Best Carpet Cleaning Tips for Common Stains

Carpet is a wonderful floor covering, offering warmth, color, and a little added style to any room in your house. But between kids, pets, and working in the yard, carpets are bound to get dirty – and they can get dirty pretty darn fast! That’s why knowing how to tackle these five common carpet stains and how to clean them can help you stay on top of messes and keep your floors looking fresh.

I’m sure some of you have, or have thought about, hiring a professional carpet cleaner to take care of your dirty messes – maybe because you think it’s easier than doing it yourself? I’m not saying don’t ever hire a professional, because I think it’s important to have your carpets deep-cleaned occasionally. But there are plenty of spills and stains you can take care of with great results on your own.

Here are some carpet cleaning tips I know will help you keep your carpets looking clean and fresh – without having to call in a professional every time something falls on the floor.

5 Common Carpet Stains and How to Clean Them

If you’re like me, when you first see a stain, you think “Oh crap,” then go into hyper-drive to get it cleaned up. Hey, I paid a pretty penny for the carpets in my house – they’re soft, comfy, and I love the look and feel of them.

But I also know I can get them clean without the added cost of hiring a professional every time.

What to Do When Cleaning Up Carpet Stains

• Blot or dab – never rub the stain. This keeps it from going deeper into the carpet and fraying the fibers.
• Work from the outer edges toward the center of the stain. This helps prevent it from spreading.
• Don’t over-wet the carpet. Use only enough water or cleaning solution to get the job done. Oversaturating can soak the padding and cause further issues.
• Always test a new cleaning method in an inconspicuous spot first to check for color fading or damage.
• Vacuum thoroughly when dry.

And remember – don’t freak out! That being said, the faster you act, the more effective the cleaning will be.

Removing Blood Stains from Carpet

Blood will coagulate with heat, so always use cold or cool water to prevent it from setting into the fibers.

• Blot with cold tap water to remove as much of the blood as possible.
• For dried stains, gently scrape off the blood using an old toothbrush or similar tool.
• For older or stubborn stains, your cleaning solution may need to sit a bit longer.
• If a yellowish stain remains, that’s due to the iron in the blood—you may need an extra step to remove it.

Using Hydrogen Peroxide

I’ve never had trouble using 3% hydrogen peroxide on my carpets, but always test a hidden area first – it can bleach some materials, especially wool or dark-colored carpets.

• Blot the stain with cool water.
• Pour a small amount of 3% hydrogen peroxide over the area.
• Cover with plastic wrap and a towel to block light.
• Check after one hour. Repeat if necessary.
• Blot any remaining liquid dry.

Hydrogen peroxide breaks down when exposed to light, which is why we keep it covered.

Using Meat Tenderizer (For Set-In Stains)

Note: This method works but isn’t recommended for delicate carpets or wool.

• Scrape up dried blood.
• Mix equal parts meat tenderizer and salt with a little water to form a paste.
• Gently work it in with a clean toothbrush and let sit overnight.
• Vacuum in the morning.
• If any residue remains, blot with a damp cloth and re-vacuum.

To Remove Yellow Tint

If a yellow stain remains, apply hydrogen peroxide and repeat the process as mentioned above.

Cleaning Mud Stains from Carpet

Mud happens – especially if you’ve got kids, pets, or a hardworking husband tracking it in! Even if you want to clean it immediately, the best thing to do is let it dry first.

• Once dry, gently brush to loosen dirt and vacuum up. Done!

For Crushed-In Mud Stains

If a stain remains mix together:

• 1 quart warm water
• 1 teaspoon white vinegar
• 1 teaspoon mild detergent

After mixing:

• Blot onto the area.
• Repeat if needed, let dry, then vacuum.

Removing Ketchup Stains from Carpet

Summer BBQs can lead to ketchup spills – we’ve had plenty around here.

• If dried, dampen with warm water first.
• Gently lift as much as possible using a spoon or dull knife.
• Dilute with a little plain water and blot with paper towels. Repeat as needed.

Mix together:

• 1 tablespoon dish soap (like Dawn)
• 2 cups water

After mixing the solution:

• Spray on the stain, let sit 5 minutes.
• Blot with a clean towel.
• Repeat if needed and let dry.

Removing Vomit Stains from Carpet

Clean up solids carefully to avoid pushing them further into the carpet.

Mix together the ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon dishwashing liquid
• 1/2 cup white vinegar
• 2 cups warm water

Now it’s time to cleanup:

• Blot and work gently with a cloth.
• Rinse with cold water and blot dry.

To tackle odors:

• Sprinkle baking soda, gently work in with an old toothbrush.
• Let sit 30 minutes and vacuum.

Removing Chocolate Stains from Carpet

I’ve definitely had those late night chocolate and movie moments – then found the evidence the next day!

• Scrape off as much chocolate as possible.
• If hardened, vacuum after breaking up the pieces.

Mix ingredients:

• 1 cup warm water
• 1 teaspoon clear liquid or white powdered detergent

Now let’s remove the chocolate stain:

• Apply and gently work in.
• Blot and repeat as needed.
• Rinse with clean water and blot dry.

Caring for Your Carpet

Knowing how to treat stains is just one part of keeping your carpet in great shape.

Vacuum Thoroughly

• Vacuum at least once a week, more in high-traffic areas.
• For busy areas, vacuum in a crisscross pattern for deeper cleaning.
• Overlapping strokes help remove dirt, dust, and bacteria.

Use a Carpet Rake

• A carpet rake can help lift dirt and revive flattened fibers. Use with care.

Invest in a Good Vacuum

• A quality vacuum does a better job and can be gentler on carpet fibers.
• Make sure the vacuum is suited for your specific carpet type.

Have Carpets Professionally Cleaned Occasionally

• Even with good care, carpets benefit from professional cleaning every 12 to 18 months, depending on your household.

If you rent a carpet cleaner:

• Read the instructions carefully.
• Don’t overuse detergent – too much cleaner can leave residue, making carpets attract dirt faster.

Cleaning your carpets may seem like a big job, but once you learn how to treat your specific type of carpet or rug – and know how to handle – at least – these five common carpet stains and how to clean them – it becomes a lot easier than you think.
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