Water is indeed a clear substance, but sometimes it’s not always pure. Some carpet fibers and surfaces don’t respond well to getting or staying wet. Roof and plumbing leaks, flood waters, and even water from the tap contain impurities that can leave residues that cause stains on the carpet.
The good news is that you can get rid of water stains on carpets using a few different techniques and products. Continue reading this blog to learn how to eliminate water stains from the carpet.
6 Effective methods to eliminate water stains from the carpet
If you spill water on the carpet or, by any other means, find a water stain on the carpet, it’s time you act fast. You can eliminate water stains in minutes using a few easy methods.
Here are some methods to clean water stains:
1. Blot the water first
The first thing you can do as soon as you spilled water on the carpet is to blot the stain/spilled water right away. Take a clean cloth and gently press and rub it over the spill until it’s completely dry.
You can also use paper towels to blot up water on the carpet. Put a heavy object on a pile of paper towels and leave it for an hour so that it can absorb the maximum amount of water.
2. Soap and water blend
Some sediment and dirt may accumulate if the water stain has been on the carpet for a while. To remove it, create a mixture of soap and water. (Remember to use non-bleach soap or detergent because any bleachy substance can damage the carpet color.) Mix 1 teaspoon of dishwashing soap with water in a bowl.
Now dampen the clean cloth in it, and gently rub the stain with a dampened cloth without rubbing it too hard. You can start at the stain edges and eventually go inward. Finally, rinse the solution well with a cloth dampened in warm water and let it dry. However, This method is useful for removing small stains.
3. Vinegar and water solution
If the soap and water blend is unable to give you the desired result, try vinegar and water solution. For every 4 cups (950 ml) of water, you can use 1/4 teaspoon (1.2 ml) of white vinegar. Use a clean cloth or spray bottle to apply this solution to the water stain.
Gently press the clean cloth over the stain, due to the acidic nature of the vinegar, it penetrates deep into the carpet fibers and removes the stubborn water stains from the carpet. Now gently blot the solution with a clean cloth dampened in clean water. Wait for the carpet to dry and notice the water stain gradually disappear. Repeat the process until you see the carpet is completely cleaned, but make sure you don’t overdo it.
4. Steam-clean the carpet
If the water-and-vinegar mixture doesn’t work, try a steam cleaning method to remove the stain faster. You can use a steam iron here.
- Place a towel over the water-stained area of the carpet, making sure not to use iron directly on the carpet to avoid burns.
- Switch the steam iron’s steaming function to low, by doing this, the stain will be exposed to hot steam.
- After a few minutes, place the iron on the towel and gently press it onto it. You will have to dry the stain to see the results.
Besides, you can also use steam cleaner for water stain removal. You can rent steam cleaners from any glossary store. Depending on where you live, renting these will cost you around $30 to $50.
Retail outlets that rent steam cleaners also offer cleaning supplies for purchase to assist in removing carpet stains effectively (Note: Indeed, steam cleaning is good for your carpet, but if you don’t know how to use a steam cleaner, let professional carpet cleaners help you.)
5. Ammonia and hot water
For more stubborn stains, the above methods may only help partially. For further water stain removal, you may need to turn to ammonia. Fill the empty spray bottle with 1 part ammonia and 1 part hot water (the water should not be too hot).
Spray it on the stain blot it with a clean cloth and then rinse it well with clean water. Repeat this method until you find satisfactory results and see the stain fading away. This method is also helpful if the carpet has Kool-Aid color in it.
6. Commercial cleaning solutions
Another option is a commercial carpet stain removal solution. You can buy it from any grocery store. Different cleaning solutions have unique properties that can help eliminate different types of stains effectively. Keep in mind to blot the cleaning solution with cloth dipped into clean water.
However, they will also work on water stains. Use this method only after all household solutions fail. As with other methods, let the carpet dry before using it.
Preventive measures to avoid water stains
We have seen some methods and solutions that can help eliminate water stains from the carpet. However, remember to take some preventive measures to avoid water stains in the first place. Some precautions include the following:
- Fix plumbing and roof leaks as soon as possible.
- Look for weatherproofing around windows and doors to keep moisture out.
- Implement a strict no-shoe policy to protect your carpet from any water stains.
- Avoid setting potted plants down straight on carpets.
- Exhaust fans in bathrooms and kitchens can help prevent moisture condensation from entering the home and avoid water stains on the carpet.
Also check out this guide on dos and don’ts of carpet cleaning
When to call professional carpet cleaners?
Household carpet cleaning solutions, steam cleaning, and commercial stain removal solutions can efficiently eliminate water stains from the carpet. However, impurities in the water may create stubborn stains that need professional, deep cleaning.
If you find such stains on your carpet, we advise you to get help from professional carpet cleaners. They understand the specific requirements of each carpet type and use the best technique. In addition, they can use environmentally friendly practices and solutions that are safe for the carpet, children, pets, and the environment.
You can call JP Carpet Cleaning to eliminate any stubborn stains, including water stains.
