Carpet Stain Removal Tips

The stain removal method you should choose to rid your carpet of spills and spots depends on what it is you need to clean up. Different stains require different cleaners and cleaning methods. Here we've outlined some of the most commonly occurring carpet stains and the best way to clean them.

Bolognaise Sauce: For red pasta sauces such as bolognaise, cleaning should take place immediately after the stain occurs if at all possible. Remove as much sauce from your carpet as you can by blotting with a clean paper towel. Then, isopropyl rubbing alcohol should be applied to the stained area using a cotton ball or white cotton cloth. Blot gently until the stain is removed. If the stain is persistent, you may want to try a commercial carpet spot remover like Vanish.

Tea: Remove as much moisture as you can from the stained area with a paper towel. Prepare a simple mixture of 25 percent white vinegar and 75 percent water. Apply the solution to the tea stained area. A spray bottle is a good way to do this. Then, blot excess moisture with a clean dry cloth. Following the vinegar solution application, you will need to use either a store bought spot remover or a combination of dishwashing soap and water to remove the rest of the stain. As stated before, remove excess cleaner with a blotting motion.

Coffee: Coffee is removed in the exact same way as tea. Use the vinegar-water mixture first followed by carpet spot remover or the dishwashing liquid mixture. OxyKic is an oxygen-based cleaner that can be quite effective on tough stains like coffee. If coffee stains are persistent, you can also try a little 3% hydrogen peroxide on the spot. Simply apply, then blot well.

Mud: When removing mud that has been tracked onto your carpet, you will want to let the mud dry before attempting to remove. Once the mud has dried, crumble it with a butter knife. Then you will need to vacuum it up. After vacuuming, attack any remaining dirt or mud with a dish liquid solution or commercial spot remover.

Fingernail Polish: Removing fingernail polish can be tricky. Use a non-acetone polish remover on the stained area, but do not allow the polish remover to reach the carpet backing. Blot the area until the stain is removed. If nail polish remains on the carpet, use the standard dishwashing liquid solution as described in the stains above or any preferred commercial carpet spot remover.

Wine: Blot the spilled wine immediately to remove as much of it as possible. Then, cover the spot with a solution of 25 percent white vinegar, 75 percent water. Blot the vinegar solution gently after applying. Next, you will want to use either the dishwashing liquid mixture or a store bought carpet cleaner.

Ones containing oxygen can be especially effective on tough stains like wine. After applying the cleaner, rinse with water. Lastly, take a thick bunch of paper towels to the stain and cover them with a heavy item such as a book or a brick until the spot is dry. This will help lift the stain. If, after all this, the wine stain is still there, try some 3% hydrogen peroxide.