If so, you’re not alone. There are several reasons why stains and spots may remain after you clean your own rugs. This sometimes even happens after professional carpet cleaning in Detroit too. The most common and persistent stains you’re seeing are due to “wicking.” When a carpet is exposed to liquid, that liquid will travel up to the top of the fabric.
In the case of a liquid that is colored, such as a coffee or wine stain, the top of the fabric will eventually absorb the liquid and show the color. Maybe your kids have done this as a science experiment in school, placing a wick or strip of cloth into a cup of water filled with food coloring.
It may be cool to witness in school, but it’s not so cool to see this happen with the carpets in your home. Fortunately, hiring a carpet cleaner in Michigan skilled in addressing wicking with stain removal treatments can prevent this from happening.
The Process of Wicking: How it Occurs
Wicking will occur if the stain has settled deep into the carpet’s backside or in the underlying padding. When a stain gets that deep, even when the carpet has been completely cleaned, the carpet fibers will then wick the stain from underneath and return it back to the surface.
- Stains that lead to wicking issues are those that are created by a significant amount of liquid that can’t be quickly or completely removed.
- Because of that, they soak the backside of the carpet and the pad below.
- Pet urine stains are the most common type of stain that results in this kind of issue, as they are created by higher and more concentrated amounts of liquid. Plus, they are often times not found immediately and remain hidden until the homeowner is alerted to the odor.
- Contrary to popular belief, cleaning these stains can often make the problem worse because most people add more liquid (from store-bought cleaners, soap, water, etc.) on top of the stain in an attempt to get rid of it.
- The addition of this liquid makes more of the stain soak into the backing and padding, spreading and becoming larger.
Preventing and Cleaning a Wicking Stain
When a large spill occurs, you first must remove as much liquid as you can with the use of paper towels, rags, and fans. Use liquid carpet cleaner sparingly. A wet-dry vacuum will remove larger amounts of liquid. However, your best bet to ensure the stain is fully and properly removed is to hire a professional carpet cleaner in New Hudson.
High-quality, skilled professional carpet cleaning companies will only add enough water to adequately dilute the stain, then remove enough moisture from deep within the fibers. This will ensure the stain is properly removed and will not return. Keep in mind, though, that severe stains, such as a large amount of red wine or blood, can’t be removed in a single cleaning, even when a reputable cleaning professional handles it.
Sometimes, stains are caused from something other than wicking, especially when soiled carpet fibers have not been cleaned completely in the first place. A small amount of residue will remain stuck to the carpet fibers, and then attract dirt. This makes it appear as if the stain has returned. To remove that residue, wet and lightly blot the fibers again and again until the stain is no longer visible.
Contact 1st Class Carpet Cleaning and Restoration Services
If you have stains that just don’t want to stay gone, you need our professional carpet cleaning in Livonia MI. Give us a call at (248) 491-3088 to schedule your appointment.
