!#5: Shopping Braun Cruzer3: January 2012

!±8± Carpet Cleaning Tips - How to Remove Stains

So you've got a stain in your carpet. It happens to all of us. So what can you do to get rid of these trouble areas? The first thing to remember with any spot or stain is to address it immediately. The longer you wait, the more difficult it will be to remove the spot. Here are some cleaning and spot removal tips that can save your carpet.

First, let's touch on some techniques and pointers to help alleviate the severity of any potential stains. The easiest of these would be to vacuum your carpets regularly. Vacuuming lessens oily soil build-up. With less build-up there is less for the stain to attach itself to. This makes clean ups a lot easier.

Second, know your carpet. Knowing what type of carpet you have will let you know what type of cleaners to use. Carpets react differently to certain chemicals so make sure you use the correct one. This will prevent you from fading and area of your carpet, or worse.

When using chemicals and detergents to clean your carpet you should resist the urge to drown the spot with your cleaner. A little goes a long way. Remember, you can always repeat the process but you can't take back what you've already done. And whatever you do, do not rub the spot. You're not waxing your care here. All rubbing does is press the stain further into your carpet and possibly into the padding. Apply your cleaner and slowly remove it with blotting.

Now for some cleaning tips. You don't always have to call a professional. These home remedies can save you time and money. The easiest of these is plain lemon juice. Spray some on the problem area and let it set for a bit. Then dry with a paper towel. Remember not to over saturate and wet the padding.

Another solution is water and vinegar. These two ingredients can be your carpet's best friends. Make a solution of even parts of vinegar and water. For example, a one to one ratio. Pour the solution on the stain and let the carpet absorb it. Then rub the stain in a circular motion with a sponge. Rinse the spot with warm water and place a white paper towel on it to dry.

Ammonia and water also combine to create a great cleaning agent. In a spray bottle, mix a tablespoon of ammonia with half a cup of water then spray onto the stain. Use a white paper towel to blot in the liquid. Do not over saturate. You want to avoid wetting the carpet backing.

One more home remedy you can try is to mix a solution consisting of a quarter cup of water and half a tablespoon of hand or dish soap in your trusty spray bottle. Avoid using a soap that contains bleach. Spray the mixture on the stain and blot dry the area with a white paper towel.

Just remember to always rinse the area after cleaning. Carpet products can sometimes leave behind residue, which if not removed, can cause problems like re-soiling or spots returning. Less is more when cleaning spots on your own. If you have a spot or stain that is being extraordinarily stubborn call a carpet cleaner. It's always better to spend a few bucks on a professional cleaning than to replace your carpet.