When it comes to spills on flooring, most think that carpet is one of the more difficult to clean. Have no fear! Carpet spills are very treatable! The major key to preventing stains is to act quickly. The longer a spill sits, the more difficult it becomes to remove.
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Floor Care Advice | Floor Maintenance Tips from Avalon
Absorbing the Spill
Depending on the type of spill, there are different ways to clean it. For semi solids, you'll want to first scoop the spill up with a paper towel, if the spill contains sauce, be sure not to rub any into the carpet as you go to scoop the solids.
If the spill is solid dried pieces like cookie crumbs, crackers, or dirt- those can be easily vacuumed right up!
You’re running against the clock with a liquid spill. Grab a dry cloth or paper towel, or 30, to absorb the spill by blotting it. Start by blotting from the outside of the spot and moving inward- this will prevent any further spreading. Continue this process until the carpet is barely damp. While you're blotting the spill up be sure to switch out your cloth or paper towels with dry ones once they are soaked with liquid.
How to Remove the most common Stains From Your Carpet
Below are the most common methods to clean up the most common stains. Be sure to always reference your manufacturer's guidelines and warranty recommendations.
Blood
Start by blotting up as much of the blood as you can with a microfiber towel. Apply cold water or club soda to the area and continue blotting the spot until the blood is gone. Avoid using warm water- it will allow the stain to bond to your carpet.
Coffee
Start by blotting the coffee with a microfiber towel and get as much up as you can. Mix 2 parts hydrogen peroxide and 1 part dish soap and apply. Let the solution sit for about 30 seconds then work the mixture in with your fingers and rinse with cool water. Blot up the stain and repeat until removed completely.
Gum
Try to get as much of the gum off the carpet as you can by picking it off. Once you can't pick off anymore, add ice cubes to a plastic bag and set on top of the leftover gum. Let sit until the gum is hardened. You then can chip it away with a spoon. Once it's all chipped away, vacuum up the pieces. Use a carpet cleaner and dab the area clean and boom, good as new!
Urine
Start by blotting up as much of the urine as you can with a microfiber towel. Sourced from American Kennel Club- mix one cup of distilled white vinegar with one cup water and 2 teaspoons of baking soda. Shake up the mixture in a spray bottle and then spray on the stain. Let it sit for a few minutes and then blot the urine with a clean towel.
Paint
Dont stress! Of course, like any other spill, you'll want to act fast! Try to pick up as much as you can using the dull side of a butter knife or a credit card. After that, leave the rest to the professionals. There are different types of paints and ways to clean them all. The professionals are.. Well.. Professionals! Leave this job for them!
Wine or Juice
Start by blotting up as much of the wine or juice as you can with a microfiber towel. Then spray club soda on the affected area and continue to blot with a clean towel. Continue this process until the spill is gone. You may have to repeat this process multiple times, be sure not to soak your carpet with too much club soda during the process.
Slime
Similar to gum, you’ll want to try and pick off as much slime off your carpet as you can, whether its wet or dry. Mix one part water and two parts vinegar to create a solution, spray the mixed solution on the affected area and let sit for 15 minutes. Once you let the solution sit on the slime, you can grab a clean cloth and gently blot up any leftover slime. You may have to repeat this process a few times and remember, never use a brush or scrub with the cloth.
Brushes and Scrubbing are Prohibited
NEVER use a brush or scrub a spill with a towel, this can spread the spill and ruin the carpet fibers by fraying, ultimately changing the texture in that one spot, making the blemish very noticeable.
Treating the Spot or Stain
Make sure you pick a product that is CRI Seal of Approval. Mohawk’s FloorCare Essentials Carpet Spot Remover is one we recommend for synthetic fibers and wool carpets. Make sure to follow the directions on the bottle. Try to use as little water as possible, keeping the area as dry as possible is best. You may have to do this process a few times before the stain is fully out.
Make sure you follow your manufacturer recommendations on cleaners to avoid voiding any warranties that the product comes with.
If the stain is not coming out it is best to call a professional to get your carpet steam cleaned!
Natural Fiber Carpets
Silk, Sisal and Viscose products are best left in the hands of professional cleaners because these products can be damaged if not cared for and cleaned properly.
If you want to try to clean the spill yourself, be sure to NEVER scrub Silk, Bamboo or Viscose carpet, it will warp the pile. Always blot the soiled area.
