Experts offer tips to clean carpet accidents

Oops! Red wine spilled on the carpet? Knock over a candle full of hot wax? Children had a chocolate “finger painting” celebration on your upholstery? Whether trying to clean up your home before or especially after that holiday party, there are always certain stains that a great host just can’t get rid of.

Here are a few helpful tips from Nourison Industries, industry-leading interior experts, on how to clean your carpets using everyday products found around the house.

What you should know before you start

Nourison recommends careful handling of your rugs; don’t scrub. Gently blotting at the stain with a damp cloth is the best way to get the stain out without soaking through to the carpet pad or ruining the carpet fibers.

Should the cleaning process involve detergent, apply with a soft bristle brush, rinse with water and extract with a vacuum or extractor. The rug should then be dried by air or low temperature hair dryer. If a carpet owner does have a spot remover, he or she should try it on a hidden spot of carpet first to see if it bleaches the carpet.

Quick cleaning tips

For those who want a quick home remedy for spots or stains, Nourison recommends nothing more than detergent and/or white vinegar.

Here is a list of things that detergent or white vinegar are perfect for cleaning: alcohol, beer, blood, candy, chewing gum, chocolate, cosmetics, crayons, eggs, fruit juice, gravy, ice cream, lipstick, mud, mustard, salad dressing, tea and wine.

Cigarette burns

Rub the pile gently with the edge of a hard and flat surface. Be sure to scrape toward to center before lifting up soot (to ensure you don’t spread the stain).

To remove wax, fat and/or oil

Layer a paper towel over the carpet and iron (the wax, etc. will stick to the tissue).

Glue

Moisten a cotton ball or soft cloth with rubbing alcohol and hold it over the area in question. Once the residue is thoroughly moistened, gently wipe the glue residue off and repeat the process until the glue is completely removed.

Information courtesy Nourison