Whether it be grape juice, a little present from Fido, or finger-paint artwork from your 3-year-old, it seems whatever is not supposed to get on the carpet always does. Here are a few tips from carpet manufacturer Shaw and rug maker and importer Nourison on how to clean your carpets using products you can find around your house. What You Should Know Before You Start To remove a stain, simply blot the spot and dry working from the outside in, rinse thoroughly with clean water, then blot again. Never scrub the carpet, or you risk ruining the carpet fibers or letting the spill soak through to the carpet pad. For more specific advice, find your type of stain below. In addition to these methods, there are several spot removers on the market; before you try one, test it out in an inconspicuous spot to make sure it doesn't discolor your carpet. wet or latex paint Use a simple cleaning solution made up of 1/4 teaspoon of nonbleach detergent (or white vinegar) mixed with 32 ounces of water.

Try 1 tablespoon of ammonia mixed with 1 cup of water (but not on wool or wool-blend carpet; instead use mild detergent and water). If that doesn't work, you can try one part chlorine bleach to five parts water, but only on solution-dyed carpets, such as polypropylene. Bleach will harm other types of carpets; check with the manufacturer if you are unsure what type of carpet you have. Fat, Oil, and Wax Place a paper towel over the carpet and iron on warm setting. The wax, fat, or oil should come up off the carpet and stick to the paper towel. These can be removed by gently rubbing the pile with the edge of a hard and flat surface, such as a dull knife. Moisten a cotton ball or soft cloth with rubbing alcohol and press it on the affected area. Once the glue residue is thoroughly moistened, gently wipe it off and repeat until the carpet is clean. Use ice to freeze the wax or gum, then shatter it with a blunt object, such as a spoon. Vacuum before the pieces soften, and blot the carpet with a white towel.

Blot the area with a rag dipped in nail polish remover.carpet steam cleaning wiki Absorb as much as possible with white towels, then blot with a damp, cool cloth. best steam mop for dog hairNext, spray or blot with a solution of one part white vinegar to one part water. how much does it cost to professionally clean a wool rugFinally, apply a solution of 1/2 teaspoon of clear, mild, nonbleach detergent mixed with 32 ounces of water, rinse, and blot dry. pool cleaner jobs dallasIf the urine was the result of a dog's accident, you may also want to try a housebreaking aid such as No-Go.wand for carpet cleaning

Even if you don't have any mishaps, you should always have your carpet thoroughly cleaned every 12 to 18 months. buy vacuum cleaner gold coastThere are many professional carpet cleaning services, or you can rent a steam carpet cleaner. They are usually available at your supermarket. If you decide to do it yourself rather than hire a pro, you need to keep a few things in mind. • Make sure the cleaning equipment you choose has enough vacuum power to allow the carpet to dry in 6 to 12 hours or you may risk damage from getting it too wet. • Use fans or a dehumidifier to expedite drying time after cleaning. Be aware that if your carpet is wet for more than 24 hours, you risk mildew and bacteria growth. • Choose a cleaning solution that has a pH of 10 or less, and make sure you remove all detergent after cleaning. • Double-check your warranty. Carpets with stain resistance must be cleaned with products formulated for them or you risk impairing their effectiveness and voiding your warranty.

Distilled white vinegar works as a natural stain remover on carpets. No matter how clean you keep your home, old carpets accumulate stains and appear dingy. Regular cleaning brightens the carpet and removes the stains. While many carpet cleaning solutions and stain removers contain harsh chemicals and emit strong odors, a few common household products can clean your carpets effectively. You can make homemade cleaners odorless if you have sensitivities to strong scents or add some natural scents for an extra clean smell. As an additional benefit, you can save money by making your own homemade carpet cleaners. Sweep your carpet with a broom to lift the fibers and remove loose dirt. Vacuum the entire carpet. Mix one part borax with two parts cornmeal to make a carpet powder that removes stains, prevents mold growth and deodorizes. Alternately, for carpets with heavy odors, use baking soda. (See References 1 and 2) Sprinkle the mixture over the entire carpet. Wait for about an hour and then vacuum the carpet.

This should remove odor, light stains and dirt that normal vacuuming misses. Pre-treat any remaining stains with a mixture of equal parts vinegar and water. For tough stains on light colored carpets, try a mixture of lemon juice and salt. First test any stain-removing mix, especially on darker carpets, in a hidden location, such as a closet. Scrub the stain with the stain-removing mixture and allow it to sit for 15 minutes. Use an old towel to dab up as much of the moisture as possible. Rent a carpet-cleaning machine if you do not have one. Use very hot water to remove dirt and stains more effectively. Fill the soap reservoir with a natural carpet cleaning solution. If you use your own carpet cleaner and it doesn't void the warranty, you can use a natural laundry detergent in place of carpet cleaner. If you don't want to use any detergent, the hot water alone will remove much of the accumulated grime. Clean the entire carpet one time with the cleaner following the manufacturer's instructions.