You’ve just noticed a dark circle on your carpet. Is it a spot or a stain? We can walk you through the identification process and help you determine the best response to this carpet conundrum.
How Spots and Stains Differ
Some folks in the cleaning industry joke that the difference between a spot or a stain is about 24 hours. But there is some wisdom in that punchline. It all comes down to the interaction between the substance of the accident and the surface of your flooring (or fabric). Some of that interaction is chemical. Some has to do with with timing.
In the IICRC Reference Guide for professional cleaners, industry experts define a spot as the “result of material adding substance or texture to a fabric or surface.” In contrast, they identify a stain as the “result of a material adding color [not a texture] to a fabric or surface.”
A spot is generally a discoloration caused by a recent “deposit of foreign matter” on the carpet’s surface, be that coffee, a popsicle, or pet urine. Short term, a spot is a superficial issue. Spots coat the outside of a textile’s fibers but do not bond to those fibers or their dyes. The area of the spot can be felt when touched. Fibers can be wet, sticky, or stiff. The good news is that spots, if addressed quickly, are more easily removed than stains or other types of discoloration.
A stain, in contrast, is more lasting. This is when the spilled substance has penetrated the surface and embedded itself into the carpet fibers. Stains start as spots but, over time, become much harder to identify and remove. If you know the source of the accident, that is the first step towards the successful removal of the stain.
Removing Spots
It is a universal truth that, when it comes to accidents, the faster the response, the better the results. The same holds true for accidents on carpet. If the problem is discovered quickly, it is likely that its source and substance will be easily identified.
Knowing the make-up of the accident is a crucial part of removing it. Industry experts share this five-step removal strategy for getting a spot out of your carpet or textile.
- Act immediately! Run to grab a handful of paper towels or dry cloths or towels
- Blot, blot, blot! Use the paper towel or a dry cloth to soak up the spot. Keep changing out the soiled blotters with dry ones until no moisture transfers.
- Do not scrub! Scrubbing can damage fibers and force spilled substances deeper into the textile.
- Beware retail cleaning products. Some cause more harm than good.
- Opt for water. If there is still discoloration, add a little clear water to the spot and blot it back up. Repeat until discoloration is removed.
Removing Stains
The first step towards stain removal is determining what type of stain you have. There are significant differences between an oil-based and a water-based discoloration. And while pet urine and coffee can look similar when left on the carpet for a few days, the cleaning needs of these substances are not the same. Whatever the substance, it will likely fall into one of three main categories – water-soluble, solvent-soluble or non-soluble.
Water-soluble stains include many food and beverage categories, as well as mud, latex paint and washable ink. These respond well to water and water-based detergents. Remember, viscose and viscose blend rugs are easily damaged by water or any moisture – just blot and call the pros. In the case of standard, wall-to-wall carpet, please review the manufacturer’s instructions before introducing any cleaning products to your carpet’s fibers. For maximum removal, a professional cleaning may be recommended.
Solvent-soluble stains are created by oily substances. Some examples of oily stain makers include crayons, grease, some make-up, butter, gravy, oils and tar. These all require solvent-based cleaners. Keep in mind, the stains caused by solvent-soluble items often require professional cleaning.
Non-soluble stains are caused by dry substances like sand, grit or anything with a sticky film. Addressing these areas starts with a deep vacuuming. When further cleaning is necessary, reach out to a professional carpet cleaning company and ask for their advice.
Does Fiber Type Influence Cleaning Strategies?
Unsurprisingly, different fiber types respond differently to cleaning. The good news is your carpet’s manufacturer should have helpful information online about the care of your carpet. But let’s say you do not know the brand or fiber type of the carpet in your home. In this case, you may need a professional to share helpful information about carpet types and identify what carpet type you are working with.
Some carpets are easier to clean than others. A nylon carpet is relatively easy to maintain. It doesn’t absorb liquids but can be damaged by bleaching, chemicals, and urine. Polyester carpet is resistant to bleach, soil and water-based stains. However, it is vulnerable to solvent-soluble substances like oil. Olefin is also damaged by oil, but homeowners choose it for its moisture resistance and hardiness against chemical damage.
Lastly, wool is a durable fiber that doesn’t show general soiling as much as the other fiber types. However, substances like wine, Kool-Aid and other acidic dyes can leave stains on wool carpet and area rugs. That includes high-dollar oriental and imported textiles. Blotting and gentle rinsing will help remove a spot from a wool rug or carpet but the item still may require professional care.
A Word About Discoloration
Discoloration is a permanent change in the color of your carpet. Categories of discoloration include color loss like sunfading and chemical color losses, caused by bleach, peroxide or other harsh household products.
Another type of discoloration is dye transfer, when color migrates from some source onto the carpet, causing lasting damage. Furniture polish and woodstain can leave permanent staining on damp carpet. This is why your professional puts little plastic or foam tabs under the feet of your furnishings after a carpet cleaning. They are protecting your carpet from dye transfer.
There are great resources online that explain more about discoloration, including the damage that acidic and alkaline substances can do to your textiles.
Accidents Happen. Stains don’t have to.
While pet pee is a common source of carpet damage, it’s people who cause most spots and spills. Always make sure the members of your household know the importance of a quick response to any carpet accident, big or small.
Because there is a wide range of possible uh-oh’s, Pro-Care provides an Online Guide for carpet and rug spot removal. Start with our helpful tips and then determine if you need to schedule an estimate with an IICRC certified cleaning company.
Limit your DIY efforts to things you can do easily and without chemical intervention. Blotting and absorbing the worst of the mess is a great start. And if your carpet suffers a significant spill event, always keep in mind that trustworthy, local professionals are only a phone call away.
For more about the long-term maintenance of your carpet, enjoy our article about traffic path prevention:
If you are considering replacing your current carpet with something more lifestyle friendly, consider our buying advice…