Removing Stains and Odors from Your Carpet

If you have carpet in your home, you have probably had trouble at one time or another with stains and odors. This is especially true if you have kids or pets. Stains and odors are the main trouble people have with their carpeting. This article will give you some tips on how to remove stains and odors and keep your carpet looking and smelling clean and new.

When removing a stain time is critical. The sooner you find the stain and start the removal process the better. Carpet will soak up most spills and then the stain becomes more difficult to remove. This is why time is critical you want to start removing the spill before it soaks down to the pad under the carpet. The first step is to dab up as much of the spill as possible with a dry sponge or wool cloth. Do not rub the stain since this will spread the spill out making a larger area to clean. If the stain does not come out completely then add hot water to the cloth or sponge remembering to rub as little as possible. If you can still see the stain then you will want to add a little carpet soap to the rag or sponge. If you need to rub to remove the stain, use small circular motions in order to contain the spill in an area as small as possible.

There are multitudes of things that can cause carpet odors. Pet accidents, dirt brought in on shoes, food and drink spills are some of the main culprits. One of the best methods of odor removal is to take the carpet outside wash it with mild soap and let it dry outside. If it is not possible to get the carpet outside you will have to use other methods. For carpets that are permanently installed still use a mild detergent on the carpet and let dry. You may want to point a fan at the area to dry it faster. You can also rent a carpet cleaner and follow the instructions that come with the machine. With all stain and odor removal, use as little water as possible. If you use too much water, it will be hard to get the carpet totally dry and this can lead to odors. If water has time to soak to the pad or the wood below it can cause mildew under the carpet, which in turn will lead to odors.

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