In the past, we have talked about pet stains and odor, and red stains in carpets or rugs. Well, what if those stains come back? How do you get rid of them permanently? Why do stains resurface?
Having a stain on a carpet or rug at first is annoying and sometimes frustrating, but having that stain come back, can be even more frustrating. There are two main reasons why stains resurface; soiling and wicking. These can be treated by both home remedies and professional carpet cleaners.
How does soiling happen?
Soiling happens when the carpet is not properly cleaned after using a cleaner. If after using a carpet cleaner or stain remover, and the carpet is not properly blotted, the cleaner will leave a residue. This residue, over time, becomes sticky and starts to attract dirt and debris. The reoccurring stain that you see is not actually from the original spill. It is from the residue that attracts dirt and debris which makes a stain on your carpet in the exact spot where the spill was.
How does wicking happen?
Wicking happens fairly often because when most people are trying to remove stains, they usually just focus on the surface. Wicking occurs when the stain has not only reached the surface, but has also soaked through the carpet backing and possibly the padding. Over time, the deep stain continues to soak in your carpet and eventually pushes back up the carpet fibers making the stain visible.
How can I prevent stains from resurfacing?
- All stains must be treated as soon as possible. If you aren’t there when the spill happens, start cleaning as soon as the spill is spotted.
- Use a blotting method. Saturate the stain (not too much) with cleaner and warm water. Blot the stain away. If rubbing is needed, rub stain gently.
- Ensure all solution is rinsed away. The biggest prevention for soiling is to make sure all chemicals or cleaners are rinsed out of your carpet.
- Along with the chemicals or cleaners, all water needs to be absorbed into a towel. The stain needs to be completely dry. One method that may help with absorbing all water is to lay a white towel on the damp stain. Then, lay a heavy object like a few textbooks on top of the towel. Leave the towel and heavy object for 24 hours. This will prevent wicking from happening.
If these suggestions are not working, then a professional would be the next option. CBM Pros of Utah specializes in carpet cleaning and floor maintenance. Contact us for a quote or to schedule and appointment!