The Science Behind Stain Removal: Why DIY Methods Don’t Always Work
Some stains seem to stick in your carpet no matter what you do, while others lift right out. Understanding why this happens is key to tackling difficult stains - and why many DIY methods are unsuccessful. Here is a simple explanation of carpet stain science and how to avoid a DIY stain removal disaster.
The science of stain removal methods
Every substance is made up of molecules. Your carpet has very porous fibres which absorb these molecules. These molecules then bond with your carpet fibres, and the task of stain removal is to break these bonds.
Some substances form these bonds quickly, which is why coffee and red wine are such difficult stains to remove. Some bonds are also strengthened by high temperatures, which is why things like blood should never be cleaned with hot water.
There are different types of stains, which explains why some substances are easier to remove than others. Water-soluble stains like mud can be cleaned away with water - assuming their pigment has not already begun to bond with your carpet. Oil-based stains are water-resistant, making it difficult to clean them with just water. Some substances, like chocolate, are a mixture of water-soluble and oil-based parts, which may require more than one approach. However, even once the substance itself has been removed, you may find that it leaves a stain behind due to the bonds it forms with your carpet.
What this means for DIY stain removal methods
Many DIY stain removal methods are ineffective as they do not tackle the bond between the substance and the carpet. Some methods even make this worse - many people instinctively tackle stains with hot water, but this encourages bonds to form faster and makes your job harder.
At the other end of the spectrum, DIY methods such as bleach should never be used as they damage your carpet. When it comes to carpet, bleach actually has no cleaning power – just the ability to remove dyes, especially in wool.
Other approaches that involve saturating your carpet may also lead to damage from mould and water damage. Due to their porous nature, carpets take such a long time to dry that they create an ideal environment for mould to grow.
It's important that you act quickly to remove the substance before it forms bonds. Ensure that you blot stains rather than rubbing them, as this can drive them further into your carpet. The best step to avoid further damage is to contact a professional carpet cleaner.
Find a professional carpet cleaner
Avoid damaging your carpet by bringing in an expert on stain removal methods. Every cleaner in the National Carpet Cleaners Association directory is trained to remove any kind of stain, protecting your carpet in the process. You can also find other services such as upholstery cleaning, water damage repair and insect treatment using our drop-down menu.
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