Carpet stains can be tricky to deal with. With the right tools, products, and techniques, however, you can make it look new again.
Table of Contents
ToggleThe Fundamentals of Carpet Stain Removal
With carpet stains, you want to act fast; every second counts. The longer you let it sit, the more it will ingrain itself into the fibers, making it harder to remove.
So, don’t wait. Start blotting with a clean, white, cloth right away to soak up the excess liquid. But remember, be gentle. Rubbing can push the liquid deeper into the fibers, making the stain harder to clean.
Blotting the Stain
Start from the outside of the stain and slowly move toward the center. That will prevent the stain from spreading and causing a bigger mess.
Use clean white towels or cloths for blotting to prevent dye transfer from the towel to the carpet. After blotting, place a few layers of dry towels over the area and a heavy object, such as a book, on top to help absorb any remaining moisture from the carpet.
Identifying the Stain Type
Different stains require different cleaning agents and methods for removal.
Organic stains like food, drinks, or pet messes can usually be identified by their distinct color and odor, while synthetic stains like ink, paint, or makeup may look more uniform and may need different cleaners. If you can’t identify the stain, treat it as a water-soluble stain before trying more specialized cleaning solutions.
Choosing the Right Carpet Cleaner
Using the wrong cleaner can worsen the stain or even damage your carpet fibers. When dealing with organic stains such as pet urine, feces, or vomit, enzymatic cleaners are your best bet. They’re equipped with proteases and other specific enzymes that will break down the organic matter.
While there are many effective products, we highly recommend ACTIVE Carpet & Upholstery Stain Remover Shampoo, which is formulated to work on a wide range of stains.
Best Method for Water-Soluble Stains
Water soluble stains can be caused by several things, including:
- washable ink
- milk
- berries
- mud
A homemade solution of 1/4 teaspoon of non-bleach detergent or white vinegar mixed with 32 ounces of water can work wonders for simple water-soluble stains.
For tougher water soluble stains, create a cleaning solution by mixing 2 cups of water with 1 tablespoon each of vinegar and dish soap.
Addressing Stubborn Stains
When dealing with old and tough stains, a little pre-treatment can go a long way. Here’s what you should do:
- Blot the spill to remove as much liquid as possible
- Mix a solution of hydrogen peroxide and dish soap
- Apply the solution to the stain, making sure not to oversaturate the area
- Gently work the solution into the carpet fibers
- Rinse the area with clean water
- Blot the area repeatedly with a damp cloth to remove any remaining solution
General Instructions on How to Remove Carpet Stains
Start by vacuuming the carpet. That will remove any loose dirt and debris, making the cleaning process more effective.
Test Before You Treat
Before you start, test the cleaning product on an inconspicuous area to ensure colorfastness. Here’s how to do it:
- Apply the cleaner to a hidden part of the carpet using a paper towel or cloth
- Blot the spot to observe if there’s any color transfer to ensure the safety of the product
- Allow the cleaning solution to sit on the test spot for one to two minutes before blotting to examine for any color loss
If color transfers to the paper towels, an alternative cleaning solution should be considered.
Apply, Blot, and Repeat
Now that you’ve tested the cleaner, it’s time to get to work. Here’s how to remove the stubborn stain from your carpet:
- Apply a small amount of carpet cleaner to the affected area without oversaturating the carpet
- Use a clean, dry cloth to gently blot the stain
- Repeat, blotting with a dry cloth as necessary, working from the outside of the stain inward
This process might seem a bit repetitive, but trust us, it’s worth the effort.
Rinse and Dry
Rinse the carpet with clean water to remove any soap residue. Leftover detergent can lead to stickiness and attract more dirt.
To do this, blot the area with a clean, damp cloth. Place a paper towel on the treated area afterward and weigh it down with a heavy object overnight – that will ensure all of the moisture is removed after rinsing.
Once the carpet area is clean and dry, vacuum the area to fluff the carpet fibers. Don’t forget to check the condition of your carpet pad as well.
Pet Stain Protocol
Pets are a joy, but their stains? Not so much. When dealing with pet stains, enzymatic cleaners are your go-to. Unlike regular cleaners, they are specifically formulated to break down pet stains and neutralize odors.
For less severe cases, household solutions like a vinegar and lukewarm water mixture, or baking soda, can also be used. Keep in mind, however, that pet urine can weaken dyes in carpet fibers, so always test carpet colorfastness with cleaners.
For more severe urine stains and odors, it’s best to use professional cleaning products.
Removing Latex Paint From Your Carpet
Ever spilled latex paint on your carpet? No need to panic. Here’s how you can remove it:
- Scrape away the wet water-based latex paint with a putty knife
- Spray the stained area with warm water
- Mix warm water with a mild dishwashing liquid and apply the mixture to the stained area
For dried latex paint, follow these steps to remove the stain:
- Start by scraping away as much of the dried paint as possible
- After scraping, apply a sponge or clean white cloth with paint thinner or turpentine to the stained area
- Blot the stain to remove it
- If warm water alone does not soften the dried latex paint for removal, apply paint thinner
Maintaining Your Carpet After a Spill
Post-spill carpet maintenance is crucial. Regular vacuuming, ideally a few times a week or even daily, can help maintain a clean carpet and extend its life.
For a thorough deep clean that addresses residual spill effects, consider professional carpet cleaning services or renting a steam carpet cleaner.
For the best results, we recommend having your carpet professionally cleaned every 12 to 18 months, especially after dealing with tougher stains or spills.
Prevent Spreading and Soiling
Ensure the carpet is allowed to dry completely after washing, which can take 6 to 12 hours, before walking on it or replacing furniture to prevent the spread of any residual stains.
Minimize heavy foot traffic on the carpet for a few days after cleaning to prevent dirt and debris from being tracked onto the fresh clean surface.
Make a habit of vacuuming the carpet at least once a week, and more frequently in high-traffic areas, using a vacuum with a HEPA filter to protect the carpet from soiling. You can also apply carpet protectors for an additional layer of protection against stains and spills, repelling dirt, dust, and liquids.
When to Call in the Professionals
While DIY stain removal will work for most minor stains, there will be times when professional intervention will be necessary. This is especially true for old carpet stains.
As a general rule, you want to schedule professional carpet cleaning at least once a year, or more frequently for homes with pets, children, or high-traffic areas.
Key Takeaways
- Act quickly and blot with a clean cloth to prevent the stain from setting in, and avoid rubbing to stop further penetration into the carpet fibers
- Identify the type of stain to choose the appropriate cleaner
- Enzymatic cleaners are great for organic stains like pet messes, while DIY solutions can tackle water-soluble marks
- Regular maintenance and vacuuming will prolong your carpet’s life
- For tough or old stains, consider professional cleaning services for the best results
Carpet Stain – How to Remove FAQs
Can you remove carpet stains with liquid dish soap?
You can use liquid dish soap by itself in a pinch, however, it won’t be as effective as commercial products such as ACTIVE Carpet & Upholstery Stain Remover Shampoo.
How do you get old stains out of the carpet?
To remove old stains from the carpet, sprinkle a liberal amount of baking soda on the stain, then create a cleaning solution with vinegar, water, and dish soap. Spray the solution onto the baking soda, let it sit for a few hours, then vacuum the area.
Can you use vinegar and baking soda to remove old stains from the carpet?
Yes, the combination of vinegar and baking soda can effectively remove old stains from carpet.
How can I prevent a stain from spreading?
To prevent a stain from spreading, always blot – don’t rub. You also want to work from the outside of the stain towards the center. Also, make sure the affected area is completely dry before walking on it or replacing furniture to avoid spreading any residual stains.
What should I do if I can’t identify the stain?
If you can’t identify the stain, treat it as a water-soluble stain before trying more specialized cleaning solutions. That can help prevent further damage or discoloration.
15% Off Amazon Coupon
×Click To Reveal The 15% Off Coupon Code For Your Entire ACTIVE Purchase At Amazon.com
Note: This promotional offer is only guaranteed through the end of the day.