Our years of experience as certified stain removal experts taught us that, ironically, most accidents happen within the first month of owning a new carpet or sofa. Why take the risk of a permanent stain on your brand-new investment? You wouldn’t hesitate to put a case and screen protector on your new phone – why wouldn’t you extend the same protection to your expensive carpets and furniture? After all, there’s a treatment that provides an affordable way to safeguard your valuable carpets and upholstery.

At Cleaner Cleaner, we’re proud to offer professional stain protection services alongside our deep cleaning. But before you book, let’s explore some fundamental questions about stain protection:

Does Stain Protection Affect Cleaning?

One common concern is whether stain protection makes it harder to deep clean carpets and upholstery. The answer is no! Certified fibre care specialists like Cleaner Cleaner use high-powered alkaline detergents that effectively break down the bond holding the stain protection to the textile. If anything, stain protection allows faster and safer deep cleaning as the grime does not get into the fibres but sticks to the protective coating.

Read also: How to protect your carpets and furniture from stains when painting and decorating?

When applied correctly, stain protection coating effectively repels liquid stains and prevents dirt from adhering to the fibres.

How Stain Protection Works?

Stain protection treatments work in several ways:

Coating the fibres: The product creates a barrier that makes it difficult for particles to stick to the fibres.

Blocking pores: The treatment fills in tiny cracks and pores in the fibres, preventing the absorption of liquids and dirt.

Easier stain removal: The repellent coating allows spills to bead on the surface, making them easier to blot up and remove before they set in. This also helps prevent dirt from embedding in the fibres, making vacuuming more effective.  

Stain protection can significantly extend the lifespan of carpets and upholstery by preventing dirt and debris from accumulating deep down.

Check also: 6 Expert Tips to Help You Protect Your Furniture and Carpets and Keep Them Clean All Year Round

When you get anti-stain treatment for your new furnishings you are protecting your investment. Image by freepik

Types of Stain Repellent Products

Two main types of stain protection products are used for carpets and upholstery: water- and solvent-based. The best type for your furnishings depends on the material:

Water-based: This is the most common type and is generally applied after a professional cleaning or to brand-new furniture and carpets. As the name implies, it’s suitable for water-cleanable fabrics only. It’s typically spread with a hand sprayer and may wear off faster than solvent-based options.

Solvent-based: This coating is highly recommended for newly installed carpets and upholstery and is especially suitable for delicate fabrics. Solvent-based stain protection coating can be applied to all fibres and fabrics as long as they are dry.

Read also: Decoding Upholstery Labels Can Help You Choose the Best Sofa for Your Needs

Which Type of Stain Protection Works Better?

Both types of stain protection create a protective barrier around the fibres, repelling water- and oil-based stains and dirt.

• Water-based: More versatile and can be used on most fabrics, including right after hot water extraction cleaning when carpets and upholstery are still slightly damp.
• Solvent-based: Ideal for brand-new carpets and upholstery, dry textile surfaces, and delicate fabrics like viscose and bamboo silk. It’s also a good choice for highly absorbent fabrics like linen and cotton.

We always test an inconspicuous area before applying any stain protection product, especially on moisture-sensitive fabrics. This check-up helps us determine whether a water — or solvent-based product is best for the material.

Check also: What Kind of Upholstery Fabric to Choose for Easy Care of Your Furniture

The stain-repellent coating we apply effectively protects almost all types of fibres.

Is Stain Protection Treatment Suitable for All Types of Fabrics?

Most carpets and upholstery fabrics respond well to the high-quality stain protection products we use at Cleaner Cleaner. Our stain repellent is effective on a wide variety of materials, including delicate, luxurious, and high-maintenance carpets and upholstery:

• Polypropylene (without stain protection, oil and grease stains are nearly impossible to remove from polypropylene)
• Acrylics
• White wool rugs 
• Oriental rugs (may require a bit more careful application)
• Non-colourfast fabrics (we recommend doing a test first)

Stain protection coating is suitable for various fibres used in carpets and upholstery, except for some dry-clean-only textiles. If you are unsure about the type of materials used in your furnishings or you see a “dry clean only” label, contact our certified fabric care specialists for advice. We can recommend the most appropriate cleaning and protective products for your carpets and furniture.

Read also: How to Clean and Maintain Your Handmade Oriental Rug

Getting a stain protection treatment for your new mattress will keep it in a good shape for years to come.

This Treatment Isn’t Meant Only for Carpets and Sofas

People most often get a stain-repellent coating for their carpets and soft furniture. However, in our experience, this treatment benefits all textile items used daily or placed in high-traffic areas. In addition to carpets and sofas, the protective coating helps maintain all types of furnishings. Stain protection treatment effectively extends the lifespan of area rugs, upholstered headboards, mattresses, and fabric dining chairs by keeping them hygienic and stain-free.

Check also: 6 Questions About Your Mattress You Always Wanted to Ask a Cleaning Specialist

Stain protection treatment should last until you schedule your next deep cleaning appointment.

How Long Does Stain Protection Last?

The stain protection applied after cleaning or to new furnishings can last 1-2 years, depending on foot traffic and how often the carpet or upholstery is deep cleaned. We highly recommend reapplying stain protection after every deep clean, ideally at least once a year. High-traffic areas, family rooms, and homes with pets may benefit from more frequent reapplication, perhaps every six months. Regular vacuuming also helps extend the life of the stain protection by removing abrasive dirt particles that can wear down the coating. It’s important to note that stain protection must be reapplied after every professional cleaning, even on carpets and fabrics pre-treated from the factory.

Read also: What time of the year is best to have your carpets cleaned?

When you have stain protection coating on your furnishings and spill something, it is enough to gently blot out the dirt with a paper towel. Image by freepik

Can Stains Still Penetrate the Barrier?

When applied correctly and regularly, the stain protection products we use create a virtually impenetrable barrier. Spills will simply bead up on the surface of the fabric. After that, all you need to do is to grab a clean cloth or paper towel and soak the spilled dirt.

Check also: Which is the best Carpet Cleaning Method?

We can do the stain protection treatment separately or as a part of our deep upholstery and carpet cleaning services

How Do You Apply the Stain Repellent Coating?

At Cleaner Cleaner, we have a meticulous application process to ensure complete coverage:

Step 1: Fine Mist Spray: We use a specialised sprayer to apply the product in a fine mist, coating all sides of the fibres.

Step 2: Multi-directional Application: We apply the protector in four directions to ensure even coverage.

Step 3: Brushing and Smoothing: We gently brush or use a glove to distribute the product evenly across the surface.

You might also like: Designing for Elegance and Endurance: Material Must-Haves for Luxury Communal Spaces

The stain protection products we work with can be used in homes with small children and pets.

Are Stain Protection Products Safe?

We get this question a lot, which is understandable given the bad rap Scotchguard got in the late 90s. In 1999, 3M released data about chemicals in their product Scotchgard. PFOA and PFOS were found in the environment and can’t decompose in nature. High dosages caused cancer and death in lab rats, while lower doses resulted in developmental problems in humans and animals. In 2000, 3M discontinued Scotchgard production and created a new formula containing PFBS, which is considered not toxic by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). 

However, we use Alltec stain protectors, a trusted U.K. brand known for its safety and effectiveness. When dry, their water- and solvent-based products are non-toxic and safe for pets and children. The products are biodegradable and not identified as a PBT/vPvB substance.

Read also: Successful Stain Removal is a Matter of Chemistry

Gain a Peace of Mind with Stain Protection

Stain protection is an investment that goes a long way in protecting your carpets and upholstery. Many companies offer this service, but the key is finding one that uses the right products and applies them correctly.

Here at Cleaner Cleaner, we understand the importance of protecting your investment. We recommend keeping the care tag or label for your furniture and carpets so we can determine the best treatment for your specific needs.

We’ve tested various brands and chosen Alltec for its effectiveness and safety. Their stain protectors work for almost all carpets and upholstery, subject to professional testing, offering long-lasting protection until your next professional cleaning.

And here’s an extra perk: if you’ve used our stain protection service and experienced a stain, we’ll offer a 50% discount on stain removal!

So, if you want to protect your furnishings, don’t hesitate to contact us today and book our stain protection service.

You might also like: Christmas Cleaning in 2 Days (or Less): A Practical Guide for Time-Strapped People

Before you continue, it might be helpful to read our post Stain removal is a matter of chemistry. You can also check our post on different types of upholstery fabrics and how to take the best care of them for more useful insights.

Cheerful toasts often result in red wine spilt on both clothes and furnishings. Image by Freepik

1. Red Wine, Port or Cognac

Red wine, mulled wine, or even a splash of port can make for a festive and enjoyable holiday toast. However, accidents can happen, and wine pills can leave behind stubborn stains on furnishings. If you find yourself dealing with a red wine stain after a Christmas get-together, don’t worry! Here is how to treat the spill and salvage your carpet or sofa:

• Blot up as much wine as possible with a clean, dry cloth if the stain is fresh. 
• Apply dishwashing soap mixed with water to the stain and blot gently with a sponge.
• Rinse with cold water and continue blotting until the stain lightens. 
• Rinse with clean water and let it air-dry completely.
• If the stain has dried up, using a carpet stain remover like Wine Away or Chateau Spill may be better. Follow the instructions on the product label. 

Check also: How to Clean a Carpet at Home – DIY Guide

Rich meaty sauces are the perfect addition to the Christmas turkey, but can leave a nasty stain on the carpet. Image:  Robert Owen-Wahl

2. Gravy and other meaty and greasy sauces

Can Christmas dinner be considered complete without the rich flavour of gravy? We don’t think so! The darker and thicker the sauce, the tastier it is. However, it is also more difficult to clean. Therefore, before attempting to remove a gravy stain from your furnishings, please consider the 5 tips at the end of the article. To remove gravy stains from your carpet or sofa, follow these steps:

• Remove any solids and blot excess gravy. 
• Sprinkle cornstarch or baking soda over the stain. 
• Leave the powder on the stain for at least 30 minutes. 
• Vacuum the powder thoroughly. 
• Mix 1 tbsp dish soap, 2 cups of warm water, and 1 tbsp ammonia if the stain persists. 
• Blot the stain with a clean sponge dipped into the solution. 
• Rinse with clean water and blot dry.

Read also: How to Remove Grease Stains From Upholstery Fabrics

The vibrant red colour of cranberry sauce can be quite a challenge to remove from carpet and upholstery. Image: Flickr

3. Cranberry Sauce

Cranberry sauce spills can become stubborn stains and an unpleasant memory of the holiday dinner if not cleaned up promptly. This is because cranberries contain anthocyanins, which are highly pigmented and give red foods and beverages their intense colour. In fact, anthocyanins are commonly used in the food industry as natural colourants. However, cranberry sauce stains are tough to remove since the sauce is also sticky and gooey due to the added sugar. Here’s how to deal with a cranberry sauce stain on your carpet or upholstery:

• Scrape away any excess cranberry sauce using a dull knife or the edge of a spoon.
• Mix a solution of mild dish soap and warm water.
• Using a clean cloth or sponge, blot the stain with the solution.
• Continue blotting until the stain lightens.
• Rinse the affected area with clean water and blot dry.
• If the stain persists, consider using a specialised carpet or upholstery stain remover. Be sure to follow the product instructions carefully.

Check also: 6 Ways to Keep Furniture and Carpets Clean All Year Round

Decadents deserts are the star of every festive dinner but nobody likes to remove chocolate from their upholstery. Image by vecstock 

4. Chocolate

During holiday celebrations, hot cocoa, chocolate cakes, and candies are always crowd-pleasers. However, chocolate stains can be quite stubborn to remove from carpets and upholstery. If your furnishings are dark or brown, you might even miss seeing the spots at first. Eventually, the stains will become visible due to milk, butter, and other fatty ingredients present in chocolate. Therefore, inspecting your furnishings for stains and crumbs after your Christmas feast is a good idea. Here’s how you can remove chocolate stains from your carpet and furniture:

• First, gently scrape off any lumpy bits on the surface using a flat knife or spatula.
• Apply carpet and upholstery stain-removal product. 
• Start blotting the area using paper towels or a clean white cloth.
• Reapply the product and keep blotting until the stain is no longer lifting.
• Rinse the area thoroughly by blotting it with a clean cloth dipped in cold water.
• Blot the surface with a dry, clean cloth and let the spot dry before using your furnishings.

Read also: How to Remove Greasy Stains From Your Carpet?

Children often want to be a part of the toast and some of their fruit juice can end on the carpet. Image by Freepik

5. Fruit juices and soft drinks

When children want something colourful in their glasses like adults, they cannot drink alcohol, so we give them fruit juice. Sadly, most fruit juices are brightly coloured, and kids, excited by the Christmas spirit, are the ones who spill the most often. There’s no use in getting angry with the children and ruining your Christmas mood. Instead, you can follow these simple steps to clean a fruit juice stain from your carpet or furniture.

• Blot up as much of the juice as possible using a paper towel or clean cloth
• Mix 2/3 cup of water with ½ cup of white household vinegar into a spray bottle and apply it to the juice stain.
• Blot the vinegar out using a clean, damp sponge.
• Mix 1 tbsp dishwasher detergent with a cup of warm water. Apply this onto the fruit juice stain and blot.
• Rinse the area using cold water and a damp paper towel.

Check also: The Ultimate Guide to Sofa Stain Removal

All the excitement among the youngest family members can lead to accidents on carpets and mattresses. Image by mdjaff on Freepik

6. Urine

During the holiday season, experts often write about removing stains caused by gravies, wine, sauces, and other festive menu items. However, many people seem to avoid discussing stains caused by wetting accidents, even though they are very common. In fact, it’s not a surprise that the abundance of foods and drinks during Christmas festivities results in urine stains left by the youngest family members. Here’s how to treat urine stains on carpets, mattresses or upholstery:

• Put on a pair of heavy-duty cleaning gloves.*
• Grab a few rags or a bunch of paper towels, and soak the urine as quickly as possible.** 
• Mix 1 cup of distilled white vinegar and 1 cup of water in a small bowl or spray bottle.
• Damp a clean sponge into your cleaning solution and blot the affected area, but try not to saturate it. Repeat a few times.  
• Use paper towels or a dry cloth to blot out the cleaning mixture.
• Rinse away any vinegar residue by blotting with a clean sponge dipped in lukewarm water. Repeat until you make sure there’s no cleaning solution on the carpet or upholstery. 
• Use dry, clean rags or paper towels to soak the residual water. 
• Let the carpet air-dry away from direct sunlight or heat.

* Always wear gloves when dealing with organic stains like urine, faeces, vomit or blood to avoid potential health issues.

**If the urine stain has dried, we strongly recommend you book a stain removal specialist to help you remove the strong smell and ensure your carpet or mattress is pristine.

For more information you can read our comprehensive guide on urine stain removal.

Heavy foods can lead to nausea, so it’s not surprising vomit is among the most common stains after a holiday get-together. Image by benzoix on Freepik

7. Vomit

When it comes to uncomfortable topics, we can’t ignore vomit, which is another unpleasant stain that might surface during the holidays. The rich holiday menu, topped with plenty of alcohol, can get the best of us and make us feel a bit sick. Young children may also eat more than their stomachs can handle. As a result, it’s not surprising that vomit is among the most common stains during holiday get-togethers at home. Once you’ve ensured that the person who vomited is okay, the next thing you need to focus on is the vomit stain. Here’s how to deal with it:

• Grab a pair of cleaning gloves, as vomit can be potentially infectious.
• Scrape any solid bits from the surface using a flat knife or spatula.
• Mix 1 cup of water with a few tbsp of baking soda. Apply the solution onto the stain. 
• The baking soda neutralises the high acidity of stomach acid. This will prevent damage to the carpet or upholstery material.
• Blot the area to lift the remaining liquid.
• We strongly advise you to stop the DIY treatment at this point, even if there’s still visible colouration from the vomit. The reason is that vomit can be quite complex, consisting of various foods and beverages, especially after a holiday dinner. It is best to cover the stain with a clean towel to prevent spreading the substance and call a certified stain removal specialist.

Read also: How to Remove Blood Stains from Carpet and Upholstery?

Sometimes you might need to loosen the dried up dirt on the carpet with a brush. Image by Freepik

5 Tips for Successful Stain Removal from Upholstery and Carpets

If we spill something on our clothes, we can easily remove the garment and soak it in water to remove the dirt. However, the stain removal process is quite different when dealing with a spill from the Christmas dinner on carpets or furniture. We must be careful not to spread the stain or oversoak the spot to avoid ruining the furnishings. Additionally, carpet and upholstery stains may not be noticed immediately, unlike a spill on clothes. Therefore, it’s essential to keep in mind the following tips from carpet and upholstery cleaning professionals while cleaning stains from carpets or furniture after a festive dinner:

• Act quickly, as some stains are almost impossible to remove once they dry.
• Don’t treat a stain if you’re unsure of its origin. Some dried foods can look alike, making it challenging to identify and remove.
• Using multiple cleaning products to treat a stain will likely make it worse.
• If you are uncertain about the type of fabric or material you are dealing with, it is best to refrain from cleaning it yourself. Instead, seek the help of a professional stain removal service.
• If you need to wait for a stain removal specialist but want to avoid spreading the dirt, cover the spot with a clean rag or paper towel.

You might also like: 9 Things You Need to Know About Stain Protection for Carpets and Upholstery

Don’t hesitate to contact us whenever you need help getting your home immaculately cleaned. Our cleaning experts will remove even stubborn stains and dirt and bring back the as-new look of your carpets, furniture and mattresses.

We hope our tips will help keep your home nice and clean during the festive season. The CleanerCleaner team wishes you happy holidays!

Check also: 6 Ways to Keep Furniture and Carpets Clean All Year Round

To understand why paint is so challenging to remove from carpets and upholstery, you must first understand its properties. Image by atlascompany

What are the differences between water and oil-based paints?

When discussing whether a paint is oil-based or water-based, we are essentially referring to the kind of solvent incorporated into the paint, which constitutes the liquid element of the paint that evaporates during the drying process. Oil-based paints (sometimes inaccurately termed enamel) employ an organic solvent in their composition, typically mineral turpentine. As the name implies, water-based paints (emulsion paints like latex or acrylic) primarily consist of water as their solvent.

Read also: How to Clean a Carpet at Home – DIY Guide

The easy cleaning of paint stains on the carpet is a myth. Here’s why: 

Before we delve into the most effective methods of safeguarding your carpet from stains during decoration, it’s essential to examine the properties of paints utilised in domestic settings. In doing so, we aim to debunk the notion that a paint stain on a carpet is a trivial matter that can be effortlessly cleansed.

Read also: Stain removal is a matter of chemistry

Emulsion paint is used for both interior and exterior walls.

Emulsion paint

Water-based paints (emulsion paints both latex and acrylic) contain around 50 per cent water – some more, some less, depending on the brand and variation. They are preferred for larger areas like interior and exterior walls because water makes the paint more workable and easier to apply. Yes, acrylic and latex paints can be relatively easily cleaned while still wet. But when the paint dries, and especially when it comes to textiles, there are other factors besides what the paint is based on that can cause a permanent stain. Water-based paints contain various ingredients called polymers that are used to give the finished product its desired qualities – coverage, sheen, durability, washability and so on. With the evaporation of water, these molecules get closer together, forming strong bonds and creating a waterproof barrier.

When emulsion dries up on a hard surface, you can still scrape it off and clean the spot relatively easily. But the outcomes are quite different when a paint spill gets onto the carpet. The particles in the paint attach to the carpet fibres, and the stain becomes extremely difficult to remove. Also, if you are using a more saturated colour, the pigments can blemish the carpet beyond cleaning.

Oil-based paints are used mainly for doors, window frames and furniture.

Oil-based paints 

Oil-based paints exhibit exceptional durability and can endure regular handling, making them preferred for mouldings, skirting boards, and furniture. Besides the oil content (usually turpentine), oil-based paints contain resin. This substance creates a non-porous surface that is highly resistant to stains and rust as time passes. However, it is worth noting that oil-based paints emit a more potent odour than their water-based counterparts and necessitate a longer drying period. They also pose greater challenges when it comes to cleaning.

When the spill is still fresh, you have the best chance to clean oil-based paint from any surface. It would be best to always keep paint thinner and turpentine at hand whenever you use such paint. When the stain is dry, removing oil-based paint from any surface, let alone the fibres of your carpet, is quite challenging.

The absence of floor cover on this image makes us want to pull our hair out! Don’t be that person, check how to protect your carpets and floors. Image by Freepik

What to use to protect carpets from stains when painting and decorating the house?

Now that you know the properties of paints, it is easier to understand why it is crucial to take precautions and protect your carpet when redecorating at home. There are different options to help you prevent paint stains on your carpet when painting, whether it’s painting the walls, furnishings, moulding or skirting boards. Here are the most efficient types of products you can use:

You might also like: 9 Things You Need to Know About Stain Protection for Carpets and Upholstery

Many handyman prefer protection rolls due to their convenience, but they are not suitable for all carpet types. Image: bagsofroom

Carpet protection roll

Often, people doing renovations choose this type of cover because of its convenience. Carpet protection rolls are self-adhesive, durable and tear-resistant. Handymen also prefer it because it doesn’t move around, so it’s an efficient solution to prevent paint spills. Unfortunately, self-adhesive protection rolls are not suitable for all types of carpets. After removing the film, the adhesive may remain on the carpet and walls. Some brands even state that the product can only be used on synthetic carpets. So before laying it all over the room, ensure this product can be used on your carpets. After all, your goal is to prevent carpet stains, not substitute paint spills for glue residue, right?

Dust sheets, when set and fixed correctly are the best way to protect carpets from paint stains. Image by gpointstudio

Dust sheet

Thick plastic dust sheets are a great alternative to carpet protection rolls. However, there are a few things to remember when using them when painting and decorating. Dust sheets need to be fixed onto the carpet so they don’t slip; setting them right will also help you prevent accidental drops of paint onto the carpet. One way to fix these covers is with gaffer or painter’s tape (we’ll get into more details on these materials below). Another way to ensure the dust sheet doesn’t move around and avoid paint spills on your carpet is to tuck the plastic sheet underneath the skirting board. If possible, always opt for tucking instead of taping the cover – you will have a very well-fixed floor cover protecting your carpet. Tucking the dust sheet is also preferred when spray-painting the skirting boards.

When it comes to fixing your the dust sheets on carpets not all tapes are created equal. Image by rawpixel.com

Gaffer, masking tape or painter’s tape

Since we’ve mentioned tape as a way to fix dust sheets over your carpet to protect it from paint stains, it’s good to note that not all types of tape are created equal. The best kinds of tape to use are gaffer and painter’s tape. They are adhesive enough to stick to your carpet and the walls but still easy to remove. Gaffer and painter’s tape don’t leave gummy sticky residue; you can use them not only when fixing the dust sheets on the carpet but also to protect the flooring when hand-painting your skirting boards. You can also use low-tack masking tape. However, it might get unstuck and let the dust sheets move, thus exposing your carpet. Also, unlike gaffer and painter’s tape, masking tape can get soaked and allow the paint to penetrate underneath. So, although gaffer and painter’s tape are more expensive, they are the better alternative to masking tape when it comes to painting and decoration projects.

Read also: 10 Simple Things That Effectively Remove Stickers From Any Surface

If there is a paint spilled on your carpet the best you can do is to soak up as much liquid as possible and call stain removal specialist as soon as possible.

How to remove a paint stain from the carpet?

If you search, you will find that many websites give all sorts of home recipes and methods for cleaning paint from carpets. Unfortunately, while the sentiment is good, these articles are a complete hoax. No self-respecting carpet cleaning professional (especially if certified in stain removal) would guarantee that the Internet’s methods – acetones, solvents, dishwashing liquid, soap, alcohol – would work in your situation. On another type of surface – maybe, but when it comes to carpet, there are too many factors to consider – whether the stain is fresh or not, the composition of the carpet, carpet pile height, whether it is fixed wall-to-wall and more. If you need to deal with a paint accident on your carpet don’t hesitate tocontact us and get a sain removal quote within minutes.

It’s best if you notice the stain while it’s still wet. Use a clean white cloth to soak up as much paint as possible. Do not rub to avoid spreading the stain. Suppose you’re dealing with a latex stain. In that case, there’s a good chance you’ll be able to remove it by dabbing the area with a clean cloth dampened with water as you pull it off the carpet, but pigments may still remain. Also, some types of rugs, like viscose, bamboo and artificial silk, are moisture sensitive and over-soaking them could lead to damage.

Suppose you need to clean an oil-based paint stain. In that case, it’s best to blot up the excess with a towel and get a certified stain removal specialist to help you remove it as soon as possible. The following applies to both types of paint stains: the fresher the stains and the fewer products you have used on them, the greater the chance that the professional carpet cleaner will be able to remove them from your flooring. That is why taking precautions is still the best way to keep your carpet stain-free during renovations.

Stain removal specialist or carpet cleaner?

And lastly, you may have noticed that we repeatedly said to turn to a stain removal specialist rather than a carpet cleaner. That is because these are two different jobs, although there are professionals who are certified for both. Most carpet cleaners can deal with everyday dirt. However, some stubborn and unlikely stains, like paint, are better left to a certified expert. We at CleanerCleaner are certified in carpet cleaning and stain removal, so if you need help with paint spills on your carpet, don’t hesitate to give us a call if you have to deal with a paint spill on your flooring.

Read also: How to Clean a Carpet at Home – DIY Guide

Urine has a complicated composition which makes it surprisingly difficult to clean. Image by diana.grytsku

Why is it so difficult to remove a dry urine stain?

When dealing with a pee stain on the carpet, knowing why this clear, watery liquid is such a hassle to clean is important. When urine is allowed to dry and linger in the carpet (or the upholstery, for that matter), it starts to adhere to the fibres. The more time it is left to stay, the more robust the bond becomes. Proteins (chains of amino acids) form physical bonds with the fibres. At the same time, other components of the urine crystallise into salts, creating ionic (electrical charge) bonds. At this stage, the pee stain becomes exceedingly challenging to clean entirely. Meanwhile, Mother Nature initiates the process of decay.

Check also: Stain removal is a matter of chemistry

If not handled properly urine leave a lingering smell that only gets worse over time. Image by karlyukav o

Why does urine start to stink, and the odour worsens over time?

Urine has quite an intricate composition. Consider a multitude of substances previously ingested: water, sugars, various fats and oils from both plants, meat and dairy products, alcohol and so forth, all comprising numerous elements. The body transforms some of these constituents into yet other identifiable compounds before being excreted in a liquid form. Now, let’s focus on the components of urine known as “organic wastes,” referring to those portions that undergo decay.

The decay process is a natural mechanism that serves as a means of disposing of this refuse. These organic wastes serve as a natural food source for bacteria. As they feed on the waste, bacteria produce offensive vapours, releasing ammonia, sulphur, and methane gases in various combinations, which we perceive as an unpleasant odour. To put it differently, what our noses detect as a noxious odour is, in fact, bacteria excrement. This laboriously gradual process is the underlying cause of the lingering odour issue.

Read also: How to Clean your Wool Rug

Check your carpet’s textile composition to guarantee efficient pee stain removal. Image by rawpixel.com

Peculiarities of cleaning different types of carpets

Also, before cleaning your carpet, it’s good to consider its material to remove the pee stain efficiently without damaging the fibres.

Read also: How to clean the 3 most common types of carpets

• Natural carpets like wool, cotton and silk can be destroyed by enzyme cleaners if not rinsed properly after the treatment. 
• Synthetic carpets are usually easier to clean since they don’t retain moisture, and most can be treated with enzyme cleaners. 
• Man-made cellulosic fibres like viscose and bamboo silk are extremely vulnerable to moisture, and rigorous scrubbing can crush the carpet pile. So if you have to remove urine stains from such carpet, we recommend blotting up the excess liquid, then contact a carpet care specialist and arrange a same-day appointment. The same applies to silk, vintage and Oriental rugs.

Check also: Pros and Cons of Getting a Viscose Rug

Accidents happen, especially if your pet is still in training. Luckily, our detailed guide will help you get rid of the urine stain on your rug. Image by Freepik

Removing urine stains from carpets step by step

As you’ve already guessed, time is of the essence if you have to deal with pee stains. The best-case scenario is if the stain is still fresh and none of the bonding and decay has started. So, even if you are tired, tardy or occupied, it is wise to spare a few minutes to tend to your carpet. However, there are some tricks you can try even if the liquid has dried.

Read also: How to Choose Upholstery Fabric for Easy Care of Your Furniture

For fresh stains

Although the natural processes we described may make it sound like urine is next to impossible to clean, that’s not true – you must be diligent.

You will need:

• A few pieces of white cloth or paper towels
• Cleaning sponge
• Mixing bowl
• Spray bottle
• Lukewarm water  
• White distilled vinegar*
• Container filled with clean water
• Empty container for dirty water

*Vinegar can harm some fibres, especially when it is not diluted with the correct water ratio. If your carpet contains silk, cotton, or rayon, we strongly recommend soaking up the urine and calling a professional carpet cleaner. 

1. Grab a few rags or a bunch of paper towels and soak up the urine as quickly as you can from your carpet. Do not use dark rags because the fabric’s dye can transfer to the carpet. When the rag gets soaked, put it in your empty container or a garbage bag and continue blotting with a dry one until you get as much liquid out of the carpet as possible.
2. Mix 1 cup of distilled white vinegar and 1 cup of water in a small bowl or spray bottle.
3. Dip a clean sponge into your cleaning solution, squeeze it so it is not dripping wet, and blot the affected carpet area. Start at the outside of the wet spot and work toward the centre to help prevent the stain from spreading out. 
4. Work it in, blotting meticulously as the solution needs to get deep into the fibres, but try not to saturate the area. Oversoaking your carpet will make it more challenging to dry, and the residual moisture can lead to mould and mildew.
5. Squeeze the contaminated mixture into your dirty water container, dip the sponge in the cleaning solution and blot again. Repeat a few times.  
6. Use paper towels or a dry cloth to blot out the cleaning mixture.
7. Apply a generous amount of clean water onto affected area using a clean sponge to rinse away any vinegar residue. Repeat until you make sure there’s no cleaning solution on the carpet. This step is essential because any remaining acid can deteriorate the carpet fibres. 
8. Use dry clean rags or paper towels to soak up the residual water. If your rag gets wet, replace it with a dry one and continue blotting the moisture. 
9. Let the carpet air-dry away from direct sunlight or heat. Don’t be tempted to use a hair dryer for this step, as the high heat can set the stain, making it very difficult to clean. 
10. To help the carpet more quickly, you can place a rotating fan in the room to enhance the circulation of air in the room. 
11. Vacuum the area to lift carpet fibres. When cleaning a high-pile carpet, brushing it with a soft bristle brush is a good way to form and style the fibres.

You might also like: Ammonia as a Carpet Cleaning Solution

For dried urine stains 

Dealing with pee stains that have set in the carpet fibres takes more time and patience. Dried urine can be difficult to locate; even the slightest spot you fail to clean will eventually start stinking. That is why getting a small UV torch and shining it onto the carpet is good – it will immediately show you all the splashes and spots. After locating all the stains, you can spray them with only water to rehydrate them. Then, follow the same steps as cleaning fresh urine. You may need to repeat each step more times, but it is essentially the same process.

If possible, it’s best to get your rug outside and hose it to rinse out the urine. Image by Freepik

Check also: How To Clean The Bathroom Carpet

Removing a urine stain from your rug

Suppose you are not cleaning a fitted wall-to-wall carpet but a small area rug made from wool or synthetic fibres. In that case, there’s an alternative cleaning method. Bring the carpet outside and rinse the stain with lots of water; you can use a garden hose if you have one. After that, leave the rug to air dry completely before taking it outside. This old-school method is really effective, but only for wool and synthetic rugs, do not attempt it for cotton, silk or viscose carpets. Also, if you are cleaning urine from a rug, it’s wise to check its back because the liquids get deep into the fibres. When professional cleaners deal with urine stains on fitted carpets, they inject syringes with specialised products to battle the odours. Luckily, with smaller rugs, it’s possible to treat both sides.

Read also: Things You Can Do to Keep Your Carpets Clean

Feline urine is notoriously stinky, that is why it’s worth being particularly diligent when treating a cat pee stain on your rug. Image by Freepik

How to get rid of urine odour from your carpet

Whilst vinegar should be sufficient to cut through the odour of the urine on the carpet, the smell may still linger. If that’s the case, you can try some of the following methods:

Hydrogen peroxide and baking soda:

You can prepare a hydrogen peroxide solution if you have a light-coloured carpet. Never use this mixture on dark rugs, as it may bleach them. 

• Pour 1 cup of water, 1 cup of hydrogen peroxide and add 3 tablespoons of baking soda into a spray bottle. Shake well to combine all the ingredients.
• Spray the mixture onto your carpet, leave for 10 to 20 minutes, then blot with clean water to rinse.
• Dry the carpet with a clean towel.

If you are trying to decide whether or not to use this recipe on your rug, you can prepare the solution and test it on a small inconspicuous area.

Check also: What Are the Best Ways to Remove Pet Hair Off of Furniture and Carpets

Enzyme cleaner

Enzyme cleaners are great for removing urine stains and smell from clothes. However, when it comes to carpet cleaning, they can be a bit risky to use, which is why you should make sure the enzymatic cleaner won’t damage your rug. Most synthetic carpets can be safely treated with enzyme stain removers, while most natural ones will be damaged if you fail to rinse the spot thoroughly. There is a wide variety of enzymatic cleaners, so when you choose one, strictly follow the instructions on the label. As with all situations where you need to try a new product, we suggest testing on a small inconspicuous spot of the carpet before treating the stain.

If you enjoy snacking on your sofa it’s difficult to avoid accidents, so you better be prepared to deal with a grease stain on the upholstery.

Read also: 6 Ways to Keep Furniture and Carpets Clean All Year Round

How to Deal With Fresh Grease Stains on Your Sofa

There’s a big difference between cleaning an old and a fresh stain from your sofa. It’s best to deal with spills as soon as they occur – your chances of removing the stain from the upholstery are better before the spot dries. Here is what to do: 

• Scrape off as many excess liquids or solids as possible using a spoon. Be careful not to push or rub too vigorously because it will force the oil deeper into the sofa and can make the stain larger.
• Your next move is to absorb the remaining liquid. Sprinkle baking soda generously all over the spot. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes to soak up the grease, and carefully vacuum it from the sofa. You can also use other powders like talc or cornstarch for this step. Remember that both substances are finer and can penetrate deeper into upholstery fibres. So we don’t recommend using them unless you don’t have any baking soda.
• Next, you should determine the type of stain you’re dealing with. Is it a plain substance like cooking oil or a cooked dish like tomato sauce or gravy? Is it animal fat like butter or vegetable oil like olive oil? Don’t forget that many hair and beauty products also contain oils, so most makeup stains are also greasy. There are different sofa stain removers designed to clean various stains, so make sure to choose the most suitable product for your needs.
• Whatever you do, please don’t mix different solutions! Combining many cleaning products results in a concoction that is difficult to remove, even for a professional sofa cleaner.
• After choosing the suitable stain remover for the grease stain on your sofa, use it following the instructions on its label. With some cleaners, the upholstery should be slightly wet. To achieve that, use a spray bottle filled with cold water to make the area damp without oversoaking the sofa. Apply the stain remover to the upholstery and let it do its job. Blot the spot carefully with a clean white towel, but ensure you’re not rubbing it. Keep dabbing lightly until no more dirt is transferred from the sofa to your cloth.
• Take another clean cloth, dip it in cold water, wring the excess and blot the upholstery gently to rinse the cleaning product.

Check also: How to Remove Grease Stains From Your Carpets?

Dish-washing liquid soap is an option if you don’t have a specialised upholstery stain removal product.

What Product to Use When Removing Grease Stains From the Sofa? 

Nowadays, you can find thousands of cleaning methods and DIY recipes for making your own sofa stain removers on YouTube and TikTok. Some might work, while others are pure clickbait and won’t remove the grease and dirt from the furniture. That is why we recommend researching and choosing a specialised upholstery cleaning product when dealing with grease stains on your sofa. Knowing what type of upholstery you’re dealing with is crucial because some fabrics don’t stand certain ingredients very well. So always check the label on your sofa before choosing a cleaning product for the upholstery.

Check also: How to Decode Upholstery Labels

However, suppose you don’t have a specialised sofa cleaner at hand. In that case, you can use a few drops of strong liquid dish soap diluted in lukewarm water. Whisk until you have thick suds, and use only the suds to treat the upholstery stain. Still, we recommend using an appropriate product if you have to deal with a grease stain on valuable furniture. And whatever you do, avoid mixing different cleaners because they can set in the dirt and make it impossible to remove the dirt from your sofa.

Read also: How to Choose the Best Upholstery Fabric for Easy Cleaning of Your Sofa

Hire professionals for a visible cleaning result!

How to Remove Old Grease Stains

Dealing with old grease stains on your sofa is quite challenging. That is why we think it’s better to book a professional stain removal service. The dirt has already dried and had enough time to bind with the fibres. Depending on the upholstery type, this bond can be quite strong and difficult to break with store-bought sofa cleaners. Also, old, stubborn stains require more time and effort to clean, making people rub the area very hard. So even if they remove the grease stain, they have weakened the fibres and shortened the sofa’s lifespan.

Check also: The Ultimate Guide to Sofa Stain Removal

On the other hand, professional sofa cleaners have a ton of specialised cleaners to choose from, each designed to fight different stains on various upholstery materials. Also, every fibre care specialist is taught the best way of using these solutions because having the right product is not always enough. So, before you reach for the stain remover, think again: Is saving a few pounds worth ruining your furniture? Well, it’s your sofa and your choice. However, if you need help, don’t hesitate to call us. You will get a free quote and can book us at a time that best fits your schedule. Combine our stain removal service with a professional upholstery cleaning to get the most out of our skills and knowledge, and you won’t regret it!

You might also like: 9 Things You Need to Know About Stain Protection for Carpets and Upholstery

Get a Mattress Cleaning Quote Within Minutes

Maintaining you mattress clean will help you sleep better!

Mattress Cleaning Q&A With Cleaner Cleaner Professionals

Our clients always ask us the same 6 questions when they hire us for mattress cleaning. We decided to post them here along with our answers so you get all the facts straight and have everything you need to know about mattress cleaning and maintenance in one place. Here we go!

You might also like: The Future of Sleep: Innovative Mattress Pads Are Revolutionising Our Rest 

Q: What Are the Top 5 Things That Build-up on My Mattress, and How Does It Happen?

A: Hair, skin flakes, dust, sweat and body grease are the most usual culprits for dirty mattresses. Body grease and sweat penetrate the bedding sheets and get into the mattress. 

Check also: How to Remove Grease Stains From Upholstery Fabrics

Q: Is There Anything I Can Do to Prevent Dirt Build-ups?

A: Although we are a professional cleaning company, the first advice we have for you has nothing to do with cleaning, but with the room temperature. Keep the temperature in your bedroom relatively cool at night. This will help you sleep better and sweat less thus your bed will be cleaner. Second, change the bedding sheets regularly – once every week. The amount of sweat and body grease transferring to your mattress will be significantly lower. Last but not least, vacuum the mattress thoroughly at least once a month, ideally using a mattress vacuum. A regular vacuum cleaner will do if you don’t have one, especially if you have an attachment for upholstery.

Read also: How to Keep Your Furniture and Carpets Clean All Year Long

Q: How Can I Get Rid of These Build-up Stains?

A: Most tips on the internet include using a steam cleaner. However, domestic steam cleaners will only set the stains deeper and won’t solve your problem. The best you can do to remove sweat and body grease stains is to hire a professional cleaning company. They will perform the hot water extraction procedure, also referred to as steam cleaning. The professional method ensures deep cleaning and sanitisation, provided the cleaners are experienced and use an appropriate cleaning solution.

Read also: How to Care for Your Mattress at Home

A typical example of sweat and body grease staining on a mattress (left) and after professional cleaning (right).

Q: How Often I Should Clean My Mattress, and What Are the Best Ways to Do It?

A: As we mentioned before, vacuuming your mattress once a month is a must. Another thing you can do to keep the mattress in good condition is to turn it over once a month, if it is double-sided, of course. Investing in a mattress topper is also an excellent way to prevent hair, dust and dirt from getting onto the mattress. Choose a topper that’s not too thick and can be popped in the washing machine whenever it needs cleaning. That will reduce the need for hiring professionals to clean your mattress and save you money. Still, aim to book professional mattress cleaning at least twice a year for a healthier bedding.

Check also: How to Remove Urine Stains From Your Carpet and Get Rid of the Urine Smell

Q: What Are the Mattress Stains That Require Professional Cleaning?

A: We are most often being called out to deal with stains from urine, blood, coffee, tea, and red wine. None of these can be removed by an inexperienced person using domestic stain removal products. Actually, stains that people attempted to clean before calling us are almost impossible to remove. In these cases, the initial dirt was treated with one and usually more products, which created a reaction, resulting in a complex substance set into the fibres.  

Read also: Mattress Cleaning With Caution And Diligence

Q: What Mattress Fabric Should I Choose For Easy Cleaning and Maintenance?

A: The fabric of many mattresses nowadays is made of viscose, but we don’t recommend this fabric at all! This man-made fibre comes from the pulp of the eucalyptus tree. It looks like satin, but it is virtually impossible to fully remove once stained. We would recommend getting a mattress covered with cotton fabric – it is easier to remove stains from cotton, and this natural fibre is more breathable and provides you with better sleep.

You might also like: Decode Upholstery Labels and Choose the Best Sofa for Your Needs

There was so much to get done. Shopping, cleaning, setting the table, getting the children ready, cooking, and getting ourselves ready. By the time the guests arrived we were so exhausted, all we wanted to do was curl up in bed and call it a night.

And as if that wasn’t enough, when the guests had left, we discovered a large wine stain on the carpet. My wife let out a heavy sigh and exclaimed, “Not again!”.

Read also: Carpet Stain Removal – Even the most terrible stains can be removed

Keeping your home clean isn’t easy. The carpeted floors make it even worse. Not to mention having two daughters and a dog that are always traipsing in dirt, sand, and whatever else manages to cling to the bottoms of their shoes and paws.

However, the comfort, warmth, and aesthetic appeal that carpets bring to a room makes it worthwhile. The only downside is that they need constant care and attention.

And you can’t just ignore them either. Neglected carpets look worn, ugly, and dishevelled. Imagine the impression that would make on your guests!

As we all know, carpets can become dusty and grimy if not maintained properly. This creates the perfect environment for harmful microbes and foul smells to cultivate. Not only that, but dirty carpets also attract bacteria and insects that break down carpet fibres and breed nasty germs. These germs can be harmful to your health, comfort and air quality in your home.

That is why we have put together this guide to carpet cleaning and carpet maintenance. Here, you will find all you need to know about dealing with common and persistent stains. We will also cover the best, cost-effective products that will help you with that.

Section 1: The Importance of Carpet Cleaning

Dirty carpets can be a threat to your health and that of your family and guests. Every time you enter your house, you are bringing in allergens, such as pollen and dust with you.

These allergens can cause respiratory problems, such as wheezing, sneezing, and coughing. Dust and dirt particles are also an inviting home for bugs and insects that aren’t visible to the human eye. Not to mention the little mites that are gradually eating away at your carpet fibres.

When carpets get clogged with dust, dirt and debris at the edges, just between the carpet and the walls, it restricts the air circulation and creates a musty, unpleasant smell. The microbes also contribute to this smell and affect the air quality in your home.

Because this is something that you grow accustomed to, the smell will often go without detection to the occupants of the house. However, your guests are going to detect it immediately and wonder how you can stand it all day. Not really the impression you want to make on them, right?

Don’t get me started on pets, either. They bring in a number of harmful bacteria that cause illness every time you take them for a walk.

You might also like: Things You Can Do to Keep Your Carpets Clean

Another thing worth mentioning – if you are a tenant, you will want to be keeping your landlord’s carpet clean. Why? Your contract will more than likely contain a clause about leaving the house in tip-top condition. This has become a common point in all lease agreements these days. If you don’t comply, your landlord will pay for an end of tenancy cleaning service or a carpet cleaning service out of your deposit. And they aren’t going to choose a cheap one, are they?

What is the Average Carpet Lifespan?

The average lifespan of an inexpensive carpet in a family home is roughly 3-5 years. When we say family home, we would say 4 persons. Keep in mind that if you have a lot of guests coming in and out, you may only get 2-3 years out of your carpet.

A good, medium-grade carpet from nylon or triexta, however, could give you anywhere between 5 and 15 years. Top-of-the-range carpets should last 25 years if cared for properly.

It is good to keep in mind that if you have children or pets, your carpets are more likely to be subject to spillages, stains and friction. As you know, kids and animals don’t understand the importance of not having accidents on carpets. This means the fabric will degrade at a much faster rate.

Carpets exposed to sunlight are prone to discolouration and you will notice the fabric will become dull rather quickly. That is why you should have thick curtains or blinds in rooms that get a lot of light.

Another important factor to carpet lifespan is the length and quality of the fibre. These two things determine how much wear and tear the carpet can take.

Regular maintenance can extend the longevity of a carpet, regardless of your living conditions. Correct carpet cleaning techniques will also keep your floor coverings looking fresh and new for much longer. How you treat stains and spillages is key to the lifespan of your carpet.

Another few pointers to extending your carpets’ lifespan include removing stains as quickly as possible and vacuuming your carpet regularly. This is to make sure you keep your carpet free of dust, dirt, and insects that degrade the fabric.

Have your carpet professionally cleaned every 6-18 months to make sure you get the maximum lifespan out of it.

Check also: Pros and Cons of Getting a Viscose Rug

What Lives in Your Carpet?

Studies show that a horrifying 200,000 types of bacteria and fungi are lurking in every square inch of your carpet.

It is scary to know that your average carpet is 700x dirtier – and dangerous – than a toilet seat. It is estimated that the average UK household accumulates 20kg of grime yearly. Now imagine how much of those particles infest your carpet.

Dust and dirt also act as an abrasive against carpet fibres. Not only does it accelerate the wear-and-tear, affecting the appearance, but it can also lead to health issues.

An average of half a million dead skin cells daily are also working their way into the fibres. All together with dried saliva, hair, pet hair, and dander, all of which is fodder for microscopic insects. That would include fleas, ticks, mites, ants, flies, and spiders with their old cobwebs.

On top of that, you will typically bring in pollen, bits of dried leaves, as well as other organic matter from outside.

Carpets also absorb moisture. You know what that means – the perfect breeding grounds for biological growth.

If you have pets, as we do, the vast array of organisms living in your carpet will be magnified.

Pets attract fleas which subsequently lay eggs in your carpet fibres. Not to mention that your pets are more likely to walk faeces into the house after a walk in the park. The resulting bacteria could contain germs that cause E.coli, salmonella and Staphylococcus aureus (staph).

How Often Should I Clean My Carpets?

Vacuuming every 2-3 days is the recommended amount for removing dust, dirt and food particles that will harm your carpet fabric. Hoovering removes the majority of dust and other debris.

If you have a lot of people coming through your house, you should vacuum every day. You should also pay attention to areas subject to more traffic (entrance hall, living room) every 3-6 weeks using carpet cleaning products.

Any spillages must be treated as soon as possible. This will prevent stains and lasting damage.

How Often Should I Steam Clean My Carpets?

The best way to keep your carpets fresh and protected is by getting them steam-cleaned professionally. Steam, unlike other methods, penetrates carpet fibres, thus extracting much more dirt than a vacuum. For the majority of synthetic fibre carpets, this is the most effective cleaning method.

Natural fibre carpets, on the other hand, should be cleaned using a dry compound. Wool carpets can be cleaned using water, but you must be careful when doing it. 

If you have children, pets, or smokers living with you, it is recommended you professional steam-clean your carpets every 6 months to a year.

Households that don’t have a great deal of foot traffic or soiling won’t need to get a professional clean so often. Once a year to 18 months should suffice.

These guidelines are exactly that, however. When you notice a build-up of dirt around the doorway, you know it is time for a proper clean.

As a rule of thumb, you should clean your carpets more frequently if you:

• live with someone that has allergies;
• have young children and/or pets;
• live in a dusty region or get a lot of smog;
• have a habit of treading mud or oil into the house;
• host high-pollinating plants inside or near the house;
• live with smokers.

Now that you know the importance of carpet cleaning and how often you should do it, let us get to the main part. In the next section, you will find some of the best methods to deal with common stains on your carpet.

Section 2: How to Clean Common Carpet Stains?

Soiling your carpet is inevitable. No matter the precautions you take, your carpet is going to end up dirty.

The good news is that there are easy-to-follow, effective methods you can use for just about every type of stain. And the best part is that you can use typical household agents for most cases.

Here are some of the methods you will most likely end up needing:

How to Clean Vomit from a Carpet?

1. Use absorbent paper or an old towel to soak up most vomit and scrape away chunks of solid matter;
2. Sprinkle the contaminated area with salt or baking powder and leave the substance for 10 to 15 minutes. This will lift any residue from the carpet fibres;
3. Vacuum over the area to remove the absorbent, then treat the area with a commercial stain remover that can be used on carpets;
4. Blot the stain with a clean, damp cloth. Do not scrub the wet patch as this will push vomit into the carpet fibres;
5. Allow the afflicted area to dry overnight and, if possible, open a window to ventilate the room and get rid of the smell. If you have a steam cleaner, use it on the stained area to deep clean the fibres. A steam cleaner eliminates germs and bacteria that create foul odours.

How to Clean Human Urine from a Carpet?

1. Use an absorbent towel to blot up as much of the urine as possible. Be careful not to rub it in;
2. Mix a solution of water and vinegar; 1/2 a cup of warm water and 1/2 a cup of vinegar;
3. Saturate the afflicted area and let it sit for 5-10 minutes to absorb the residue. Now blot it dry;
4. Sprinkle baking powder or salt over the area;
5. Mix 3/4 cup of peroxide with 1tsp of dish soap. Stir the solution and gently pour it over the dry solution;
6. Put on some protective gloves and massage the solution into the carpet with your fingers;
7. Leave the area to dry out completely. You may want to lay some newspaper over the area so nobody walks through it;
8. Once the area is dry, vacuum up the salt/baking powder.

Check also: How to Remove Urine From Your Carpet and Get Rid of the Urine Smell

How to Clean Milk from a Carpet?

1. Use absorbent paper, cloth or towel to soak up as much milk as possible;
2. Take a small bowl and mix two cups of warm water with one tablespoon of liquid hand-washing detergent;
3. Lightly dampen a cloth with water and moisten it with the mixture;
4. Use the cloth to blot up the milk until the stain has disappeared;
5. Sprinkle cornstarch or ammonia over the affected area and leave it to rest for about 30-60 minutes, or however long it takes for the dry compound to soak up the remaining residue;
6. Once the area is dry, take out the hoover and vacuum the affected area of the carpet.

Check also: How to Remove Milk From Your Carpet

How to Clean Wine from a Carpet?

1. Take a dry cloth and blot up as much spilt wine as possible. The more you are able to soak up, the easier the stain is to remove;
2. Once you have soaked up the wine, pour cold water directly on to the stain. This will help to dilute whatever wine is left in the carpet fibre;
3. Continue blotting the stain with the cloth until you can’t get any more out;
4. Make a paste mix by adding baking soda to some water, one part soda and three parts water;
5. Apply the mixture to the tainted area and leave the paste to dry;
6. Hoover up the dry paste;
7. If there is still a visible stain, apply a carpet stain remover.

How to Clean Dried Blood from a Carpet?

1. Brush the affected area with a steel brush to loosen the blood particles and remove the mass of the stain from the surface;
2. Then mix one teaspoon of ammonia or dishwashing detergent with two cups of cold water;
3. Soak a dry, clean cloth or a sponge with the mixture and blot it onto the bloodstain until the stain disappears;
4. Leave the area to dry out. If the bloodstain persists, add hydrogen peroxide directly to the stain and cover it with a paper kitchen towel;
5. Then put something heavy on top of the paper towels to weigh it down so the substance is soaked up.

Read also: How to Remove Blood Stains from Carpet and Upholstery?

How to Remove Fresh Blood Stains from a Carpet?

1. Always wear gloves as handling blood is a health hazard;
2. Add some water to the bloodstain to dilute the stain and dab at it with a wet cloth. Rinse the area with cold water;
3. Dry the area with a towel or cloth, then lay some paper towels over the carpet to soak up any excess moisture;
4. Leave the area to dry out, then run the vacuum cleaner over it to plump up the carpet fibres;
5. Dispose of contaminated materials responsibly.

How to Clean Cooking Oil Stains from a Carpet?

1. Use paper towels to blot up as much oil as possible. Keep doing this until no more oil appears in the towel;
2. Apply a small amount of alcohol onto a clean washcloth and dab it onto the oil stain. Make sure to blot, and not wipe as this will spread oil across a wider surface;
3. Concoct a mixture made of 1/4 cup of water and a 1/4 teaspoon of dishwashing liquid. Ideally, the dishwashing liquid should be a well-known brand that is effective at fighting grease and does not contain any lanolin or bleach that could fade the colour of your carpet;
4. Apply the dishwashing mix to the oil stain using a clean sponge and work it into the affected area until the stain is no longer visible;
5. Wash the soap suds out with a small amount of water and blot it up with a clean towel;
6. Add a paper towel to the affected area to soak up the remaining drops of moisture;
7. Leave the area to dry.

Check also: How to Remove Grease Stains From Your Carpets?

How to Clean Motor Oil Stains from a Carpet?

1. Scrape the excess oil away with a butter knife. Be careful not to press down too hard as you could damage the carpet fibres;
2. Sprinkle baking soda or cornstarch directly onto the oil stain and leave it to sit for 10-15 minutes;
3. Hoover the powder up;
4. Take a clean cloth and apply several drops of dry-cleaning solvent and dab it into the motor oil stain;
5. If the stain is still visible, mix two cups of warm water with a tablespoon of white vinegar and a tablespoon of dishwashing detergent and work the solution into the stain using a clean sponge;
6. Continue until the stain disappears;
7. Rinse the affected area with cold water and leave it to dry.

How to Clean Ink from a Carpet?

1. Take a can of hairspray and moisten the ink stain;
2. With a towel, dab the affected area gently. You should see the ink transferring to the towel;
3. Continue dabbing until the ink stain disappears;
4. Dampen a towel with lukewarm water and blot the area gently to clean up any remaining traces of hairspray and leave to dry.

How to Clean Acrylic Paint from a Carpet?

• Scrape away as much wet paint as possible with a putty knife;
• When the paint starts to dry out, scrape away the flakes with a steel brush;
• Vacuum the area then remove the pieces of paint and continue scraping until you can’t get any more flakes loose;
• Soak the area with Isopropyl alcohol concentrate and dab it with a dry cloth;
• Leave the patch for 15-20 minutes to allow the solution to loosen the particles;
• Now, blot the stain using a clean cloth to remove as much paint as possible. Be careful to use dabbing motions rather than scrubbing otherwise you could damage the carpet fibres;
• A steam cleaner is also useful at this point to deeply moisten the carpet fibres and break up the remaining particles of paint;
• Now, apply glycerin to a clean cloth and dab it into the paint stain;
• Repeat the blotting process until the stain is completely lifted;
• Leave the area to dry for a couple of hours then vacuum the carpet.

Read also: How to Prevent Carpets Stains When Painting and Decorating the House

How to Clean Makeup Products from a Carpet?

1. Nail Polish

Using a damp cloth, wet the stain. Make sure you use cold water;
Spray around 15 pumps of hairspray into the stain then rub five small splashes of concentrated alcohol onto the affected area;
Scrub the carpet with a small scrubbing brush;
Whilst your scrubbing, continue to add clean water to the area every minute or so until the stain is no longer visible.

2. Eyeshadow

1. If you have a light-coloured carpet, you can use hydrogen peroxide. Although it does have bleaching properties that can fade the colour of carpet fibres, a few drops on a light coloured carpet is safe;
2. Allow the solution to settle and work its way into the carpet fibres for a couple of minutes;
3. Take a dry microfiber cloth and blot the affected area with gentle dabs;
4. Once most of the moisture has been removed, take a new microfibre cloth and dampen it with water. Dab this cloth into the wet patch to remove traces of hydrogen peroxide;
5. Use a third cloth, or a new paper towel to soak up the water.

3. Eyeliner

1. Mix a small portion of water and white vinegar in equal measure;
2. Dab the mixture on to a clean cloth;
3. Working from the outside in so you don’t smudge the eyeliner into the carpet, blot the stain with the cloth until you lift as much as you can of the eyeliner;
4. Sprinkle the remaining vinegar solution on the affected area and lightly blot it with a clean microfibre cloth.

4. Foundation

1. It’s important to tackle foundation spillages asap otherwise it seeps into the carpet and creates a deeper stain.
2. First of all, scrape up any excess powder with a butter knife;
3. Mix some dish soap with cold water and lightly dampen it onto a clean cloth;
4. Working from the outside in, gently blot the stain until there is no more foundation on the carpet;
5. Remove the traces of soapy water by blotting a clean microfiber cloth on the wet patch of the carpet;
6. Leave the carpet to dry then give it a once over with a vacuum cleaner.

Section 3: Common House Remedies for Cleaning Carpets

Specially formulated carpet cleaning agents are by far the best option for removing stains. However, there are several household items, in most cases, that will do the job just as well.

Listed below, you will find several home remedies that will help you with carpet cleaning. And the best part is that you can concoct them with things you will probably have knocking around the house.

We have also included some alternatives you might want to consider if the stain removal doesn’t go to plan. However, only use the alternative as a last resort and be sure to take care.

1. Cleaning Carpets with Baking Soda

Baking soda is an all-time favourite for most people. This multifunctional little thing has numerous practical uses in your home – carpet cleaning being one of them.

Courtesy of its non-toxic, biodegradable properties, baking soda is an excellent home remedy you can use for cleaning and deodorizing carpets. Its pH-balanced properties fight odours, such as pet urine and smoke. And the best part is that it’s not abrasive, so it won’t wear down your carpet fibres.

Not only that, but baking soda works as an absorbent compound. This means that it absorbs excess moistures. It can be used for both oily and non-oily spillages and also helps dry out wet patches in your carpet quickly and efficiently.

To use baking soda for cleaning carpets, all you need to do is sprinkle a generous portion over the stain. The best option is to leave it to settle overnight, but you could also leave it for 5-6 hours during the day.

You will notice the baking soda is dry and crusty after a certain amount of time. This means it is time to vacuum up the residue.

2. Cleaning Carpets with Vinegar

White vinegar is arguably just as effective when carpet cleaning as baking soda. Its acidic properties mean that it is a natural antibacterial and antimicrobial agent.

Vinegar is a tough component for removing stains. Not only that though. It is also highly efficient in tackling mould and loosening dirt particles buried into your carpet fibres. You can mix it with deodorizing liquids to leave your carpets looking nice and fluffy, as well as smelling fresh.

An important reminder when using vinegar as a carpet cleaner, though. Always dilute it with equal amounts of water. Otherwise, it will discolour the fibres of your carpet.

To clean your carpets using vinegar, apply the mixture by either lightly sprinkling or spraying the solution over the stain. Alternatively, dab it into the stain with a white cloth.

Another important reminder – white vinegar may not always be effective on the first go. You may need to repeat the process a few times before it works.

3. Cleaning Carpets with Bleach

There is always a big question mark when it comes to carpet cleaning with bleach. Is it effective, is it a good idea? The short answer is yes, you can use bleach to clean only polypropylene carpets. Be careful to follow the procedure below exactly as instructed.

There are certain circumstances when bleach is not recommended.

Bleach contains strong chemicals. These chemicals can strip the colour out of carpet fibres. That is why you only use bleach on white to very light coloured floor coverings.

Bleach for cleaning wool carpets is a big no. It also isn’t the best option for cleaning synthetic carpets either.
Furthermore, bleach should always be diluted with water. Measure one tbsp of bleach to a gallon of water.

Another big no is mixing bleach with ammonia or vinegar.

To avoid children or pets suffering from chemical burns, always make sure they can’t reach the area that has been treated with bleach.

For the same reason, always wear rubber gloves when cleaning with bleach. Health and safety experts recommend wearing a mask. Overexposure to bleach can have negative effects on the respiratory system.

To clean carpets with bleach, apply your diluted solution and leave it for 30 minutes. Now, rinse out the area thoroughly using carpet shampoo. After which, give it another good rinse with clean water.

Household Products You Should Only Use as a Last Resort

Many household products can be used for carpet cleaning. However, many have been tried and tested, and have failed. There are also countless articles floating around the internet, some of which are credible, and some of which are not.

Below, we will list these products and the correct methods for using them if you must. Only ever try out these if all other options have failed.

The health risk is not worth the amount of money you’ll save from not buying a proper cleaning solution instead.

1. Borax

You may have heard of this one under its other name – sodium tetraborate. Borax is a natural ingredient that is used in several cleaning products. Among them, all-purpose cleaners and laundry detergent.

If you have some tough stains, adding borax to baking soda or vinegar helps give these home remedies an extra bit of strength. This will help to lift dirt and stains from your carpet.

Although borax is a low-toxicity pesticide, there are some doubts that overexposure to it could pose health risks. That is why it is recommended that homemade cleaning solutions with borax should be used sparingly.

To use borax for carpet cleaning, add a cup of it to a mix of baking soda and water. Then, blot the solution onto the stain and leave it for several hours to dry.

Place paper towels over the wet patch to speed up the drying process. When fully dry, give it a once over with a hoover.

2. Ammonia

Many commercial cleaning agents for the kitchen and bathroom contain ammonia. It is highly toxic, thus excellent for killing microbes. However, its fumes can cause headaches and respiratory issues if you inhale too much of it.

Ammonia is highly alkaline, making it corrosive. It can cause discolouration and should never be used on wool or other natural fibre carpets.

You can use ammonia to clean carpets. Use it sparingly and follow the health and safety precautions you will find below. Only ever use ammonia if you have tried and failed using other carpet cleaning options.

To use ammonia for cleaning stains, mix 2 tbsp of it with a cup of water. Use a sponge or a clean cloth to apply the solution to the affected area.

Immediately afterwards, blot the area with warm, soapy water (use dishwashing detergent). Be careful to only dab the area, never scrub. Allow the carpet to dry and give it a good vacuuming.

Read also: Ammonia As a Carpet Cleaning Solution

3. Hydrogen Peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide is a natural chemical that is becoming increasingly popular as a carpet cleaning agent. This is because it is more environmentally friendly than commercial cleaning agents that you can find in supermarkets.

Although you can use hydrogen peroxide to clean carpets, it has chemical properties that will slightly discolour carpet fibres. To make it doesn’t damage your carpet, test it on a small area to determine the effect it will have.

Never use hydrogen peroxide that is more than 3% concentrate. Always dilute it with water.

To use hydrogen peroxide for carpet cleaning, mix 1 part to 5 parts hot water and add 1tsp of biodegradable dishwashing detergent. Use a soft brush to scrub the mixture onto the area. After cleaning, open a window to ventilate the room.

Section 4: How to Maintain your Clean Carpets

One of the most important factors when it comes to carpet maintenance is knowing how to properly care for your floor coverings. This will help you prevent your floors from getting overly dirty and keeps them looking fresh and new for much longer.

To increase your carpet’s lifespan, you will need to clean it regularly. You need to remove dirt and grime that causes friction to get more wear out of it. Otherwise, you will be creating the perfect environment for millions of bugs to settle down and nibble away at your carpet fibres.

The main rule that everyone knows – regular vacuuming. How often you should hoover depends on how much foot traffic passes through your house:

In an average household of 2-4 people, you can get away with vacuuming every 2-3 days.
However, if you have pets or children, you should hoover every day.

Carpet manufacturers will typically recommend you steam clean your carpets every 6-12 months. However, natural fibre carpets will need an alternative professional cleaning service, such as encapsulation or dry compound cleaning.

All of the above services effectively penetrate carpet fibres, unlike regular hoovering and DIY treatments. This not only makes your carpet look plush and new but also protects them from microbes that degenerate carpet fibres. As a result, giving your carpet a longer lifespan. Another thing you can do to keep your carpets clean longer is to request stain protection during your next carpet cleaning appointment.

Read also: 9 Things You Need to Know About Stain Protection for Carpets and Upholstery

How to Protect Carpets from Getting Dirty Quickly

Every time you enter the house, your shoes are carrying in soil, oil, dirt, pollen, fertiliser, and all manner of bacteria. All of this is getting traipsed through your carpet. This is why shoes should be left at the front door.

Cooking oil is another devil for carpets. If you have carpeted areas near the kitchen, close the doors to prevent them from getting to them. You would be surprised by how fair cooking oil can travel once it starts spitting.

Environmental experts advise a professional carpet clean every 1-2 years.

You may be wondering when is the best time to get your carpet professionally cleaned. The best time to get it done is before it looks dirty and worn. If it gets to that point, it will be very hard to restore it to its initial new look. Did you know they can hold up to 10lbs of soil per square foot before they start looking dirty?

Carpet fibres develop a build-up of dirt if not deep cleaned at least once a year. When this goes too far, it will be much tougher to remove grime and harmful microbes, even with a professional clean.

Another important factor – using the correct detergent and applying the right technique. Always remember, there isn’t one universal method or solution. Each carpet is individual.

Read also: 6 Ways to Keep Furniture and Carpets Clean All Year Round

Section 5: Best Methods for Cleaning Carpets

For general carpet cleaning and regular maintenance – use your vacuum and simple cleaning products.

However, there are going to be days when cleaning your carpet isn’t going to be as easy as that. Sometimes vacuuming and scrubbing until your fingers are raw just isn’t enough to deal with blemishes and dirt.

At this point, you are going to have to suck it up and admit that your ordinary cleaning methods aren’t enough to get your carpet looking spick and span. The good news is that you have some alternative methods that will be more effective.

Check also: Which carpet cleaning method is the best?

1. Steam Cleaning or Hot Water Extraction

Steam cleaning is a process that uses water that is heated at 150°F-200°F. As a result, steam will be created. This steam will penetrate the fibres of your carpet much better than any scrubbing with various detergents. The steam dissolves the dirt, leaving you with a fresh, soft and bacteria-free carpet.

You will have to add a cleaning agent to your steam cleaner. The machine will then agitate the fibres with a soft brush. You then leave the agent to settle for a short while before washing through and leaving to dry at room temperature.

One of the benefits of steam cleaning is that the high temperatures effectively loosen dirt particles. The temperature also kills microbiological organisms, such as bacteria, fungus and dust mites. After which, the debris is sucked up using a hoover.

Furthermore, steam cleaning allows you to reach tight nooks and crannies that you can’t always get to with a vacuum or other cleaning methods. That is why vetted technicians always recommend a good steam cleaning over other methods.

Having said that, this method may not be ideal for all carpet types. It is good for wool blend and synthetic carpets. However, if you have a natural fibre carpet, such as viscose, tencel, seagrass, or just, your best option is to try dry compound cleaning.

Another downside to steam cleaning is that you will use quite a lot of water. This means that it will take a while for your carpet to dry out.

Steam cleaning is one of the most popular methods, however, it remains one of the more expensive ones.

2. Carpet Shampooing

Shampooing (or foaming) is another option, although not that popular nowadays. Many professional cleaning agencies offer a shampooing service, typically coupled with steam cleaning.

This method is fast and inexpensive, however, it is not the most effective way to draw out dirt and grime. Not only that, but because the foam is left to dry without being rinsed, it often leaves a sticky, unpleasant residue on your carpet.

You can try vacuuming your carpet to remove this residue, although not all hoovers have enough suction power to deal with all of the foam.

If you have a steam cleaner handy, this will loosen the hardened foam and allow you to completely remove it. Namely why shampooing and steam cleaning come as a coupled service.

3. Encapsulation

Foam encapsulation is a new technology that is more environmentally friendly than other methods. You could consider it the evolution of carpet shampooing. It is capable of tackling tough stains and deeply ingrained dirt.

Encapsulation uses synthetic detergents that crystallise into powder after drying. This then creates a base that loosens dirt particles in the carpet, making it easier to suck up carpet debris.

As a result, this method provides a deeper cleanse so that you needn’t clean your carpets as often – even in high foot traffic areas.

Another advantage of the encapsulation method – you don’t use as much water, meaning a quicker drying time.

The only downside to encapsulation is that you need a motorised rotary brush for the technique to be effective. Add that to the specially formulated cleaning solution and the method ends up being a bit more expensive than other options.

4. Bonnet Cleaning

Bonnet cleaning is the ideal routine maintenance for lightly soiled carpets. This method only really removes particles from the surface, but it is the best quick-fix solution. And what’s more, it doesn’t create a disturbance to your general day-to-day activities like some of the other options.

Before starting the bonnet cleaning process, you should always give the carpet a once over with a vacuum. This will remove surface dust, hairs and loose dirt particles. Then you spray the carpet with a chemical solution and leave it to rest.

After the solution has been given time to react with the fibres, cleaners would generally use a heavy-duty motorised floor machine. It is fitted with large absorbent pads, or better known as a bonnet, and spun over the carpet at 100-300 rpm.

This rotary action works the chemicals into the carpet fibres. The pads are then absorbing dirt from the carpet surface.

Bonnet cleaning doesn’t require much moisture. This means your carpets will dry quickly. That is what makes it one of the most popular methods in hotels with a lot of foot traffic that need to keep all areas open to avoid inconveniencing their guests.

However, although this method keeps your carpet looking bright and clean, it doesn’t deal with deeply set grime. Your clean appearance isn’t going to be very long-lasting. This is because it doesn’t penetrate the deeper parts of the pile.

Another disadvantage of bonnet cleaning is that your carpet fibres are going to retain a build-up of the chemical residue. This will eventually lead to your floor covering disintegrating at a faster rate.

5. Deep Cleaning or Dry Cleaning

This method of carpet cleaning came along in the 1980s and has become quite popular nowadays. The idea is that you use a dry compound formula to deal with the dirt.

Dry cleaning, also known as compound cleaning, uses a powdered solution that has the ability to deep clean without water. This method is considered an effective evolution of bonnet cleaning.

The methodology has more or less the same concept as bonnet cleaning. A powder compound is applied to the carpet and left to work its way into the fibres.

After which, a motorised rotary machine is used to work in the remaining compound into the deeper parts of the carpet. This allows the compound to settle and give the carpet a thorough clean.

The compound used for this method is biodegradable. It dissolves dirt and grime and can be later vacuumed up along with all the other particles.

However, this may not be the case with plush carpets. Long-pile floor coverings are much more difficult for cleaning solutions to successfully deep clean them. The powdered compound can end up getting trapped in it and will accumulate over time, along with all the dirt.

Section 6: Professional Carpet Cleaning Services

We all know that keeping your house clean is a time-consuming chore that sucks out all your energy. And that’s before we even get to deep-cleaning the carpets.

Sometimes you need a bit of professional help to take the weight off your shoulders. Not only do carpet cleaning agencies equip their technicians with specialised tools and products, but they also know how to care for your carpet correctly.

That alone can end up saving you hundreds and hundreds of pounds. The more you care for your carpet, the longer it will last.

Restoring your carpet’s shine with a deep cleanse not only helps with its appearance but also deals with nasty bacterias. You don’t want a health hazard in your home, especially if you have children that are still developing their immune system.

Professional carpet cleaners will take the hassle and stress of deep carpet cleansing. This is because they are vetted technicians with years of hands-on experience that know how to get the job done.

You should consider contacting the pros in the following situations:

• when you don’t have enough time on your hands;
• if you don’t have the correct equipment;
• your carpet is looking dirty even after you’ve tried vacuuming and commercial cleaning products;
• when your carpet has stubborn stains that won’t come out;
• if you are worried about attempting a home stain removal;
• you have an expensive carpet;
• you need to recover your security deposit at the end of your tenancy.

Courtesy of their professional equipment, professional carpet cleaning really does make a difference. You just can’t reach the same results with commercial products.

Another thing, using commercial steam cleaning apparatus is not as effective as industrial machines. And scrubbing your carpets by hand with a brush will end up damaging your carpet fibres over time.

Don’t risk wearing your carpet thin before its time.

When you are dealing with a stain, it is important to take the fabric you are treating, the type of stain, and the method you are using into great consideration. You should also be sceptical of advice from friends as the material they are dealing with will most likely be a completely different textile from the one you need to treat. Another big no for stain removal is bleach. That is why our team of experienced technicians at Cleaner Cleaner has decided to put together the ultimate guide to sofa stain removal and put an end to the countless myths on dealing with spills.

Read also: How To Clean Upholstery Stains

Efficient stain removal, no matter whether you are treating your upholstered furniture, carpets, or clothes, is a nightmare everyone has to face at some point in their life. The nightmare, however, always has the potential to get worse and in some cases, the process of tackling the issue can cause irreversible damage. Countless stain-removal guides floating around the internet can also throw a spanner in the works.

All-purpose stain-removal products are not always the best solution either. If you read the back of the bottle yourself, you will see that they come with a warning label saying you should test out the product on a small, less-visible area to avoid potential damage. It is also worth noting that stains usually occur in the more central areas that are likely to be noticeable. That is why it is also worth testing out the product on a small area of the stain as well to see how effective it will be in removing the spill.

Something you Must Consider before Taking Any Stain-Removal Action – Types of Stains

One of the key things in stain removal that people overlook is the type of stain they are treating. Many people find a method that worked on one stain and think that they can apply the same technique to just any old stain. Well, unfortunately, this is not the case, because stain removal is a matter of chemistry. That is why it is important to have some basic knowledge of the range of stains you can happen upon.

Permanent Stains – this type of stain occurs when the substance damages the fibres of the upholstery. Unfortunately, there is not much that can be done about these. At best, you can improve the area if the stain is small enough. Substances that cause such damage or irreversible colourings include food colourings, cosmetic products, old urine stains, strong dyes, strong acids, alkalis, paint, varnish, hot tannin-based stains, set stains, and water damage.

Tannin Stains – this type of stain typically leaves a yellow-brown discolouration. Tannin is a complex natural organic compound that can be found in wood, tea and coffee, beer and cider, red wine and balsamic vinegar, cola drinks, fruit juices, and chocolate (especially dark chocolate).

Solvent Soluble Stains – solvent-soluble stains can be caused by greasy/oily foods, tar, bitumen, motor oil, chewing gum, wax, cosmetics, creams, ointments, fresh gloss paint, solvent-soluble adhesives, solvent-soluble inks, varnishes, and wood stain. Basically, we are talking about oil-based stains and others that are solvent-soluble. This type can only be treated with a mineral spirit solvent or a citrus solvent for solvent-sensitive materials.

Protein Stains – this stain type originates from living organisms. This category covers a wide range of stain types, including all food/drink types, blood, bodily fluids, medicines that contain sugars, moulds, and mildew. Due to the vast variety of stains this category covers, some substances will more than likely require attention that falls under a different stain type. This is because some foods or medicines may contain other substances that will need a higher level of care.

Dye Stains – colourants from food dye, artificially-coloured drinks, dark berry or red grape drinks, furniture stain, and some water-based inks or markers will cause this type of stain on your fabric. Dye stains are treatable, but dye bleeds are a whole other ball game that usually falls under permanent stains.

Difficult Stains – although there aren’t really “straightforward” stains, there are ones that are definitely more tricky than others. This type of stain includes soil, mud, urine, nicotine, and grass stains, as well as cellulosic browning, draught marks, and other charged particle stains like soot, for instance. The thing that makes this category more difficult than others is that the treatment usually contains several steps and reapplications where necessary.

Now, not everything comes down to the stain type either. It is important to keep that in mind. The type of fabric that the stain is on is also a vital factor not to be ignored. Some fibres are more sensitive than others and this will dictate the methods and solutions applicable to each instance.

Check out also: Things you can do to keep your carpets clean. 

How to Tackle Different Stain Types

As each of the stain types mentioned above contains its own subcategories, we will make it easy for you. We will walk you through the process of dealing with more common spillages, such as drinks, food, or pet stains. Then, we will point out the similar types that can be dealt with in more or less the same manner. And don’t forget to think about the fabric when cleaning upholstery. Without further ado, let us walk you through the ultimate guide to sofa stain removal.

The Ultimate Guide to Dealing with Drink Stains:

1. Coffee and Tea Stains

As one of the most common stains (because who doesn’t love a good old cuppa’), let us take a look at how to tackle coffee/tea spillages. Both beverages fall into the tannin category, although they are generally taken with milk.

Furthermore, because the drink is hot, this allows for the spill to penetrate the fabric more than cold drinks. This is why it is better to catch this stain type on time before they dry out. They can be very tricky to deal with, depending on milk or sugar content and how long the spill has been there. Coffee and tea are highly likely to cause permanent damage and even professional cleaning guides advise against promising complete success to clients. However, if you insist on trying to do it DIY, here is our advice on how to deal with tea/coffee stains:

• Rinse out the area thoroughly with water, lifting as much of the liquid as possible. Using towels to rinse and dry may be a good idea. Also be careful to consider the fabric you are dealing with, as many are not so moisture resistant.
• Professionals use a combination of stain removers and fibre & fabric rinsers, applying and lifting using either the rinser or just plain water to extract the products. You may need to repeat this a few times before you get the desired result.

We would also like to note that if the coffee stain is from decaf coffee, the stain will fall under the colourings category, so don’t try this method on it. Similar stains to this would be beer. If you were having a few beers with the lads and had an unlucky incident, you could try out the same method to lift the sticky spill.

2. Dealing with Fruit Juice Stains

When dealing with fruit juice stains, one of the things to consider is the type of fruit juice you have on your hands. Citrus fruits are tannin-free, while dark fruits, such as blackberry, blueberry, red grape, cranberry, etc., that contain tannin. If you are dealing with a darker spillage, using tannin-remover may be a good idea. Another thing to consider is whether or not the fruit juice contained artificial colouring or not. If it does, you will want to use a dye-remover for the job. Here is our advice on tackling fruit juice stains:

• Use a stain-removal solution to cover the affected area.
• Lift using cool water.
• Repeat the process if you are still seeing residue.

Similar stains include beer, cider, dark alcohols, cola-based drinks, artificially coloured sodas, and red wine.

3. Dealing with Milk Stains

Milk is a protein stain, so using a protein stain remover would be the best option here. The bad thing with milk stains is that they can be fatty, they attract bacteria, and if unnoticed, they can cause awful smells. That is why it is important to catch it on time. If this was not possible, we highly recommend you seek professional help for this one. However, if it is fresh, here are our tips on dealing with the mess:

• Get your protein stain remover and cover the stain and around it with the product.
• Lift it using cold water (hot water can really mess up the situation, milk being a protein stain).
• Now blot the area using paper towels to lift as much of the moisture as possible.
• Rinse the area again, blotting well with paper towels or absorbent cloths, leaving the area as dry as you can.

Read also: How to Remove Milk From Your Carpet

Your similar stains for this method include all milk-based products, chocolate milk, yogurts, dairy ice cream, and vomit.

4. Dealing with Wine Stains

The method of removing wine staining depends on the wine – red or white. White wine can be treated just like any other alcohol:

• Apply a spot cleaner onto the stain.
• Extract using cold water.

Red wine, however, needs to be treated using a coffee stain remover product Another point worth mentioning is that if you spilt red wine on natural fibre fabric, you won’t be removing the stain at all. Try contacting a professional for advice on how to proceed.

The Ultimate Guide to Dealing with Food Stains

Now that we have dealt with the stains caused by drinks, let us take a look at the types of food stains you may encounter.

1. Dealing with Butter Stains

Butter stains need solvent-based stain-removal products to be able to deal with the greasiness. Other similar stains include margarine, salad oils, meat juices, and other cooking fats/grease. Here are the instructions on how to tackle butter and similar stains:

• First thing first, scrape up any residue using a flat spatula or knife.
• Blot away until all you are left with is a grease stain.
• Now apply a solvent-based cleaning product, unless your upholstery is solvent-sensitive, in which case, try using upholstery stain removal product.
• Now rinse using clean water.

2. Dealing with Chocolate Stains

Chocolate shouldn’t require the use of solvents to lift the stain. Similar types of spillages include raw egg, gravy, jam, fruit, and more water-soluble food stains, i.e. low-fat content/non-greasy.

• First off, gently scrape off any lumpy bits on the surface using a flat knife or spatula.
• Now get a solvent-based stain-removal product and start blotting using paper towels or white towels.
• Continue reapplying and blotting the area until no more of the stain is lifting.
• Now rinse as thoroughly as you can using water or some type of fabric rinse.

3. Dealing with Honey Stains

The trouble with honey and other types of sticky stains is that they may be hard to scrape off. That is why you should try using hot water to rinse out as much of the residue as possible before starting the cleaning process. Similar stain types include sticky syrups (including cough syrup), jam, large gravy spillages, as well as some hair removal products. Other than that, you can follow the same steps for dealing with fruit stains.

4. Dealing with Ketchup Stains

Ketchup and other sauces that contain tomatoes may be quite difficult to lift from natural fibre materials due to the natural and possibly added colouring. Similar stain types include mustard, tomato paste, curry sauces, pickles, relish, and other condiments such as Brown or Soya Sauce.

• Start by getting rid of any residue. Be careful not to rub it into the fabric.
• Now get a water-based stain-removal product and start blotting at the stain. Keep doing this until it stops lifting the stain.
• Time to rinse out the remaining stain and any product that is left in the fabric.

The Ultimate Guide to Dealing with Stains from Bodily Fluids

1. Dealing with Blood Stains

One of the things you need to keep in mind when dealing with blood stains on your upholstery is that this type falls under the protein stain category. This means that hot or warm water is a big no. Always wear gloves and eye protection during the cleaning process to avoid possible contamination. Another thing worth mentioning is if the stain has dried, you are definitely better off calling the professionals to lend you a hand.

• The first step is to rinse out as much of the stain as possible using cool water only.
• Get a water-based stain-removal product (solvent-based should not be needed) and spray over the area, feathering out the product at the edges.
• Now start blotting away using clean absorbent towels. Be careful not to rub the product in. Repeat the application and blotting until no more of the stain lifts.
• And now it is rinsing time. If at this point there is still any residue of the stain left, we advise you to contact professional cleaners to give you some tips as blood stains can be tricky.

2. Dealing with Stains from Feces

Although this is an unpleasant topic, anyone with pets or children will have probably grown immune to it. Furthermore, it is very important to know what to do if you are faced with this kind of stain, as if you do something wrong, you might end up with an unbearable stink in your house that just won’t go away. A similar stain type includes vomit.

• Our pros reckon the best way to deal with this kind of stain is to leave it to dry for a day. If needed, cover it with something so it doesn’t completely stink out the house.
• After it has completely dried, now brush off the stain using a medium-hard brush. This is to avoid wetting the stain and pushing it further into the upholstery. Don’t forget to be mindful of the type of fabric you are dealing with, as you don’t want to damage your furniture.
• Apply stain removal product and blot the upholstery until its clean.
• Rinse with towel, dipped in clean clod water.

3. Dealing with Urine Stains

Another not so pleasant stain type, but life is life and all parents know that this can be quite a common one. Whether you are dealing with pet or child stains, the method is the same. Urine stains can be tricky or impossible to remove if they have dried, especially in more absorbent materials.

• If you are going to try cleaning this kind of stain at home, we advise you to buy a urine neutraliser. Spray it over the area and leave it to neutralise and deodorize the stain.
• Professionals usually use special techniques and machinery to then extract it, but it is not the end of the world to leave it on. If your upholstery is not too moisture-sensitive, you could try rinsing the area. Alternatively, if it is a cover, you can take it off and wash it per instructions on the label.

Read also: How to Remove Urine  Stains From Your Carpet and Get Rid of the Urine Smell

The Ultimate Guide to Dealing with Stains from Cosmetics and Hair & Beauty Products

1. Dealing with Stains from Cosmetics

Luckily, most stains from cosmetics, such as lipstick, foundation, mascara, blusher, and cream or powder eye shadows, can be treated in the same manner.

• Start by gently removing any excess residue with a blunt knife or spatula.
• Now get citrus gel or a solvent-based stain remover and apply to the stain carefully.
• Time to start spotting straight away using dry paper towels.
• Now you should rinse out the area as best you can with clean water and absorbent towels. Keep blotting up the moisture until there is none left.

2. Dealing with Fake Tan Stains

Unfortunately, fake tan is another matter and can not be treated in the same way as normal cosmetics. Due to the dyes in this beauty product, if you get any on your furniture, it will likely be a permanent stain. However, if you still insist on trying to remove it, here are our tips:

• First off, if there is any excess residue, gently remove it using a blunt knife or spatula.
• The best product for tackling this type of stain is solvent-based cleaner or sofa stain remover. Start blotting using white paper towels, you should notice the fake tan transferring to the paper towels. Keep blotting until no more of the product is lifting.
• Now it is time to rinse using cool water and absorbent towels and then try out a neutral spotter product. Blot using the same method until no more of the product comes out and then rinse again.

Keep in mind that the results may not be satisfactory due to the nature of fake tan. We also strongly advise you to contact professionals for dye stains. Other similar stains are suntan lotion, hair dye, or medicinal tinctures, like Iodine.

3. Dealing with Hair Spray Stains

Hair spray can be a bit of a tricky one to deal with. It can also cause discolouration in fabric. Similar stains include any oily cosmetics or oily hair products, such as hair gel. Also, a pre-test area is mandatory, as it is well-known that hair spray can react with cleaning chemicals.

• When treating this stain, it is a good idea for the surface to be horizontal, rather than vertical. A solvent-based cleaning product is what you need, and don’t forget to pre-test a small, less visible area if possible.
• Use paper towels or white pads to blot the area. If the stain is quite large, work your way from the outside inwards.
• Now you will want to get a fabric restorer and spray it onto the surface. Start blotting to avoid any ring marking.

4. Dealing with Stains from Nail Polish

Nail polish, and any kind of varnishes, will cause what we call “hardened stains”. In order to be able to successfully treat the stain, you will have to first soften the varnish. It is also worth mentioning that if the stain is large, it would be quite impractical to completely remove it. This is because the cleaning process requires a lot of time, patience, and care.

• To soften the varnish, you will most likely have to apply a softener several times. Alternatively, get citrus gel and apply a small blob. Leave on until the varnish has softened.
• Whichever product you decide to use, keep reapplying and blotting using paper towels until no more of the nail varnish transfers.
• Now it is time to rinse the area and blot dry using absorbent towels.

The Ultimate Guide to Dealing with Stains from Medicines

When dealing with medicines, you will have to treat them according to the type. Here are the categories and the methods for each one:

1. Dealing with Stains from Ointments and Creams
   Stains from ointments and creams can be treated with a solvent-based product. We advise you use the same methodology for treating the stain as you would with cosmetics (see above).
2. Dealing with Stains from Cough Mixtures and Linctuses
   Seeing as medicines like cough mixtures and linctuses contain high proportions of syrups and sugars, you will need to treat them similarly to honey stains.
   – First off, rinse out the area using hot water. Do this until you have removed as much residue as possible without making the fabric too moist.
   – Now get a water-based stain-removal product and start blotting using paper towels or white towels.
   – Continue reapplying and blotting the area until no more of the stain is lifting.
   – Now rinse as thoroughly as you can using water or some type of fabric rinse.
3. Dealing with Stains from Tinctures – Unfortunately, as is with the case with all types of dye stains, these ones are most likely to be permanent. When we say tinctures, what we mean is alcohol-based antiseptics, such as Iodine and Mercurochrome. If you do try to tackle this type of stain, just use the same method for all dye stains (see above Dealing with Fake Tan Stains).
4. Dealing with Stains from Medications Containing Benzyl Peroxide – Medications containing benzyl peroxide are permanent. Any kinds of cosmetics or medicines with it will leave something like small orange spots on the furniture. Unfortunately, there is no way to treat these. Our advice is to keep the cosmetics and medicines far from your soft furnishings.

As for any other types of medicines, we advise you to apply a small amount of solvent to a small area. Start blotting and see if anything will transfer to a paper towel before continuing.

The Ultimate Guide to Dealing with Other Common Stains

1. Dealing with Stains from Adhesives

When we say stains from adhesives, we are talking about all types of adhesives, such as residue from masking tape, tackifiers on carpet tiles, rubber cement, household adhesives, etc. All of these, except for some water-based glues, will need a solvent to successfully treat the stain. It is also worth mentioning that if the area of the spillage is large or dried, it is no longer considered a stain, but rather permanent, irreversible damage.

• In the event that the adhesive has hardened, you will want to apply a softener and leave it to work its magic. You may need to reapply a few times, so be patient. To start, you will want to apply a solvent-based solution or citrus gel (it may be an idea to try both) and start blotting using paper towels.
• Now it is time to get a neutral, water-based spotter and continue blotting.
• Try and rinse out as much as you can by blotting with hot water.
• You may have to repeat the previous 3 steps a few times if necessary.

Similar stains include blu tack, plasticine, play-doh, putty, and silicone sealant.

Read also: 10 Simple Things That Effectively Remove Stickers From Any Surface

2. Dealing with Water-Based Glue Stains

Water-based glue stains aren’t such a big problem to deal with. However, do keep in mind that it will not respond to solvent-based products, so get out your neutral, water-based ones.

• Apply your neutral product and start blotting gently.
• Then rinse using cool water and blot dry with a clean towel or absorbent paper towels.

3. Dealing with Oil-Based Paint Stains

All oil-based paints, such as gloss, are solvent-soluble stains. Here are the instructions from the pro’s when dealing with this type of stain:

• Get your solvent-based stain remover or citrus gel and apply it to the area. Leave to sit for a while to soften the paint.
• As it begins to soften, start blotting continuously to avoid the paint spreading.
• Now re-apply your solvent-based stain remover and keep blotting. Repeat this step until as much paint as possible has been removed.
• Place towels over the stain and weigh them down. Leave them for several hours or overnight so as they loosen any remaining residues.
• Now apply a neutral product and start working the paint with a flat spatula.
• After that, blot up all remaining residue with paper towels until there is no more transfer of pain onto them.
• Now it is time to rinse with water.
• Blot up any remaining moisture using absorbent towels.

Check also: How to Prevent Carpets Stains When Painting and Decorating the House

4. Dealing with Water-Based Paint Stains

Water-based paints, such as latex or emulsion paint, are water-soluble. However, if the paint has dried, it will be hard to remove. If this is the case, try and break up and remove as much of the paint as you can and use the method above for oil-based paints. For paint that has still not dried, here is what you can try:

• Get a neutral stain-removal product and blot up as much of the paint as you can.
• After this, dry it as best as you can using absorbent towels.
• If this doesn’t work, try the same method using citrus gel.

Similar stain types include furniture or floor varnishes.

5. Dealing with Draught Marks and Soot Stains

We will start with draught marks. With this stain type, we strongly advise you to hire a professional to help you out. This is because draught marks need a series of special products and machinery for them to be successfully dealt with.

As for soot stains, we have the same problem. It is highly unlikely, if not impossible, that you could deal with them with regular shop-bought products. That is why we will, again, strongly recommend you talk with professionals about these types of stains.

6. Dealing with Grass Stains

There is nothing worse than getting grass stains in the house. These can be a bit tricky to deal with, but not impossible.

• Start by applying citrus gel and working it into the stain with a spatula.
• Now it is time to rinse using hot water.
• Apply a neutral stain remover and leave it to sit for 5 minutes before rinsing thoroughly using water and absorbent towels to blot.

7. Dealing with Mud Stains

It is just awful when a pet or child runs in all muddy and starts climbing over the furniture. With mud, sometimes the stain can be impossible to remove. This is because of the complex components in mud.

• First off, you need to scrape off as much of the mud as possible. This is important to be done before applying any solutions or moisture.
• Now get a neutral stain removal product, apply and blot. Keep doing this until no more of the mud is lifting.
• Rinse the area thoroughly using water and then blot up as much moisture as possible using absorbent towels.
• If this method was unsuccessful, you might want to try the same process using citrus gel.

Similar stains include clay, potting soil and growing compost.

8. Dealing with Stains from Chewing Gum

DIY cleaning of chewing gum stains may not be the best idea. This is because the professionals use a special gum remover to make the gum brittle and easy to remove. Alternatively, if the gum is dried, it can be broken up with a blunt knife and the pieces removed. We strongly advise that you contact the professionals for this one.
Similar stain types would include blu tack and sticky sweets, for instance, toffee.

9. Dealing with Wax Stains

When dealing with wax stains, it is good to know that this one is a solvent-soluble type. Of course, you will have to break up and remove as much of it as you can before initiating the treatment process. Similar stains would include hair removal wax.

• Cover the candle wax with a nice piece of kraft paper.
• Now apply a hot iron to the paper. Be mindful not to touch the fabric of your furniture with the iron.
• Very slowly and very carefully, pull the paper under the iron. This will work because as the wax melts, it will be absorbed into the paper. It is worth mentioning that this method takes a lot of practice for it to be successful.
• If the stain remains, you can apply some citrus gel or a solvent-based product and star blotting with absorbent paper until all residues have been removed.

Feeling Uncertain about Tackling the Stains at Home?

This is completely normal, and understandable. DIY stain-removal attempts don’t really have a great success rate. Every different fabric could react differently to cleaning agents, so don’t be surprised if your home cleaning attempt goes wrong.

Precisely because of this, it is better to rely on stain removal specialists. Professional upholstery cleaners undergo a series of training courses and have a lot of hands-on experience that enables them to act quickly as well as efficiently when it comes to stain removal. As you may have noticed, cleaning up spillages is not always that easy. Not even the vetted technicians can guarantee a 100% success rate. That is why we strongly advise against home attempts, at least with the more tricky stains.

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General Cleaning and How to Care for Synthetic Rugs

Maintainance is key to sustaining your rugs hygiene and appearance. If you put in a little effort frequently, it will save you having to buy a new rug prematurely. We recommend you incorporate the little tasks into your weekly and monthly routines to preserve your rug’s new-look. Here are a few tips on how to care for your synthetic rug:

1. The first and most vital of your tasks is vacuuming. If you hoover your rugs twice weekly, you will minimise the chance of dirt working its way so deep into the fibres that it ruins it. When you have children or pets, you may have to hoover 3-4 times a week, or get a robotic vacuum – these gadgets are very efficient in removing dust and pet hair. If possible, it may be a good idea to pick your rug up and give it a good shaking outside.
2. When you notice a spill on your carpet, tackle the issue immediately. If those nasty stains get the chance to dry, it is near impossible to remove them. Paper towels or absorbent cloths are a good thing to have handy for these kinds of disasters.
3. Call in professional cleaners to give your rugs a nice freshening up. No matter the amount of attention you give to your carpets, nothing can achieve the same results like a little bit of professional care. Your floor coverings will be grateful.

Read also: How to Clean Your Wool Rug.

How to Clean up Spills and Stains Synthetic Rugs

No matter the amount of care, sooner or later you are going to have to deal with a stain on your rug. Spills and accidents are unavoidable and that is why you need to be armed with the knowledge of how to deal with such mishaps. The best way to do this is to remove the stain as soon as it occurs. However, we are humans. Sometimes we miss the stains. Here is our advice on how to deal with general carpet stains:

1. Make sure there is no dry dirt on the spill. You don’t want any more dirt sneaking its way into the fibres. A vacuum could help with this task.
2. If the stain still holds moisture, blot it gently with a paper towel or an absorbent cloth. Never rub, you don’t want to end up damaging the fibres or rubbing the dirt in, causing a stain.
3. Now get your cleaning agent. You can use a shop-bought detergent or a DIY solution. The choice is yours.
4. Apply your cleaning solution to an absorbent towel. Start blotting the area gently. Use different parts of the towel so as not to reapply dirt that you have removed. Start from the outer edge of the stain inwards. You don’t want it to spread.
5. Leave the cleaning agent for 5 minutes to work its magic.
6. Now get a clean cloth and dampen it lightly with cool water. Use this to rinse out the suds from the cleaning solution.
7. Once you have removed all traces of the solution, get a dry, clean cloth or paper towels and use it to blot up any excess moisture.

Check out also: The Best Way to Clean your Carpets at Home.

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What is Velvet?

To know how to care for a velvet sofa the right way, you are going to need to know what the material is. It used to be made from tufted silk, which is quite a costly textile. Unlike other fabrics, this one is not a flat-woven textile. It requires more materials and is woven in two thicknesses. The complicated process gives the fabric its signature softness, which is where the term “soft as velvet” came from.

Read also: How to Care for Your Iconic Camaleonda Sofa?

Nowadays, other than the classic silk velvet, there is a multitude of other synthetic or natural materials that can be used to make velvet. Some of the more budget-friendly ones it can be made from are:

• Cotton;
• Polyester (often a cotton+polyester blend);
• Viscose
• Wool;
• Linen;
• Mohair.

Check also: How to Care for Your Togo Sofa 

Pure silk velvet has become harder to find in modern days. Even if you do come across real velvet, it is expensive to buy. Now, it is more commonly made from viscose, also known as art silk. Nevertheless, if you do find yourself buying a velvet sofa, no matter the kind, you are going to need to know the best way to go about cleaning it. So, first things first, check the label of your velvet sofa and check:

• Materials it is made from;
• Care instructions;
• Cleaning instructions.

Natural fibre velvet is going to be far more delicate than synthetic velvet. If your velvet sofa is made from synthetic materials, you can steam clean it with no problem at home, as synthetic velvet is more durable and less prone to creasing, fading, and damage than natural fibre velvet. If the velvet is made from natural materials, we advise you to call in professional upholstery cleaners to get the job done.

Read also: How to Choose Upholstery Fabric for Easy Care of Your Furniture

How to Care for a Velvet Sofa the Right Way

Although velvet is classified as a delicate fabric, it is actually quite durable when cared for correctly. That is why it is of the utmost importance to learn how to care for a velvet sofa the right way. The best thing about velvet is that it is like a fine wine, it only gets better with the years.

Care of velvet furniture is actually quite simple. The way to go about it is to incorporate the tasks tied to its care into your regular routine. We advise you to add a few light chores to your weekly cleaning list:

1. When you are vacuuming the floor or carpet in your lounge, quickly swap the attachment fitting for an upholstery cleaner and get rid of any dust, crumbs, fluff, and whatever else off your velvet sofa.
2. Get a velvet brush for your sofa. You must first figure out which way the velvet fibres are woven. Brush your couch following that direction.
3. While you are completing one of the two tasks mentioned above, you may come across creases, unnatural lines, or even old stains that you have missed. This is the occasion when you should get out your upholstery steam cleaner. However, if you are unsure of the fibres that make up your velvet settee, or you know they are made from natural materials, you may want to consider hiring professional cleaners. They will clean your sofa using a dry cleaning method that won’t cause any damage to your beautiful furniture.

Check also: 4 Ways to Restore the Look of Your Sofa

How to Remove a Stain from a Velvet Sofa

It is practically impossible to go through life without staining something you should not have. If you have pets, kids, or just a messy member in the family, it is going to happen sooner rather than later. So, when the inevitable comes to pass, you need to be prepared.

Read also: 9 Things You Need to Know About Stain Protection for Carpets and Upholstery

The number 1 rule when it comes to stains – catch them on time. If they have time to dry and set into the velvet fabric, it can become near impossible to remove them. Here are our stain removal experts‘ tips on how to tackle a fresh stain:

1. The first thing to get done when a fresh spill has landed on your couch is to grab a few paper towels or an absorbent cloth. Place it on the stain delicately. Do not rub or dab, as this could further push it deeper into the fibres of your settee. Leave it for 5-10 minutes to soak up as much as possible.
2. Now you should prepare a solution for your velvet sofa. We suggest you get a nice deep bowl ready. Pour 100ml of lemon juice into the bowl and add a tablespoon of soda bicarbonate. The mixture will fizz, creating foam and bubbles on the top. Dip a cloth into the foam part of the solution and apply to the stain.
3. The other option for creating a solution is to pour 50ml of water into a cup or bowl and add a few drops of washing up liquid. Stir with fast motions to make a foam and use only the bubbly foam to clean the velvet upholstery.
4. Whichever mixture you decide to use, blot the stain gently using a white cleaning cloth. Keep blotting until it is no longer visible.
5. Now leave the upholstery to air and dry. After it has dried out completely, use a vacuum to clean the surface to make it look smooth and make sure the spot blends in with the rest of the velvet sofa.

Check also: Designing for Elegance and Endurance: Material Must-Haves for Luxury Communal Spaces

A Few Tips From the Professionals

1. When placing your velvet sofa in your living space, choose a spot where direct sunlight can not reach it.
2. If you have children or pets, it may be worth considering placing a protective cover over your velvet settee to avoid damage and scuffing.
3. Your velvet sofa may or may not have cushions. If it does, fluff them regularly.
4. Always read the upholstery labels before attempting any cleaning process on your velvet couch.
5. In the event that you discover an old stain on your sofa, either deal with it using a steam cleaner, or contact professional cleaners.
6. If ever in doubt, contact professional upholstery cleaners. You don’t want to cause unnecessary damage to your luxurious furniture.

Read also: How to Choose a Comfortable Sofa That Will Last You For Years