Living on the North Shore, where there are lovely trees and family activities, frequently means that carpets are often getting stains and spills. It’s evident that carpet stains are just a part of life in the neighborhood, whether they come from muddy soccer shoes, a coffee spill in the morning, or a splash of red wine over dinner with friends. The good news is that you can get rid of most stains before they become permanent reminders if you act quickly and use a few tried-and-true methods. Go here!
Stains from Red Wine
Red wine spills can happen in a second and seem terrible, but if you respond quickly, you can salvage your carpet. To soak up as much liquid as possible, first blot the spill with a clean, dry cloth. Never rub it, as this may spread the stain. Combine two cups of warm water, one tablespoon of dish soap, and one tablespoon of white vinegar to make a solution. Gently apply this on the stain and keep blotting until it comes off. If the stain is old, sprinkle salt on it to soak up any wine that is still there before you use the cleaning solution.
Stains from coffee
Coffee is a must-have on the North Shore, but your carpet doesn’t like it as much as you do. When something spills, move quickly. Use a mixture of one part white vinegar and two parts water to blot the stain. Don’t scrub it. Keep dabbing and putting the solution back on until the brown ring goes away. You can also use club soda for smaller spills.
Dirt and mud
Kids and cats might leave muddy tracks behind when they come back from playing in the backyard or on a bushwalk. Don’t clean up wet mud straight immediately. Let it dry first, then use a vacuum to get rid of the extra dirt. If the stain is still there, combine a little dish soap with warm water and gently rub the area with a towel, soaking up the water as you go.
Ink Stains: Kids who do schoolwork or are artistic appear to leave pens on the carpet way too often. To get rid of ink, use some rubbing alcohol on a white cloth and gently blot the spot. Don’t ever pour alcohol directly on the floor. Keep using a new piece of cloth until the ink comes off the carpet. After taking it off, clean the area with water and let it dry completely.
Pet Problems
We all know that accidents happen with pets. As soon as you see an accident, soak up as much of it as you can, then clean the area with a mixture of equal parts vinegar and water. Blot again, then put some baking soda on the place and let it sit for 15 minutes before vacuuming it up. Enzyme-based cleansers work especially well on scents that won’t go away.
Grease and oil
Accidents in the kitchen or dropping food can leave tenacious oil stains on carpets. Sprinkle some cornstarch or baking soda over the oily spot and let it sit for about 15 minutes to soak up the oil. After you vacuum it up, clean it gently with a mixture of dish soap and water.
Cocoa and chocolate
Chocolate stains can happen at any time, not only on movie nights. Use a butter knife to carefully scrape off any solidified chocolate, then use warm water and dish soap to blot the area, starting from the outside of the stain and working your way in to avoid spreading it.
Most stains can be easily removed with the correct cleaning method and quick action. It’s a good idea to schedule regular professional carpet cleaning to get rid of tough or stubborn stains or to maintain your carpets looking their best. But being able to clean up emergency spills on your own is a real North Shore ability that may help your property appear its best between deep cleans.
Carpet Care Specialists Mosman
50 Yeo St, Neutral Bay, NSW, 2089
(02) 8311 3724