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Yes, laundry detergent can both stain and potentially damage a carpet. If spilled, especially if it's a brightly colored liquid, it can leave a vibrant stain. While a single small spill is unlikely to ruin the carpet, regular exposure is not recommended. Over time, laundry detergent can leave a residue, negatively affect the carpet's appearance, and even break down its fibers.

Keeping your new carpet clean is vital to extending its longevity. Vacuuming regularly—at least once a week—can help remove dirt, debris, and pet hair. Instead of waiting, treating stains as they appear helps keep your carpet fibers looking fresh. Remember to blot rather than rub, rubbing will only make the stain larger. 

It’s ideal to hire a professional carpet cleaning service to conduct a deep cleaning of your carpets a few times per year. The cost of professional carpet cleaning is $180 on average, which can help remove tough stains, draw out hidden dust and allergens, and eliminate odors. 

Vinegar and baking soda can be effective for removing old carpet stains, although success may depend on the type of stain. There are two common methods for this process.

One method involves combining the ingredients directly on the stain to create a chemical reaction. First, pour a generous layer of dry baking soda over the stain. In a spray bottle, mix distilled white vinegar with 1 cup of warm water and a few drops of liquid dish soap, then spray this solution thoroughly over the baking soda. The mixture will foam as the acidic vinegar reacts with the basic baking soda, which helps loosen and lift the stain. Let this sit for a few hours until it dries, then wipe or vacuum up the residue and blot the area with a clean, dry towel. You can repeat the process if the stain persists.

An alternative method suggests using the ingredients separately. Start by sprinkling baking soda on the stain and letting it sit for 15 to 30 minutes before vacuuming it up. Next, blot the remaining stain with a solution of equal parts white vinegar and water, and then blot the area dry with a clean cloth.

If your upholstery has a funky odor or you want to make your couch smell fresh, sprinkle some baking soda on the piece for 30 minutes up to an hour and then use the vacuum to remove the baking soda. If it’s still smelling funky, you may need to hire a professional cleaning service for a deeper clean.