Why Do Carpet Stains Reappear?


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Everything seems to move in slow motion the moment you accidentally drop a glass of wine or the kids spill their dinner plate on the carpet. Even if you are proactive to keep the carpets clean, stains can show up from spills or regular wear and tear.

There are many products that can be used to clean up the mess, and it is such a relief to get rid of a stain after something spills on the carpet. But, what should you do if the stain comes back a few days later?home perfect logo

Two Reasons Stains Reappear

There are two main reasons why stains will reappear after you clean them:

  • Wicking: When the liquid soaked through the carpet completely, it means that the stain moved down to the back of the carpet and into the pad below. Cleaning the stain means that you removed the color from the visible area of the carpet, but the mess is still present under the surface. As a result, the carpet can reabsorb the stain and wick back to the top of the surface.
  • Soiling: Was there any residue that was left behind after the stain was cleaned? If you used a carpet cleaning solution, then there is a good chance that traces of the cleaner are still present in the fibers of the carpet. This spot will start to attract dirt, and make it look like the stain has reappeared.

Stop Your Stains from Reappearing

If you spill something on the carpet, then it is essential that you take action as soon as possible to clean up the mess before it soaks deep into the carpet. Also, it is important that you remove as much moisture as possible. Put a folded stack of paper towels over the affected area, then place a heavy item on top to weigh it down. A stack of books is a great way to use this method. But make sure to cover the bottom book in plastic wrap to prevent moisture damage to the book.

Also, consider the benefits of hiring an expert carpet cleaning company to assist with your stains. The professional machines can extract the moisture to avoid wicking on the carpet. For more information, contact Scott Peterson at Home Perfect Carpet and Tile Cleaning at (951) 303-1333.