That spot keeps coming back? No, you’re not imagining it.
We worked with a client in Ann Arbor recently who struggled with a stubborn carpet stain: no matter what she tried, the spot kept coming back. This is a common problem, and one that most home owners can’t address on their own. So, if you’re wondering how to make your carpet stain go away, here’s what’s going on.
Carpet wicking
Let’s say you spill a cup of coffee or a can of pop onto your carpet. You do your best to take care of it right away, but a few days later you notice the spot has reappeared. What’s happened?
While you might have removed the stain from the surface of your carpet, a lot of that liquid has seeped deep into your carpet fibers and even into the carpet backing. As your carpet dries on the surface, the dry fibers pull up the stain from beneath in a process called “wicking.” If you add more liquid to address the new stain, the liquid seeps down into the carpet to pull up more of the staining agent. Because you can’t clean all the way down to the root of the problem, the stain keeps coming back.
A sugary stain caused by pop can be extra difficult, because the sugars attract dirt. If the liquid is clear, you may not see the stain return until you see all the grime its collected.
How to make your carpet stain go away
For acidic stains (coffee, wine, tea, juice, pet vomit), the best thing to do is neutralize the pH balance with a club soda solution. Use 1 part club soda to 1 part water, and apply only enough to cover the stain. Blot (don’t rub!) with a white cloth till nothing further comes up. Then call Modernistic for expert treatment.
For dye-based stains (ink, nail polish), it’s best to call a professional right away. Just a small spot of ink can become a huge blot if not treated correctly.
It’s also important to avoid commercial cleaning agents. Not every cleaning agent is good for your carpet or your type of stain. Making the wrong choice could exacerbate the problem. Our Modernistic technicians can give your carpet a deep clean using the latest technology and cleaning agents that are safe for you, your children, and your pets.