If your flooring is so badly discolored that it looks bleached, you might want to call a professional — like ServiceMaster Clean — to remove salt stains from carpet. Doing so could spare you a massive headache. Carpets that are lightly stained, however, can be cleaned with vinegar and water.
Note: As with hard-surfaced floors, you should perform a spot test on a small, out-of-the-way area of carpeting before fully cleaning.
You’ll need:
- 1 cup of vinegar
- 3 gallons of water
- A bucket
- A vacuum
- A sponge
- A soft carpet brush
- Microfiber cloths
Step-by-Step Instructions
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1Step 1Loosen debris
Loosen any debris or salt from the carpeting with the soft carpet brush
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2Step 2Vacuum
Make sure the carpet is dry and vacuum the area. Work the vacuum cleaner in a variety of different angles and directions so you can remove as much salt as possible. Depending on how stained your carpet is, you may want to repeat Steps 1 and 2.
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3Step 3Mix vinegar and water
In the bucket, mix the vinegar and water.
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4Step 4Apply solution
Dip your sponge into the bucket and wring it out. Use this to lightly apply your cleaning solution the spots where you need to remove salt stains from carpet. Keep in mind, you want to dab, not scrub. Scrubbing can actually cause damage to the carpet fibers.
Let the solution sit for 10 to 15 minutes.
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5Step 5Blot dry
Blot up the solution with a dry sponge or microfiber cloths. You’ll need to do this until the carpet is dry.
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6Step 6Apply water with sponge
With a clean sponge, gently apply water (no vinegar this time) to the spots where you were removing salt stains from the carpet. This will help get rid of any remaining salt or vinegar residue.
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7Step 7Blot dry
Blot the areas once more with clean microfiber cloths until the carpeting is totally dry.
Your floors can take a beating during winter and the busy holidays that come with it. Help keep them clean with these tips on removing candle wax from different surfaces and getting wine out of carpet.
