For many homeowners, a significant carpet stain will occur at some point. However, you can prevent the stains from becoming a permanent eyesore by acting quickly. Understanding common culprits and carpet cleaning strategies will ensure you can avoid stains, and if they still happen, you can address them accordingly.

What Are the Most Frequent Carpet Stains?

1. Red Wine

When many people think of carpet stains, they imagine spilling red wine. Should you or a guest spill a glass, start by blotting the spot with a rag. Be careful not to scrub or press too hard, because you’ll push the wine deeper into the carpet fibers. Next, apply a solution of 1 tablespoon of white vinegar and 2 cups water. You can also add 1 tablespoon of dishwashing liquid to help. Continue blotting with this solution until you soak the wine up.

2. Pet Stains

If you have a new puppy, they will inevitably have accidents, so you should prepare. If they relieve themselves on the floor, spray the white vinegar and water solution you would use for wine onto the spot. Let it soak for a few minutes and allow the vinegar to remove the stain and odor. You can then blot the place with a rag or paper towel to absorb any leftover moisture.

3. Blood

Blood is a challenging stain to remove because it thickens. You should only use cold water when cleaning to prevent this process, and combine it with a dish detergent that removes grease. Apply the solution generously to the stain and begin blotting with a clean cloth. This technique should lift the stain from the carpet if you catch it early enough.

4. Chewing Gum

While it may not be a liquid stain-causing agent, chewing gum is still a blemish on carpeting. If you find a clump, apply ice to the gum to freeze it. You can then break it up into smaller pieces and strip it from the carpet fibers. Repeat as necessary and then vacuum up the frozen pieces. Use a clean towel to remove any moisture from the ice.

If your carpet cleaning techniques still leave a stubborn stain, contact All Surfaces Carpet Cleaning & More of Columbia, MO. This professional carpet cleaning service has over 30 years of industry experience and uses high-quality cleaning tools to resolve the toughest stains and odors. They handle everything from floor cleaning to water damage restoration, which you can learn about on their website. Call (573) 698-3828 to schedule a consultation.