Should you blot or scrub a stain or spill?

Ah, the age-old dilemma: ‘To scrub, or to blot?’ when it comes to cleaning carpet stains. It’s a common question we get asked, and if you’ve ever had to deal with a carpet stain, you know it can be a tricky situation. But don’t worry, we’ve got your back! The simple answer is blot always and never scrub.

For starters, scrubbing can cause more damage to the carpet fibres and surrounding area. Even if you think you’re being gentle, the act of scrubbing can still create friction and cause the fibres to break down and unravel, making the carpet look worn and matted. This is especially true for delicate carpets made of synthetic materials.

We find that this is the number one home carpet cleaning mistake when cleaning carpet stains. And sadly, the damage done from scrubbing is almost always irreversible.

Scrubbing can also cause the stain to spread, making it even harder to remove. Scrubbing causes the dirt, bacteria, and other material in the stain to spread, making it more difficult to clean fully.

On the other hand, blotting is a much gentler way to deal with cleaning carpet stains. Blotting involves pressing a cloth or sponge into the stain and dabbing at it, rather than rubbing or scrubbing. This is much less likely to cause wear or damage to the fabric, and it can be surprisingly effective at removing the stain.

Blotting also helps to retain the colour of the carpet. This is because you’re not rubbing the stain and pushing the dye deeper into the fabric. With blotting, you’re simply lifting the stain from the surface, leaving the colour of the carpet untouched.

So, the next time you’re faced with cleaning carpet stains, don’t reach for the scrub brush. Instead, try blotting the stain with a dry or damp cloth. It’s a gentler, more effective technique that will help to preserve the colour and texture of your carpet.

And remember, if you are ever in doubt about how to treat a stain or spill, call a carpet dry cleaning professional like Drytron. They are always willing to lend a hand.

Check out some of our other stains and spills guides, removing craft product stains or how to remove that new carpet smell