There are many ways to clean stains from carpets, but sometimes the stain doesn’t completely get cleaned out. No matter what type of cleaner or how many times you scrub the carpet, the stain will still not come out. Both schools and homes deal with a lot of the same stains, and the best thing to do is to buy a stain-proof carpet. Stain-proof carpets are easier to clean and do not have a residual stain because of the protection systems built into the fibers of the carpet. A list of some stain-proof carpet options will be listed at the bottom of this blog.
For now, here are some of the most common carpet stains in schools and homes. A letter will coordinate with each item and at the end of the list will be information on how to clean each stain. Keep in mind that the faster a stain can be treated the better chance you have at removal.
Chewing Gum
E. Waxes & Gums: Freeze with ice or a commercially available product in a spray can. Shatter with a blunt object and immediately vacuum the pieces. Repeat as necessary.
Chocolate
First, blot the area with a white cotton cloth or a paper towel. Next, apply a solution of house-hold ammonia to one quart of water. Use a spray bottle to apply some of the solution to the spot, and then keep repeating the blotting and solution process.
Sodas
First, blot the area with a white cotton cloth or a paper towel. Next, apply a solution of liquid dish-washing detergent to one quart of water. Use a spray bottle to apply some of the solution to the spot, and then keep repeating the blotting and solution process.
Crayon Markers
Blot as much as possible with a cloth or paper towel. Apply dry cleaning fluid or a citrus-based solvent to a white cotton cloth. CAUTION: Do not apply the solvent directly to the carpet pile as permanent damage will occur. Use rubber gloves and adequate ventilation.
Grease from food
First, blot the area with a white cotton cloth or a paper towel. Next, apply a solution of liquid dish-washing detergent to one quart of water. Use a spray bottle to apply some of the solution to the spot, and then keep repeating the blotting and solution process. In the case of pizza with tomato sauce, you may have to repeat the process using house-hold ammonia instead of detergent for the second treatment. This will ensure the strong colors won’t stain your carpet permanently.
Pen Ink
Blot as much as possible with a cloth or paper towel. Apply dry cleaning fluid or a citrus-based solvent to a white cotton cloth. CAUTION: Do not apply the solvent directly to the carpet pile as permanent damage will occur. Use rubber gloves and adequate ventilation.
Milk
First, blot the area with a white cotton cloth or a paper towel. Next, apply a solution of liquid dish-washing detergent to one quart of water. Use a spray bottle to apply some of the solution to the spot, and then keep repeating the blotting and solution process.
Paint (oil)
Blot as much as possible with a cloth or paper towel. Apply dry cleaning fluid or a citrus-based solvent to a white cotton cloth. CAUTION: Do not apply the solvent directly to the carpet pile as permanent damage will occur. Use rubber gloves and adequate ventilation.
Mustard
Water Soluble Stains: First, blot the area with a white cotton cloth or a paper towel. Next, apply a solution of liquid dish-washing detergent to one quart of water. Use a spray bottle to apply some of the solution to the spot, and then keep repeating the blotting and solution process.
Vomit
This is definitely the worst option to try to clean from carpet, but do not worry! The mess, the stain, and the odor can be cleaned up. First, blot the area with a white cotton cloth or a paper towel. Next, apply a solution of white vinegar to one quart of water. Use a spray bottle to apply some of the solution to the spot, and then keep repeating the blotting and solution process.
Bourbon Street II is our most popular stain-proof carpet, and it is part of the Showcase Collection! This carpets full-handed fluffiness and stain resistance makes it a perfect choice for families.
Click here to see some carpet tile options.
