Have you planned your festive menu yet? We are also looking forward to a full table of delicious temptations. The holidays are really an exciting time, but very often they result in a big mess at home. Carpets usually suffer the most with a variety of festive stains. We must say that the best way to deal with any type of carpet stain is to call the professionals. They have all the necessary tools and products to treat the spots without causing further damage. However, if you must give your carpet first aid, here are some tips you can follow.
Cranberry Sauce Stains
Roasted turkey with cranberry sauce is an all-time favourite traditional Christmas meal. However, very often parts of it end up on the floor and this requires special attention. Mix 10ml of washing liquid with 2 cups of water and use a sponge to apply the solution on the stain. Blot until the dirt is absorbed. Repeat several times if needed. If the stain remains, it’s clearly time to book a professional carpet cleaning service.
Candle Wax Stains
There’s nothing cosier than lighting some scented candles on Christmas Eve. But accidents do happen and some of the candle wax can drop on the floor. This is an extremely tough stain to remove. You can’t clean it with a detergent. Instead, you need an iron and clean white paper. Put the sheet on the stain and run the iron over it. Do not heat the iron too much. Even a low temperature is enough to melt the wax. It is then transferred onto the paper. The process may have to be repeated several times until the stain is completely gone. In some cases, that won’t be sufficient and you will need professional help.
Cocoa and Hot Chocolate
Hot chocolate on Christmas morning is probably the most delicious treat, but it’s important to act immediately if some of it gets spilt on the floor. Blot the stain with a clean cloth. You should start from the outside and work your way in. After that, fill a spray bottle with cold water and apply on the stain, then blot again until it disappears. If it doesn’t work, you will need a specialist carpet cleaning solution and a professional machine.
Red Wine
What is Christmas dinner without a glass of good red wine? It’s a shame when this divine liquid ends up on your precious carpet. No doubt, immediate action is crucial to avoid permanent damage. Get a towel and blot as much of the wine as possible. Then mix half a spoon of washing liquid and half a spoon of white vinegar with two cups of warm water. Sponge the mixture on the stain until most of it is absorbed. Rinse by spraying clean cold water and blot until dry.
The use of stain removers and spot treatment is generally not recommended because it leaves permanent marks on your carpet even after professional cleaning. That’s why we recommend doing the bare minimum to clean the stain and booking a specialist service as soon as possible.