Cleaning Carpet Stains on a Budget

Cleaning carpet stain can be quite an obstacle for the apartment dweller, especially if a stain is not removed when it’s fresh. Nevertheless, keeping that point in mind, there are low-cost treatments that are effective in eradicating some of the major stains that can occur on carpeting.

How to Clean Carpets

One low-cost cleaning solution that effectively removes most kinds of stains is a mixture containing one teaspoon mild detergent (such as Dawn Dishwashing Liquid) and 1 teaspoon white vinegar, combined with a quart of warm water. This mixture can be applied after absorbing or scraping up most of a spill, or on a stain recently made.

Basically, apply the mixture, making sure you work from the outside edges of the stain towards the more concentrated area of the staining. Remember to blot and gently clean the stained area. Do not rub the stain as this can cause it to spread over a wider area. A white terry cloth towel works well for this kind of task. Allow the carpet to dry. Then vacuum gently. If the spot still remains, simply repeat the treatment.

Cleaning Food and Urine Stains

The following stains can be cleaned effectively using the general cleaning solution and the above-stated method:

• Chocolate
• Egg
• Salad Dressing
• Candy
• Fruit
• Urine
• Soft Drinks

Remember that chocolate is much more difficult to remove the longer it sets. However, you’ll find soft drink stains much easier to remove because of the bubbles they contain which makes the stain removal process simpler.

The following stains can be treated readily using the basic cleaning solution:

• Blood
• Butter
• Coffee
• Gravy

However, if some residue still remains from such substances, then its advisable to use a dry-cleaning fluid on the remaining stain, and blot it dry. When the carpet is completely dry, vacuum gently.

Cleaning Mud

In the case of mud, allow the mud to completely dry before treating the carpet. Brush up the dried mud. Use the basic cleaning solution and follow up with dry-cleaning fluid, as mentioned above, if you can’t totally eliminate the stain. When the carpet is completely dry, vacuum gently.

Cleaning Specialized Stains

The basic cleaning solution, herein described, does not work on all stains. Some stains must be treated more specifically. To treat these stains, follow the individual methods listed below for each type of stain. Such specialized stains include vomit, wine, and ink.

• Vomit – Treat this particular problem stain immediately. Blot up as much as you can. Dilute with baking soda and water. Then, apply a solution of 1 part ammonia and 10 parts water. Rinse with cold water. Dry, then vacuum.
• Wine – Dilute a recent spill with white wine, clean the area with cold water, and cover the stained area with salt. Wait approximately 10 minutes, then vacuum up the salt.
• Ink -Immediately apply dry-cleaning fluid and allow the carpet to dry. Repeat if the stain still remains. Allow the carpet to dry completely before vacuuming.

All the above methods are low-cost measures for treating stains on carpet. Keeping the above treatment info handy is reliable insurance against the small disasters that sometimes occur when living in an apartment.