Spills happen more frequently than we like. When substances land on our carpets, quite a few people turn to online research to find solutions to getting the spots and stains out. Where some of the concoctions people recommend are effective, most come up short and many people are only frustrated that their efforts were not a success. Typically, the ingredients for the DIY solutions are household items and we at Carpet Care 2000 would like to discuss the fundamentals of the common ingredients so you can use them more effectively.
Problems with Homemade Carpet Cleaning Solutions
Dish Soap: The grease and grime created from cooking and left behind on dishes, cookware, and such is what dish soap is made to cut through the clean and then efficiently rinsed away. When greasy spills occur on carpets, many home remedy solutions call for liquid dish soap. The problem is either use too much or they do not rinse the residue away after treatment, or both. When you use too much, it is beyond difficult to completely remove the soapy residue away and any amount left behind will collect any dust and contaminates, quickly making a brown spot appear in addition to other potential damage. If the occasion calls for it, use sparingly and always ensure all the residue are cleaned off of the carpet.
Ammonia: Ammonia is prescribed as a last resort frequently for the tougher stains. In mild doses, it can be effective, however, if misused it can make breathing difficult for the user because it is a high alkaline chemical and if too much is used, it can permanently damage the carpets. If you are willing to take the risk, use extreme caution.
Water: Water is definitely something people should try first, especially when tending to fresh spills. The issue is that people will use it in excess, along with any other solutions really. Excessive moisture will cause water damage and potential mold growth to carpets, padding, and subfloor. Use only to dampen the area, if multiple applications are needed, always use a dry towel in between to control the volume. Additionally, club soda or seltzer water is optimal for removing spots and stains.
Vinegar: One of the most common ingredients to treat spills, spots, and stains but the kicker is that vinegar doesn’t remove actual spots and stains. It is a natural disinfectant, so it is very effective at killing off germs and destroying odors, but not very effective removing coloration. It is also commonly encouraged to be mixed with baking soda, but that will result in peracetic acid, making breathing difficult and cause skin irritation. If you are treating odors and germs, vinegar is useful, but for stains and spots, consider alternatives.
Hairspray: Hairspray is designed to hold hair in place as a sticky substance. What makes people turn to hairspray is the rubbing alcohol content. Rubbing alcohol can often help remove fresh ink stains and stuff of that nature out of carpet, so when you do not have rubbing alcohol available, the hairspray may due in a pinch. The issue though is that being sticky, people don’t remove the residue and the dirt and contaminates will attach to that area; causing brown spots and other damage.
Carpet Cleaning Services & More in Tracy, Livermore, San Ramon, Dublin, Mountain House, Walnut Creek, Danville & the East Bay of California
Though it is not a remedy to stains and spots it is worth mentioning. Vacuuming your carpets daily is crucial. Carpets will not be damaged no matter how often you vacuum, in fact the more vacuum the better your carpets will be. But trying to treat spills on filthy carpets often creates a bigger mess. When your carpets are defiled stains and spots, call Carpet Care 2000 and let our specialists restore your carpets safely and effectively.
