Removing Office Carpet Stains

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When the office Christmas party is over you will find a multitude of office carpet stains the next day. These stains could be caused by wine, coffee, chewing gum or food. However these stains are not just restricted to the office Christmas party, year-round use in the office will contribute to its own array of stains on the company carpet.

Most companies employ a commercial cleaning company to keep their offices clean however there are safe and easy ways to remove carpet stains that any office worker can apply in the office or home.

Most office workers would tackle carpet stains using a commercial spot cleaner without realising the toxic residue it leaves behind. Cleaning stains on carpets with chemicals can be effective but can also be harmful to humans, animals and the environment. The toxins can be released into the atmosphere contaminating the air we breathe.

The alternative to these spot cleaners can be found in everyday items and are safe and inexpensive to make. The thing to remember with carpet stains is time, as soon as you see a spill occur treat it straight away. Take into consideration the following points when attempting to remove the stain.

For everyday stains

How to make the solution

Mix 1 teaspoon of mild dishwashing liquid with 1 quart of warm water.
Add a quarter teaspoon of white vinegar and stir to create a solution.

How to apply the solution

For a liquid stain blot never rub the affected area.
Use a white towel or paper towels to blot the area.
Blot from the outside edge going inwards towards the edge.
For solid spills use a spoon or a non-sharp knife to remove particles.
Do not over-wet the carpet when cleaning the spill.
Allow the solution to cover the stain for 10 minutes before blotting the area using a dry white cloth or white paper towels.
The spill should transfer onto the cloth.
Repeat the procedure until no more stain gets into the cloth or paper towel.
Once the spill is completely removed, rinse the affected area with cold water then blot with a clean and dry cloth until the area is completely dry.
You may want to cover the damp area with a 1/2-inch thick layer of white paper towels with a heavy object placed on top to allow closer prolonged contact with the moist area.

Coffee stains

Non-toxic carpet stain remover

• 1 tablespoon of dishwashing detergent
• 2 tablespoons of vinegar
• 2 cups of water

First things first, remove the excess liquid from the carpet. You can do so by pressing a paper towel on the stain to dry it. Make sure you don’t rub or scrub the stain as it will spread and will be even harder to remove. Now it’s time to prep the stain. Dab the problem area with cool water. This will remove the remainder excess and the stain will lighten.

Clean the stain using the mix above by dabbing it with a damp cloth. Repeat the action until the stain is removed. Finally, you can use a paper towel to dry the area once the stain is removed.

Ink stains

DIY carpet stain remover

• Rubbing alcohol
• Non oily hairspray

Ink stains happen more often than you know. The most effective way to clean an ink stain from carpet or upholstery is to use rubbing alcohol. Damp a clean cloth in the rubbing alcohol and dab it on the stain until it disappears. Make sure you don’t rub the stain as it might spread. You can find rubbing alcohol in the first aid kit or in first aid sections of stores. Alternatively, you can use hairspray as long as it is not oily. Once the stain has disappeared, make sure you clean the excess alcohol (or hairspray) from the carpet using water and a cloth.

Finish with a paper towel to remove any excess water.

Wine stains

Natural carpet stain solution

• Salt
• Soda Water

We all love a casual Friday or an office Christmas party. Social engagements are great for staff morale, however, this can lead to wine or food carpet stains. Make sure you start by removing the excess liquid using paper towels. Once the excess liquid has been removed, cover the stain with salt then saturate it with soda water. Work the solution into the stained area, making sure you move from outside in so the stain does not spread. Let the solution sit for a couple of minutes, as it dries it should absorb the stain. Use a damp cloth to remove the solution. If the stain is not completely gone, repeat the step above. Make sure the carpet is dried at the end of the process. You can do so by using paper towels or even a dry-wet vacuum.

Using these safe and effective methods to clean office carpet stains as soon as they happen will help to prevent further damage.