If there’s a stain that you should pray your carpet never gets, it’s most likely a wood stain. Along with being easily visible and nasty, the stain is a pain to remove.
Wood stains are a mixture of dye and oils present in products. Due to such a potent chemical combination, wood stains’ constituents can withstand even the most powerful carpet cleaners.
However, this does not mean you should give up.
While there’s no hope for larger stains, you can get rid of smaller wood stains with a few home remedies.
Preparation
Before you start cleaning, examine the detergent’s effect on the carpet. Put a drop on an inconspicuous part of the carpet to check for discoloration or fading.
If your carpet comes with specific instructions to dry clean only, don’t use any cleaning solution. Take it to a professional cleaner and show them the exact spot you want to get cleaned.
For dry-clean-only fabrics, attempting to clean at home will only make the situation worse.
Never put a wood-stained carpet in the dryer because it will make the stain permanent. While the carpet is wet, you may not notice the stain, but as soon as it dries, you’ll be left with a stain that is impossible to remove, even with professional cleaning.
Read Next: Homemade Carpet Cleaner Solution
What You’ll Need
Take your carpet to an area where you have plenty of space to work comfortably. Gather the following supplies:
- Clean cloth or paper towel
- Washing machine
- Vacuum(*)
- Hydrogen peroxide
- Household ammonia
- Eyedropper
- Dishwashing soap (liquid)
(*) Check our reviews about the best vacuums for carpet of 2021.
Step by Step Instructions
Since you’ll be working with hydrogen peroxide, take some necessary precautions. Wear gloves and ensure that you’re in a well-ventilated place. If working inside, open the windows to regulate airflow in the room.
1.Blotting the Stain
First, use the clean cloth or paper towel to blot the stained area. This works best on fresh stains as the paper towel soaks up most of the moisture.When one part of the towel becomes stained, move to the other one. Don’t rub the stained area with the same side as this can create a bigger mess.
2.Apply the Cleaning Solution
In a small bucket, mix half a teaspoon of dishwashing soap and one-third cup of ammonia in warm water.Dip a sponge into this solution and blot the furniture stain on the carpet. Start working from the outer edge and gradually clean the stain toward the center. This will prevent the stain from spreading or diffusing to nearby spots.
For a stubborn stain on a neutral-toned carpet, mix a tablespoon of hydrogen peroxide with four warm water tablespoons. Use the eyedropper to apply this mixture to the stained carpeted surface.
Let it sit for half an hour and then blot with paper towels. Keep in mind that hydrogen peroxide should never be used on darker colors as it’s a bleaching agent.
Replace the stained paper towel or cloth with a new one until no more color transfer occurs.
3.Rinsee
Moving on, take another clean cloth and use it to rinse the carpet. Make sure you have removed all remnants of the detergent from the carpet.Use fresh paper towels each time to remove the moisture left behind by the cleaning solution.
4.Vacuum
Lastly, use your upright or stick vacuum for lifting carpet fibers and let the carpet air dry. Don’t put it under direct sunlight for drying.Read Next: How to vacuum your carpet
Tips and Warnings
- When working with ammonia, always wear gloves. Don’t mix it with chlorine as their combination gives rise to toxic fumes.
- Clean your carpet outside or in an area with adequate ventilation. Wear a mask if the fumes are making you wheezy.
- Using hydrogen peroxide on darker colors can damage the carpet and discolor it.
- Always do a spot test before applying the cleaning solution to the whole surface.
- Rub the paper towel in a circular motion to break up the wood stains.
- Use a store-bought carpet stain remover if you’re allergic to household ammonia or have sensitive skin.
Now It’s Your Turn
Wood stains from the furniture can slowly seep into the carpet fibers over time. As annoying as it is, the process is inevitable because some furniture dyes are prone to dripping.
If you want your carpet to last its full lifespan, remove the stain as soon as possible. Don’t wait to tend to the wood stain, or it can become permanent. Even worse, some stains harden so much that even professional cleaners cannot get them out.
In this guide, I’ve discussed an easy method to eliminate wood stains from your carpets. Now, it’s time for you to try it out and tell me:
- Did you find this guide helpful?
- Were you able to get the wood stain out of your carpet?
- Which products did you use?
Leave your feedback and suggestions in the comments below.
