How to Clean Carpet Stains

The Golden Rules of Carpet Stain Removal

• Act immediately — fresh stains are far easier to remove than dried ones
• Blot, never rub — rubbing spreads the stain and pushes it deeper into fibres
• Work from the outside inward — prevents spreading the stain further
• Use cold water — hot water sets many stains permanently
• Test cleaners in a hidden area first — some solutions bleach or damage certain carpets

General Method (Works for Most Stains)

1. 1

   Blot up as much as possible immediately

   Use clean white cloths or paper towels. Press firmly and hold — do not rub. Change to a clean section of cloth as it absorbs the stain.

2. 2

   Apply cold water and blot again

   Pour a small amount of cold water onto the stain to dilute it. Blot again from outside inward.

3. 3

   Apply cleaning solution

   Mix 1 teaspoon of dish soap with 1 cup of cold water. Apply to the stain with a cloth. Work from the outside in. Leave for 3–5 minutes.

4. 4

   Blot clean, rinse, blot dry

   Blot up the cleaning solution. Rinse with cold water. Blot dry. Place a stack of paper towels on the damp area and weigh them down with a heavy book overnight to draw out remaining moisture.

Specific Stain Solutions

• Coffee and tea: Dish soap method above. For stubborn stains, mix 1 tbsp white vinegar + 1 tbsp dish soap + 2 cups warm water.
• Red wine: Blot immediately, pour cold water, blot. Apply salt generously to absorb remaining wine. Leave 5 minutes, vacuum up. Then use dish soap method.
• Pet urine: Blot thoroughly. Apply a mixture of equal parts white vinegar and water. Leave 5–10 minutes, blot dry. Sprinkle baking soda, leave overnight, vacuum. This neutralises the odour as well as cleaning the stain.
• Mud: Let it dry completely first. Vacuum up the dried mud. Then use the dish soap method on any remaining mark.
• Grease/oil: Sprinkle baking soda or cornflour on the fresh stain. Leave 15 minutes to absorb. Vacuum. Then apply dish soap method.