Caring for your carpets can be challenging, even if you know the basic do's and dont's of carpet cleaning. This is why I contacted one of the best carpet cleaning companies in London for some additional tips on carpet care. I chose ProLux as they have been operating for more than a decade already, and they cover all London areas. Based on these two facts alone, I'm convinced that I'll receive some quality tips, which will also be useful to you!
The five professional cleaners who I will be interviewing today have a few years of experience professionally cleaning carpets and rugs. I'm here in their office today to get some insight on how to tackle everyday stains, and also some specific issues. And as not everyone has access to professional cleaning products, they were kind enough to also share an alternative home remedy.
5 Carpet Cleaning Tips by Pros
Bobby is the first cleaner who I will have the pleasure of speaking with today. He is the newest addition to the squad, but has already surpasses many of his colleagues in terms of online reviews. Bobby will now help me understand what products are best to remove red wine stains.
How to remove red wine stains?
Professional Carpet Cleaning Solutions
Red wine stains are notoriously difficult to remove, even for experienced cleaners. For those with access to professional products, I recommend using Prochem’s Stain Pro and Red Rx. Here’s how you can effectively use these products:
- Apply Stain Pro: Spray the stain directly with Stain Pro. Gently agitate the area and let it sit for 5-10 minutes.
- Extract the Stain: Use a small tool from your steam extraction machine to go over the area. For fresh stains, this step may be sufficient.
- Tackle Tougher Stains: For more persistent stains, especially on light carpets, apply Red Rx directly to the stain. Rinse and extract as needed.
DIY Solutions for Home Users
For those without professional cleaning equipment, hydrogen peroxide can be a useful alternative. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Blot the Stain: Start by blotting the red wine stain with paper towels to absorb as much liquid as possible.
- Prepare a Cleaning Solution: Mix 3% hydrogen peroxide with dish soap (like Fairy Liquid) in a 1:2 ratio.
- Apply the Solution: Apply the mixture directly to the stain and let it sit for 1-2 minutes.
- Blot and Clean: Blot the area with clean towels, rotating to a fresh side as needed. Continue blotting until the stain is removed. If the stain persists, consider consulting a professional.
Additional Tips
- Patch Test: Always perform a patch test with hydrogen peroxide on a small, inconspicuous area of the carpet before applying it to the stain.
- Prompt Action: The sooner you address the stain, the more likely you are to remove it successfully.
Check also: Carpet Cleaning Sprays - Do they really work?
How to remove coffee stains from carpets?
Professional Carpet Cleaning Solution
For those who prefer a professional approach, Prochem’s Coffee Stain Remover is highly effective. Here’s how to use it:
- Apply the Product: Spray the coffee stain directly with Prochem's Coffee Stain Remover.
- Rinse the Area: Rinse the carpet according to the product’s instructions. This method usually works well, but keep in mind that natural fibers or old stains might require more effort.
DIY Coffee Stain Removal
If you’re handling the stain yourself, you can use a homemade cleaning solution. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Prepare the Solution: Mix a small amount of dishwashing liquid with white vinegar and warm water.
- Apply the Solution: Use a clean cloth to apply the mixture to the stain, working from the outer edge towards the centre to prevent spreading.
- Blot the Stain: Blot the area with a dry towel to lift the stain.
- Rinse and Dry: Rinse the carpet with cold water and blot dry. Repeat if necessary until the stain is fully removed.
Tips for Effective Coffee Stain Removal
- Act Quickly: Address coffee stains as soon as possible for the best results.
- Test the Solution: Always test your cleaning solution on a small, inconspicuous area of the carpet before applying it to the stain.
- Avoid Over-Wetting: Be cautious not to over-wet the carpet, as this can lead to further issues like mould or mildew.
Ivo, I'm sure our readers will appreciate your advice on this, thank you. Now, as we've covered the most typical spillage stains, let's discuss removal of bodily fluid issues. Tisho is here to give us some advice on removing sick stains from the carpet.
How to remove vomit stains from carpets?
Professional Cleaning Solution
For heavy-duty vomit stains, Stain Pro is highly effective. Here’s how to use it:
- Apply Stain Pro: Spray the product directly onto the vomit stain.
- Extract and Rinse: Use a carpet extractor to remove the stain and rinse the area. If the stain persists after three treatments, it may be permanent.
- Odour Removal: Stain Pro also works well for eliminating odours by killing the bacteria that cause bad smells.
DIY Vomit Stain Removal
If you prefer a DIY approach, baking soda and white vinegar can be quite effective. Follow these steps:
Use Baking Soda:
- Let It Sit: Allow the baking soda to sit for a couple of hours to absorb odors.
- Vacuum: Vacuum the area to remove the baking soda.
Apply White Vinegar Solution:
- Prepare the Solution: Mix white vinegar with lukewarm water in a spray bottle.
- Apply and Blot: Spray the solution onto the stain and blot with a cloth. Continue blotting until the stain is removed.
Additional Tips
- Act Quickly: Address vomit stains as soon as possible to prevent them from setting.
- Test the Solution: Always test your cleaning solution on an inconspicuous area of the carpet first.
- Test the Solution: Always test your cleaning solution on an inconspicuous area of the carpet first.
Yes, let's hope that no one would need to put this remedy to the test, Tisho. For the 4th carpet cleaning tip, we'll turn to Mitko. He's here to let us know how he deals with urine issues on carpets.
How I remove urine stains and smells from carpets?
Professional Cleaning Solution
For effective removal of urine stains and smells, Prochem's Urine Neutraliser is a top choice. Here’s how to use it:
Apply the Product:
- Use a spray pump to apply Prochem's Urine Neutraliser directly onto the stain.
- Allow it to sit for a few minutes to break down the urine and neutralize the odour.
Steam Clean:
- Use a carpet cleaning machine to steam clean the area. This helps to remove the stain and any lingering smell.
- Repeat the process if necessary until the stain and odour are completely gone.
DIY Remedies
If you prefer a natural approach, white vinegar and baking soda can be very effective. Here’s how:
Vinegar and Baking Soda:
- Apply Vinegar: Cover the stained area with white vinegar.
- Sprinkle Baking Soda: After applying vinegar, sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda over the stain.
- Cover and Wait: Place a towel over the area and let it sit for 24 hours. This allows the baking soda to absorb the urine and odour.
- Vacuum: After 24 hours, remove the towel and vacuum up the baking soda.
Enzyme Cleaners:
- Choose a Good Enzyme Cleaner: Enzyme cleaners are specifically designed to break down urine and neutralize odours.
- Follow Instructions: Always read and follow the instructions on the enzyme cleaner for best results.
Mitko, thank you for helping us out on this. Now, last but not least, Chris will tell us his method of removing paint from carpet. He'll, of course, also give you some insight on how to tackle the issue yourself at home.
Removing paint from carpets
Professional Paint Removal Solutions
Removing paint stains from carpets can be a challenging task, even with specialized equipment. During my training at Prochem, I was introduced to Solvex, a versatile paint and ink remover. Here’s how to use it effectively:
- Absorb Excess Paint:
Start by using kitchen roll or a paper towel to absorb as much of the paint as possible. This step is crucial to prevent the paint from spreading further into the carpet fibers.
Apply Solvex:
- Blot the area with Solvex using a clean cloth. This product works well on water-based, oil-based, and acrylic paints when they are still damp.
- Repeat the blotting process several times until the paint begins to lift.
Continue Blotting:
- Keep blotting with clean cloths until the paint is fully removed. Patience and elbow grease are essential for this step.
Home Remedies for Paint Removal
If you prefer a DIY approach, dishwashing liquid and warm water can be effective for paint stains:
Mix Solution:
- Combine a small amount of dishwashing liquid with warm water.
Blot the Stain:
- Use a clean cloth to apply the solution to the paint stain. Again, blot gently rather than scrubbing to avoid damaging the carpet fibers.
Repeat as Needed:
- Continue blotting and changing cloths as needed until the stain is removed.
Wow - I wasn't even aware that paint can be removed from carpet, thank you, Chris. These 5 carpet cleaning tips by pros will hopefully make the life of our readers a bit easier. And for those of you who don't have the time to deep clean their carpet, consider giving ProLux a call!
They have been one of the most trusted providers of carpet cleaning services in recent years. The method which they provide with is hot water extraction, suitable for all types of carper fibres. Moreover, it's a service able to tackle problems like: foot traffic, greasy stains, spillages, chewing gum and more.