Everyone loves carpets until they face the dreaded carpet stain. The go-to answer would be to wipe it off. However, you can't do that with fabric flooring. So, in your haste, you might be wondering if Zout can fix the problem. We've researched the matter for you - let's find out if Zout is the solution!
Zout themselves recommends not using the product to remove stains on the carpet. The reason is that the product will need thorough rinsing. Without thorough rinsing, Zout will remain on the surface. Consequently, it will collect dirt - making the stained area look dirtier.
While Zout themselves recommends against the practice, is there a way to use it anyway? What happens if you don't remove Zout from the carpet entirely? Additionally, if we can't use Zout, what alternatives do we have to remove stains? These are some of the topics we'll cover in-depth further ahead.
Can You Use Zout for Carpet?
As mentioned, the manufacturers of Zout advise against using their product on carpets for stain removal. Their reasoning behind this stance is that Zout needs thorough rinsing to ensure it won't linger in the carpet.
If Zout remains on the carpet, it will gather dirt. So, is there a way to meet the requirements of using Zout? Meaning, how can we ensure you rinse it thoroughly? It seems to work the same as any other cleaning solution would.
Meaning, you'll have to blot the area with a towel until it no longer sucks up moisture. But, this explanation still isn't specific enough to perform a job. How are you supposed to treat the area? Do you spray Zout directly at the stain?
Cleaning with Zout
Before you go ahead and use Zout on your carpet, you'll want to test a small area. According to the manufacturer, Zout shouldn't remove colors from fabrics as long as it is colorfast and washable. In essence, it might react similarly to bleach in that it can make a noticeable contrast on your carpet if you're not careful.
Of course, this shouldn't be a problem if your carpet is a lighter color - like white or near white. Now, let's get to applying the stain remover on the carpet!
- To begin, lightly fill a bowl with warm water.
- Mix the water with a few sprays on Zout.
- Take a brush and dip it into the solution.
- Let a bit of the solution drip into the stain.
- Then, take your brush and start scrubbing towards the center of the stain. This way, you don't spread it.
- You can finish the job in two ways. With a carpet cleaner, suction the area until there's no more moisture.
- If you don't have a carpet cleaner, you'll need to blot the stain. Meaning, you'll have to take a dry and clean towel and apply pressure until the towel absorbs no more moisture.
For visual guidance, here's a YouTube video with one user detailing her experience using Zout:
Additional Notes
If you're not confident you'll do the job perfectly, it's best to call cleaning services instead. This way, you won't ruin your carpet - especially if it's worth a lot. As always, proceed with caution. Make sure you have a backup plan if Zout doesn't remove the stain.
As one user suggests, using Zout did remove the stain. However, since it's a soap product, it attracts dirt. The user failed to rinse out the Zout from the carpet completely. Consequently, a dirt stain managed to reappear a few months later.
Why Is Shout Stain Remover Out of Stock Everywhere?
With how difficult it is to obtain a bottle of Shout, it will make anyone question if the brand is discontinuing service. So, it begs the question, why is Shout stain remover out of stock everywhere?
It all boils down to demand. As one seller suggests, Shout has a limited supply with high demand. The reason for the high demand is the pandemic currently going on.
There are also other issues going on like supply chain snafus. As some suggest, it's getting more difficult to keep up with demand. This situation also creates a breeding ground for scalpers - which is why you might have seen Shout go from $4-$5 a bottle to $11.
In essence, many factors are influencing the supply of Shout stain remover. Thus, it can be hard to pinpoint what exactly is keeping the cleaning solution out of stock.
What Is the Best Thing To Clean Carpet With?
The best thing to clean carpet with depends on what you're referring to - deep cleaning or spot cleaning? Deep cleanings will remove all the grime that hides under the surface. Spot cleaning will only remove general grime from the surface. Though, you do get the benefit of returning the carpet to its previous state before the stain right away.
Regardless, the best option for both are:
- For deep cleanings, steam cleaners are the tool of choice.
- For spot treatment, homemade solutions will ensure you get the stain out without washing out the color of the carpet.
Steam cleaners are the cleaning service's tool of choice because it does much more than simply clean the surface. It tackles multiple problems in one go. Steam cleaners accomplish this task by combining hot water with chemicals.
Hot water is in charge of loosening any stubborn particles that won't budge from the carpet. Chemicals come in by drawing out the grime lying deep inside. The result is a carpet that looks as good as new.
For spot cleaning, homemade solutions will guarantee you don't end up with a situation worse than what you started with.
How To Clean Carpet Without a Machine
If you don't own a carpet cleaning machine, you might be caught with your hands tied regarding cleaning the whole room. Is it possible? Yes, but it will require a lot of effort.
Cleaning carpet without a machine involves using a homemade cleaning solution and many towels. Depending on how much area the carpet covers, you'll need a multitude of towels to blot.
Most important of all, it requires a lot of time. So, if you want to do the job without a cleaning machine, make sure you have enough time to do so.
The tools you will need are:
- Baking soda
- Carpet shampoo
- Water
- Towels
- Vacuum (or broom if you don't have one)
Manual Cleaning
Now, let's go over how to clean the carpet!
- Start by sprinkling baking soda over the carpeting. If you have a vacuum, run it over the carpet to remove loose debris. You may also use a broom with stiff bristles and a dustpan.
- Mix warm water with three drops of carpet shampoo in a spray bottle. This mix will be your cleaning solution. Spray the carpet with it. However, make sure not to overdo the spraying. You don't want to saturate the fibers.
- Use a carpet brush to remove trapped dirt. You may also use a broom with stiff bristles to do this.
- Take your towels and blot the area as much as possible. This step involves lightly dapping the carpet with a dry towel to remove moisture.
- Fill another spray bottle with fresh water and spray the carpet with it. This step ensures you rinse out the solution you sprayed earlier.
- Use another set of dry towels to blot the carpet.
- Finish the job by brushing the carpet with a carpet rake. This tool will fluff the carpet.
Spot Cleaning Stains
If there's any stains present, you can use a mix of laundry detergent and water. Mix about half a teaspoon of detergent with a quarter cup of water.
- Start by removing any dry residue. If you have a vacuum, run it over the stain. Otherwise, use a brush to loosen dry deposits.
- Take a towel and dip it into the solution. Dap the towel over the stain. Start on the outer edge towards the center.
- If the stain isn't coming out, you will need to drip the solution directly on the stain lightly. Work the cleaning solution into the area.
- Then, take a dry towel and blot it dry.
- If the stain is no longer there, you can move ahead and rinse the detergent out.
- Rinse the detergent out by lightly dripping water over the area. Then, take the vacuum and suction the moisture out. Run the vacuum over the spot until you don't see any more suds.
- Finally, take a towel and fold it a few times. Lay it over the spot. Then, put a heavy object over it. Let it sit overnight to absorb the remaining bits of moisture.
For visual guidance, here's a YouTube video demonstrating how to do the process:
What Is the Best Homemade Carpet Cleaning Solution?
The best homemade carpet cleaning solution is a touchy subject. Many advise against making a DIY carpet cleaning solution because - in most cases - it makes your carpet worse for wear. However, if you want to play it safe, some suggest using a water, baking soda, and vinegar mix.
If you'd like to try it, you'll need to consult the owner's manual for use in a steam cleaner. Some will require you to dilute the vinegar with water. Others will recommend pouring the vinegar straight in.
For a spot treatment solution, you can mix one teaspoon of baking soda, one teaspoon of vinegar, and two cups of warm water.
Final Takeaway
Working with carpets is a tricky task. Attempting to clean it without knowing what to do can result in you ruining the carpet. So, if you decide to proceed with Zout, make sure you can meet the requirements!
Before you go, here are some other carpet-related articles you might want to check out: