Finding a stain on your carpet is never fun. This is particularly true when you do not know what caused it. If you come across a stain of unknown origin, it is important to proceed with care. Depending on the type of substance that created the stain, it can be difficult to remove. It is important to note that there are certain chemical reactions that can occur when attempting spot cleaning. This can even cause the stain to set, creating a permanent problem. That’s why it is important to follow these steps when treating an unknown carpet stain.
How to Proceed If the stain has already dried, your first step would be to gently scrape away any excess material. You can do this using a flat-edged knife. After scraping and removing the material, vacuum the area. In order to get the best results, make several passes over the area. This works to help suction up material that may have settled deep in the fibers during the scraping process.
Choose Your Cleaner The next thing is to clean the stain, using a process of elimination. The first cleaner to try is a dry cleaning solvent. Water can cause some oil based substances to permanently set. That is why the first impulse to treat the stain with a water based solution can be a mistake. Apply the solvent and clean according to the instructions provided. If this removes the carpet stain, you are finished. If it is still there, you will need to try additional cleaning agents.
If the first step failed to get results, spray the area with cold water. Allow the water to remain on the area for an hour and then blot. This will help to remove any residual solvent. After that, treat the area with a cleaning solution made of 1/4 teaspoon dish washing liquid, 1 tablespoon of vinegar and one cup of water. Blot the solution onto the stain until the stain dissolves. The majority of stains will respond to this solution. If this doesn’t work, you will need to rinse the area completely and try another product. An ammonia based carpet cleaner may be needed.
Professional Carpet Cleaning If you aren’t able to get the results you desire, your next step is to call in a professional carpet cleaner. The technician is trained to recognize stains and can assess the correct way to remove any unknown carpet stain.
Owner and President of AJS Carpet Cleaning, Inc. with over 20 years experience in the Carpet Cleaning business
Please feel free to contact us if you need any further information
