How To Get Old Stains Out Of Carpet Once And For All?

Carpets make the house warm, the interiors interesting, and life comfortable. But they require a lot of effort to maintain in the proper form. So, housewives immediately ask: “How to get rid of stains on the carpet?” when it appears. The situation becomes significantly worse if the stains are not removed immediately and remain on the carpet for a long time. Accordingly, getting rid of stains on the carpet becomes much more difficult over time. Usually, people use aggressive chemicals, but some still resort to more natural alternatives. 

Do you know how to clean carpets at home, remove food stains from the rug, clean paints or the results of children’s creativity, and eliminate unpleasant smells? We will tell you how to clean the carpet and return it to its original appearance.

How to Clean Blood Spots on the Carpet?

Blood stains are tough, often impossible, to remove, especially from carpets and mattresses. This is due to the penetration depth and the impossibility of removing the contamination. Although it is possible to remove them, only if the manipulation is done immediately. Old stains, in most cases, do not disappear, and sometimes are not even lightened. Below is a more detailed description of the main methods for removing old blood stains from the carpet. 

Ammonia (10% ammonia solution) 

Spray it on the blood or apply a moistened cotton pad and leave it for 5-10 minutes. Gently soak the stain with a dry cloth. Repeat the procedure as needed. After removal, rinse with cold water.

Hydrogen peroxide

It is good for removing blood spots from carpets, as it has bleaching properties. Be careful, as it can damage the fabric itself. Dampen a swab, leave it for 30-60 seconds, or soak the stain. Remove the foamy substance and repeat the procedure. Rinse the treated area with cool water. 

Seasoned Meat Tenderizer

Dilute one tablespoon of the mixture with two tablespoons of cold water and apply to the stain. Application time is 60 minutes. Remove the paste. Rinse off with cool water.

Special paste

You need to mix: 1 tbsp. salt + 2 tbsp. corn starch + ¼ tbsp. hydrogen peroxide. Then, it is needed to apply to the dirt and allow to dry. After it, you have to scrape off the paste and rinse it off with cold water. Repeat if necessary. If, during the rug removal, the stains have turned brown, apply a diluted 9% vinegar in a ratio of 1:2.

Powdered boric acid or its solution

You should try to mix the powder with water until a paste is made and rub it into the stain. Leave for an hour or until dry. Remove with a dry brush. Scrub the area with a sponge or cloth with a little liquid and soap. Wipe the area with a damp cloth.

Tartar (potassium bitartrate)

You have to prepare a mixture of tartrate and hydrogen peroxide. Apply to the stain. Allow to dry completely. Remove the paste. Repeat if the result is weak. Rinse the area.

Enzyme stain removers (enzyme-based)

You need to apply it to the stain and wait about 10-15 minutes. Then, you will rinse the area. This method can dissolve the blood and make it easier to clean spots on the carpet.

How to Get Rid of Wine and Berry Stains on the Carpet?

Stains from red wine and its non-alcoholic “relative” – grape juice or any other berries are among the most resistant. The sooner you remove them, the better your chances of returning your carpet to its original look. Below, we will tell you how to solve this problem.

Methylated spirits

Removing these spots from the carpet is easy with pure methylated spirits or diluted citric acid (1 tsp. per glass of hot water). You need to apply it on the carpet and wait 5-10 minutes. Then rinse and wash with soap and water. You have to completely wash away the acid before washing with soap and water. Professionals perform roughly the same steps in cleaning carpets and sofas but using professional carpet cleaning equipment.

Hyposulfite

You should try using hyposulfite, potassium sulfite, or hydrosulfite solutions (1 tbsp. per 1 tbsp. of water) and hot milk. Wipe with a cloth dampened with one of these remedies. If you can’t get the stains out, bleach in combination with hydrogen peroxide, lime, or hypochlorite can help.

How to Remove Ballpoint Pen Stains from the Carpet?

Pen marks are often seen on wallpaper, wooden surfaces, sofas, and textiles. Here are the proven remedies for cleaning ballpoint pen stains on carpets and sofa upholstery. But don’t despair, as there are several household and professional remedies.

Household remedies

• Makeup or nail polish remover (with acetone). Professionals evaluate these tools as safe, but only for unpainted textile surfaces. All other materials can leave non-removable streaks or lighter stains.
• Vodka. It has a similar effect to cologne. On synthetic materials, alcohol-based compounds remove only fresh ink stains.
• Вaby powder. The substance has high adsorbent properties and soaks up ink well. To prevent the talcum powder from blowing off, you can cover this area with a cloth or paper. The application time is 20-30 minutes. Then you need to vacuum and wipe with a damp cloth to end the rug stains removal.
• Hairspray. Spray on the stain, wipe with soapy water and rinse with room temperature water.
• Lemon juice. Cut the lemon into two halves and rub on the stain. Use refined table salt for older stains. You need to apply it to the surface and pour it with lemon juice (or similar acid) over the top. Rinse with clean water after 10-15 minutes.

Ready professional remedies

• Turpentine. Use it to clean ballpoint pen spots on wool or silk carpets. The main drawback is the pungent smell. Remember to carry out all operations in a well-ventilated room.
• Aviation gasoline. It is sold in building and hardware stores. Remember that it can leave streaks, so always test the gasoline for colorfastness. Use the product on a small area of the fabric and wait. If there is no visible damage, you can use the product.
• Whitnener. It would help if you were very careful and clearly understood the concentration. There is a possibility of discoloration of the carpet. It is best to use when cleaning white sofas and armchairs.

Bottom line

Proper maintenance and stain removal of rugs are a guarantee of their durability and aesthetics. In addition, the dust that accumulates in a pile contaminates it and jeopardizes the household’s health. And if a stain is not cleaned in time, it can spoil the rug’s appearance forever. That’s why regular product cleaning becomes not a whim but an urgent necessity. Well, we are sure you know how to get old stains out of the carpet.

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