A carpet is a large investment that dramatically affects the look of a room. Although most carpets have stain resistant treatments applied at the factory, that doesn't mean they are stain proof. You'll still need to act quickly, and apply the correct solvents, in order to remove a stain. Read on to learn how to remove carpet stains.

• When your carpets are installed, you should receive instructions on how to care for them. Certain fibers require special treatment, and the manufacturer's instructions should always govern when you're trying to remove a stain. If you do not have care instructions for your particular carpet, however, there are some general principles you can use in order to remove stains safely from your carpets.

(Creative Commons photo by Jackie)

• The most important thing you can do to prevent permanent damage is to begin treating the stain as soon as it occurs.

1. Use a clean white cloth to blot up as much of the stain as you can.
2. Remove any solid matter carefully, without damaging the fibers.
3. Work from the outside in so that you don't spread the stain beyond it's original location.
4. Don't rub, as that could damage the fibers, leaving a mark that will last even after the stain is removed.

• There are three basic types of stains, that each need a different type of solvent.

1. Organic stains, such as urine, feces, or blood, can be successfully treated with an enzyme treatment.
2. Oil based stains, such as lipstick, usually require a chemical drycleaning cleaner.
3. Water based stains may be able to be treated with a very dilute solution of detergent and water.

• After you've identified the stain, you can precisely match the solvent and removal technique to the stain. These charts should help you match the solution to your individual carpet stain problem:
  • FabricLink: Carpet Stain Guide
  • 3M: Carpet Stain Removal Guide
  • Wear-Dated: Stain Removal Guide

• If your carpet is an expensive oriental rug, or the stain does not respond to one of the suggested home treatments, don't despair. A professional rug cleaning company has specialized equipment and solvents that may be able to remove your carpet stain.

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