When something is spilled on our carpet we do all we can to clean it. Most of the time we are successful, and the stain will disappear. There are times however, after a few days, you notice the spot has returned! How does this happen? Stains will return due to soiling and wicking.
Meaning of Carpet Soiling?
Soiling happens when there is residue left behind after you’ve used a carpet cleaner. This residue will work its way into the fibers of the carpet and attract more soil. It doesn’t make sense that removing one stain can cause another one to appear, but it happens when residue is left behind. Dirt and soil are attracted to the area where the previous stain was.
What is Carpet Wicking?
Wicking is the other reason you will have stains coming back. Wicking happens when the stain has made its way down to the carpet backing or the pad under the carpet. When you clean the stain you’re only taking it from the surface of the carpet, but the stain is still present in the backing of the padding. The stain can reabsorb onto the surface of the caret. Think of the caret fibers like the wick of a candle. The fiber provides a way for the stain to travel back up to the surface and reappear. Wicking will be more common when the carpet is wet. Hire a professional carpet cleaning company with powerful equipment to remove all moisture after cleaning to prevent wicking.
Preventing Carpet Stains & Spots
The best way to prevent stains on carpet is to clean spills up as soon as you can. The longer the stain sits, the more it will seep into the carpet. Take a clean cloth or paper towels and blot. You can even place a heavy object on the area to absorb as much of the stain as possible. Fans can also be used to speed the drying time and prevent wicking.
How to Get Rid of Stains Permanently
Depending on the stain and how much was spilled, there are things you can do to keep them away for good. If your stain is due to soiling, then put some lukewarm water on the spot. Bigger stains will need more water, but don’t use more than ¼ cup to ensure you’re only treating the stain and not getting the padding soaked. The lukewarm water will clean the fibers of the residue. Make sure you dry the area as much as possible for better results. Weigh a towel or paper towels on the area and leave it overnight, if possible. If carpet is left wet, it can be a breeding ground for mold. If the stain or spot is due to wicking, you should treat the stain like any other and use the towels and paper towel with weights. Wait a day to make sure it’s completely dry. If this doesn’t work, you’ll need to call in the professionals for help.
Professional Stain Removal & More in Waco, Dallas, Harker Heights, Cedar Park, Allen & the State of Texas
Most professional cleaners use the necessary equipment to properly clean and dry your carpet. Hire a company like Heart of Texas Chem-Dry that uses truck-mounted equipment. This equipment is stronger than portable cleaning equipment. Contact Heart of Texas Chem-Dry to remove any stains and spots you have permanently!
