Halloween Stain Removal Tips and Tricks
Halloween is near, which means time for jack-o-lanterns, candy, costumes, black cats, and parties! All of these things are festive, fun, and MESSY. A-Team is here to provide you some tips and tricks from a pro on how to remove spooky stains and more.
Block Those Stains!
Since you know this season will be messy, how about taking some time to prepare your carpets and upholstery with the power to block stains.
Step 1: Vacuum your carpets and upholstery well making sure all debris is removed.
Step 2: Scotchguard is an excellent protector for carpet because it fills in the dye sites that the stains would adhere to. You can buy Scotchguard at almost any store. Follow the directions on the can and spray all of your carpets and upholstery.
Step 3: Skip both steps and call a professional such as A-Team Carpet Clean. They will use advanced products and equipment to ensure your home is clean, deodorized, and protected. A professional job is always more thorough and effective than DIY techniques.
Pumpkin, Candy, Blood & Witches Brew Stain Removal
Carving a pumpkin? Kids going trick-or-treating? Serving up some witches brew? Dressing up as a zombie? All of these scenarios are common during Halloween and almost always leave stains in your home. If you prepare your carpets and upholstery, stains should easily lift off when you blot the area. For more difficult stain removal, try these steps:
Step 1: Scrape off any excess candy, pumpkin puree, or pulp with a dull knife. If the stain is fresh it is much easier to remove.
Step 2: Mix a solution of two cups cool water and one tablespoon dishwashing liquid.
Step 3: Using this solution, sponge the stain from the carpet or upholstery with a clean white cloth.
Step 4: Next, blot at the solution until the liquid is absorbed.
Step 5: Repeat steps 3-4 until the stain is removed from the upholstery or carpet.
Step 6: Now that the stain is removed you should get plain cold water and a new white cloth and sponge the area to remove the cleaning solution, and then blot dry. Distilled water is the recommended water if available.
Hint: Be sure to get the upholstery only as wet as necessary for stain removal. When using any over the counter spotter always use water after stain is removed to rinse out any soapy or high alkalinity. That will help lower the ph of the spotter you used. Lowering the ph to a neutral 7ph will keep spots from coming back.
Step 7: Some stains are more stubborn than others. If these steps do not remove your stain, a professional carpet cleaner is in need. No stain is a match for the HydraMaster equipment and professional stain removers used by A-Team Carpet Clean.
Candle Wax Removal
Candles provide a spooky setting during Halloween, but they also drip wax, which is a pain to remove from your carpets and upholstery. Here are some tips to help remove candle wax:
Step 1: After scraping off as much wax as possible, cover the stained area with a damp brown paper bag. Use a damp white towel and place on top of the brown paper bag. This will help keep you from damaging your carpet.
Step 2: Place the iron on top and press lightly for 15 seconds. The candle wax will transfer to the pores of the paper bag allowing it to lift.
Step 3: Then turn down the iron, remove the paper bag, re-wet your towel, and place the towel over the candle wax to remove the color wax.
Step 4: Replace or move the cloth frequently. Be careful not to spread the stain further if you choose to move the cloth around.
CAUTION: Before using the iron on your carpet, test it with the cloth in an inconspicuous area. Some carpets made with man-made fibers can melt even at low temperatures, meaning you would do more harm than good trying to get the candle wax out using this method in such a situation.
Black Cat Hair Removal
Black cats are a traditional symbol of Halloween, but they also leave coarse, black hairs in your home. Black cats are not the only ones to blame – any other colored cat and most dogs shed their fur as well. Here are some tips to help rid your home of excess pet hair:
Step 1: Use a quality dog or cat brush to regularly remove the hair from your pet. Brushing captures excess fur and dander in the brush instead of leaving it to cover your home.
Step 2: Remove pet hair from your carpets and upholstery with various methods:
- Use the window squeegee method
- Vacuum regularly and thoroughly
- Buy a carpet grooming tool from A-Team to use after vacuuming which helps remove hair and returns carpet to its natural look
Step 3: Nothing will remove the excess pet hair, dander, and odors from your carpets and upholstery like a professional cleaning will. The Carpet and Rug Institute recommends that carpet be cleaned a minimum of every 12 or 18 months, before it shows soiling. Daily vacuuming is the most important cleaning activity, but deep Hot Water Extraction cleaning must be performed to remove stubborn or embedded soil.
We hope these tips will help you have a stain-free and happy Halloween!