How to Remove Common Types
of Carpet Stains

Removing Carpet Stains

Facing red wine, food, or pet stains on your carpet? To rid your carpet of stains, it is essential to identify the stain quickly and treat the stain based on its type. Different types of carpet stains need to be treated with different treatment solutions and methods. No matter the type of stain, never use a brush or rub harshly to remove it, as this will only cause more damage to the carpet. Instead of brushing or rubbing, simply blot the stain and scoop up as much of the stain as possible and as gently as you can. Avoid overwetting the carpet while cleaning and after the carpet is dry, vacuum the area to restore its texture.

Oil-based stains tend to be more difficult to remove than water-based stains. Oil-based stains include butter, cooking oil, crayons, candle wax, and grease. As soon as you can, blot the oil-based stain with paper towel to soak up the agent causing the stain as much as possible. Make a cleaning solution of methylated alcohol and ammonia and repeatedly apply the solution to the stain until it has been removed. Rinse with a mild soap and clear water, blot dry with a paper towel, and then allow to air dry.

Water-based stains include alcohol, juice, wine, soft drinks, water-based furniture polish, excrement, mud, wet or latex paint, food dyes, and washable ink. To treat water-based stains, make your own cleaning solution of 1/4 teaspoon of nonbleach detergent or white vinegar mixed with a few cups of water. You can also use a cleaning solution of two tablespoons of household ammonia and lukewarm water, or a small amount of dishwashing detergent diluted with water. After applying the cleaning solution, rinse the area with a small amount of lukewarm water and then blot the area using a paper towel. Repeat the rinsing and blotting until the carpet is completely free of cleaning solution and allow the carpet to fully air dry.

For gum stains, freeze the stain with ice, then shatter it with a spoon. Vacuum up the pieces and blot the carpet. When dealing with pet urine, blot the stain with one part white vinegar and one part water. Apply a solution of 1/2 teaspoon of clear nonbleach detergent with a few cups of water, rinse, and dry. To remove fingernail polish, simply apply fingernail polish remover to a white cotton cloth, dab the area, rinse it, and repeat. When removing blood stains, only use cold water, as heat will set the stain. Coffee stains can be removed using white vinegar and a hot, wet cloth.

When cleaning carpets and ridding it of stains, use extra care to make sure that carpets dry quickly and thoroughly. Always consult manufacturer's suggestions when removing stains. For more carpet cleaning techniques and tips, contact National Floors Direct, providing expert carpeting and flooring installations throughout Rhode Island, Connecticut, and the Boston metropolitan area.