Why Some Carpet Stains Keep Coming Back — and What You Can Do About Them

Carpet stains are one of the most annoying things homeowners have to worry about with their beautiful carpets. They aren’t as easy to clean as a stain on a wood floor and are much more noticeable than the stains you see on your carpets. There are a few explanations for why your carpet stains keep coming back and identifying which option is harming the surface of your carpet can help you ensure beauty for as long as you’d like.

Soiling

The best cleaning methods for stained carpets often involve turning to some combination of cleaning products. Using cleaning products is a good option, but like anything, failure to adequately clean the carpet can lead to soiling.

Soiling occurs when the cleaning products aren’t properly blotted from the area on the carpet where the stain was. When this happens, the site gets sticky and attracts moisture, dirt, and other residues. As the carpet dries over time, it will begin to stain and reappear, making you think that you have a stain that won’t leave you be.

Wicking

When cleaning stains, most of us wipe the top of the carpet as much as possible until most of the discoloration is gone and call it a day. Major stains require more intense cleaning, and when not properly cleaned, the stains soak into your carpet fibers. While you might get the moisture from the top, the rest soaks into the backing of our carpet and reappears. The only way to prevent wicking is to catch stains early, DIY deep clean your carpet, or contact a professional.

Heavy Areas of Traffic

Often, heavy traffic areas create a unique scenario where you clean your carpet, but the stains return almost instantly. Areas to be aware of include hallways, doorways, and common spots where you lay your feet in the living room and talk with family or watch TV. As people walk around these areas or stand for extended periods, your carpet will attract dirt, and it seldom has time to air itself out.

How Can I Address Carpet Stains?

Addressing carpet stains means getting to the root of your problems, and each of the following options below helps you get deep into the depths of your carpet. While prevention is always the best way to avoid soiling and wicking, sealing the spot and drying it out can help prevent deep staining and prevent soiling and wicking from affecting your carpet.

Sealing the Spot

If you’re in a high-traffic area, sealing the carpet spot is one of the best ways to prevent a recurring issue. Carpet sealing coats the back of the carpet and prevents problems at the main source. Sealing works exceptionally well for carpets with wicking issues, as it gives your carpet fibers and adhesive a stronger resistance to stains.

Dry Out

A sort of last resort option would be to dry out your carpet. This option works great for stains near walls and at the ends of your carpet, but stains in the middle are a bit tough to reach. Still, a dry out is probably the best option you have to stop stains coming back that are rooted deep in the bowels of your carpet fibers. If your carpet was pulled out relatively far, you might need a professional to come to reinstall your carpet.

Prevention

The most effective and best way to protect your carpet from any issues would be to prevent them in the first place. Be extremely careful with the foods and drinks you eat around your carpets, and treat any spills as quickly as you can. Choosing a professional carpet cleaning company can ensure that you don’t forget to remove all soap residues and prevent other problems that help your carpets get clean and stay clean.

Get Stains Removed for Good With Carolina Green Steam

Make your carpet stains a thing of the past with Carolina Green Steam’s professional carpet cleaners. We have the tools and tricks needed to rid of all your stains, and our experts can prevent deep stains with our carpet and upholstery protection service. A long-lasting and clean carpet is just one call away, and South Carolina residents need not hesitate to reach out to us today!

a stubborn stain that keeps coming bac on the carpet.