Why do some carpet stains refuse to budge while others disappear after a brisk rubbing? What you might not realise is that it all comes down to the science of stain removal: knowing what you are working with, and going in armed with the best method for getting rid of said stain.
The majority of carpet stains fall under one or more of the following categories: Water-based (fruit juice, coffee), Oil-based (ballpoint pen ink, grease) and Protein types (blood). Every one of them behaves differently according to cleaning agents. Ideally, water-based stains are the simplest to approach and can dissolve with a small amount of detergent or soap in warm tap water. If you have oil based stains, then degreasing agents or solvents need to be applied to break down the oily residue.
Temperature matters too. For protein stains (blood, for example), cold water is better because that can set the stain. Similarly, warm (not hot) water will allow cleaning agents to work with greater effect by loosening trapped particles for other types of stains.
The key to success? Act fast. The dye in stains can change the colour of carpet fibres and this will be permanent if you do not act quickly to remove it. Blot – do not rub with a clean, white cloth to lift the stain without spreading it.
Enzyme cleaners are the only successful solution for organic stains (pet accidents for example) for which they were originally developed, as it actually breaks down proteins at a molecular level. Old, stubborn stains might require either professional products or steam cleaning. For Carpet Cleaning Hereford, visit https://octokleen.co.uk
Finally, the right approach combined with an understanding of your stain’s chemistry can really help you save both your carpet and yourself. Fortunately, you should be able to simply remove most stains with a bit of dish soap and water or by following the manufacturer’s suggestions on care when in question.
