There are several ways to clean up stains simply by using products already available in your home which you use on a regular basis, such as detergents, rubbing alcohol, vinegar, lemon juice, etc. It's simply a matter of knowing how to use these common household products and the procedures involved to clean up stains. Below, you'll find some tips on how to clean up pet stains and some other types of common carpet and rug stains.
Carpet Treatment
For your first option you can use one teaspoon of clear, household type ammonia to a half cup of cold water. You can use this solution in a spray bottle or apply it to the carpet directly. It is very important not to wet the carpets backing when you apply the solution. After you have applied the solution, use paper towels to blot then allow it to dry completely.
For a second option, you can use detergent solution made of hand soap or dish soap. The combination is one quarter of a teaspoon detergent to one quart of water. You should always make sure the soap doesn't contain bleach or lanolin.
The third and best option, is to use water, it can re-hydrating the area can help with stain removal. Most types of pet stains can be cleaned up by using a steam cleaner. Once you have finished, be sure to dry the carpet as thoroughly as possible.
Antique Rug Treatment
1. Remove as much of the stain from your antique rug as soon as possible. If you wait too long, the stain will set, making <a href="http://www.bontonrug.com/">stain removal</a> difficult and possibly damaging your rug.
2. Press on the stain in a blotting motion with a white, absorbent cloth such as a paper towel or napkin. Keep blotting until you've soaked as much of the liquid as possible.
3. Dilute the spill with water. Use enough to wet the stain but not to saturate the rug.
4. Continue blotting with a white cloth to remove as much of the stain as possible.
5. Use a solution of 1 tablespoon of distilled white vinegar per 1 cup of water to dilute pet urine stains. As with other stains, keep blotting until you remove as much of the liquid as possible.
For antique rugs and other hand-made area rugs, professional assistance may be necessary to preserve the quality of your keepsake or investment. Attempting to clean a rug by hand and without professional experience can easily result in damage such as color fading or bleeding.