Carpet Spot or Stain: The Difference
Stains and spots appear to look similar on the carpet, but there are several differences between the two. Regardless of stain or spot, having your carpets professionally cleaned is very important. Be sure to contact the professionals from Northside Floor Care for the best in carpet care. We will come to your home or business and make recommendations on how to clean both spots and stains, and we will do it with a smile. 
Both spots and stains start with a spill on the carpet. There are a few differences between the two. Here are the fundamentals.
Spots – These are spills on the carpet but do not form a chemical bond onto the fibers. Things like dirt in high traffic areas, drink spills and the like are spots. These can be cleaned quickly and easily. Spot cleaning is still no substitute for a full, professional carpet cleaning.
Stains – Stains are spills that damage the carpet and the fibers. Oil is a good example. Many carpet fibers are made from petroleum by-products. This means oil can stain the carpet very easily and needs to be cleaned as quickly as possible.
The main difference between a stain and a spot is the difference between organic and inorganic. Stains are not organic whereas spots are organic. Spots are easily visible, but a stain can be transparent. Certain oils, like mineral oil, do not leave a visible stain until soiled. Trying to vacuum the stain will not help because the soiled area will not come up.
It is common for a stain to truly reveal itself after a professional carpet cleaning. Many times, the carpet cleaner is blamed for a stain remaining behind because the cleaning agents and hot water could not remove the stain properly.
Ultimately there is one absolute way to tell the difference between a spot and a stain is the color of the carpet. If the carpet is changed color or tint, it is likely a stain. If the color of the stain is different than the rug or carpet, it is likely a spot.
Spots or stains, it is all the same to the professionals at Northside Floor Care. Contact us immediately if you notice stains or spots.