How to Remove Annoying Stains From Your Office Carpet

November 27, 2017

It can happen anywhere. Maybe you’re walking back to your desk from the break room for a working lunch or carrying a soda to your next meeting. You lose control of the oily salad and leave a dark splotch on the hallway carpet. Or perhaps years of foot traffic has created a dingy trail down your office hall. No matter what the cause, carpet stains can put a damper on your brand. Use these tips to keep your office carpet stain-free year-round.

Water Spills

When it hits the carpet, even something as innocuous as water can cause a problem. It attracts dirt deposits and provides a place for germs to breed. Remove moisture from water spills as soon as possible with an extracting machine. Treat the carpet with an antimicrobial and allow it to dry before traffic resumes.

Toner Leaks

Vacuum loose toner to remove as much as possible. Then mix a tablespoon of dish washing detergent with two cups of water. Blot the stain with a sponge or clean cloth, replacing the cloth as it becomes discolored. Repeat until all the toner is absorbed and you can no longer see the stain.

Greasy Food

Remove food stains as soon as possible, since the longer you allow them to penetrate the harder they will be to remove. First use a paper towel to eliminate any loose food particles. Then apply rubbing alcohol to a cloth or paper towel and blot gently at the stain. Rub only in one direction so cleaning doesn’t affect your carpet’s adhesive backing.

If the spot remains after treating it with alcohol, mix a teaspoon of dish soap with a quart of water. Use a sponge or paper towel to blot the spot until you can no longer see it, then rinse with clean water.

Drink Stains

Stain removal will depend on what dyes and other materials liquids contain. Blot coffee and cola stains with a mixture of water and white vinegar, following up with water only. Treat flavored drink stains by first soaking up as much as possible with a wet vacuum, then repeated application of dish washing detergent and water.

Marker

Mix one tablespoon dish washing detergent, one tablespoon of vinegar, and two cups of hot water. Apply the solution using a sponge, then blot with a clean cloth until the stain is gone. Rinse with clean water.