No matter how clean your house is, it's inevitable that your flooring is going to get dirty at some point. If you have kids, pets or a lot of traffic into and out of your house, carpet stains may be a common occurrence. If you don't want to use chemicals on the flooring to remove the stains, the good news is that there are several ways that you can remove the unsightly marks naturally.
Not only is using all-natural stain fighters instead of toxic commercial cleaners better for your family members' and pets' health, but it can also save you money as well. You most likely have a lot of the products needed to remove carpet stains in your home already, as many serve dual purposes. Here are some other eco-friendly carpet stain removal tips:
Be Prepared & Act Quickly
The key to effective stain removal, especially when using natural products, is to clean up the mess right away. The longer the debris sits on the flooring, the deeper it will go into the carpet fibers, making it harder to get rid of completely.
As soon as you see a liquid spill, such as red wine or milk, soak it up with an absorbent cloth to remove excess moisture. If it's a solid spill, try to get the loose debris up with a vacuum before treating the mark it left behind.
1. Distilled White Vinegar
Distilled white vinegar has a myriad of household uses, and getting rid of stains is one of them. There are several different formulas you can try, depending on the type of stain you have. As one idea, mix a cup of vinegar with 2 tablespoons of salt and stir until it has dissolved. Apply the mixture to any lighter stains, such as juice residue, and allow it to sit until it's dry. You can then dab it with plain water to rinse, allowing the area to air-dry once again.
Another option for darker stains, such as coffee or blood, combine equal parts vinegar and warm water and stir in a few drops of mild dish detergent. Rub the solution into the carpet using an old toothbrush, and then blot dry with a clean cloth. Repeat the process as necessary until the stain is gone.
2. Corn Starch
Corn starch is known for pulling stains, especially greasy ones, out of carpeting and fabric. First, blot up any excess moisture and then mix the corn starch with water to form a thick paste. Apply the paste to the mark, allow it to completely dry, and then vacuum it up.
If some of the stains remain, you can repeat the process again. You can also contact a carpet cleaning service to get out the tough stains.
