Ignore that instinct to go out and purchase a product from the store that is marketed to clean up stains. These products that claim to remove stains and do the work for you have a dirty little secret…. they aren’t good for your carpet. Initially, using these products may visually solve your problem, but they all leave a residue. Those cleaning particles are made to bind to dirt and grime in the hopes that they will be lifted up and out of your carpet, but it is nearly impossible to get those cleaning products out, so instead a new stain is created each time your feet pass by, drawing any dirt particles to the spot you’ve tried to clean. The remaining residue can also breakdown the fibers of your carpet, making it lose it’s structure or color.
So how should you spot clean? No worries, Hamm’s has got your back on this one.
1) Try to get as much out as possible using a white towel or rag. Just soak up as much as you can by pressing hard into the effected area. This helps lift the stain out of the padding underneath and helps prevent it from coming back later.
2) Apply a solution of lukewarm water and about 1/4tsp dishwashing soap(or any other mild detergent) and a little distilled white vinegar. Soak the area with this solution and blot it up. Try to avoid rubbing your carpet as those rough motions can be damaging to the fibers and spread the spot.
3) Follow with a clear rinse to get the soap out so that you don’t attract more dirt to the spot. Again, blot. With this last step, it is helpful to put down a few towels and place heavy books, or weights on top to help lift the moisture up and out of your carpet. Repeat this last step until the towels come up dry. If you feel like it’s still too damp, you can help it dry faster with a hair dryer.
If this is a common problem, you might want to invest in a tool to do this for you. A carpet extractor, or wet vac can help with these small household accidents in between professional cleanings. If you want a high quality carpet extractor, expect to pay anywhere between $50 and $200.
Also, If you are busy person and don't want to make your own solution, or if you want something a little more powerful, ask us about our spot cleaner! We can give you a spot cleaner that is both gentile and very effective at cleaning up those pesky spots.
Have any questions you’d like us to answer? Contact us!
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