The moment something spills on a carpet, most people either panic and scrub immediately - which makes most stains worse - or leave it hoping it will dry out and disappear. The right technique in the first few minutes makes a significant difference.
The Golden Rules
Two rules apply to every stain: Blot, never scrub. Scrubbing pushes the stain deeper and spreads it. Act fast. A fresh stain is always easier to treat than a dried one.
Red Wine
Blot up as much liquid as possible. Pour a small amount of cold water to dilute, blot again. Mix washing-up liquid, white wine vinegar and warm water. Apply and blot until the stain lifts. Do not use hot water - it sets the stain.
Coffee
Blot the excess. Mix washing-up liquid, white wine vinegar and warm water. Apply and blot. For stubborn dried coffee, diluted biological washing powder can help break down the tannins.
Pet Urine
Blot up as much as possible. Apply cold water and blot. Use an enzyme-based pet stain remover - these break down the compounds that cause smell rather than just masking it. If the urine has soaked through to the backing, professional deep extraction is needed.
Mud
Let it dry completely first. Once dry, scrape off as much as possible, vacuum thoroughly, then treat the remaining stain with warm water and washing-up liquid.
Blood
Always use cold water only - hot water permanently sets blood stains. Blot repeatedly with cold water.
When to Call a Professional
VS Group Ltd provides professional carpet cleaning in Portsmouth from £40 per room using hot water extraction with specialist stain treatment. Get a quote or book online.