How to Remove Stains from Rugs and Carpets
You've just unwrapped your gorgeous new area rug and you can't wait to show it off! You unroll your statement masterpiece and everything looks perfect - at least for now.
No matter how careful you are, spills and stains on your beautiful rugs and carpets may occur. Fortunately, you don't have to live with the daily reminder of those little mishaps forever.
From pet markings to spilled red wine, we’ve got the answers to everything you need to know when it comes to removing stains from your rugs and carpets. Follow along to discover how to master rug cleaning to keep your carpets and rugs looking fresh and fab long past unboxing day.
Steps to Remove Stains from Rugs and Carpets
First things first, the best way to successfully tackle any stains on your rugs and carpets is to act fast.
As soon as a spill takes place, work quickly to remove the bulk of the problem by scooping up any large debris like food or sauce with a fork or spoon. Try not to press the materials into the carpet as it will allow the stain to sink further in and will make rug cleaning much more labor-intensive.
From here, use a damp cloth or paper towel to 'sponge' out the remaining debris and liquid. It's important not to rub at the mark as this can spread the stain out and will cause it to sink in further.
Lay the damp cloth over the mark and press the cloth into the rug, then release pressure, allowing the carpet underneath to bounce back and the stain to draw upwards into the cloth.
From here, treatment for individual stains will vary. While there are many products on the market specifically for cleaning carpets, we urge you to use them with caution as many cleaning agents are too strong for concentrated use and may cause discoloration or damage to your beautiful rugs and your health.
Fortunately, most of the ingredients you need to tackle your rug cleaning can be found right in your kitchen! Let's take a look at the individual treatment for the most common stains.
How to Remove Wine Stains from Carpets and Rugs
We all think we are perfectly capable of handling our wine until it's too late. Whether your guest got too animated with their storytelling or a domino of falling objects landed your fresh glass of red on the floor, a wine spill should never be a night ender.
To clean rugs with wine stains, soak up as much of the wine as possible with a paper towel. You can then make a carpet cleaner using ¼ teaspoon of clear liquid dishwashing detergent and mixing it with one cup of water. Apply liberally and dab and sponge away using a clean cloth.
Once the solution is no longer pulling out the stain, use a 1:1 ratio of vinegar and water on the area. Sponge with a clean cloth and follow immediately with a clean water rinse and cloth-dry again. Repeat this process until the stain has lifted and continue socializing with confidence.
How to Remove Coffee Stains from Carpets and Rugs
Spilled coffee on your rug? No problem. You can clean this mess up in just a few minutes by using a dry paper towel to absorb the bulk of the liquid straight away. Remember not to rub, only dab.
Use that trusty 1 teaspoon dish soap and 1 cup water mixture we've mentioned above by spraying on and dabbing away with a clean rag. Again, neutralize the smell and kill bacteria with half and half water and vinegar and you're good to go!
How to Remove Pet Stains from Carpets and Rugs
Your furry best friend shouldn't be the demise of your favorite cozy rug. While you work on your puppy potty training skills, here's the solution to avoid lofty rug cleaning bills.
Just like above, you'll want to soak up any liquid with a dry paper towel and follow with the dish soap and water mixture. Then, because the smell and properties of dog pee will encourage your pet to mark their territory again, you'll want to use diluted ammonia to banish the habit.
Finally, finish it off with half and half vinegar and water and blot it all away with a clean cloth and you're good to go!
How to Remove Blood Stains from Carpets and Rugs
Whether a nose bleed got out of control or a small drop of blood is ruining the esthetic vibe of your rugs and carpets, these stains can be some of the trickiest to remove.
To start with, you'll want to soak the area with ice water to deter the blood from sinking into the fibers of your carpet. Once wet, mix yourself a detergent solution using 1 teaspoon of clear dish liquid and 1 cup of water. Apply this solution liberally to the area and let it sit for about 30 minutes.
After soaking for an adequate amount of time, use a clean rag to sponge up the solution. Once the color of the blood has lifted, you'll need to treat the area with ammonia. Dilute the ammonia with 1 tablespoon of product per 1/2 cup of water and apply just enough to cover the area. Follow immediately with a clean rag to dry the liquid with the same 'sponging' motion we mentioned earlier.
How to Remove Vomit Stains from Carpets and Rugs
Another simply unavoidable stain for many is the messy and unappealing vomit accident. Whether it’s human or pet vomit, the treatment remains the same.
First, you'll need to clean up any solids on the surface by breaking out your trusty spoon or fork. From here, use a paper towel to soak out any liquid. Once the bulk of the mess is gone, apply a generous layer of baking soda to the area. This will help absorb any messy substances and pull them out of the carpet.
Let sit for 30 minutes and follow up with a quick vacuum of the area.
Apply the detergent mixture of 1 teaspoon dish soap and 1 cup water and use a clean rag to sponge into the rug. To banish the smells and bacteria, follow this up with a half and half vinegar and water mixture and dab dry.
Cleaning Carpets and Rugs with Ease
Now that you know how to get almost anything out of your beautiful rugs and carpets, you can select jaw-dropping styles with confidence (like this vegan cowhide rug). Kids, pets, and parties will be a breeze knowing that your beautiful floor pieces will be safe and sound.
Wondering what to do if your rug is a unique fabric or delicate design? Get in touch with us today to ensure your rug cleaning methods are safe, effective, and style-friendly!