Stubborn stains are an unavoidable part of life. However, you can make the best out of the sad situations when those unsightly spots, and accidents happen by knowing exactly how to clean them up. Depending on the flooring type, there are many different ways to take action toward removing the marks.
Removing Pet Stains:
Accidents happen, especially in homes with animals like cats and dogs. What does someone do after Max the dog has an accident indoors?
1. Blot the mess right away, and remove any debris that may be involved.
2. If the mess is dry, moisten the area, and treat it with a carpet stain removal right away; it always helps if the stain remover is designed specifically for pet stains.
3. In order to deodorize the area, make a solution of one part vinegar and one part water, then spray it around the area.
4. Allow the mixture to sit on the carpet for up to 20 minutes, then blot up the wetness with a dry towel.
Removing Coffee Stains:
Mornings are rough, and I'm sure most people can agree. What happens when your morning dreariness causes your cup of coffee to go spilling on your carpet?
1. Immediately blot the stain with a dry towel in attempt to soak up as much of the liquid as possible. Blotting, rather than scrubbing right away, prevents stains from smearing more than necessary.
2. Mix 1/3 cup of vinegar with 2/3 cup of water. Then, spray the mixture across the stain until the coffee mess is saturated.
3. Blot up the vinegar and water mixture with a dry towel.
4. Next, use 1/2 tsp of bleach free laundry soap with two cups of lukewarm water with a towel to clean the carpet, and to remove the rest of the stain.
5. Finally, take fresh water to the spot to remove any left over soap residue, or stain. You may have to repeat this a couple of times before all of the soap comes up.
Removing Gum:
Having kids is always an adventure, especially when you look down one day and notice that there's a giant ball of bubble gum mashed into your brand new carpet. But by knowing the proper way to remove the gum, there is no need to fret.
1. Get a sandwich bag full of ice, and lay it on top of the mound of gum.
2. Let the gum harden from the ice, then using a butterknife, or fork, scrape the gum from the carpet.
3. If any residue remains, spray WD-40 onto the carpet (not too much), and work the mess to loosen the gum.
4. Afterward, be diligent in removing the WD-40 with laundry soap and water.
5. Put a towel on top of the wet spot, blot, and allow to dry.