How to Get Rid of Stains on Your Carpet: A Detailed Guide
How to Get Rid of Stains on Your Carpet: A Detailed Guide
Let’s face it, having carpet around your home is a catch-22. On the one hand, your feet will forever be comfortable because of the rug’s softness.
But on the other hand, carpets can get stained quickly, and that’s where the problem lies. Kids, pet “accidents,” and the occasional spill by you, mark the beginning of your frustration.
Plus, cleaning carpet stains aren’t a one size fits all solution. So you’ll need various materials for different stains.
To help you out, we’ve compiled a list of methods to show you how to get rid of stains. Grab a pen and a piece of paper, and take a look at our guide.
How to Clean Carpets
When it comes to cleaning carpets, time is always of the essence, no matter the stain. The quicker you act, the less chance a stain has of setting into the carpet fibers.
The first thing you’ll want to do is remove solid food portions (if any) from the stain. A fork or spoon should do the trick.
Then start dabbing at the stain with a dry cloth or paper towel to soak up the liquid. Afterward, dampen the material with warm water and grab your carpet stain remover.
Use small circular motions to lift the stain out of the carpet. However, don’t scrub—it could exacerbate the stain, and you’ll have a bigger problem on your hands.
Once the solution has been worked through the carpet fibers, wipe it away with a damp cloth. Then dry it with another cloth.
This method usually works on most stains. But for more complex blemishes, you’ll need to bring out the big guns.
Cleaning Different Types of Carpet Stains
As mentioned above, getting rid of stains can be challenging, depending on what they are. Different carpet stains include:
- Coffee
- Red wine
- Urine
- Chocolate
- Blood
- Oil and grease
- Gum
We’ll break down cleaning methods for each below.
Coffee
Step 1
First, get a white cloth or paper towel and blot the stain. Work from the outside, going inward, so the stain doesn’t spread.
After the liquid is absorbed, pour cold water on the stain and blot to dilute it. Don’t use warm water—it can cause the blemish to set on the carpet.
Step 2
Next, you’ll want to create your carpet cleaning solution. Mix two tablespoons of hydrogen peroxide and one tablespoon of dish liquid in a small bowl and apply to the stain.
Dab a generous amount on the stain and let it sit for a few minutes. Then start cleaning with a dry cloth. After applying and cleaning the solution, repeat the step if it’s still there.
Step 3
Use cold water to rinse away any remaining residue. Then dry the carpet with a cloth or paper towel.
You could also use a wet/dry vacuum to speed up the process. Or open the windows and let some fresh air help with the process.
Red wine
Step 1
Since red wine stains are trickier to clean, you’ll need to be innovative. Grab your handy dandy cloth and start cleaning the blemish.
However, as you’re cleaning, don’t apply too much pressure. It could push the stain further inside the carpet.
Step 2
Next, pour cool water onto the stain and dilute it with a cloth. It makes it easier to absorb the stain throughout cleaning.
Try not to use too much water because things could get messy. Get another cloth if your current one changes colors from the blotting if you need to.
Step 3
Red wine stains need a heftier cleaning solution. So you’ll need to mix three parts of baking soda and one part of water to create a paste.
Work it through the stain with your fingers and let it sit. The paste will work through the carpet fibers and remove the blemish.
After it’s dry, use a vacuum to clean up the area. If the stain persists, rehydrate the location and complete the process again.
However, if you’re unsuccessful, it might be time to call a professional service like High Country Chem-Dry. Their carpet cleaning expertise and environmentally friendly solutions will have your carpet back to normal in no time.
Urine
Step 1
Although it’s not okay if your pet has a carpet accident, you can easily clean up the mess. Start by soaking up the urine with a paper towel.
Once it’s thoroughly soaked, switch to a dry cloth to blot up the remaining urine.
Step 2
There are two methods for cleaning urine stains:
- Using an enzymatic cleaner
- Mixing vinegar and water
After deciding on your method, apply the solution to the blemish and start scrubbing vigorously. Typically you wouldn’t scrub a stain because it can spread. But this time, you’ll need to because urine stains are harder to break down through traditional methods.
Step 3
Once you’re finished scrubbing, let the solution set for about ten minutes. Sprinkle baking soda on the area to enhance the effects.
Let the baking soda sit and dry for a few minutes. It’ll absorb the remaining moisture, and you can vacuum the residue. If there’s still some dampness, use a cloth to dry it up.
Chocolate
Step 1
If the chocolate is dry, use a knife to scrape away as much as possible. But if it’s melted, you’ll need to harden it first. Put ice cubes in a resealable bag and place them on the stain.
When it hardens, scrape to your heart’s content. Then use the vacuum to clean up loose pieces of chocolate.
Step 2
Mix about a quarter teaspoon of dish liquid with a cup of water and apply it to the stain using a cloth. Remember to work from the outside, going inward to reduce the blemish radius.
Step 3
Let the solution sit for five to ten minutes to work its magic. Afterward, blot it away with a clean cloth.
Blood
Step 1
Like most red stains, blood can be tough to get off the carpet. But diluting the stain is vital to the process.
Don’t use warm water because it can make the stain spread. Instead, use cold water or club soda. Then blot with a clean cloth.
Step 2
Next, grab one tablespoon of laundry detergent and mix it with two cups of water. Use a cloth to apply it to the stain and let it sit for a few minutes.
Then blot the stain until the liquid is absorbed. Keep going until the stain disappears. If it remains, repeat the process and use cold water to rinse the area. Use a clean cloth to blot the area dry.
Oil and Grease
Step 1
Hopefully, the oil or grease hasn’t solidified yet. But if so, use a butter knife to scrape away the hardened areas.
Afterward, sprinkle baking soda or cornstarch on the stain and let it sit for five minutes. It will absorb the oil, making it easier to clean.
Step 2
Once the five minutes have passed, use a soft brush to clean the brush. Small circular motions are best when cleaning greasy stains.
Then, let the solution sit for about fifteen minutes before vacuuming it up.
Step 3
Now that the stain has lifted a bit apply a mixture of one tablespoon of dish soap and two cups of water to the area. With your soft brush, clean the carpet fibers gently to avoid damaging them.
Repeat these steps if necessary. Finally, rinse the spot with water and blot dry with a cloth.
Gum
Step 1
Gum is one of the more complex materials to remove from carpets. So you’ll need to use a heavy-duty solution like WD-40.
Start by spraying a generous amount on the gum patch. Try to go as close as you can to the underside of the gum, where it meets the carpet.
Step 2
Let the solution sit for ten minutes. Then, use a rag or brush to wipe the gum away.
However, as you complete this step, ensure you go in one direction (no pun intended). You’ll spread the gum throughout the carpet fibers even more by going back and forth.
If necessary, add more WD-40 to remove any gum excess. Wipe in the same direction and let your carpet dry.
Here’s How to Get Rid of Stains on Your Carpet
You’re now aware of how to get rid of stains on your carpet. Some are easier to get rid of than others. However, remember that it’s always better to act fast than let the blemish dry in.
If you’ve done all you can, calling a professional carpet cleaning service is always an option. They’ll have better materials to lift the stains and have your carpet looking brand new again.
Hopefully, you’ve gained some insight from this article. For related content, feel free to read our other blog posts.
