Stains on the carpet: does coconut oil really work for removing them?
Carpets and rugs are among the items that tend to get dirty most often in homes, and the effort to maintain them is constant. So, what should be done when they get marred and stained with liquids which are accidentally spilled on them? Coffee, wine, and other beverages pose a risk to carpets, as do foods and various other items we use every day.
There are actually several methods for cleaning a carpet at home before resorting to professionals, and these methods also depend on the type of dirt you need to eliminate. Among the suggestions that can be found online, there's one that even involves using coconut oil.
Coconut oil on carpets
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One of these online tips recommends mixing sodium bicarbonate and coconut oil in equal parts: this mixture will serve to remove marks and stains not only from carpets, but also from the upholstery of sofas and armchairs. In reality, this is not actually such a foolproof method: coconut oil, given its consistency, can actually make things worse, as well as being difficult to remove from carpet and fabric fibers after use.
Another method that can be misleading due to its name is "shampooing". Shampooing a carpet does not actually use hair products. Indeed, this cleaning technique uses special products - usually enzymatic in nature - which are used with special devices and machines to wash and clean carpets and upholstery.
How to clean the carpets at home
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When it comes to tips about using baking soda for carpet cleaning, it's indeed a practical and versatile solution for carpets and rugs.
Before diving into the cleaning process, it's crucial to vacuum up any dry dirt, dust, and debris nestled between the fibers first. Once that's taken care of, for fresh stains, simply sprinkle baking soda on the targeted areas and wait for an hour or more before thoroughly vacuuming the baking soda up.
For slightly older stains, create a solution by dissolving baking soda in lukewarm water. Spray it on the carpet, then use a sponge or a suitable brush to scrub in one direction, ensuring the baking soda penetrates along with the water. Let it dry without any foot traffic passing over it. Once fully dried, vacuum the carpet again.
For delicate carpets, if you need to wash away dirt, use small amounts of diluted mild laundry soap only on the specific stain/s. Dab them carefully and allow to dry thoroughly.
If DIY methods don't yield the desired results, you can try commercial products, but always read the manufacturer's labels to prevent any damage to the fabrics. When uncertain, seeking advice from professionals is the safest route!