a stain is in an inconspicuous spot or only light, it may be tempting to leave it be
However, neglecting a stain allows it to embed deeper into the carpet’s fabric, ultimately making it worse and potentially irreversible.
“If you are going to attempt to remove the stain yourself, time is of the essence,” Bleachy Clean owner Beau Burgess told Build-it.
“The longer the delay, the greater the likelihood that something will become permanent. Start by picking up any solid spills and using a clean cloth to soak up surface liquid as soon as possible.”
Getting as much residue off the carpet as fast as possible can lessen the likelihood of lasting stains, so use an absorbent paper towel or dry clean clothes until most of it has been absorbed.
“Don’t press the paper towel or cloth into the carpet until it can no longer absorb liquid from the stain’s surface as this will otherwise just push the stain around,” Beau explains.
Don’t wipe or scrub it:
One common mistake carpet lovers make is frantically scrubbing away at a stain, which often just damages carpet fibres and embeds the spillage further into them.
Beau recommends using a “blot and dry” technique to give the carpet the best chance of recovery without professional help.
“If the stain has been present for some time, place cold water over it to remove it before blotting,” he told Build-it.
In the case of rugs, avoid drying them outside, as UV exposure severely damages fibres and can cause them to deform.
What to do
Do your research:
Different stains will require different chemicals and solutions to remove them effectively and safely.
But most importantly, what can eradicate one stain can make another worse.
“Do your research on what should be used on a particular stain before you go chucking any old household cleaning product or remedy onto it,” Beau warned.
“Using bleach or peroxide on your carpet may remove a stain, but it will also strip it of its colour and finish, so it’s best to try less aggressive methods such as cleaning products designed specifically for carpets or vinegar.”
Once you have found a safe cleaning solution, allow it to sit on the stain for 10-15 minutes before working inwards to remove it.
Do maintain your carpets:
One way homeowners can preserve their carpets and ensure they keep their original appearance for longer is to hire a professional carpet cleaner to maintain their carpet.
This will ensure any gradual staining is lifted and fabrics remain in original condition for longer.
“We recommend giving your carpet a deep clean at least twice a year, or soon after a significant staining event occurs as this is the best way to preserve longevity and avoid replacing the whole floor,” Beau said.
