Get matched with top carpet cleaners in Tama, IA

A mild skunk smell in your house can last up to three weeks, dissipating over time with proper ventilation. However, if you leave stronger smells untreated, they can last for months or years, becoming more difficult to remove the longer they sit. This is especially true of odors that have seeped into fabrics such as clothing or furniture or those in your pets’ fur.

Vinegar and baking soda work well at lifting old stains from carpet.

• Pour a generous layer of dry baking soda over the old stain.

• In a spray bottle, combine distilled white vinegar with 1 cup of warm water. Add a few drops of liquid dish soap.

• Spray the baking soda area thoroughly with the vinegar solution.

• Let the vinegar and baking soda sit for a few hours.

• Wipe or vacuum up the baking soda once it dries, then blot the area with a clean, dry towel.

• Repeat as needed to lift the stain.

It depends. If a stain has been sitting on your carpet for a few weeks, months, or years, it’s going to be much harder to remove since it has had time to dry. Certain carpet cleaners can also dye or permanently change the color of your carpet in attempts to remove the old stain. If you have a stain on your carpet that’s a few weeks old and you’re unsure of the original cause, your best bet is to call a carpet cleaning professional who will have the right tools and knowledge to avoid making the problem worse.

No, house cleaners or house cleaning services do not need to be certified or licensed. Each state has its own requirements for licensing and certifications for companies, but most states don't require any special training to clean a home. Be sure to check our state licensing tool to review the local cleaning service guidelines.