Do It Yourself Stain Remedies

If you have children or pets then you are probably in search of ways to remove common household stains. This may seem like a daunting task, but there are several simple home remedies that make cleaning spills and stains easy and environmentally friendly for your family. There are a number of household products that are effective for cleaning stains. You probably have everything you need in your home already.  

Key to Removing Stains

The key is acting quickly. The quicker you deal with the stain, the more likely you are to remove it. You should always begin by removing as much of the excess stain as you can by blotting, scraping or brushing whatever will come off. Do not rub it in. Start from the outside edge of the spill and work in a spiral toward the center to prevent it from spreading.

Water-Soluble Stains

For stains that are water-soluble, club soda can be very effective.  Pour a small amount over the stain and blot the area using a terry cloth or paper towel. Do not rub it in. Repeat as necessary until the stain is removed. Press the towel on to the carpet to soak up the club soda. Examples of water soluable stains: alcoholic beverages, berries, colas, coffee, ice cream, jelly, milk, mud, washable ink, most common food spills.

Next, for non-greasy spills, sponge with a solution made of one teaspoon liquid detergent to one cup water. For greasy spills, sprinkle baking soda of cornstarch on the stain. Let it stand for 10 to 15 minutes and then vacuum. Next, sponge with a solution made of one tablespoon liquid hand dishwashing detergent and one tablespoon white vinegar with two cups warm water. Blot until the liquid is absorbed. Lastly, sponge with cold water and blot dry to remove the vinegar solution.

Pet Urine Stains and Odor

For fresh wet stains, start by blotting the area, rather than rubbing it. Next, mix half a cup of white vinegar with one and a half cups of warm water. Pour this over the entire stain, let it soak for five to ten minutes, and then absorb the fluid with a towel until dry.

Once the white vinegar solution has dried, scatter an ample amount of baking soda over the area and use a scrub brush to knead the mixture into the carpet. Let it sit for 24 hours to dry, then vacuum the area.

Red Wine Spills

For fresh wet stains, start by blotting the area, rather than rubbing it. Use club soda to neutralize the stain. Pour the neutralizer over the wine stain and use a clean towel to begin blotting up the liquid. Dampen a sponge with cold water and blot it on the stain. 

Added Protection from Stains

For the best chance of removing stains, the next time you get your carpets cleaned by Chem-Dry, have Chem-Dry Protectant added. Our Protectant provides a window of opportunity to remove many common household spills by creating an invisible barrier around fabric fibers that gives you the opportunity to stop a spill from becoming a permanent stain.    

Everyone is looking for simple and affordable ways to clean and deodorize their carpets. These tips provide ways to do just that. However, while many stains can be easily removed using these common household items described above, some severe stains require expert guidance and special cleaning solutions such as Chem-Dry’s arsenal of safe and effective stain removal products.

Call your local Chem-Dry for expert spot and stain removal if these efforts do not work.