Removing Food Stains

Quick reaction, with action can save your carpet from stains.

According to the old saying, "There's many a slip `twixt the cup and the lip." And those slips can result in stains.

The longer food and beverage stains are ignored; the more resistant they become to successful removal. Take action. Follow these steps quickly.

Blot up spills as soon as they occur with a clean, dry cloth or paper towel. If you spill moist food onto the carpet, you should clean it up before it seeps down into the carpet and the carpet backing. Scoop up the spill with a spoon, knife or spatula. Try not to press the spill into the carpet.

Detergent and vinegar…

You should blot the soiled area with a cloth or sponge wrung out in a quart of water mixed with a teaspoon of liquid dish washing detergent and a teaspoon of white vinegar. Don't wet the carpet more than necessary, and towel dry the area after cleaning. You can cover the area with a padding of paper towels to absorb the remaining moisture and speed up drying.

For greasy, oily stains…

Blot the stained area with a cleaning solvent or spot remover. You can buy these at drug stores and grocery stores, of in some carpet and department stores. Departments that rent rug equipment often have carpet spot removers.

Some cleaners can't be used on foam or rubber. Test the spot remover on a place that won't show before putting it on the stained area. If it doesn't appear to harm the carpet or the pad, apply it. After the stain is gone, brush the pile lightly. Don't step on the cleaned area until it dries.

Call on professional help…

If the stain persists, call a professional cleaner. Some food and beverage stains contain red coloring and can't be cleaned.

Read container directions and follow them.

For more information on removing food stains, contact your local County Extension Office.