Carpets provide comfort and warmth to your home, but they are also prone to stains from spills like coffee, dirt, and red wine. Even if you don’t have kids or pets, occasional accidents happen, and these stains can become a headache. However, cleaning them doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With the right methods and cleaning products, you can effectively remove stubborn stains from your carpet.
Whether it’s chocolate, coffee, dirt, red wine, or other common spills, the process for removing carpet stains is generally the same. Follow these simple steps outlined below to master the basic carpet stain removal technique. Plus, we provide specific tips for dealing with different types of stains. With these expert suggestions, your carpet will soon look brand new, saving you the hassle and cost of professional carpet cleaning.
For All Common Stains
Here’s a simpler way to clean most stains from your carpet
- Prepare two spray bottles: Fill one with cold water and the other with a mixture of 1/4 teaspoon mild dishwashing liquid (like Dawn Ultra Dishwashing Liquid Dish Soap) and 1 cup warm water.
- Apply the detergent solution carefully: Spray the detergent solution onto a clean cloth (not directly on the carpet) and gently dab the stained area. Avoid rubbing, as it might spread the stain. Continue dabbing until the stain dissolves, frequently using a clean section of the cloth to blot away the stain.
- Rinse with cold water: Spray another cloth with cold water and dab the area to rinse off the detergent solution. Blot again with a dry cloth to remove excess moisture.
- Speed up the drying process: Place a stack of paper towels over the wet spot and put a heavy object like a vase or pot on top. This helps soak up any remaining stain deep in the carpet. Leave it overnight. In the morning, fluff the carpet fibers with your fingers and let the area air-dry.
- Persistent stains: If the stain doesn’t completely disappear, repeat the above steps. Alternatively, you can try a specialized carpet stain remover designed for the specific type of stain you’re dealing with.
How to Remove Red Wine Stains from Carpet
- Blot the spilled wine: Quickly blot as much wine as you can using absorbent cloths. You can even stand on the cloths to help absorb more.
- Apply Wine Away Red Wine Stain Remover: Saturate the stain with Wine Away and let it sit for up to five minutes.
- Blot with a clean cloth: Use a clean cloth to blot the stained area until the wine stain is completely gone.
- Remove residue: Dampen a cloth and remove any remaining residue from the carpet.
- Rinse if necessary: If needed, rinse the area with cold water and blot dry. Wine Away was found to be the most effective and least damaging red wine stain remover.
How to Remove Coffee Stains from Carpet
- Act quickly: Blot up as much spilled coffee as possible. Hot liquids like coffee soak in faster, so be prompt.
- Sponge with cool water: Sponge the stained area with cool water and blot again to remove more coffee.
- Prepare a cleaning solution: Mix 1/4 teaspoon of liquid dish soap, 1 tablespoon of white vinegar, and 1 cup of warm water.
- Apply the solution: Using a clean, white cloth, sponge the stain with the soapy vinegar mixture. Apply a little at a time and blot frequently with a dry cloth until the stain disappears.
- Rinse and blot: Sponge the area with cold water to rinse off the cleaning solution and blot dry.
- Absorb excess moisture: Place paper towels over the spot and weigh them down with a heavy object to absorb any remaining moisture.
How to Remove Pet Stains from Carpet:
We love our pets, but their accidents can be a headache. To tackle pet stains, use a carpet cleaner with enzymes, like Bissell Professional Pet Stain and Odor Removing Formula. This not only removes the stain but also eliminates odor-causing bacteria, preventing your pet from re-soiling the same spot.
After applying the cleaner, gently work it into the carpet with a clean, damp cloth. Blot the area until no more stain comes up.
Rinse thoroughly with a clean, damp cloth, misting it with water if necessary. Cover the area with a damp cloth for up to 12 hours to let the enzymes work. Remove the cloth, fluff the carpet, and let it air dry.
How to Remove Dirt Stains from Carpet
Let dirt or mud stains dry completely. Scrape off excess residue, then vacuum the area. Apply a detergent solution (like mild dishwashing liquid, warm water, and white vinegar) to the stain.
Let it sit for 10 minutes, then blot with a clean white cloth or paper towel.
For Fat-Based Stains
Sprinkle baking soda on the stain and let it sit for six hours. Vacuum, then blot the area with a cloth dampened with rubbing alcohol. Alternatively, use a dry-solvent spot carpet cleaner following the label instructions.
Getting Gum Stains Out of Carpet
Remove as much gum as possible, then place a bag of ice cubes over the remaining gum to harden it. Chip away the gum with a spoon or dull knife.
Vacuum and clean the stain with a dry-solvent carpet cleaner, following the label instructions.
Removing Urine Stains from Carpet
Blot up as much urine as possible. Use an enzymatic cleaner (available at stores like Target) following the manufacturer’s instructions. These cleaners use enzymes to eliminate both the stain and odor.
Removing Blood Stains
Avoid using warm water on blood stains as it can make the stain set. Instead, use cold water or club soda.
Apply the cold water or club soda to the stain, then blot with a clean cloth. Repeat this process until the stain is completely gone.
Removing Candle Wax
To remove candle wax from carpet, start by rubbing an ice pack on the wax until it hardens. Gently break up the hardened wax and vacuum up the pieces.
Treat the spot with a carpet cleaner following the manufacturer’s instructions, or use a white cloth dampened with a small amount of rubbing alcohol. Blot the area to dry it.
