No matter how much you try to take care of your carpet, it is bound to catch stains once in a while. Its location on the floor makes it easy for people to spill food and drinks on it and pets to pee or poop on it. However, all these circumstances do not present an excuse for you to keep a dirty carpet. Murk, dirt, and stains not only affect its appearance, but also they can shorten its lifespan once they get deep into the fibers. Here you are going to learn some of the ways on how to remove various types of stains from your carpet, maintain its appearance, and extend its durability.

Spot removal basics

Before learning how to deal with specific kinds of stains, it is essential to understand the spot removal basics which can help you prevent damage to the mat. The first thing that you should always do after a spill on your carpet is to blot it. Blotting removes liquids such as coffee, wine, and other beverages, spilled food gravy, and pet urine without damaging the fibers. It also prevents the urine from penetrating the carpet as you find a way to remove the stain. Just take some cotton and press it down on the stain. Do not rub vigorously as this can damage the carpet fibers or spread the stain.

Food and beverage spills

Food, wine, coffee, and soft drinks can leave dark stains that are hard to remove. However, with a simple DIY cleaner, you can eliminate the stain without ruining the fibers. Just mix half parts vinegar and water in a spray bottle, spray the solution on the carpet, and leave it for five to ten minutes. Blot with a clean, dry towel and leave the area to dry. You can also add baking soda to the mixture for better results. However, avoid using harsh products from the store which can do more harm than good to your carpet.

Stains from pets

Pets are the most playful animals, and they will run across your lawn, pick dirt with their paws, and come to play on your carpet later. Your puppy or cat may also decide to pee on your mat, and the urine smell that's left behind is unbearable. The best way to deal with these kinds of stains is through the use of baking soda, water, and your dishwashing solution. Baking soda is effective in getting rid of urine and poop smell from your mat. Just make a solution using these products, spray on the carpet, and leave it for ten minutes. Blot the area dry until the stain and smell are gone.

If these techniques don't work, you should contact a dry cleaning service.