How To Remove Carpet Stains

Removing carpet stains from your carpet is essential to living in a clean, well maintained and healthy environment.

No matter how or why the stain ended up on your carpet, the fact is that it is there and needs to be cleaned up effectively. Not only is it important to do this for the reasons listed above, but it can also be quite costly to have to replace a carpet because of the many stains on it.

Or, even worse, your home’s value has been tarnished as well. Yet, before you begin to worry, use the carpet stain removal methods we have for you here to get you back on track with a clean carpet.

What you need to realize is that there is not one single method to cleaning your carpet. There are plenty of different kinds of stains that will likely land onto your carpeting at one time or another. That’s why there are so many different types of methods to cleaning them up. Below, you will find two removal solutions that work as a general rule. Then, below you will find some more specific solutions for your specific carpet cleaning needs.

Carpet Stain Removal Method #1

To clean your carpet from virtually any stain, do the following.

• Mix a solution of a neutral, pH balanced detergent, two teaspoons mild such as dish soap) and a cup of warm water.
• Apply this to the stain on the carpet. Make sure to blot the stain and not rub it. Blotting will remove the liquid and stain while rubbing or scrubbing it will push the stain further in.
• Next, apply a cup of white vinegar and 2/3 cup of warm water solution to the area. Allow this to sit a bit and then blot it out again, with a clean, dry terry cloth or white paper towels.
• Keep using these two steps until the stain has been removed.
• Then, apply a layer of white paper towels or a terry cloth and something heavy on top until the area has dried.

Carpet Stain Removal Method #2

When the first solution does not work, or you do not have the necessary ingredients, try this carpet stain removal technique.

• Use clean, white terry cloths or paper towels on the area and blot up as much of the liquid from the spill as necessary.
• Mix a solution of just a few drops of dish detergent with one cup of hydrogen peroxide. Apply to the area by blotting it on.
• Use a sponge or clean, dry terry cloths to blot it back off again.
• Do this until the stain comes out.
• Let the area dry completely and repeat if necessary.

Now, when you need a more specific type of cleaning, you can use any of these solutions listed below.

Removing Coffee, Red Juice, Wine, Tea, or Ink Stains

If you have any of these things on your carpet, you can get them out by following this stain cleaning solution.

• Blot up any and all liquid from the stain. You should do this as soon as possible and make sure to get up as much of the stain as possible. Do not scrub or rub the stain further into the carpet.
• Use club soda on the stain. Apply to the area and allow to sit for just a minute. Then, blot it up again. Keep repeating until the stain is fully removed. Once it is gone, apply clean water to the location and blot up as well. This will be a rinse.
• If this does not work, mix 1/4 teaspoon of dishwashing soap with a quart of water. Apply to the stain and then blot up to remove the liquid and stain.
• Still there? Then use hydrogen peroxide. Allow this to set on the stain for several hours. It will chemically react with it and release the stain. Blot it off again.

Removing Oil or Greasy Carpet Stains

For stains that are greasy, apply a dry cleaning solvent to the area in a small amount. Use a terry cloth to apply it. Blot off and then rinse. If there is still a residue there, you can add a bit of baking soda to the location and allow it to absorb the stain. Vacuum it off.

Removing Chocolate Stains

To get rid of chocolate stains from your carpet, first scrape up and remove any excess that you can.

Then, use one teaspoon of dishwashing liquid and one cup of water.

Apply gently to the stain. Be very careful not to rub it in. Blot the stain out with a clean terry cloth. Repeat as necessary. Afterwards, rinse with clean water and blot again.

Removing Candle Wax

Have a fallen candle or a few drips on your carpet?

If so, scrape off all that you can with a dull knife. Then, place clean white paper towels over the stain and apply a warm iron to it.

This will help the stain to move from the carpet to the paper. Keep moving it around until it is totally absorbed.

If any greasy spots are left, you will want to apply baking soda to the area and then vacuum up.