People tend to overuse the word stain. More often than not it’s used in the correct context, but from time to time our customers will describe something as a stain when what they are actually talking about is a spot. In this article, we’ll look at the difference between the two.
What is a stain?
Like spots, stains are caused by spillages on the carpet. Substances that commonly stain carpet includes coffee, wine and curry. The reason why they can leave stains is that they contain dyes, which are absorbed by the carpet fibres, changing their colour permanently in the process. Whether the spillage ultimately becomes a stain or not depends on a few factors, one of the key ones being the makeup of the carpet fibre. For example, Nylon carpets tend to stain quite easily, while polyester carpets are a lot more resistant to stains.
In order to reduce the chance of a spill staining your carpet, it is recommended that you try to clean it as soon as possible. Time is of the essence here, the goal is to remove the spill before the stain starts to set.
What is a carpet spot?
Spots can look just like stains, but the main difference is there is no colour transfer with spots, therefore the carpet is not permanently discoloured. For example, if you find dry mud on your carpet, the likelihood is that you’d be able to remove it with just a vacuum or a dustpan and brush. A slightly dampened towel should do the trick as well. However, you should be careful what chemicals you use when cleaning spots because some can actually change a spot into a stain, making the removal of it a much harder task. If in doubt get some expert advice from a Milton Keynes carpet cleaning specialist, who will have experience in removing spots and stains. In addition to that hiring the services of an expert will ensure you avoid some of the issues DIY carpet cleaners cause, such as carpet shrinkage. So avoid the hassle of cleaning your own carpets, and maximise the health benefits that come with having a clean carpet. Get in touch today!