Moreover, they not only spoil its look but also harbor harmful germs and microbes. And, the longer they sit there, the more stubborn they will become. That is why removing such high-traffic stains is important.
The good part is these stains are not that tricky to deal with if you have a proper stain-removal approach at hand. So, here is a step-by-step guide to help you remove these stains from your carpet and make it spotless again.
5 Steps to Get Rid of High-Traffic Stains on Carpet
1. Vacuum first
If you are about to clean the stain on a high-traffic area, it is certainly going to be laden with dirt and dust already. So, your first step is to vacuum the area thoroughly.
Use a good-quality vacuum with proper suction, preferably with a HEPA filter (high-efficiency particulate air filter) for more effectiveness. Vacuum from multiple directions and go slowly to remove the majority of loose dirt and soil.
2. Prepare a stain-removal mixture
Once your stained area is free of surface dirt, it’s time to remove the high-traffic stains. You can use a commercial stain removal product as per your carpet’s type and deal with the stains with its help.
Alternatively, you can also choose to make a DIY stain removal solution. Mix white distilled vinegar with warm water in a 1:8 ratio. Add a tablespoon of mild dish soap to approx 2 cups of this mixture.
Pour it into a spray bottle and mix it well. This mixture helps remove common carpet stains including the high-traffic ones.
Note: Irrespective of which solution you use, make sure to pre-test in a hidden area & consider your carpet’s cleaning code to ensure it’s safe on your carpet.
3. Work The Solution Into The Stain
Sprinkle the mixture over the stain, covering it thoroughly but not oversaturating it. For better results, you can sprinkle a layer of baking soda over the stain before you spray this mixture.
Let the solution sit there for a few minutes. Meanwhile, you can work it in with a soft-bristled brush to agitate the stain gently. But make sure you don’t rub it.
The grease-fighting ability of soap will help loosen the toughest of stains with ease. And the vinegar solution will help address any lingering odors with the stain.
4. Clean Up The Stain
Once you’ve let it work, you can blot the lifting up stain with a clean dry white cloth or a paper towel. After removing the stain, make sure to give it a clean-water rinse with a damp cloth to avoid leaving any cleaning residue behind.
Moreover, if you have a shampooer at home, you can also use that as an alternative for large traffic lanes.
5. Dry Thoroughly
Lastly, dry the cleaned area thoroughly. Ventilate the room with fans and dehumidifiers to speed it up. For grooming it, you can use a brush or a carpet rake to fluff up your carpet fibers in your high-traffic area.
Bottom Line
High-traffic stains on your carpet can be daunting and unsightly. However, with quick yet thorough stain removal, you can tackle them effectively. The above steps will help you loosen and lift them up and make your high-traffic area spotless again.
Moreover, if your carpet has stubborn stains that DIY cleaning is unable to remove, your best bet would be to opt for professionals for effective removal.
