With today’s stain-resistant carpet, treating spots and stains has never been easier. With proper patience and prompt attention, most common household spills can be removed. Before we talk about stain removal, though, let’s review the best cure: prevention.

 

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Keep food and drink out of carpeted areas.

You could have a rule about not eating in the living room and bedrooms, but let’s face it — most families would find this hard to live with or enforce. Instead, you could put machine-washable rugs or patterned synthetic oriental-design rugs under common drop zones (e.g., in front of the sofa or under TV trays). Most people are aware of the gravity of red wine and tomato sauce spills, so rather than restrict all foods and drinks, you might think about banning certain foods from carpeted areas: e.g., “Exactly where do you think you are going with that plate of lasagne?” If eating snacks or dinner in front of the television or laptop, use a mat or kitchen towel under plates and bowls.

Immediately returning used glasses and plates to the kitchen can go a long way toward reducing soiling and spills. Children as well as adults can get into this habit.

 

TIP: During parties, offer drinks and snacks on trays. This helps contain spills to the tray. Don’t neglect to pick up after guests who leave half-filled glasses or plates.

Curtail cleaning hazards.

Be wary of using anything wet on hard floors or furniture near carpet — especially harsh cleaning solutions and those with bleach. Also, be careful of tile cleaners, mildew removers, and oven and drain cleaners. Strong chemicals can permanently discolor carpet fibers.

Preventing soiling and spills is all about planning in advance — whether for a party or for everyday living. But no matter how hard you try, spots and stains are going to happen. The next section delivers the best removal practices. 

Tips for Removing Spots and Stains

Act quickly! Many spills can be removed if immediate action is taken. The longer you wait, the higher the probability that a spill will become a permanent stain. No carpet is completely stain-proof. So to knock out spots, follow a two step process:

 

#1 Absorb the spill: Blot liquids with a dry, white absorbent cloth or plain white paper towels (no prints or colors).

WARNING: Use of a printed or colored material may transfer ink or dye to your damp carpet!

Start at the outside of the spot and continue towards the center to prevent the stain from spreading. Continue step one until the area is as dry as possible. Semi-solids like food spills may need scooping up with a spoon. Solid, dried bits can be vacuumed up.

WARNING: Do not scrub. Scrubbing can damage the carpet. If using a brush to distribute spotters, tamp (tap) the spot; never scrub since fraying and texture change is the likely result.

#2 Treat the spot or stain: Use a CRI Seal of Approval carpet cleaner. Though these have been laboratory tested, make sure you have pretested any cleaner on a hidden area of your carpet. Follow the product’s directions carefully. Generally speaking, apply a small amount of the cleaner to a white cloth and work in gently, from the edges to the center. As above, blot; do not scrub. You may need to do this several times to remove the spot. Also, check out www.carpet-rug.org for a list of Seal of Approval spot removers and cleaning solutions. Make sure to add one to your shopping list before an emergency arises.

What if you don’t have a CRI-approved carpet cleaner handy? Try one of these home-made remedies:

 

• Use plain water, which often works better than untested carpet cleaners. The mildest cleaning imaginable involves a white cloth and water, with the cloth wrung nearly dry.
• Use a detergent solution: mix ¼ teaspoon of a clear (non-bleach, non-lanolin) dishwashing liquid with 1 cup warm water. Try this on spilled wine and smeared chocolate. Never use laundry detergent (too harsh or it may contain bleach). 
• Use a white vinegar solution: mix 1 cup white (not red wine or cider) vinegar with 1 cup water. White vinegar (5% acetic acid) is sometimes effective on tannin (weak vegetable dye found in tea, coffee, etc.) Acids, however, can set dye stains.

FACTOID: What is one of the worst stains? Answer: Paint is high on the list. Don’t take chances. Use a drop cloth during any painting projects, covering every inch of carpet.

WARNING: Zealous people can get into trouble when trying to remove stains and spills from carpet. Be careful not to

• Improperly mix solutions or create too strong a concentration. More is not better.
• Use too much water or leave the carpet damp too long.
• Use the wrong solution on the stain or spill. 
• Ignore the manufacturer’s directions. In particular, don’t fail to test the product on a hidden spot of carpet before applying it where all can see the results.
  

Special tips for pet owners

Dogs especially have urine retention problems when they are puppies, elderly, or sick. For puppies, packs of 100 temporary absorbent pads can be purchased from pet supply stores. These work better than newspaper, so spread them around on the “hot” spots. When Fluffy makes a mess, throw the pad out. Sometimes, when a new dog is introduced into a home where another dog has been they will mark spots in the house just the way they mark territory in the neighborhood. Cats also mark territory inside the house. (Try to remember the companionship and love pets provide during this discussion of the challenges of pet ownership.)

There are many ways to combat pet odors and stains.

 

• Check out the CRI Seal of Approval products that are specifically designed for pet stains and odors.
• Clean up new messes promptly.
• Vacuum more frequently to capture pet hair and any dusts drifting from Fluffy’s fur.
• Professionally clean your carpet every 12 to 18 months, or more frequently.
• In the case of a pet accident, pick up any semi-solids with a spoon or spatula and then follow the steps for spot and stain removal outlined in the previous section.
• When dealing with urine spots, don’t use a steam cleaner, because the heat will set the stain and the smell. Extracting the spill with a wet-vacuum and rinsing with cool water will reduce the odor. Certified carpet cleaning firms will know how to permanently remove pet stains and odor, where possible.
  

For caged pets, check pet supply stores for scent-absorbing products (mineral or earthen products sold in bags), which you place near their cages. These products would also help near a dog or cat bed. Plain old baking soda may absorb, or clove oil on a cotton ball may mask, the stench. Place washable area rugs under pet cages to help trap spilled food, dust, and dirt that animals track in. Wash often.

 

If fleas should become a problem, keep in mind that your carpet is probably harboring eggs — keep up a regular vacuuming schedule! Check with your veterinarian for treatment options as well as tips for de-flea-ing the household environment.

 

 

(Note: This is one of a series of tips based on a collaboration between The Housekeeping Channel and the Carpet and Rug Institute, and adapted with permission from the book,"Carpet Cleaning Tips for Dummies.")

 

 

 

About The Carpet and Rug Institute

The Carpet and Rug Institute, headquartered in Dalton, Georgia, is the national trade association for the carpet and rug industry. Its members are manufacturers, suppliers, and service providers, representing over 90% of all carpet produced in the United States. CRI is the source for science-based information and insight into how carpet and rugs can create a better environment — for living, working, learning and healing. For more information, visit the CRI Blog.