5 Cleaning Carpet Fixes

10 Minutes
Easy
There’s nothing worse than purchasing beautiful new carpet, only to have it destroyed almost as quickly as it was installed into your home. For areas that are high traffic, it’s best to install a no-shoes policy, but some spills just cannot be helped. Here are five of the most common accidents and some cleaning carpet fixes to help you resolve any home disaster!
1. Animal urine:


Never pleasant, but even less so when carpet is involved. Simply pour a little club soda on the stained area, then blot with a paper towel. Next, spray with a little white distilled vinegar and sprinkle a little baking soda on top. This will help neutralize the odor while further eliminating any leftover residue. Once the baking soda has dried, vacuum the area to remove the baking soda.


2. Clay/Mud


This trick works best for true muddy clay or even artist’s clay. First, fill a ziplock bag halfway with water, then freeze flat. Once frozen, place on top of the clay area of at least five minutes or until the clay is frozen. Using a plastic spatula, scrape up the residue, separating it from the carpet.
3. Gum:


Apply an analgesic heat rub such as Bengay* to the gummy area. Using a hair dryer and plastic sandwich bag, heat the area with the hair dryer on low. Then, press over the gum with your plastic sandwich bag (don’t use plastic wrap!). Now, slowly pull way the gum and voilà!


* I do not recommend using Icy Hot or Tiger Balm as these are tinted and could further damage your rug.
4. Coffee:


This one is very common in my parents’ home as my father, sister and I are both heavy coffee drinkers. Believe it or not, the solution to spilled coffee is an egg yolk! Simple beat an egg yolk and using a washcloth, work it into the stain. Leave for 5-10 minutes then rinse or whip clean with warm water.


5. Red Wine


This one is generally my issue! Though I’m Clean & Proper, I am rather clumsy so it’s not unusual for me to spill my red wine. First blot the area with a clean cloth. Add a small amount of water over the stain and continue blotting further. The water also helps to dilute the stain, making it easier to remove. Using a ratio of 3:1, create a baking soda/water paste, applying it directly to the stain. Allow to dry completely, then vacuum. If your carpet is still stained, trying using a commercial wine remover such as Wine Away or my favorite, Kiss Off (which I use often for oil paint).
Sarah Jane Dunaway
Want more details about this and other DIY projects? Check out my blog post!
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  2 questions
  • Shirley Shirley on Jun 01, 2016
    How to remove dried nail polish from carpet?
  • Marsh Marsh on Dec 23, 2021

    What wad the recipe for removing stains using peroxide and dawn

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  • Flood Services Canada Flood Services Canada on Mar 06, 2015
    I have come across customers who are obsessed with both dogs and their carpet. I have been suggesting my customers to use citrus-enzyme cleaner. They are quite popular with my wife who fosters dogs. You will find these cleaning products with lengthy labels telling you how they break down stains and remove odors. If it sounds mighty fancy you can shop for it from any reputed departmental store.
  • Liz8414600 Liz8414600 on Aug 21, 2016
    Another one that works WD40 spray the effected area leave for a minute or two the wipe up with soapy water or carpet shampoo brilliant results xx
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