Almost anything under the sun can fall on your beloved carpets and there is a way to send almost anything off and on its merry way to someone else’s home and carpet. Stains are inevitable; their removal creative and sometimes even surprising. Read on, whether you have a good imagination or no.
Oil or Grease Marks
With these types of stains you must act quickly. Sprinkle about ¼ inch of corn meal over the area. Rub it in well; let it sit for about an hour, then vacuum. If the stain persists, rub some waterless hand cleaner (the kind mechanics use to get grease off their hands) into the stain. Rinse off with a little water, let dry and then vacuum.
Pet Accidents
Apply a lot of club soda to the area and blot immediately with paper towels. Try covering the spot with ¼ inch of baking soda if the stain or odor remains and leave it on for about two days. Then vacuum it up. If you still can’t get results, try adding 1 cup of hydrogen peroxide to 1-tablespoon baking soda. Add 1 teaspoon of dish soap and mix well. Apply the solution with a sponge. Let it dry and vacuum, making sure you throw the mixture away after you use it. (Makes a nasty power drink if ingested accidentally. Take no chances.)
Soda and Wine Stains
Soak up the excess and then wipe up with equal parts of white vinegar and water. If the satin persists, rub it gently with waterless hand cleaner and rinse off with a little water. A red wine stain can be removed by applying some club soda immediately. If the stain is stubborn or dried, dab with a little hydrogen peroxide or a paste of cream of tartar and water. If that doesn’t work, consider a paste of equal parts borax and baking powder mixed with cold water.
Stay tuned for still more tips on creative stains and their removal.
Do YOU have any to share?
Related Reading:
“Cleaning Leather And Other Diversions”
“Cleaning Antique Wooden Furniture”