Removing Carpet Stains

by Marjorie Dorfman | More from this Blogger

When the inevitable happens and something spills onto your carpet, don't panic. Help is on the way, but you do have to act quickly. In dealing with stains, he who hesitates is lost and you should also look before you leap. If this still isn't clear, read on.

Stain Removers Believe it or not, foamy shaving cream is one of the best homemade carpet stain removals you can use. Apply a blob to the stained area and rub in well with a sponge. Rinse with clean water, let dry overnight and then vacuum. When dealing with Turkish, Oriental and Persian carpets, it's best to have them professionally cleaned.

Blood Stains For fresh blood stains, apply foamy shaving cream immediately and rinse off. For those more stubborn stains, make a paste of meat tenderizer and water, apply it to the stain, let it dry and then vacuum. If you STILL can't get the blood out, dab the area with a bit of hydrogen peroxide. Rinse it off quickly with cold water.

Burn Marks and Candle Wax You can fade burn marks on your carpet by applying a solution of one part hydrogen peroxide and 5 parts water. For candle wax, place an ice cube on the wax for 3 to 5 minutes but don't get confused and think this means you can relax and have a drink. The wax will soon become brittle and when it does, jump on it and chip it off with an egg lifter or similar utensil. Then place a folded paper towel over the wax and hold a warm to medium heat iron on the towel for a few seconds. (A small prayer wouldn't hurt here either!) When you lift the iron, the towel will have absorbed the melted wax. Several applications are usually necessary and be careful not to move the iron around or you will spread the wax.

If all of this fails, consider all the items in your pantry, apply them to all of the stains and then move somewhere else where you can buy a new carpet.

Do YOU have any tips to share? Please do.

Related Reading:

"Cleaning Leather And Other Diversions"

"Cleaning Antique Wooden Furniture"

Learn more about Marjorie Dorfman

Marjorie Dorfman is a freelance writer and former teacher originally from Brooklyn, New York.

View Full Profile | More from this Blogger