Recent data shows that the largest producer of carpet tile is the United States. Almost half of the worldwide volume of carpets is produced by the top five U.S. manufacturers, including Interface, Milliken, Mohawk, Shaw, and Tandus.
As much as Americans love their carpet, they can collect dirt and debris. After all, you spend a lot of time walking on them.
One of the most challenging stains to remove is black spots on carpet. It requires a special touch with the proper treatment to remove them. However, as hard as you try, sometimes you are better off scheduling an appointment with professional carpet cleaners.
Black spots on the carpet are ugly and gross, but you can change that. How do you know it is time to get the help of a professional?
In this article, you’ll find methods you can try yourself. When all else fails, you need an expert! Keep reading for the scoop.
Why Does a Carpet Have Black Spots?
When you walk or sit over a carpet, the fibers rub against your feet. If you wear shoes or boots on your carpet, the dark spots are because of the friction from your shoes and the accumulation of dirt they track in. Ink is another possibility.
Children of all ages can have black spots on the carpet when they spill liquids like fruit juices and lemonade. Once it dries out, it will leave a sticky residue. Saliva from house pets can also leave a sticky residue once it dries.
Fatty and oil products will become sticky when they dry out, too.
Another reason that you could have dark spots is that they are microorganisms or bacteria growing. This happens with incorrect carpet cleaning practices.
How to Prevent a Dirty Carpet
First, keeping the carpet clean can stop black spots from appearing. It would help if you cleaned it regularly and thoroughly. At least once per week is a best practice.
Although, depending on if you have pets and other sources of debris that enter the home often, you may wish to vacuum daily. Another intelligent rule is to keep food and beverages in the kitchen and dining areas. This helps to prevent spills.
Place a mat by the front and back doors. When you, your loved ones, or guests arrive, it would help if you asked them to remove their shoes. You can put slippers by the mats so that people can quickly change into them while coming in from outside.
Removing the Black Spots on Carpet
It’s a challenge, but you can clean stained carpets using a suitable material and technique. If you cannot remove a stain from the rug, it is best to contact professional carpet cleaners. We recommend this link for spotless carpets.
First, here is what you can try. Before you treat the dirty carpet with anything, you must identify the source of the stain. Based on your knowledge of what is causing the black spots, you can try one of the following methods:
- Baking soda and water
- Water and white vinegar
- Commercial carpet cleaner
Before applying these treatments, vacuum and pick up all the loose dirt or debris. You want the carpet as clean as possible before using a cleaning solution.
1. Water and White Vinegar Solution
This is the first option for cleaning a stained carpet. You will want equal parts of white vinegar and water. Put the solution in a spray bottle.
Spray the black spots on the carpet with the solution. Allow it to sit on the carpet stain for five to ten minutes.
Then, blot the area with a clean sponge or cloth. Work from the outer edge inward. This will prevent the stain from spreading.
When the black spots are gone, use a clean and damp cloth to soak up the remaining solution. Last, vacuum the carpet area again. This is to remove remaining debris or dirt.
2. Baking Soda and Water
This can be a mighty effective treatment. You create a paste that contains baking soda and water. Then, apply this paste to the stain.
Baking soda serves as a mild abrasive for carpet cleaning. It helps to lift and remove the stain. Not only that, but baking soda is a natural deodorizer and a low-cost cleaning option.
3. Commercial Carpet Cleaner
This is another effective option; you can visit your local hardware or grocery store to find them. They can come in powder, spray, and liquid. The formulas in commercial carpet cleaners are designed to tackle tough stains.
The most essential part of the process is reading the instructions carefully before applying anything.
What if the Black Spots Are Mold?
There are a few solutions to kill mold. Bleach and water can kill it. Another option is non-ammonia-based detergent and water.
Some types of molds produce mycotoxins. If you have toxic mold on your carpet, this can cause allergic reactions, respiratory problems, and health issues. You want to clean this immediately.
When addressing mold as the black spots on the carpet, it is critical to discover how it got there in the first place. Remember that moisture causes mold growth, so once you remove it, you want to ensure it does not happen again. This includes repairing water damage and leaks and controlling humidity levels.
No matter if mold or something else is causing the black spots, if these methods are not tackling the issue, it is time to get help from professional carpet cleaners.
Treating a Stained Carpet
Black spots on carpet can be challenging to get rid of. You can try three methods: water and white vinegar, baking soda and water, or commercial carpet cleaning products.
In life, there is only so much you can do. If you try everything and the black spots are stubbornly clinging to the carpet, contact a professional for assistance. Sometimes, it’s okay to get help!
Life gets messy. We publish articles daily to help you eliminate the clutter life can bring you, so don’t leave. Click right now for more superb advice.
Read Also: How To Disinfect Carpet Messes
