Why Blotting Beats Scrubbing and how to Prevent Damage to Your Carpets

Have you ever spilled something on your carpet or furniture and tried to scrub it out? Many people think scrubbing is the best way to remove stains, but did you know it can actually make things worse? In this article, we'll discuss why blotting is a better choice for getting rid of stains. This gentle method helps keep your carpets and furniture from getting damaged and keeps them looking like new.

The Problem with Scrubbing

If you use a scrubbing motion when trying to remove stains, it's easy to damage your carpet. This makes the area stand out and look terrible. 

• Damage to Carpet fibers: Scrubbing can tear apart the delicate threads in your carpet or upholstery, leaving the area looking frayed and worn.
• Harsh Cleaning Tools: Be careful with cleaning products that have brushes attached. Those brushes can be rough and harm your carpets or furniture. Professionals might use brushes, but they choose softer ones, like horsehair brushes, and they use them gently, in a tapping motion instead of scrubbing.

Why Blotting Is Better

Blotting is the way to go when you want to remove a stain from your carpet or furniture, and here's why:

• Stops Spreading: Blot gently by pressing a clean cloth or paper towel onto the stain. This stops it from spreading and helps keep the stain under control.
• Less Damage to fibers: Blotting is softer and safer, reducing the chance of harm to the material.
• Good for Liquid Stains: Blotting works well for liquid stains, soaking up the liquid without making it go deeper into the fabric. This helps to prevent the stain from becoming worse.
• Saves Cleaning Solutions: If you're using a cleaning solution, blotting lets the solution soak into the stain slowly. This helps it work better on the spot. Scrubbing might make the solution spread out and not work as well.

Blotting the Right Way

Follow these three steps to blot correctly:

1. Use a Clean Cloth or Paper Towel: Pick a clean, white cloth or paper towel so you don't transfer colours onto the fabric.
2. Fold and Put Over the Stain: Fold the cloth or paper towel and place it over the stain.
3. Gently Press or Pat: Gently press down with your hands or use a light patting motion. Start from the edges of the stain and work your way towards the center. Don't rub to avoid hurting the threads and spreading the stain.

By blotting, you can say goodbye to stains on your carpets and furniture while keeping them in good shape. Just remember to be patient and gentle – that's the secret to winning the fight against stains. For more home cleaning tips and fabric care tips, check out our other articles or watch our videos. Your home deserves the best care, and we’re here to help you achieve it.