Carpet care is our bread and butter. We’ve been in this business for decades and know what goes into keeping a carpet clean and healthy. Interestingly, when addressing carpet care problems, we often find customers using the words “carpet spots” and “carpet stains” interchangeably. Now we totally understand why they confuse the two words. But the matter of fact is, carpet spots and carpet stains are two very different types of carpet soiling problems, and you should know the differences between them.
Carpet Spots and Carpet Stains
Carpet spots are usually the result of fresh accidents. For example, if someone spills coffee, tea or juice on a carpet, the mark that appears on the carpet is a spot. Carpet spots are organic in nature and can be removed with relative ease. Additionally, they only affect the outside layer of the carpet fibers, so they aren’t chemically bonded to them.
In contrast, carpet stains are more permanent in nature, having embedded themselves into the carpet fibers. They are typically formed from inorganic substances and are difficult to remove. They are chemically bonded to the carpet fibers.
Cleaning Carpet Spots and Carpet Stains
Carpet spots can be cleaned at home, but carpet stains should always be cleaned by carpet cleaning professionals. That’s because carpet stains are tricky to deal with and they can discolor your carpet forever, if you aren’t careful.
When cleaning carpet spots, follow these tips:
- Clean carpet spots at the first instance. Don’t let them sit for too long because they can then become difficult to remove.
- Always blot; never scrub. Vigorously scrubbing a spot can cause it to spread and worsen the damage. Use a paper towel or dry cloth to gently blot a carpet stain away.
- Use plain lukewarm water for cleaning. Many homeowners often use carpet cleaning chemicals to clean a carpet spot. This isn’t recommended. Why? First, carpet cleaning chemicals can cause carpets to re-soil. Second, they can contain harmful toxins that can be dangerous for you and your family’s health.
If you can’t remove a carpet spot, contact a carpet cleaning company near you for help.
Here, at Excellence Janitorial Services & Carpet Cleaning, we specialize in treating almost all types of carpet spots and stains. We cater to both residential and commercial clients located in Bakersfield and surrounding areas. To schedule an appointment, call us on (661) 833-0934 or fill out this contact form.
