How to Remove Bleach Stains From a Carpet

If your flooring is carpeted, it is most likely that you will end up having stains on the carpet every now and then. You may tell your children to be more careful, but you cannot control the accidents that might take place. Bleach stains appear as white spots on the carpet, and if not treated, will make the carpet change its color over a period of time. Although it may not be possible to restore your carpet in its original appearance, there are ways through which you can make remove these stains, or make them unnoticeable

Before you proceed with one of the cleaning solutions outlined below, it is recommended that you do the following first:

1.   Wear gloves;

2.   Blot the excess bleach from the carpet, and use a vacuum cleaner on the stained area to get rid of any dry bleach particles. After that, You can adopt any one of the following methods for the stain removal.

               

Method One (Using Dishwashing Detergent)

Things that you will require:

·      Dishwashing detergent

·      Water

·      A bowl

·      A clean, white cloth

·      White paper towels

·      Non-staining glass

·      Vacuum cleaner

Steps that you will need to take:

1.   The first step towards a bleach stain removal involves the making of the required cleaning solution. Pour ¼ teaspoon mild dishwashing detergent into a bowl, and add one cup warm water to it. Stir till it mixes completely.

2.   Test the solution on an unnoticeable part of the carpet to confirm that the solution does not discolor the carpet.

3.   Dip a clean, white cloth in the solution and apply it to the affected area, working from the outside edge towards the center.

4.   Let the solution be in place for at least 5 minutes.

5.   Now, gently blot the stained area using a clean, white cloth so that the bleach transfers to the cloth. Rubbing the area with too much pressure can damage carpet fibers.

6.   To remove the cleaning solution from the carpet, rinse it with cold water.

7.   Repeat these steps till the stain is removed.

8.   Once removed, lay down paper towels on the affected area, and place a non-staining glass over them. Leave them for a night to absorb any moisture in the carpet.

9.   Vacuum the carpet the next day to restore its texture.

Method Two (Using Vinegar)

Things that you will require:

·      Vinegar

·      Water

·      A bowl

·      A spray bottle

·      A clean, white cloth

·      White paper towels

·      Ceramic object

·      Vacuum cleaner

Steps that you will need to take:

1.   Add 2 tablespoons of white vinegar in a bowl containing 4 cups warm water to create your cleaning solution.

2.   Test this cleaning solution on an inconspicuous part of the carpet to check that the solution does not damage the carpet. If it does, do not proceed any further.

3.   Apply the solution to the affected area using either a clean, white cloth or a spray bottle. Move in a circular motion, from the outside edges towards the inside.

4.   Leave the solution on the area for at least 5 minutes.

5.   Blot the area using a white cloth till all the bleach is transferred to the cloth. Do not rub the stain.

6.   Wet the affected area with cold water to remove the solution.

7.   If the stain remains, repeat the process.

8.   Now, cover the area with white paper towels and place a ceramic object on their top for the application of pressure. Leave them in place for a night.

9.   Vacuum the dried carpet the next day. This will help restore the texture of the carpet.

If you are still not happy with your carpet, you can try dyeing it using a reliable carpet dye repair kit, or replace the affected spot.

Tips:

Stains which are large and have been present for a long period of time are difficult to get rid of and hence, will require more effort and time. Contact a professional if the stain has been left untreated for too long, and has damaged your carpet.

Related Articles:

How to remove Bleach Stains from White Clothes

How to remove Bleach Stains from Clothes