Carpet stains are easy to treat if you act quickly, but time is of the essence! If you save that stain for later, you might be better off hiring a professional—or building a time machine. Use the following tips to treat stains quickly and keep your carpet looking new.
Water-Soluble Stains: For water-soluble stains, such as juice, milk, or mud, This Old House recommends a basic formula—1/4 teaspoon of white vinegar mixed with 32 ounces of water. Blot the stain, work from outside in, rinse with clean water, and repeat.
Tougher Water-Soluble Stains: Tougher stains, such as those from blood, chocolate, coffee, or mustard, require a stronger formula. Mix 1 tablespoon of Ammonia with 1 cup of water and follow the same blotting technique outlined above. (DO NOT use this formula to treat carpet made of wool or wool-blend—it
might damage the fibers. Instead, mix a mild detergent with tap water to create your formula.)
Wax, Oil, or Fat Stains: Cover the stain with a paper towel and press a warm iron against it. When the oil or wax heats up, it should stick to the paper towel.
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