Carpet first aid: 2 DIY stain-removing solutions

Carpet first aid: 2 DIY stain-removing solutions


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There is nothing more wonderfully scary than new carpet. It looks and feels so good but you feel like you are walking on a time bomb, just waiting for that first stain with a sense of impending doom.

As it turns out, you don't need to worry so much when you know how to treat a stain. There are three things you should do as soon as a spill happens before it becomes a stain.

  1. Apply- Contrary to popular belief, it is not a good idea to wet the carpet thoroughly because this can cause permanent damage to the carpet and backing. However, it is a good idea to spray a cleaning solution on a plain white paper towel and use it to moisten the carpet.
  2. Blot- Use another clean, dry, white paper towel to blot the excess liquid from the carpet. Do not rub. You may also want to consider placing clean, dry, white paper towels with a weight on top and leaving them overnight if necessary.
  3. Scrape- While the other two items of this list may seem like common sense but this one may not be as intuitive. Carpet One suggests that you "gently scratch the soiled area with the blunt edge of a spoon. Scrape from the outside edge of the spot toward the center."
Still, there are a couple of specific treatment options that will be helpful. Here are DIY stain-treatments that will help with most of the common spills on your carpet:

Carpet first aid: 2 DIY stain-removing solutions

First treatment:

Step 1: Blot up excess spill.

Step 2: Apply detergent solution (Mix 1/2 teaspoon clear dishwashing detergent with one cup of warm water. Use damp towel, and leave 3-5 minutes.

Step 3: Blot-don't rub.

Step 4: Apply white vinegar (undiluted), using a damp towel.

Step 5: Blot again. Finish by weighing down a half-inch thick pad of white paper towels to absorb all the moisture. Leave overnight if necessary.

Carpet first aid: 2 DIY stain-removing solutions

Second treatment:

Step 1: Scrape or blot up excess spill.

Step 2: Apply dry baking soda.

Step 3: Scrape and vacuum.

Step 4: Apply water using a damp sponge to rinse remaining baking soda. Don't over wet.

Step 5: Blot-don't rub.

Step 6: Apply pre-soak solution (Mix 1 teaspoon enzyme laundry detergent such as Axion, Biz, or others, with one cup of water.using a damp towel).

Step 7: Rinse with water as above.

Step 8: Blot-don't rub-dry well.

Step 9: Apply a dry powder carpet cleaner.

Step 10: Vacuum.

With the Stain First Aid app, you can know exactly how to treat your next spill. The app can be downloaded on Apple and Android devices.

If your old carpet was not treated well, maybe it is time for a fresh start. If that is the case, let Giant Carpet One help.

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