Carpet stains are inevitable. At one time or another you will
be faced with having to remove a stain from your carpet. Always
follow any directions supplied by the carpet manufacturer. Carpets
made from natural fibers or certain dye types may require special
treatment. If you are not sure check with a cleaning professional
for help. But for most common stains if you follow these carpet
stain removal tips and you'll have your stain lifted in no time.
Beer, Wine, Cola, Coffee
Blot with a paper towel to remove as much of the stain as you
can, then neutralize with a white vinegar solution made up of
1/4 cup white vinegar in 3/4 cup of water. Soak the spot with
white vinegar solution then blot to remove the excess moisture.
A spray bottle works well for applying the solution. If you
the stain has still not lifted mix 1 teaspoon of dish detergent
such as Joy into 1 quart of water and apply to the area. Blot
to work the detergent into the stain, then blot again to lift
the stain. Repeat until the stain is gone. Then rinse with water
and blot excess water up. Do not use dish soap that contains
bleach or lanolin as it will damage your carpet.
Berries or Fruit Juice
Remove as much of the spill as you can by scraping the excess
up with a dull knife. If you have a wet vacuum it works well
for sucking up the excess. If the spot has already dried you
will need to saturate it with water so that you can lift the
excess. First try removing with water by spraying the area and
then blotting with paper towel. If that doesn't completely lift
it then apply a small mix up ½ teaspoon dish soap in 1 quart
of water and apply the mixture to the area. Continue blotting
to lift the stain. Continue applying until the stain is completely
lifted. Then rinse area with water using a spray bottle, and
blot to remove excess water. If the soap mix did not lift the
entire stain then moisten the area with 3% hydrogen peroxide
and let stand for on 2 hours. Blot and repeat the hydrogen peroxide
treatment until carpet the stain is gone. When exposed to light
hydrogen peroxide returns to a water state so you don't need
to rinse just dab up the excess moisture.
Blood, Catsup, Vomit
Blot up as much of the stain as possible then neutralize with
an ammonia solution made up of 1 tablespoon ammonia and ¾ cup
of water. Using a spray bottle saturate the spot with the ammonia
solution but make sure not to get the carpet backing wet. Then
blot with a white paper towel to remove excess moisture. All
solutions for removing blood should be cold. First mix up a
solution of 1 quart water and ½ teaspoon dish soap. Then apply
a small quantity of detergent solution to the spot. Blot to
work the detergent into the affected area. Continue applying
and blotting until the stain is fully removed. If the soap mix
did not lift the entire stain then moisten the area with 3%
hydrogen peroxide and let stand for on 2 hours. Blot and repeat
the hydrogen peroxide treatment until carpet the stain is gone.
When exposed to light hydrogen peroxide returns to a water state
so you don't need to rinse just dab up the excess moisture.
Candle Wax
Take a piece of brown paper or a terry cloth towel over the
area then gently run a warm iron over it. The wax will be absorbed
into the paper or towel. You can remove and residue using alcohol
or dry cleaning fluid.
Chewing Gum, Contact Cement, or Glue
First take an ice cube and apply to the gum. This will freeze
the gum. Shatter the frozen gum with the handle of a knife then
vacuum up.
Chocolate
Remove as much of the spill as you can by scraping the excess
up with a dull knife and the blotting with paper towel. Blot
up as much of the stain as possible then neutralize with an
ammonia solution made up of 1 tablespoon ammonia and ¾ cup of
water. Using a spray bottle saturate the spot with the ammonia
solution but make sure not to get the carpet backing wet. Then
blot with a white paper towel to remove excess moisture. If
the stain has not lifted mix up a solution of 1 quart water
and ½ teaspoon dish soap. Continue applying and blotting until
the stain is fully removed. When stain is gone rinse with clear
water and blot.
Crayon, Paint or Makeup
Remove as much of the crayon by blotting with paper towel. Use
a dull knife to scrape up what you can. Then apply rubbing alcohol
to a white cloth or cotton ball and blot. You may have to apply
extra if the crayon goes deep into the pile but make sure the
backing doesn't get wet. First mix up a solution of 1 quart
water and ½ teaspoon dish soap. Then apply a small quantity
of detergent solution to the spot. Blot to work the detergent
into the affected area.
Continue applying and blotting until the stain is fully removed.
If the soap mix did not lift the entire stain then moisten the
area with 3% hydrogen peroxide and let stand for on 2 hours.
Blot and repeat the hydrogen peroxide treatment until carpet
the stain is gone. When exposed to light hydrogen peroxide returns
to a water state so you don't need to rinse just dab up the
excess moisture.
Remember always follow the manufacturers instructions for stain
removal. Combined with these carpet removal tips you should have
no problem lifting the toughest of stains.
