Floor Care
How Do I Clean a Spot From a Carpet?
Whether it is a spot from the dog or a smudge of grease from the bottom of a shoe, that ugly eye sore on your carpet is driving you nuts, and it has to go!
Fortunately, today’s all purpose carpet cleaning agents will remove most stains that you will encounter. The problem that most people encounter is not using the wrong chemical; but not knowing how to actually clean the carpet effectively.
The steps below are the same steps I use when I clean for my customers, regardless of the type of spot. The key is using proper cleaning techniques and procedures.
Step 1: Scoop, scrape and blot. Before you apply a cleaning agent, remove as much of the excess “stuff” by scooping up any solids. Use a plastic spoon or the back of a plastic knife to scrape up any matter that may be present (let’s pretend you dropped a cup of pudding on the carpet). Once the solids part of the spill are picked up, then use a clean, dry towel to blot up any liquid from the spill.
Blotting is not rubbing. To blot, fold the towel in half, then half again. Then press the towel on the carpet. Moisture will wick into up, into the towel. As needed, turn the towel to a dry section and repeat. You are done blotting when the towel no longer picks up any moisture.
Step 2: Apply the cleaning agent to the carpet. Many bottles of cleaner recommend “saturating” or “pouring” the product onto the carpet. NEVER SATURATE A CARPET WITH ANY CLEANING PRODUCT. If too much cleaner is used on a carpet, you will likely create what is known as a “clean ring” or “water stain.” Instead, use the least amount of cleaner as possible.
There are two acceptable methods to apply the cleaner to the carpet. Either mist the area of the carpet, or wet a towel with cleaner to press onto the spot.
If you use a spray nozzle, remember the key is to lightly mist the carpet.
If you use a towel, then pour the cleaner onto a clean, preferably white, towel. Dab the spot with the wet towel to transfer the cleaner to the carpet.
Tip: Work from the outside to the middle of the spot. Apply the cleaner from the outer edge, working your way to the middle. This will keep a small spot from spreading while you clean.
Step 3: Agitate the cleaner into the carpet fibers. You can do this with your fingers (wear gloves!) or with a soft bristle brush.
Step 4: Blot the spot. Press a folded, clean towel to the spot. Allow the moisture to wick into the towel. Avoid the temptation to scrub the carpet with the towel. A little back-and-forth agitation is helpful, but excessive scrubbing with a towel can damage the carpet (it causes an effect known as pilling).
Repeat as needed to remove the spot. Make sure you blot the spot before you apply more cleaner to the carpet. The key to good cleaning technique is to use the least amount of chemical as possible.
Bonus Tips:
Allow the carpet to air dry before placing any furniture on top of the affected area. This protects the carpet from any furniture stain seeping into the fibers and protects the furniture from warping or rusting (depending on the material).
Fortunately, today’s all purpose carpet cleaning agents will remove most stains that you will encounter. The problem that most people encounter is not using the wrong chemical; but not knowing how to actually clean the carpet effectively.
The steps below are the same steps I use when I clean for my customers, regardless of the type of spot. The key is using proper cleaning techniques and procedures.
Step 1: Scoop, scrape and blot. Before you apply a cleaning agent, remove as much of the excess “stuff” by scooping up any solids. Use a plastic spoon or the back of a plastic knife to scrape up any matter that may be present (let’s pretend you dropped a cup of pudding on the carpet). Once the solids part of the spill are picked up, then use a clean, dry towel to blot up any liquid from the spill.
Blotting is not rubbing. To blot, fold the towel in half, then half again. Then press the towel on the carpet. Moisture will wick into up, into the towel. As needed, turn the towel to a dry section and repeat. You are done blotting when the towel no longer picks up any moisture.
Step 2: Apply the cleaning agent to the carpet. Many bottles of cleaner recommend “saturating” or “pouring” the product onto the carpet. NEVER SATURATE A CARPET WITH ANY CLEANING PRODUCT. If too much cleaner is used on a carpet, you will likely create what is known as a “clean ring” or “water stain.” Instead, use the least amount of cleaner as possible.
There are two acceptable methods to apply the cleaner to the carpet. Either mist the area of the carpet, or wet a towel with cleaner to press onto the spot.
If you use a spray nozzle, remember the key is to lightly mist the carpet.
If you use a towel, then pour the cleaner onto a clean, preferably white, towel. Dab the spot with the wet towel to transfer the cleaner to the carpet.
Tip: Work from the outside to the middle of the spot. Apply the cleaner from the outer edge, working your way to the middle. This will keep a small spot from spreading while you clean.
Step 3: Agitate the cleaner into the carpet fibers. You can do this with your fingers (wear gloves!) or with a soft bristle brush.
Step 4: Blot the spot. Press a folded, clean towel to the spot. Allow the moisture to wick into the towel. Avoid the temptation to scrub the carpet with the towel. A little back-and-forth agitation is helpful, but excessive scrubbing with a towel can damage the carpet (it causes an effect known as pilling).
Repeat as needed to remove the spot. Make sure you blot the spot before you apply more cleaner to the carpet. The key to good cleaning technique is to use the least amount of chemical as possible.
Bonus Tips:
Allow the carpet to air dry before placing any furniture on top of the affected area. This protects the carpet from any furniture stain seeping into the fibers and protects the furniture from warping or rusting (depending on the material).
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