Carpets are made of various fibers and use different dyes and manufacturing techniques so there is no cleaning solution that is completely safe for every type of carpet. Therefore, it is wise to test any potential cleaning method in an inconspicuous area of the carpet before using it to treat a stain.
Clean up any kind of carpet stain as soon as possible. The longer stains have to set in, the harder they are to get out. If the stain is still wet, sprinkle some salt on it to absorb some of the liquid. Once the stain dries, the salt can be picked up with a vacuum before a cleansing treatment is used.
Never use an iron or a hair dryer to dry a carpet stain, as this will only seal the stain permanently.
Tips for removing common carpet stains:
Chewing gum: One of the easiest ways for chewing gum removal is using the “freezing method”. It involves applying ice to the blob of gum. Ice cubes will harden gum so that it can be pulled off. Once a large portion of the gum is removed, you can deal with the residue left behind. Rinse with a mixture of soap or dish detergent with warm water and allow the area to dry.
Candle wax: Use an ice cube to rub it over the affected area on the carpet and leave it in place for several minutes. The wax will become brittle, so you can pull as much as you can or gently scrape it off. Afterward, place a paper towel over the area and then a dish towel over top of that and press, using the tip of a warm iron. The heat will melt the wax and the paper towel should wick up the melted wax. Repeat using a clean paper towel until all the wax is removed from the carpet. Be patient, you don’t want to damage the carpet.
Crayon: The best way to remove crayon marks from carpets is with an iron and a sheet of brown paper, or craft paper. Set your iron to its lowest setting with no steam. Put the paper over the crayon mark and set the iron on top for a few seconds until the paper absorbs the melted crayon. Remove and replace with a clean piece of paper so that it doesn’t get over saturated. Repeat until the crayon mark is fully removed.
Wine: As soon as you notice the spill, blot up any excess wine with a clean white cloth, such as a towel or kitchen roll. Be careful not to rub, as rubbing can push the stain deeper into the carpet’s fibers. Pour salt or baking soda onto the affected area. It helps absorb the stain and later can be quickly removed with a vacuum. Treat the stain using plain water or mix 1 tablespoon of liquid hand dish-washing detergent and 1 tablespoon of white vinegar with 2 cups of warm water. Using a clean white cloth, sponge the stain with plain water or the detergent/vinegar solution. Blot frequently with a dry cloth until the stain disappears.
