Winter brings its own kind of risks to your carpet. Here is how you can battle salt stains, dirty snow and soot on your carpet. 

Salt Stains

Salt is used during the winter months to thaw roads and sidewalks, and can easily make it into your house on the bottom of someone's shoes. If you have some salt built-up on your carpet, here is what you need to get rid of the stain.

• Fill half of a spray bottle with warm water and the other half with white vinegar. spray this solution on the stain. 
• Use a cloth to blot at the stain and gently bring the salt to the surface of the stain.
• Take a dry cloth and gently dry the area; don't press down too hard though, as you don't want to push the salt further into your carpet.
• Vacuum the area to remove any remaining wet salt. 

Dirty Snow Stains

If any snow or slush gets into your house, try to clean it up before it is able to fully melt.

• Pick up any snow or slush that is still frozen with a dry cloth and throw it away
• Mix together some dish soap and hot water, and apply it to the stain. 
• Use a towel to absorb the cleaning solution and the stain. Start at the outside of the stain and work your way inward. 
• Once you feel that the stain has been removed, rinse the area with some cold water and pat the area dry with a towel.
• When the carpet has dried, vacuum the area to pick up any dirt that was left behind from the snow and slush.

Soot Stains

If you have a fireplace inside of your house, you may end up with some soot stains on your carpets. Here is what to do if that happens.

• The first thing you should do is use your vacuum cleaner to vacuum up the soot. Try to be gentle, even holding the vacuum right above the soot, in order to make sure that you don't grind the ash into your carpet.
• Sprinkle an absorbent agent, such as baking soda or baby powder, on top of the soot and let it sit for an hour or so, then vacuum the area again.
• If there is still soot present, apply some rubbing alcohol or mineral spirits to a cloth and gently blot at the stain. Start at the outside edge and work your ways toward the center of the stain. 
• Use a dry sponge to absorb any liquid that was left behind by the above step. 

If salt, snow or soot makes its way onto your carpet this winter, make sure that you address the stain as quickly as possible using the steps above. If you have any stubborn stains that refuse to come out, consider calling a professional cleaning service, such as Deep Cleaning, to get the mess out for you.