Rugs vs. Carpets | Stain Removal

There’s no denying that having a thick carpet provides superior comfort, but sometimes – and particularly in warmer countries – it’s just not practical to have one in the home. Conversely, there are few things that can make a room look cleaner and more chic than the combination of a hardwood or tiled floor and a nice rug. Each of these floor coverings comes with its own problems when it comes to cleaning, but luckily there are easy solutions whatever your favoured floor covering. Read on for our effective rug and carpet stain removal tips!

Carpets

The first hurdle when dealing with carpet stains is often spotting them, especially if the carpet is of a particularly deep pile. It’s important to take regular care of your carpets as stains will become much easier to spot and clean before they set forever. If you have pets, then it is recommended that you make sure to vacuum high footfall areas once a week.

If you notice a stain, take care to address it as soon as possible. Here are some simple steps to follow:

First make sure to remove as much of what caused the stain as possible, then wet with a damp cloth or a wet wipe (use an alcohol free one to protect any dyes) to try and stop it from setting in to the carpet fibers.
Then, apply a spray such as Vanish Oxi Action Spray on the affected area and allow the formula to work for a few minutes. Then wash the carpet as you normally would, to remove all traces of the offending stain!

Rugs

Rugs face many of the same issues as carpets. It is a good idea to maintain your rugs regularly to increase their shelf life, so you will need to catch any marks and stains as soon as possible. One advantage of rugs is that their small size allows them to be submerged completely in a solution of Vanish Carpet Shampoo and water, as per instructions. , leave for ten minutes before taking out and scrubbing with a soft bristle brush. The stain should disappear in no time.

If the rug is too big or thick to submerge easily, lay it out and flat and clean it the same way as described above.

The Next Steps

Some foods and other substances that can cause stains also sometimes leave an unwanted smell. This is because tiny particles can cling to the fibres of the fabric, even if the stain is no longer visible. To rectify this, simply sprinkle the area with Vanish Oxy Action Powder, and allow it to sit for about twenty minutes whilst the powder absorbs the offending particles. Finish by vacuuming the area to remove all the powder – and the smell – with it.

So whatever your choice, rug or carpet, you shouldn’t ever have to worry about tackling any difficult stains that it may pick up, thanks to Vanish.