Carpet stain removal and cleaning and maintenance

Dealing with rugs and carpet stains can be a nightmare if the carpet is not properly maintained. Some methods may even make the stain worse, permanently setting it in the fibers, or destroying the quality of the fibers.

Maintenance rules when cleaning carpets at home

1. Treat all stains quickly to prevent them from sticking to the carpet and carpet fibers.

2. Avoid being too liberal with cleaning solutions. The affected fibers should be thoroughly wetted with the solution,

3. But don't sit in a pool of liquid that could spread the stain to unaffected fibers and make cleaning and drying more difficult.

4. Only use cold water to dilute cleaning solutions. While some materials can be removed more easily with hot water, the heat can seal displaced colored pigments into the fibers of the carpet.

5. Use cleaning fluid only when necessary. Many spills can be cleaned up without the risk of dispersing particles with a liquid cleaning solution.

6. Never scrub or rub the stain. Press, release, and readjust the fabric using repeated tapping motions…. Press, release and readjust the fabric...repeat the process as needed.

7. Never use colored or printed cloth or paper products to clean stains. White cotton cloths and rags are ideal

Start at the edges of the stain or spill and work your way to the center.

8. If desired, use a laundry brush or a toothbrush with soft bristles to gently brush away any remaining stain residue.

9. If desired, use a hairdryer or fan to dry the clean area, especially if the carpet is in a high-traffic area, any residual moisture will suck up dirt.

10. Repair carpets or carpet piles with a clean, soft-bristled toothbrush. Make sure to stroke the fibers/nap in the direction of the fluff rather than leaning on it.