The Euros are in full swing, and Leeds is packed with fans watching in beer gardens, pubs, and at home. We know how exciting it is to gather with friends and family to watch the matches in front of the TV (well, depending on how the team plays!). However, with all the fun and excitement, spills and stains on your carpets are almost inevitable. But don’t worry! We’ve got you covered with expert tips to keep carpets in your Leeds home looking pristine, even during the most intense matches.
Act Quickly
The key to preventing a stain from setting is to act fast. As soon as a spill happens, grab a clean cloth and blot (don’t rub!) the area to absorb as much of the liquid as possible. Rubbing can push the stain deeper into the carpet fibres, making it harder to remove.
Know Your Stains
Different types of stains need different treatments. Here are some quick tips:
Water-Based Stains: For spills like beer, fizzy drinks, or juice, start with plain water. Blot the stain with a damp cloth, then with a dry one until the stain lifts. Never use hot water to treat carpet stains - it can set the stain into the carpet. Be careful not to saturate the carpet - you don't want to overwet the carpet so water gets into the underlay. A top tip is to always make sure to try and take out as much water as you put in.
Dirt and Mud: Kids trekked mud in from the back garden doing their impression of Harry Kane? Treat like a water-based stain and it'll be out in no time.
Oil-Based Stains: For greasy food spills, mix a small amount of dish soap with cold water. Blot the stain with the solution, then use a dry cloth until the stain lifts. Follow this by using a damp cloth with just cold water and then a dry one to remove any dish soap solution still in your carpet (this can cause patchiness and staining if it isn't removed).
Tough Stains: For stubborn stains like red wine, you might need a specialized carpet cleaner. Always follow the instructions on the cleaner, use one that's suitable for the material your carpet is made of, and test it on a small, inconspicuous area first. Again, less is more. Use the minimum amount of product needed to treat the stain - don't oversaturate the carpet and make sure you take out what you put in according to the instructions.
Pet Stains: Pets are part of the family, and their little accidents can happen at any time, especially during the excitement of the Euros. Just like with other stains, the faster you act, the better. Blot up as much of the mess as possible with a clean cloth. Avoid rubbing, as this can spread the stain and push it deeper into the carpet fibres. If you're going to use a cleaning product, it’s crucial to use one specifically designed for pet messes. These products contain enzymes that break down the proteins in urine, faeces, and vomit, effectively removing both the stain and the odour. Read more in our article about pet messes on carpets and how to clean them here.
Avoid Mixing Chemicals
It’s tempting to throw everything you have at a tough stain, but mixing different cleaning chemicals can be dangerous and ineffective (we have a whole article about this here). Stick to one cleaning solution and follow the instructions carefully.
Call the Professionals for Carpet Cleaning in Leeds
If a stain proves too stubborn, if you don't know what type of carpets you have, or if you’re unsure about the best way to treat it, don’t hesitate to call in professional carpet cleaners. At Moore and Son Yorkshire Carpet Cleaning, we have the expertise, specialist products and equipment to handle even the toughest stains. You can contact us for a free, no-obligation quote and we'll come out and sort your carpets.
Enjoy the Euros, and remember, a little spill doesn’t have to ruin your celebration. With these tips, you can keep your carpets clean and enjoy the matches worry-free!