Carpeting marred by old, unsightly stains is an eyesore no homeowner wants to deal with, but before you commit to tearing out and replacing your home’s carpeting, there are a few simple do-it-yourself methods you can try to remove the old stains from your carpet.
Before taking any course of action, be sure to consult your carpet retailer as well as the manufacturer’s website for product-specific tips related to stain removal.
The chemical compounds in some over-the-counter carpet-cleaning products may cause irreparable damage to your carpeting, so be sure to test the product in an inconspicuous area—such as the back corner of a bedroom closet—before using any carpet-cleaning product in a highly visible area.
Old Carpet Stain Removal Tips and Tricks
Water and Soap
One great way of tackling old stains in your carpet is to apply a mixture of warm water and mild soap to the offending stain via a spray bottle, and then blotting the area with a clean towel and allowing the carpet to dry completely. If your carpet’s fibers show signs of stubborn, ground-in stains, you may need to repeat this cleaning method several times to achieve optimum results. This method works well for removing stains caused by coffee and wine spills.
Check out our stain removal tricks-and-tips video.
White Vinegar and Water
Another method for removing old stains from your carpeting is to apply a mixture of white vinegar and water to the stain at a 1:1 ratio, and then blotting the area until dry.
This method of stain removal is most effective on water-soluble stains and accidents caused by incontinent pets, ink, ice cream, alcohol, and soft drinks.
Baking Soda
Baking soda works wonders for homeowners looking to remove oil-and fat-based stains such as butter, grease, crayon, and gravy.
After removing as much as the substance as possible, sprinkle baking soda over the stain, give the baking soda 15-20 minutes to absorb moisture, and then use your vacuum cleaner to remove the baking soda from your carpet’s surface.
Baking soda is a great deodorizer, so using this method is a fantastic way to keep your carpeting smelling fresh and clean in between deep cleanings.
Special Carpet Stain Removal Products
Although there are products designed specifically to remove old stains, in some cases, contacting a professional carpet cleaning company is the best way to revitalize the appearance of your carpet, without running the risk of damaging the yarn.
Before hiring a carpet-cleaning contractor, we recommend that you verify the company is in good standing with the Better Business Bureau and certified by the Carpet and Rug Institute.
The thought of saving money by renting a do-it-yourself cleaning machine from your local hardware store may seem tempting, but many homeowners make the mistake of oversaturating their carpet during the cleaning process and inadvertently cause their carpet’s backing to delaminate.
Delamination compromises the backing’s structural integrity, leading to trip hazards in the form of unsightly waves and ripples.
If one of the do-it-yourself cleaning methods we listed above does not completely eradicate the stains buried in your home’s carpeting, your best bet may be to have your carpet replaced by a skilled contractor.
