How to Remove Common Carpet Stains

Whether you have a full household with kids and pets or a quiet home with minimal unpredictability, rooms with spotless, carpet will inevitably experience a food or drink stain. We cherish a plush carpet pile for its comforting fibers and pristine appearance, and we aim to keep our carpet looking new for as long as possible. You can explore our DeGraaf Interiors showroom in Grand Rapids, MI for the perfect combination of carpet factors such as stain resistance and fiber type to serve your household needs. In addition to installing your home’s ideal carpet, make sure to review our helpful tips for how to remove these common carpet stains.

Act Quickly

When you notice a stain on your carpet, begin your stain removal procedure as soon as you can to prevent permanent stains from forming and moisture absorption within the pile.

Use Warm Water

Before using a cleaning product, try to remove the stain with warm water! First use a spoon or dull knife to remove any solid material, starting from the outside of the stain to reduce spreading. Now blot the liquid stain with paper towels or a white towel, using warm water to remove the stain. Avoid using any cleaner with a pH of 10 or higher to avoid carpet damage.

Identify Your Stain Type

If warm water does not completely remove the stain and you need to use a gentle cleaning solution, it’s extremely important to identify your common carpet stain first.

Common Water-Based Stains: Beer, Wine, Liquor, Juices, Soda, Baby Formula, Candy, Food, Marker, Watercolor Paint, Latex Paint, Soil, Pet Poop, Vomit, Blood.

Greasy, Oil-Based Stains: Chocolate, Peanut Butter, Spaghetti, Gum, Glue, Crayon, Cosmetics.

Special Water-Based Stains: Coffee, Tea, Pet Urine.

Cleaning Your Stain

Begin by mixing a solution of ¼ teaspoon of clear hand dishwashing detergent with 1 cup of water and stir gently. Apply this solution directly to a white cloth and dampen it without saturating the stained area of your carpet with the cloth. Wipe the stained area gently and turn the cloth frequently, and never rub, scrub, or use a brush. Use clear, lukewarm water to wet and rinse the stained carpet fibers and cover the spot with a new absorbent white towel or paper towel. Apply pressure to blot the wet area and repeat until all traces of detergent have been removed. If your stain is gone, place a new white towel or paper towel over the area and weigh it down with an object until the carpet is dry. (Note: Always test your cleaning solution on an area of carpet inside your closets to double-check for any issues.)

If your Common Water-Based Stain or Greasy, Oil-Based Stain remains, mix 2 tablespoons of non-bleaching, non-sudsing household ammonia with 1 cup of lukewarm water. Apply this solution, rinse, and blot as you did with the dishwashing detergent solution. Do not dry with paper towels. You can then mix ½ cup of white vinegar with 1 cup of lukewarm water and apply this solution with the same rinse and blot procedure to neutralize the ammonia solution.

If your Special Water-Based Stain remains, mix ½ cup of white vinegar with 1 cup of lukewarm water. Apply this solution, rinse, and blot as you did with the dishwashing detergent solution.

Professional Deep Clean

You can also hire carpet professionals for a deep clean and greater peace of mind against stains. It’s wise to hire licensed professionals to shampoo your carpet every 12 to 18 months to avoid any DIY carpet damage and keep your rooms in top condition.

There’s no need to stress over every get-together you host, simply act quickly when spills occur and follow your procedure for removing common carpet stains. When you’re ready to bring home the gorgeous soft touch of carpet to your home, stop by our showroom, and our experts will help bring your design vision to life!