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Menards Home Improvement Topic: "Tackle those embarrassing carpet stains"

Posted at 11:43 AM, Mar 04, 2019
and last updated 2019-03-04 11:43:48-05

LANSING, Mich. — Most carpet has stain and soil protection properties on the fiber, making spot and stain removal much easier. Different fibers handle stains differently so it’s always wise to consult a manufacturer’s warranty and specific care instructions.

Know the basics
 Pick up anything you can with a spoon
 Blot liquids with a wet towel. Use another dry cloth to blot up moisture. That’s blot, don’t scrub.
 Vacuum dried messes  If the stain doesn’t clear, use a small amount of cleaner on soiled area
 Rinse your carpet with water after stain treatment

Remove common food and drink stains
 To clean most common stains such as coffee, soda pop or juice, use ¼ teaspoon of clear dishwashing liquid and one cup of warm water
 Acidic stains like tomato sauce respond well to one tablespoon of ammonia and one cup of water
 Alkaline stains like beer respond to one part vinegar and two parts water

Eliminate pet messes – Use a detergent solution followed by either the same vinegar or ammonia solution described above if necessary. Do not use steam!

Clean up oily or waxy messes – Use a dry-cleaning solvent that can break up the bond between oil or wax and your carpet’s fibers.

Take on stubborn stains – Substances like blood, mustard and chocolate are particularly tough and may require several rounds of cleaning by blending ammonia and water.

Prevent dirt and grime buildup – Everyday dirt and dust that get ground into carpet fibers are common, but regular cleaning can help. It is recommended to vacuum three to four times per week, depending on the traffic in your home. Have your carpets deep cleaned every 12 to 18 months.

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