We all love and need to go outdoors, and sometimes that means bringing dirt and soil indoors, leaving unsightly stains on your carpet.
You might not have thought it, but soil stains can be as hard as makeup stains to remove if left on your carpets for too long.
Don’t worry! In this blog post, we’ll guide you through effective methods to remove soil from your carpets, helping you restore their cleanliness and freshness. So, let’s dive in and learn how to tackle those stubborn soil stains!
How To Remove Soil from Carpets
Here is a quick overview of how to get soil out of your carpets:
Quickly vacuum any excess soil away
Make a warm water and liquid dish soap detergent to use
Apply your cleaning solution generously and scrub in gently
Allow to sit for 5-10 minutes
Grab a clean cloth or kitchen roll and dab to bring the soil out
Once it has dried, vacuum for the second time to remove any soil lingering in the fibres
For a full guide and bonus tips, carry on reading:
Step 1: Act Quickly
As with any stain, it’s essential to act promptly. Begin by gently removing any loose soil with a spoon or blunt knife. Be careful not to push the soil deeper into the carpet fibres.
Step 2: Vacuum Thoroughly
Next, grab your trusty vacuum cleaner and thoroughly vacuum the affected area. This will help remove any remaining loose soil from the carpet. Be sure to vacuum both vertically and horizontally to cover all directions.
Step 3: Prepare a Cleaning Solution
Synthetic carpets: mix one teaspoon of mild liquid dish soap with one cup of warm water. Stir gently until the soap is dissolved. You may have to remove a lot of surface bubbles as this can interrupt the cleaning process.
Natural fibre carpets: Natural fibres such as wool need to be treated with extra care. The last thing you want is to remove the soil, only to find discolouration in your carpet. Buy a ‘wool safe’ product just to be sure.
Step 4: Test in an Inconspicuous Area
Before applying the cleaning solution to the entire stain, it’s always wise to test it in a small, inconspicuous area of the carpet.
This will ensure that the solution doesn’t cause any discoloration or damage. If you have done your due diligence in identifying your carpet fibres then you should be ok to proceed.
Step 5: Blot the Stain
Dampen a clean cloth or sponge with the cleaning solution and gently blot the soil stain.
Start from the outside of the stain and work your way towards the centre, being careful not to scrub vigorously. This prevents the stain from spreading outwards making your job that much harder.
Blotting helps lift the soil from the carpet fibres and gives it no room to spread.
Step 6: Rinse and Blot
Using a separate cloth dampened with plain water, gently rinse the area to remove any residue from the cleaning solution. Continue blotting until the carpet feels clean and free of soap.
Step 7: Absorb Excess Moisture and Air Dry
Use a clean, dry cloth or paper towels to absorb any excess moisture from the carpet. Gently press the cloth onto the damp area to remove as much moisture as possible.
Allow the carpet to air dry completely before using the area. Open windows or use fans to speed up the drying process. Avoid walking on the damp carpet to prevent any further staining or damage.
Step 8: Vacuum Once Again
Once the carpet is completely dry, vacuum the area once more to fluff up the fibres and restore the carpet’s appearance.
Preventing Soil Stains in the Future
To minimize the chances of soil stains in the future, consider implementing the following preventive measures:
Place doormats at the entrances of your home to trap dirt and soil before it reaches your carpets.
Establish a “no shoes indoors” policy to reduce the amount of soil brought in.
Regularly clean and maintain your carpets by vacuuming at least once a week and scheduling professional carpet cleanings annually.
Conclusion
Soil stains on carpets don’t have to be a permanent eyesore. By acting quickly, vacuuming thoroughly, and using appropriate cleaning solutions, you can effectively remove soil stains and restore the cleanliness of your carpets.
Remember to test any cleaning solution in an inconspicuous area and blot gently to avoid spreading the soil further.
With these simple steps, you’ll be well-equipped to tackle soil stains and keep your carpets looking fresh and inviting.
