As we enter into autumn, we begin to think about fall entertaining, such as Halloween parties, Thanksgiving get-together’s or other events. These celebrations can make keeping your carpets and floors clean a challenge. You have to deal with extra foot traffic, spills from food or drinks, and nervous pets. These are a few of the problems that could occur during your celebrations. However, Inside Homes Cleaning and More can give you some tips to help keep your carpet clean.

It’s a Blotting Motion, not Rubbing

Hit stains with a cleaning solution and a clean cloth, paper towels or a sponge. You want to make sure you blot the stain, which puts a small amount of pressure to soak up the stain. Rubbing will push the particles into the carpet and break down carpet fibers. Blot from the outside of the stain in toward the center. This prevents the stain from spreading.

Use Club Soda

You may have heard that club soda is effective against beer and wine stains. It’s true if you use it correctly. Blot the stain with the soda on a cloth. You can mix one part white vinegar with one part water and pure into a spray bottle. Spray the solution on the stained area and let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes. Then press a clean sponge onto the wine or beer to soak up the stain and solution. Rinse with warm water after this process. Brush the carpet and place paper towel on the spot with a heavy book on top for one day. The towels take away any dampness in the carpet.

Shaving Cream Works

You might not believe this, but one of the best carpet cleaners is shaving cream. It will take away any type of stain. Apply the shaving cream directly to the stain and let it sit for 30 minutes. Blot away the shaving cream with dry cloth after the 30 minutes.  Finish by spraying the area with one part vinegar mixed with one part water. Wipe the solution with a cloth.

It’s a Sticky Solution

Unfortunately, one of your guests tracked gum from the street onto your carpet. To get out the gum, you should grab some ice cubes from the freezer. You want to freeze the gum with the ice cubes for 30 seconds. Then, it’s easy to lift the gum with a spoon. Just like when you get gum in your hair, you’ll want to cut the carpet fibers as close to the gum as possible. Be careful not to cut too much.

Get out the Grease with Dishwasher Detergent

The best method against difficult-to-clean grease stains is to use a drop or two of a grease-cutting dishwashing detergent, such as Joy, in a cup of water. It’ll cut through the grease in the carpet just the way it does on your dishes. You’ll want to continue until all of the stain is gone.

Heat Wax

Holidays are about burning candles. However, unless you use electric candles, you’ll might end up with wax on your carpet. You should place a white cloth over the spot and iron the wax to heat it. Finally, scrape off the wax with a butter knife. After that, you will want to lay a paper towel over the surface area and iron on the paper. The wax melts and clings to the paper. After a few tries, the wax will be gone. This method also works with table cloths. Important note: Don’t use the iron this way for more than 30 seconds or you risk burning the carpet. And be sure to use a white cloth and white towels because colored ones can transfer the color onto the carpet.

Hydrogen Peroxide Helps with Blood Stains

Occasionally, you will get blood on your carpet. You might cut yourself or a guest. You might jump up too fast watching the football game and hit your head, causing your mouth to bleed. You might accidentally bite your lip. Your carpet isn’t ruined forever. Just go to your medicine cabinet and pull out the hydrogen peroxide. It will work on removing the blood stains.

Use a Knife on Candy

What parent hasn’t had their child dump all their candy on the carpet after Halloween night? Some of that candy will be opened and eaten, leaving chocolate on the wrapper. Then, it gets into the rug. First, try to use a spotter brush or butter knife to scrape it off the floor. Second, use a sponge and apply water mixed with a mild soap. Sugar will attract dirt and debris to that spot on the carpet. After you remove the candy, dry the spot by blotting it with a cloth or towel.

Clean Pet Stains Without Chemicals

Using carpet cleaners, such as Eco-Spot, that use natural ingredients instead of chemicals works best against pet accidents. Even if your pets are trained, they might have an accident for a number of reasons. Spray the cleaner at the spot. Scrub the area. Wipe clean with towels. These also work on coffee and sauces.

Deep Clean Regularly

You should hire a professional to clean your rugs regularly with deep cleaning procedures. Professionals use a solution that puts pressure through water jets on your carpet. The machine then extracts the dirt and debris that is buried inside the carpet. This process keeps your carpet in its best condition. Like getting your teeth cleaned, you should do this once every six months. Call Inside Homes Cleaning and More at727-394-2942, to make an appointment to get your carpets ready for fall entertaining. Visit www.insidehomescleaning.com for more information.