How to Remove a Water Stain: Carpet

Water stain carpet problems can be unsightly, but you can use an easy procedure to remove them yourself. Stains are caused by small amounts of sediment present in the water being left behind once the spillage or leak dries out. This sediment is present no matter what the source of the water is. If your carpet is made from natural fibers, you should contact a professional cleaning company as the water stain will cause a process known as cellulose browning and it cannot be removed using this method.

Step 1 – Determine Source

Before you begin to tackle the existing stain, you will need to make sure that the source of the water is stemmed. Turn off the water supply at the mains outlet and turn on all taps in your home until the water system has run dry. If the stain is a result of a leaky pipe or other plumbing issue, you need to ensure that it is completely repaired so that the stain does not return or lead to further damage. If the stain is a result of an accidental spillage, you are able to skip onto the next step of the procedure.

Step 2 – Remove Dirt

The first stage of cleaning the carpet is to remove the sediment or dirt present in the fibers of the carpet. Mix one teaspoon of dish washing soap into a cup of water and use a clean cloth to dab at the water stain. Always work on a hidden are first to make sure that the dish washing soap does not produce a staining effect on the carpet. Work from the outside of the mark towards the center to reduce the likelihood of spreading dirt into clean areas. Don't rub at the mark as it will cause the carpet fibers to become worn.

Step 3 – Remove Staining

Use a mixture of equal amounts of white vinegar and water in the handheld sprayer to cover the stained area. You don't want to drench the area. Try to moisten the area slightly. Use your fingers to work the liquid into the carpet gently and leave it for a minute or two. Again, it is best to try this on a hidden area of carpet first.

Press the clean towel into the damp area to draw the moisture out. Allow the area to dry before checking to see if any staining remains. You may need to repeat this step and leave the vinegar mixture on for a little longer if the stain was quite heavy. Allow the carpet to dry thoroughly in between applications. Once the stain has been removed, you should vacuum the area in order to ensure that the area is completely clean.

Step 4 – Contact Professional Cleaner

If continued application of the vinegar solution does not remove the stain completely, you should consider contacting a professional cleaning company to take care of it for you. They have powerful and special machines that will remove the stain. The cost to carpet one room should not be too expensive, but its always best to shop around for the best rate. You can also rent a vacuum yourself at your local grocery store or home improvement center,