by Marci Leigh

Created on: October 14, 2010

If you have carpet, you will have carpet stains.  The toast always seems to fall jelly side down, the stray piece of sausage seems to fly off the pizza and roll across the floor or that glass of iced tea just tipped over by itself.

Many of the carpet cleaners available often either does not clean the stain or they leave so much detergent behind that the original stain always looks dirty.  There are several, simple methods and products to remove most stains that will not leave your carpet discolored or leave behind detergent that will attract more dirt.

Steam Clean

 If it is a fresh stain, blot up excess spills with absorbent towels.  Instead of reaching for the carpet cleaning solution, grab your iron and several white, absorbent towels.

Plug in the iron and set on the hottest setting.  While it is heating up, wet the towels thoroughly, wringing them out so water is not dripping.

Place one of the wet towels directly on the stain.  Put the iron on the towel, pushing down firmly.  Let it steam for about 15 seconds.  Lift up the iron and you should see the stain transferring to the towel.  Move the towel so a clean, wet portion is over the stain and repeat.

Repeat this until the stain is out of the carpet.

Stain Remover

Stubborn stains may require the boost of a carpet cleaner.  Choose one that does not suds.  A great product for this type of cleaning is Spot Shot.  Spray onto the stain and let it sit for about 2 minutes.  It is not necessary to saturate the stain, but apply generously.  No scrubbing or blotting is necessary.  Place a clean, wet towel on the treated stain and lift it out with the iron.  Spot Shot does not leave any sudsy residue that will later attract dirt.

Cleaning a Large Area

Cleaning high traffic areas or stairs it best done with a carpet cleaning powder.  There are several available and the main advantage of using powder is that it does not leave any sudsy residue behind.  To apply, sprinkle generously on the area and using a brush with a firm bristle, brush into the carpet.  The powder will feel slightly moist when you apply it.  As you brush it into the carpet, it attracts dirt into the powder.  The powder will be dry in about 20 minutes, ready to vacuum.

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