Best carpet spot cleaner?

I need something for a brown stain on a green carpet, I tried using the regular cleaner that's recommened for my Oreck carpet cleaner and this doesn't do it. The stain is the size and shape of a Car wheel rim cover, help?

 

I don't think there is a best stain remover because the type of stain dictates the type of remover. Therefore, there is only a best type of remover for a given type of stain. Do you know what made the stain in the first place?

If you don't know, I would start with rubbing alcohol applied to a clean white rag, blotting from the outside of the stain toward the center to prevent spreading. Other products like WD40 or mineral spirits can also be tried, but no mineral spirits on nylon carpet.

 

I agree with mitch..you have to figure out what caused the stain in the first place...BUT FIRST..you have to get the cleaner out that you tried in the first place. Many DIY machines and "steam cleaners" offer chemicals that leave residue in the carpet..or the machine itself is not strong enough to remove it. Best thing to do is. Take some cool water in a bucket..and a rag..dip the rag and take the water and apply to the stained area..used your machine ONLY to remove the water. Continue doing so until there is no more soap bubbles or soap smell. Then blot area dry best you can. Drop a few folded rags over the area..then take your steam cleaner and sit it on top of the rags. Change the rags every few hours to dry the carpet. This step may actually remove you spot.

Most spots fall into serveral general areas

Protein Based-Usually Brown, yellow..sometimes black in color
Synthetic-Kool Aid, other food dye spills..different colors, depending on food
Oil Based-Grease, chewing gum..usually black in color

It sounds like to me your spill is either a food spill or maybe a pet mess? Dont know if you have pets or not. But safest place to start is what mitch said. If that doesnt work let us know and we can further help you out.

When you rinse the area with cool water...dont be afraid to give the carpet a good sniff... Sounds weird, but trust me its the easiest way to figure out what is in there.

With all this other stuff being said. If this spot is in a traffic lane you will clean spot the carpet...no matter what you do. A professional cleaner may be the best suggestion, just in case you cant remove the spot.

Good Luck

 

The stain is in a traffic area, is was caused by some sort of chemical spill, I don't know exactly what chemical but I remember that it leaked out of a garbage bag when they were cleaning out the room. I will be trying Mitch's advice with the rubbing alcohol tomorow night and will let you guys know.

BTW, there a lots of "spot removers" on the market, why won't any of them work? If they do, which might be the best one for this chemical spill?

 

Some of them might work, but it still comes down to the type of stain dictating the best remover. Problem is, any remover that didn't work can leave residue in the carpet that ends up making the problem worse, that's why docduck suggested rinsing the carpet first. And he's right that you might see some improvement from that as sometimes water alone removes stains (water dissolves more substances than any other, that's why it's called the universal solvent).

 

If stain is oil-based and absorbed into carpet cushion, it will continue to wick up through carpet backing into carpet fibers. Oily stains attract soil and will be obvious again and may cause permanent staining. If this is the case, affected area of cushion may have to be replaced after sealing subfloor. That is, if you are successful in removing the stain. If in doubt about carpet stain removal and cleaning, call a professional carpet cleaner.

 

if its a chemical spill...depending on what it was and how harsh...it may of damaged the carpet beyond cleaning. I would suggest rinsing the carpet they way i suggested and then if that doesnt work. I would contact a professional cleaner...there may be dye damage and a bonded insert or patch may be needed.

 

Believe it or not, the wife tried "Resolve" spot cleaner and this worked, did not get out all of it but most of it, thanks a lot for the advice guys, it will definitely come in handy in the future!

 

Do your self a HUGE favor...rinse out the resolve with the water method i suggested. Trust me when i say that there are good chances in a week or so your spot will be replaced with a darker more unsightly spot from the resolve residue. Resolve is a high pH oxidzer, this may have made the spot that you can still see permanent.

 

ok, will do.

 

i have been cleaning carpets for a long time the best stain remover i have found is a simple household remedy.i tell all my customers to take 2 to 3 tablespoons and put it into a spray bottle and fill the bottle about a quarter to hafl full of water then spray the stain really good get it really wet.Then get white corn starch put the corn starch on top of stain u just got wet ,then put some plastic (like garbage bag or grocery bag ) on top and get some heavy books put on top of it. let it stay there for 24 hours then remove books and plastic and vacuume up the corn starch stain will either be gone or minimized.you may have to do this 2 to threes times before getting it all out . but that is the safest for the any carpet i have found.u can use it on uhpolstry also.

 

I think you forgot to tell us 2 to 3 tablespoons of "what" exactly please? Thanks.

 

Again, spots are broken down into the 3 catagories i named..one "miracle" chemical is not going to work on every spot. And as mitch said alot of times plain water will work. Dumping everything in the kitchen into the carpet can cause expensive damage. I have seen this many times over. Most carpet spot removers that work are not that expensive..a good protein treatment runs around $10/32 oz. Most people would never use that much in a year. Break down 10 dollars vs $600 dollars in carpet. Not that bad of an investment. Now take 10 dollars of "stuff" from your kitchen into your $600 carpet. Which sounds safer? Everyone can have there own thoughts, not trying to block anything. But trust me from experience, stick with stuff you know was designed for that use. Just because a snow shovel can scoop up dirt, doesnt mean you should dig a ditch with it.

 

2 to 3 table spons of vinegar. sorry got ahead of myself lol

 

It can not be emphasized enough that using the right cleaning solution for the type of stain is important. For instance, grease & oil require solvent cleaners and protein and organic stains require enzyme digester cleaners. Any DIY method should be tested first in inconspicuous place first. If carpet has unstable dye, the wrong cleaner, including name brand store bought carpet cleaners, can remove dye. Always proceed with caution. If in doubt, call a professional carpet cleaner.