The Most Common Carpet Stains Found at Move-Out Inspections

When the time comes to move out of a rented property in Worthing, Sussex, the state of the carpets can make or break your chances of getting your full deposit back. Landlords and letting agents pay particular attention to flooring during inspections, as it’s one of the most visible indicators of how well the property has been maintained. Unfortunately, certain stains are notorious for standing out during these checks.

At K&S Carpet Cleaning Worthing, we’ve seen it all—from faint marks to stubborn deep-set stains—and we know which ones are most likely to raise concerns. Here are the top culprits and why professional cleaning is the most reliable way to deal with them before an inspection.

1. Food and Drink Spills

Coffee, tea, red wine, and soft drinks are among the most common causes of discolouration. These liquids penetrate deep into carpet fibres, making them difficult to remove with standard household products. Over time, they can leave behind visible brown, yellow, or red marks that draw the eye immediately during an inspection.

2. Pet Stains and Odours

If you’ve had pets in the property, even with permission, urine accidents, muddy paw prints, and general odours can linger in carpets. These issues are not only unsightly but can also create hygiene concerns for landlords, leading to deductions from your deposit if left untreated.

3. Mud and Dirt Tracking

Foot traffic from outdoor areas, particularly in wetter months, can grind dirt into the carpet pile. This results in grey or brown patches that make the carpet look tired and worn. Standard vacuuming often fails to remove deeply embedded grit and soil.

4. Grease and Oil Marks

Grease from cooking or oil from bicycles, prams, or DIY projects can transfer onto carpets and leave stubborn spots. These stains are particularly difficult to remove without professional-grade cleaning solutions.

5. Ink and Paint Spills

Accidental ink stains from pens or splashes from home improvement projects can be a nightmare to tackle. They tend to set quickly and may require specialist treatment to fully remove without damaging the carpet fibres.

6. Make-Up and Cosmetic Stains

Foundation, mascara, and nail polish are frequent offenders, especially in bedrooms and bathrooms. They often leave dark or coloured marks that are very noticeable against lighter carpet shades.

Why Professional Carpet Cleaning Is Essential Before You Move Out

While DIY spot treatments might improve the appearance of some stains, they rarely achieve the deep cleaning needed to satisfy a landlord’s inspection. Professional carpet cleaning not only removes surface marks but also lifts embedded dirt and neutralises odours, restoring the carpet’s overall appearance.

K&S Carpet Cleaning Worthing uses advanced cleaning techniques and industry-approved products to tackle even the most stubborn stains. By booking a thorough professional clean before your move-out inspection, you can dramatically reduce the risk of deposit deductions and leave the property in top condition.

Conclusion

The most common stains found during move-out inspections—whether from food, pets, dirt, or cosmetics—can be enough to jeopardise your deposit if left untreated. A professional carpet clean is the most effective way to remove them and present the property in its best possible condition. If you’re preparing to move out in Worthing, Sussex, now is the perfect time to arrange a deep clean that will leave your carpets looking fresh, spotless, and inspection-ready.

This is a photo of a sofa being cleaned by K&S Carpet Cleaning. It shows the head of the steam cleaning machine, and a before and after section of the sofa, showing one part that is dirty and one part that is clean.

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