You won't need to try all of these methods for nail varnish on carpet. Some suit specific carpets more than others, so you may want to skip straight to those.
Remember to carry out a patch test of any method you choose, to make sure you don't damage or discolour your carpet.
If you're able to catch nail varnish on carpet when it's fresh, it can sometimes be blotted away. A spoon may be able to scoop up excess liquid, before it can even soak into the carpet.
Use a knife to scrape away at a stain and loosen it. Cold water can also help with this, but make sure that your water is as cold as possible, because hot water will set the stain.
If you haven't already, wet the area with cold water. Then, spray 10-20 pumps of hairspray onto the area – you want to be quite generous. Adding a small amount of rubbing alcohol should then really loosen up the stain, and you should be able to remove nail varnish from carpet with a toothbrush. You can repeat this if it doesn't completely solve the problem the first time.
This will work better on fresh stains and lighter carpet, as you risk bleaching a darker carpet. Ensure that the polish remover you choose is non-acetone, and only use a small amount directly on the stain.
Apply a generous amount of white vinegar to the affected area. Soak a cloth in white vinegar, and leave that over the stain. After 10 minutes, blot away as much vinegar as possible and then lightly agitate the stain itself. This should help remove the nail polish stain from your carpet, but be warned that the smell may linger. If the smell bothers you, you can use a carpet deodoriser to cover it.
Pour enough baking soda to cover the stain, and then pour ginger ale over the top. Leave it to soften the stain for 10 minutes. You can then blot away the stain. A vacuum can be used to get rid of any excess baking soda after you remove nail polish from your carpet.
If any of these methods leave residue behind, you can remove it with dish soap and warm water. Simply pour on a mixture of the two, then blot the residue as much as possible.
If nail varnish on carpet is proving particularly stubborn or you're worried about damaging your carpet, a professional carpet cleaner can help. National Carpet Cleaners Association (NCCA) have a directory of accredited carpet cleaners who are based all over the UK. Our strict guidelines for training, insurance and professionalism mean that every member business is top notch.
Search our directory to find a carpet cleaner near you and get nail polish out of your carpet.
Whether the culprit is a pet or a small child, urine on the carpet can feel like a disaster. That instantly recognisable stink clings to your carpet, but luckily there are ways to remove it. Read on as we discuss how to get a urine smell out of carpet.
As a liquid, urine can seep all the way into the fibres and padding of a carpet. It is usually odourless when it leaves the body, but processes within urine make it smell worse over time.
Dried urine crystallises, which then sticks to carpet and is very difficult to remove. These crystals smell when they're wet, so humid days and steam cleaning can make the smell return. Surface cleaning and vacuuming won't work, as they don't break down the crystals deep within the carpet. Shampoos may mask the odour, but won't remove the crystals. When the shampoo wears off, the smell will return.
Your best bet for protecting your carpet is to tackle the problem right away. If you're lucky enough to spot the accident as it happens, use something absorbent like paper towels to soak up the urine. Then, rinse the area with cold water. Hot water can make the problem worse by setting the stain, so make sure that you're using cold water.
To be on the safe side, you may also want to try one of the methods below to prevent the crystals from setting.
If you're still being haunted by the ghost of urine past, you'll want to try a more intensive method. Here a four ways to remove a urine smell from carpet.
First of all, you need to figure out exactly where the stain is. A handy fact is that urine glows under a UV light. If you're struggling to find the source of the smell, you could use a UV light to find it.
Whatever product you choose to use, you'll want to make sure it's compatible with your carpet. Carry out a test by placing a small amount of product on a hidden area. After 24 hours, check for any discolouration or damage before proceeding.
If you’re wondering how to get an old urine smell out of carpet, you can use enzyme-based carpet cleaner. This will break down the urine crystals and eradicate the smell. Just make sure that the packet states that it is enzyme-based. Each product will have its own instructions, so ensure that you follow them carefully.
Use a generous amount of white vinegar on the affected area and leave this to soak for 10-15 minutes. You can then soak this up as much as possible and cover the area with baking soda. Leave it to dry, and when it has completely dried, you can vacuum up all of the baking soda.
If you're struggling with how to remove a urine smell from carpets, your best option is to call in a professional. The National Carpet Cleaning Association (NCCA) has a directory of carpet cleaners who have all passed our high standards.
Start searching our directory to find carpet cleaners near you.
When you live in a house with carpets, accidents happen. No matter how savvy you are, we've all faced that one pesky stain that threatens to ruin the carpet forever. Having these eight carpet cleaning hacks under your belt will help you keep a cool head next time you have a carpet crisis.
Rubbing stains can just drive them further into the carpet fibres. Instead, press an absorbent cloth to the stain and dab it gently. This will allow the material to collect the stain instead of damaging the carpet.
No matter how careful you are, it just takes a drop of nail varnish to ruin a carpet. All is not lost, though. Loosen the stain with rubbing alcohol, and then you can blot it away.
When you rearrange a room, the impressions of the old furniture placement take away from your hard work. Completely cover the dents with ice cubes and leave them there to melt. Absorbing the moisture will help the carpet fibres swell back up. Blot away as much of the liquid as you can, and then use a coin to fluff the area back into shape.
Ice cubes provide multiple carpet cleaning hacks, as they are helpful for gum too. Place some ice cubes in a freezer bag and hold them against the gum. This will cause it to harden and lose its grip on your carpet fibres. You can then scrape it away with a spoon or credit card.
Shag carpets lose their long fluff very easily, particularly when vacuumed. By only vacuuming your shag carpet with the hose extension, you can clean it while still maintaining its fluffy texture.
If a candle drips onto your carpet, you can use an iron to rescue it. Lay baking paper or a paper towel over the stain and then iron over it on the lowest setting. Keep lifting the paper to check the stain, and after a few repetitions, it should melt the wax away from your carpet and onto the other material. remove wax with an iron, advocate the use of baking paper or a paper towel and iron over the candle wax with the iron on a low setting. Please be extremely careful if you do choose to use an iron and move it constantly to avoid damage, if the iron heats one spot for too long it, could risk the pile being melted.
If you don’t have an iron handy, you can use a hairdryer instead.
Being proactive is key to maintaining a pristine carpet. Consider using protective sprays or treatments on high-traffic areas and places prone to spills. These products can create a barrier that makes it easier to clean up spills before they become stubborn stains. Additionally, encourage family members or housemates to remove shoes before entering carpeted areas to minimise the risk of tracking in dirt and stains. Remember, a little prevention can go a long way in preserving the beauty of your carpets.
If you've got a stain that's proving too stubborn – even for our carpet cleaning hacks – a professional cleaner might be the answer. The National Carpet Cleaning Association (NCCA) makes it easy to find local carpet cleaners you can trust.
Every member has passed a strict selection process, including training and full insurance. Our seal of approval means you can trust a business with your carpet. Start searching our directory to get your carpets back to their best.
If you're just starting out as a professional carpet cleaner, the administrative side can be intimidating. Especially if you're a new business, you may be trying to keep costs down. But carpet cleaning insurance isn't something to skimp on. Read on as we discuss the importance of insurance for a carpet cleaning business and six types of insurance you might need.
In short – just in case. Accidents happen, even to the best of us, and insurance is there as a safety net to protect you and your business. If you're slightly distracted one day and use the wrong chemical on an expensive carpet, insurance will help you cover the costs.
There are some types of insurance that you're legally obligated to have, so make sure you definitely have those. These include public liability and employers’ liability, which we’ll expand on below.
While some providers may offer deals including multiple types of insurance, it's worth thinking about which types are included. Here are six types of insurance for your carpet cleaning business…
Public liability insurance is there to help if there is damage to people or property and someone sues you. If someone gets injured – maybe by tripping over a wire – it will help you pay compensation payments and legal costs. Some policies will also help if you lose client keys or fail to secure their premises, so it's worth shopping around to see what different providers offer.
If someone's carpet gets discoloured or damaged, treatment risk insurance helps you replace anything that you damage. It applies specifically to items you work on, which public liability insurance often doesn't.
While public liability insurance comes in if damage is caused, professional indemnity insurance will back you up if a client decides your work is unsatisfactory. If someone claims that you left their carpet dirty and sues you, professional indemnity insurance will help.
When you're working with expensive equipment, it's worth insuring it. It will help if any of your equipment is lost, stolen or damaged. Make sure you read the fine print of what is covered, as some places won't cover theft from inside a vehicle.
This is a type of insurance that you're legally obligated to have if your business has any employees, trainees or volunteers. Even if you only have one employee who helps out every now and then, the law says that you need employers' liability insurance. It will help you to cover the costs if an employee sues you due to work-related illness or injury. Some policies also help with things like loss due to employee dishonesty.
If you're using a van to transport equipment, it has to be covered by insurance. Carpet cleaning business use usually isn't covered by standard car insurance, so make sure you have the right policy in place to protect you wherever you are.
Carpet cleaning insurance requirements is one of many things you’ll have to navigate as you grow your business. The NCCA works to ensure that all of our members are fully insured. By joining, you gain exclusive access to technical support and advice forums, along with our arbitration service. You will also get access to exclusive discounts courtesy of our trusted corporate members who provide insurance services.
To find out more and view our requirements, visit our membership page.
This post will introduce you to the benefits of a good autumn clean and outline 8 foolproof autumn cleaning tips – or should that be fall-proof – to ensure your home remains cozy, organised and beautiful.
Start by decluttering your home. Get rid of items you no longer need or use. Take to the charity shop, recycle or throw them out. This will create more space for the real cleaning as well as making your home feel instantly cleaner.
As autumn rolls around, dirt and leaves are likely to be tracked in from outside. So, it's time to show your carpets and rugs some love and get rid of all that gunk, dust and allergens. If things are looking really grim in some spots, it might be worth calling in a professional carpet cleaner for a deep clean.
Autumn is a great opportunity to clean and rotate your bedding. Fresh, clean linens and fluffed pillows make a welcoming sleeping environment.
As leaves fall, they can clog your gutters, potentially causing water damage. To prevent water buildup, safely remove leaves and debris and ensure that everything is clear and functional.
Make sure your autumn decorations, such as pumpkins, wreaths or seasonal candles, are clean and free of cobwebs before using them. Your house will continue to look festive and fresh.
Sort through your summer items like patio furniture, gardening tools and sports equipment. Clean, repair and store them properly for the winter to prevent damage and ensure they're ready for use next year.
Checking and cleaning your windows and doors is a straightforward yet effective way to enhance your living environment. When you clean them, don't forget to wipe down the glass, frames and sills. This not only keeps your house looking tidy, but it also makes sure that everything is maintained properly.
Autumn cleaning means making your home ready before the colder weather arrives. By doing important jobs like decluttering and cleaning out the gutters, you’ll have a warm and friendly space to enjoy even as it turns chilly outside.
If you’re looking for a carpet cleaning expert to help you start your autumn cleaning, look no further than the National Carpet Cleaner’s Association (NCCA). Our directory of professional carpet cleaners and upholsterers will make sure you find the right local expert for your requirements.
Contact us today on 01562 547754 to discuss your requirements or search our directory online.
There is a way to save your carpet. Read on for how to get rid of that musty smell and restore the freshness.
First things first, let's talk about what that musty smell could actually be. Carpets can absorb a variety of smell – from pet messes and spills to moisture and mould (the main culprit behind most musty smells).
When your carpet becomes wet and isn't dried properly, it creates a perfect breeding ground for mould and mildew. So, if you've recently dealt with a flood, leak or even just a spill that didn’t get cleaned up in time, you’ve more than likely found the source of the musty smell.
For the DIYers out there, you can easily create a cleaning solution out of household items. Try a solution of one part white vinegar to three parts water. Fill a spray bottle halfway with the solution and sprinkle the musty area lightly. Allow it to sit for a few minutes before wiping it away with a clean towel.
Vinegar is a natural deodoriser and can destroy mould spores, but don't use too much – you don't want to swap one odour for another.
Another easy fix is using baking soda. Just put a good amount on the smelly part of your carpet and leave it overnight. It'll soak up the bad smell and any dampness. Vacuum it up the next day, and the smell should be much better.
If the smell continues to linger, it might be time to think about wet extraction cleaning your carpet. Wet extraction cleaning is excellent at penetrating deep into the fibres to eliminate bacteria, mould and other factors behind those unpleasant smells.
You've got two options – either bring in a professional carpet cleaner or rent a cleaner and tackle the job yourself. However, wet extraction cleaning without the right know-how might not remove the smell completely.
You might have to consider using a carpet cleaner specifically designed for pet odours or musty smells. Maybe your shampooed carpet now smells musty. Simply follow the guidelines on the bottle, but first test a small, inconspicuous area. This will help you avoid any unpleasant shocks, such as discolouration.
If you want to know how to get musty smells out of carpet, professionals are usually the answer. If you've tried all of the above treatments and the musty odour persists, it’s probably time to call in a professional for a more thorough cleaning.
The National Carpet Cleaner's Association (NCCA) helps you find experienced and trustworthy carpet cleaners who can often undo the problems caused by DIY cleaning or just a lack of cleaning altogether. Find a carpet cleaner near you today to get your home smelling better and looking at its best.