Stain Removal By Carpet Zen

  • By Shayne Webber
  • •
  • 20 Aug, 2019
  • •

Getting the marks, spots and stains out of your carpet

We have gotten pretty good at getting out stains.  We do it everyday (except Sundays).  However, we keep learning what works best, so if you have things that have worked for you, leave a comment below. 

Here is some general information about stains from wikipedia...

Most stains are removed by dissolving them with a solvent. The solvent to use is dependent on two factors: the agent that is causing the stain, and the material that has been stained. Different solvents will dissolve different stains, and the application of some solvents is limited by the fact that they not only dissolve the stain, but also dissolve the material that is stained as well.[1]

Another factor in stain removal is the fact that stains can sometimes comprise two separate staining agents, which require separate forms of removal. A machine oil stain could also contain traces of metal, for example.[1] Also of concern is the color of the material that is stained. Some stain removal agents will not only dissolve the stain, but will dissolve the dye that is used to color the material.

Here are some tips/tricks we have found useful-

For paint- acetone works great.  It is fine on most carpets, but use it somewhere inconspicuous first.  Then if it looks fine to use, poor a little directly on the paint stain, scrub softly with a brush then dab up with paper towels. 

For pet stains- urine, feces and/or vomit.  If you get to them quick, that is best.  Try to pick up and/or soak up anything you can with paper towels.  Then, clean with a vinegar and water mix.  Then soak up again.  Repeat as needed.  Afterwards, spray with good enzymes if you have them.  Professional grade enzymes will breakdown organic materials and eradicate odors (eventually).  For set it stains or areas of multiple "accidents," it requires the persistent daily application of more enzymes to get at the stains and odor.  If you need help, just call us.  We deal with these issues all the time. 

Red stains from dye or drinks.  These can be tough.  If you get to them quick, try to soak them up with paper towels.  If there is red or pink residue or you don't get to it right away, you need to get a product called "Red Out" or some equivalent.  It will still take time and work to get out the red, but these products make it much easier.  Just get it and follow the directions, or call us for input. 

High traffic areas.  One, do your best to periodically change pathways through your house by moving furniture.  Two, use area rugs in high traffic areas.  These 2 things can save you a lot of work down the road.  However, if you already have some bad areas...it's best to get them cleaned by a pro and then follow the advise above.

I hope this was helpful.  If you have a specific stain you want help with, feel free to email us at info@mycarpetzen.com or call us at 512-650-2500. 



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Why Steam Cleaning is the Best

By Shayne Webber • October 16, 2019
Steam cleaning is the best way to clean almost any carpet or rug.  We use steam cleaning, because of it gives us the ability to get out most stains, it's sanitary and we don't have to use strong chemicals. The beauty of steam cleaning is that it effectively trades heat for chemicals without sacrificing strength. In fact, when used correctly, steam can quickly kill 99.99% of germs and bacteria, making it a safe, healthy, eco-friendly, all-natural way to clean your home from carpets, to rugs, to tile and grout and upholstery. 

When you use steam to clean, the tiny hot vapor molecules penetrate the pores of the surface you're cleaning, and as they come in contact with the cool surface of the pores, they expand and force all dirt, debris, and bacteria to the surface.  Then our powerful vacuum extracts this dirt, debris and bacteria.  It is a wonderful process to watch and we can feel good about the service we provide our customers.   

We may be a bit biased, but we just don't see how shampooing or a "dry clean" can get the same level of clean or disinfection.  Now, if you use a home shampooer between professional steam clean, that is fine.  Just be sure to run the machine over the wet areas multiple times, so you extract as much of the shampoo and water out as possible.  Leaving shampoo in your carpets will actually make them get dirty faster as the soap will attract and hold on to dirt and debris. 

If you'd like a quote on a professional steam clean for carpets, rugs, tile & grout or upholstery Call Carpet Zen at 512-650-2500 or email us at info@mycarpetzen.com. 

Pet Odors and Carpets

By Shayne Webber • October 3, 2019
Pets are awesome and part of the family, but they can create some odors.  We love to help by pretreating carpets, rugs and upholstery with enzymes, steam cleaning and deodorizing, but it we know you need a maintenance plan between Carpet Zen visits.  

We suggest you get some good enzymes.  Good enzymes will actually breakdown the organic materials left behind by pets including dander, urine, feces and vomit.  I know not fun to think about...but it does happen.  Good enzymes will break these organic materials down and leave a pleasant scent and actually get rid of the odors.  It works, but does take time.  We recommend that you clean messes up the best you can, then spray enzymes on the area and leave them.  Let the enzymes to their thing.  You may need to spray the area everyday for days or even weeks, before the odor is completely gone.  Urine odor from small dogs and cats (any size) are more difficult to eliminate, but can be done with the consistent application of good enzymes. 

Where do I get good enzymes?

We have not had any of our customers have a good experience with enzymes purchased at the pet store.  Therefore, we can sell you enzymes, or we have also had good experience with Bubba's Terminator Enzymes (available on Amazon).  If you'd like to get a bottle of enzymes from Carpet Zen, just call us at 512-650-2500 or email us at info@mycarpetzen.com.  We sell bottles for $15, plus tax. 

It is also helpful to get your carpets, rugs, tile & grout and upholstery cleaned professionally at least once a year.  However, if your pet has an accident and you can't seem to get it cleaned up sufficiently, call us and we'd be happy to serve and help you get out the stains and odors.  We can't guarantee that we can get out everything, but we can guarantee that we're good at our job and we'll work hard for you. 

Moreover, if you have questions or would like to schedule an appointment with Carpet Zen, call us at 512-650-2500.  We serve Leander, Cedar Park, Liberty Hill, Georgetown, Round Rock, Pflugerville, Hutto, Lakeway and Austin, Texas. 

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