We’ve all been there – you’re cleaning with bleach and accidentally spill some on your carpet, leaving an unsightly white stain behind. While fresh stains can often be removed with some diluted vinegar, old set-in stains can be tricky to get out.
Don’t panic! With some determination and the right techniques, you can get rid of even stubborn old bleach stains from your carpets. But how? Read on as we explain each steps on how to remove old bleach stain from your carpet
Assess the Stain
Start by taking a close look at the stained area. How long has the stain been there? What color is your carpet? Oftentimes, older stains may be slightly yellowed. This will impact which stain removal methods will be most effective.
Also, note the fiber type of your carpeting. More delicate fibers like wool may need more gentle cleaners. Examine the size and location of the stain as well. A stain in a high traffic area may require more intensive cleaning methods.
Try Vinegar
For many stains, vinegar is a safe bet. Being highly acidic, it helps dissolve residues left behind by alkaline cleaners like bleach.
Mix 1 part white vinegar with 1 part water and blot the stain with a clean, white cloth. Avoid excessive rubbing, which can further set in the stain.
Rinse with cold water and blot dry. Vinegar’s acidity helps remove many stains and its subtle scent dissipates quickly.
Use Hydrogen Peroxide
Like vinegar, hydrogen peroxide can help lift old stains through its oxidizing properties.
Mix 1 part 3% hydrogen peroxide with 1 part water and apply to the stain with a sponge.
Let sit for 10 minutes before blotting dry with a clean white cloth. Hydrogen peroxide can lighten some carpet fibers, so spot test first in an inconspicuous area.
Rinse thoroughly after use.
Make a Baking Soda Paste
For tougher stains, baking soda is mildly abrasive to help scrub away stuck-on residues.
Mix 3 parts baking soda with 1 part water to form a thick paste. Use an old toothbrush or scrub brush to gently work the paste into the stain.
Let sit for up to an hour before rinsing clean with cold water. The baking soda will help deodorize the carpet too.
Use Dish Soap
A small amount of mild dish soap like Dawn mixed with water can help lift up stains.
Apply a few drops mixed with water to the stain and gently blot with a sponge.
Rinse thoroughly with cold water to remove any soapy residue. Avoid using harsh detergents which could damage fibers. Stick to gentle formulas.
Try an Oxygen Bleach
For whitening and brightening, an oxygen bleach like OxiClean can help revive your carpet’s appearance after a bad bleach stain.
Mix with hot water per package directions and work into the carpet with a soft brush.
Allow to sit for up to an hour before rinsing clean. This is safe for most carpet types, but always spot test first in an inconspicuous area.
Use an Enzyme Cleaner
Enzyme cleaners work on a molecular level to digest and remove organic stains.
Look for an enzyme cleaner formulated specifically for carpets and pretreat the stained area according to package directions before blotting up.
This can help remove unseen residue lodged down in the carpet fibers. Allow it to sit for 10-15 minutes before rinsing.
Steam Clean
For stubborn or heavy stains, a thorough steam cleaning can help extract embedded residues.
Rent or borrow a carpet steam cleaner and pre-treat heavily stained areas with an enzyme cleaner or oxygen bleach.
Work the steam cleaner over the carpet as the hot steam loosens up dirt and stains. Make sure to extract all moisture to prevent mold or mildew.
Use Distilled White Vinegar
For old or heavy stains, distilled white vinegar is even stronger than regular vinegar.
Mix 1 part distilled white vinegar with 1 part water and apply it directly to the stain.
Gently blot and rinse thoroughly with cold water. Be careful not to leave the distilled vinegar on for too long as the high acidity can damage some carpet fibers. But it can also remove very stubborn stains.
Call a Professional
For particularly troublesome stains or for carpets in high traffic areas, calling in a professional may be warranted. Companies have access to more powerful cleaning solutions and equipment like extraction machines to deep clean carpets.
Technicians can assess the stain and advise the best treatment method based on the carpet type and fiber. Professional truck-mounted steam cleaners can sanitize carpets too.
Conclusion
While bleach stains may seem impossible to remove, there are many DIY methods you can try at home. With some perseverance and the right combination of cleaning solutions, you can often breathe new life back into stained carpets.
Give vinegar, hydrogen peroxide, dish soap and enzyme cleaners a try first before bringing in the professionals. For heavy stains or carpets that need a deep clean, calling a professional carpet cleaning service can help revive your carpets.
With the right approach, you can win the battle against those pesky bleach stains.