The Mystery of the Reappearing Carpet Stains

This is a situation none of us can escape because it is bound to happen at some point. We have all got that one beloved rug or carpet at home which we take extra precaution around in order to avoid any sort of wet and sticky mishaps. It is no doubt that quality carpeting is mighty expensive and purchasing a replacement is out of the picture, so it is essential that one knows how to go about a messy encounter. While some stains may appear to be more challenging than others, it does not mean they are untreatable. You can keep your trustee carpet cleaners close, but it is always an advantage to be armed with more than one trick up your sleeves. Here we break it down for you, from how they are caused to their prevention and treatment, as well as some easy maintenance tips that can help you prolong the beautiful appearance of your favorite carpet. Let us begin with why carpet stains reappear.

Carpet soiling made by residue

A carpet stain has mysteriously reappeared even after steam cleaning – what could have caused this? During steam cleaning, extremely soapy detergents are used in order to treat stains and soiling but, sometimes the soap is not thoroughly rinsed off the carpet fibers. This leaves behind a sticky glaze that makes it more vulnerable to dirt than ever before.

Wicking caused by excessive moisture

Most commonly, carpet stains soak deep into the padding of carpets and when combined with excess moisture from soapy solutions and other chemicals, it seeps into the carpet fibers and causes the stain to reappear even after cleaning. Basically, excessive rinsing saturates the stained area and when mixed with the stain, it forms a dirty and discolored outlook. While some of the water might be extracted during the drying process, most of it remains which then wicks upwards into the carpet threads causing the deep stain to reappear. This is known as wicking.

Prevention and treatment of reappearing stains

Stains are a pain in general but, stains that reappear after a couple of days are a downright nuisance. The best thing to do when you have got a nasty spill on your carpet is to treat it as soon as possible. Once you have treated it, place a white towel or some paper towels over the stained area so it soaks up the moisture, if any, left in the carpet. Additionally, it is never too late to be armed with some reliable household concoctions that can assist in wiping out those tough carpet stains.

• Vinegar is a trusted household item that is an expert at both stain removal and cleaning. From light spots to those tough, ground-in-dirt stains, when mixed with a few other domestic formulas it proves to be an excellent solution for treating a variety of stains. Mix equal parts of white vinegar with water and blot the area to remove stains caused by coffee or tea spills.
• If you have got an ink spill then dampen a cloth with isopropyl alcohol and dab it onto the stained area but do not rub or scrub as it could cause the ink to spread out. After letting it sit for a few minutes, dry it with a moisture friendly vacuum.
• Another stain treatment remedy is using a solution of 1 cup of clear ammonia mixed in 2 liters of warm water. It easily lifts stains from the carpets and upholstery by simply sponging and letting it dry thoroughly. You can repeat the method if needed but it does the trick.

Call the professionals!

When stains become too stubborn and start emitting bad odors, it is time to call upon a professional carpet cleaning company such as London carpet cleaners , etc. to properly eradicate any tough carpet stains. To achieve maximum results, we recommend enlisting the help of those companies that have been in the business of carpet cleaning for quite a while with reviews regarding their top-notch services and equipment as it ensures best treatments for your carpets and rugs. Hiring the right company matters a lot as their transparency can put you at ease. for example, you can look into their cleaning procedures if you have allergies or if you want to avoid the usage of harsh chemicals because of pets or toddlers crawling around the house.

Maintaining the quality of your carpet

If you are one of the lucky ones who have escaped the wrath of some horrific carpet stains, then the following tips will further assist you in maintaining the beauty and sanitation of your carpets in the future as well:

• It is advised that you get your carpets and rugs thoroughly cleaned every 8 to 12 months, be it professionally or by investing in a steam carpet cleaner yourself.
• Your cleaning solution should have a pH of 10 or less and ensure that there is no residue left in your carpet padding once you are finished cleaning.
• Drying time can be sped up with the help of fans or a dehumidifier. A carpet wet for long periods of time will risk bacteria growth.
• Vacuuming daily prevents any debris and dirt from sinking deep into the carpet bedding and expands the life of your carpet.

Conclusion

The average homeowner or occupant has little knowledge on how to keep their carpets looking fresh and clean although, it is equally important as sleeping on clean sheets on a bed. It is possible to live in a home with carpets that are stain and bacteria-free if you follow the tips and precautionary measures mentioned above. Time is critical when it comes to clearing up a mess, large or small. The secret to quick results is to dab not scrub, take our word on this. You can easily turn those gnarly stains to ghosts of your past by choosing your desired treatment method, be it a home remedy or a professional carpet cleaning service. So, give your carpet a groom to guarantee that it stands the test of time.