Spills are expected when you live in a busy home. Pets, children or even an accidentally spilled glass of wine can leave your carpet looking worn. Finding an effective cleaning method can be as simple as identifying the best cleaners for the type of stain on your carpet. Spot cleaning tips can also help you keep your carpet looking its best, even when you have a busy home with lots of spills.

Important Tips to Know

First, it is important to use the right cleaning method to remove stains. Some spot removal tips to keep in mind include the following:

• Always test the carpet to ensure it is colorfast before applying any homemade or commercial cleaning product. To test the carpet, apply a small amount of the cleaner to a hidden area of the carpet, and wait for 24 hours. If the carpet doesn’t change colors, the cleaner is safe to use.
• Use clean white cloths or white-only paper towels to blot the carpet while cleaning it. This prevents the transfer of dyes from the cloth to the carpeting.
• Work from the outside edge of the stain inward toward the center of the stain, and use only small amounts of water and cleaner.
• Avoid using bleach or other harsh cleaners on your carpet, as the cleaner can break down carpet fibers and cause discoloration.
• If you have a stain that is particularly difficult to remove, such as red wine, blood or chocolate, contact a professional carpet cleaning company for assistance.

Foaming carpet cleaners are among the most popular options for spot cleaning. Use the product according to the instructions on the label, and repeat the cleaning process as needed. Some stains, particularly dark-colored stains, may require several treatments before the stain is lifted.

Of all spot removal tips to remember, allowing your carpet time to dry between repeated applications of cleaner is perhaps the most important. The stain may lighten slowly as the carpet dries. 

Removing Moisture 

Before cleaning the stain, remove any excess moisture by pressing paper towels down onto the area, and remove all moisture after cleaning by pressing dry white towels down onto the spot. This helps prevent moisture from reaching the padding underneath the carpet. If the padding is saturated, contact local Raleigh carpet cleaners for help. Padding that remains damp for too long can begin to mold, which may ruin your carpet.

Deep Cleaning

To keep your carpet looking its best, an annual deep cleaning is recommended. Contact our local Raleigh carpet cleaners today for a carpet cleaning that will leave your home looking its best. Our professional carpet cleaning company can quickly remove those stains that you have been struggling to treat.