Just as some problems are easier to deal with than others (people too), so too is the hierarchy of carpet stains. Within the kingdom there are many challenges. Here are few. Read on and tackle them, if you dare.
Chewing Gum
Hold an ice cube against the chewing gum until it hardens or at least is ready to tell you what you want to know. Then, use your fingernail to scrape it off. If you can’t get it all, rub hard against the surface with a toothbrush dipped in rubbing alcohol.
Coffee and Tea
Blot as much of the spill as possible with paper towels and then apply distilled vinegar to the affected area. If the stain still won’t come out, apply a blob of foamy shaving cream on the stain, rub it in with a sponge and rinse off with water. Let dry and vacuum.
Fruit Juice
Soak up the excess with paper towels and then sprinkle borax over the stain. This will counteract the acid in the fruit juice. Leave on for an hour or so and then rinse with water and let dry. If the stain is really stubborn, try dabbing a little hydrogen peroxide on it. That should zap it out of existence.
Glue
Depending on the type of glue, there are several strategies to consider. If you don’t know the nature of the glue, try vinegar, soap and water first as that works best on general water-based glues. Try acetone second (for most other glues) and as a last resort, paint thinner. If none of these ideas work, you are on your own and perhaps a new carpet is in order.
Nail Polish
If the stain is already dry, try holding an ice cube on the spill. This will make it brittle enough to chip off a lot of it. Dab the area with acetone, working from the outside of the spill towards the center. As you dab, blot with a paper towel to contain it. Do not use nail polish remover.
Stay tuned for more challenging stains tomorrow.
Do YOU have any stain removal tips to share? Please do.
Related Reading:
“Cleaning Leather And Other Diversions”
“Cleaning Antique Wooden Furniture”