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.
