Do it yourself: Carpet Cleaning Basics
08/31/2013 Back To BlogThere is a moment at one time or another where everyone has spilled something on the carpet, whether food, juice, wine, etc. If your household consists of little ones, it is almost certain that your carpet has encountered such experiences that weren’t intended to encounter, such as ice cream or freeze pops. Here are some basic tips to assist you when your carpet encounters the unknown spill or stain.
Start Cleaning Immediately
The worst thing about carpet spills is that most people don’t tend to them while they are still fresh. Allowing spills to set and soak-in only makes the stain worse and harder to remove. The best rule of thumb and most effective action is to start cleaning it up immediately. If you are fortunate enough to catch it instantly after it happens there’s a good chance you can remove the stain entirely.
Thoroughly blot the affected area with a rag before you apply any type of cleaning solution. Try to remove as much of the spilled content as possible. Before applying the carpet cleaning solution, spray a small amount in an inconspicuous area that is not noticeable such as a corner or behind the couch. Make sure that the solution doesn’t cause any discoloration or damage to the carpet.
Prevent Spreading
When cleaning a spot or spill it is important that you don’t cause it to spread. Try not to rub the spill because doing so may cause the problem area to spread. Also, when you are applying the cleaning solution, work from the outside-in. This will also prevent spreading and making the stain larger.
Soaking Up Moisture
Afterwards, try to blot and soak up as much moisture as possible. It is best to use a light colored, preferably white, bath cloth for water removal. Colored ones may dye the area causing you to work even harder. If there is just too much moisture, place a stack of white towels on the spot and then put a heavy object on top of them to weight them down. Carpet cleaning Fremont recommends using a soft towel made of cotton material for best results.