When Stains Strike… How to Save your Carpet

Accidents happen. No matter how many precautions we take, eventually, all carpets will be spilt on. So when this happens, you need to be able to deal with it. This guide will show you how to get oil out of a carpet, absorb paint or ink, and manage the onslaught of muddy feet! Whether your carpet is commercial or domestic, large or small, the management of dirt and stains will extend the life of the carpet. Not only this, but a clean carpet provides the foundation for a positive spacial environment.
We’ve divided stains into three areas – oil, dye and mud. These encompass very different types of stain: oil and grease-based products, dying products such as paint or ink, and natural staining like mud and grime.
Speed of Response
One thing that all stains have in common is that the speed of your response to the stain is vital. Prompt treatment of any stain will decrease both the effort that it takes to remove it, and the likeliness of it leaving a trace. Don’t forget, blotting a stain rather than scrubbing it will always yield superior results for carpets. The friction of rubbing a stain will embed it further into the carpet fibres. Which is why the pressure of blotting enables the culprit of your stain to be lifted and removed.
How to get oil out of carpet
When it comes to oil and how to get oil out of carpet flooring, the key is in absorption. As oil and oily substances are so viscous, it takes additional substances to help to lift the spill from carpet fibres. There are both home and chemical solutions to treat a spill.
Cornflour
Once the excess spill is initially absorbed with a dry cloth, liberally sprinkle cornflour onto the area affected by the stain. This will further absorb oil from the carpet. Vacuum the cornflour from the carpet and repeat if necessary. Following this process, you can wash the area with washing up liquid or carpet shampoo to complete the clean.
Cleaning Solvent
This specialist type of cleaning solution helps to dissolve the grease and remove the stain. As it’s a chemical product it is wise to test it on a hidden area of carpet first. Press the solvent into the stained area with a cloth and leave standing for around 5 minutes. Then blot the solution and allow to dry. You can repeat this process if the oil is proving to be stubborn!
How to get dye out of carpet
The challenge with spills that contain dying agents such as ink or paint, is that traces of the stain are more likely to remain and discolour the carpet. Before applying solutions, remove as much of the spill as you can from the surface of the carpet.
Everyday Solution
Household surgical spirit can be applied to a spill of ink or paint. Blot with a cloth and repeat. You may need to do this several times, and the solution itself can sit on the spot for around 30 minutes to get to the heart of the stain. Rinse with a mix of white vinegar and warm water. Once dried, vacuum the area.
Commercial Solution
When the excess spill is absorbed from the carpet you can apply a chemical carpet stain remover. Be more sparing with these products than you would be with household solutions to avoid unnecessary damage. When dealing with paint, don’t attempt to use paint thinner on the carpet as this will damage the fibres. Rinse the surface and allow to dry.
How to Get Mud Out of Carpet
As a natural substance, you may assume that mud and dirt is more straightforward to remove. However, this is a stain which spreads easily so treat the stains with caution.
Mud is easier to manage when dry, so pick up any clumps of excess and allow the carpet surface to dry. Now, a lot of the stain will come away with a vacuum cleaner. For best results use a hose attachment and vacuum in all directions. Now, blot the remaining stain with a mix of water and washing up liquid. If the stain proves more stubborn, move on to a commercial carpet stain remover or shampoo. Using downward pressure, these solutions can absorb and lift the stain. Just make sure that you rinse the carpet clean of the solution and allow to dry before allowing footfall on the carpet.
Home or Commercial Products?
Which products should you use for the best results? For domestic spills, you can often get as good a result using items found in an ordinary kitchen cupboard as many commercial products. However, depending on what has been spilt and the extent of the stain, a heavy-duty commercial product may be more effective. For example, you may find how to get oil out of carpet yourself a challenge. Professional cleaners have access to more complex cleaning solutions which is why they are able to achieve such great results.
When to Call in the Professionals
So, when should you look to professional assistance for your carpet? You may have experienced failed cleaning, or simply want peace of mind that the stain will be removed without a trace. Alternatively, your carpet may be too delicate for you to dare to touch it for fear of permanent damage! For office spaces which either require regular carpet maintenance or have extremely large areas of carpet, professional cleaning contractors offer great value for money. Just give us a call at CJH Cleaning to find out how we can rejuvenate your carpet.