ByGrant
Things You Should Not Use To Remove Carpet Stains
Sometimes, when arriving to clean carpets, we have found that people have already tried a number of things and when what they have not succeeded, they have called us. “Does baking soda stain carpet?” is asked of us regulary.
We find that there are a number of assumptions which are made or passed on which do not work and can make things worse.
The problem is that some of the substances put on the carpet can make it more difficult to remove the marks.
Salt
Over and over again, in doing a pre-inspection before starting the carpet cleaning, a client would point out a stain and say what caused the mark then say that salt was put on beacuse it was thought it would draw the stain out. Salt may draw some of the moisture, there are other effects that you don’t want.
The daying process often uses salt. Some people think that this to fix the dye to the fibres. This is not accurate. When salt is in the dying process, it is to take the colour out of the dyeing solution and drive it on fibre.
In putting salt on a stain, like red wine, you could be helping the colour penetrate the carpet fibres which is not something you want to do.
Does baking soda stain carpet?
While bicarbonate of soda (baking soda, sodium bicarbonate) can remove some marks on your carpet but only when used with an acid solution. If you use it without the acid (something like vinegar) it does little.
The problem with this is that it depends on what you are trying to remove. A side effect of using this is you end up with a white residue which can be hard to remove. There are easier ways to get the same result.
We are often asked if baking soda will stain carpet. We have never found that bicarb or baking soda (the same thing) to ever stain carpet. Some are also concerned that the vinegar will bleach carpet. There is little risk of this happening, even with woollen carpets.
Supermarket Carpet Cleaners
Watch out for these products and don’t use them. Most of these products contain bleach which can take the colour out of the carpet. Not all carpet are the same so you could be lucky but why risk it?
Also, you are leaving the product on the carpet allowing the bleach to continue working after you’re done. Another reason is because a sticky residue can be left on the carpet and as a result, can attract more dirt.
At the end of the day, to get the best result and avoid damaging your carpet. Use a trained and certified professional to treat any stains you have or general carpet cleaning.
We are always happy to answer any questions you have about any stains you have on your carpets. Call us on 1300 778 104
