How to Remove Stains

Carpet Stain Removal
Even if you have carpet that resists stains and cleans up easily, accidents and spills are inevitable. But with the right know-how, you can fight back and keep your carpet looking great for years to come.

The first rule of thumb is to always blot a stain before you clean it. Once you've done that, your first line of defense should be room-temperature club soda. Just dribble a little on your stain, let it stand for a minute or two, then blot away. You'll be surprised how often it works! When it doesn't, simply find the source of your stain on the list below and follow the appropriate cleaning method.

Method 1
For Beer, Blood, Cola, Cough Syrup, Egg, Gelatin, Grape Soda, Hawaiian Punch, Ink (water soluble), Iodine, Kool-Aid, Latex Paint, Medicine, Mouthwash, Mustard, Orange Juice, Orange Soda, Rust, and Water Colors:

1. Blot the excess liquid.
2. Soak with lukewarm water for a minute and then blot with a sponge or paper towel.
3. Repeat until the stain no longer comes up on the towel or sponge.
4. If the stain persists, use ½ teaspoon of liquid hand or dish soap (without lanolin) diluted in a pint of water. Press into the stain area with your fingers.
5. Blot the excess, then rinse with lukewarm water.
6. Blot the area dry.
7. If the stain still persists, add water again, fold a paper towel and place it over the stain with weight on it. Check the towel every five minutes until the stain is removed.
8. Do not walk on the treated area until it is completely dry.

Method 2
For Beet Juice, Cranberry Juice, Grape Juice, Prune Juice, and Wine:
NOTE: This method is only appropriate for white or off-white carpet as bleaching may occur.

1. Blot the excess liquid.
2. Soak with lukewarm water for a minute and then blot again.
3. Apply hydrogen peroxide and then immediately follow with household ammonia.
4. Rinse with water and blot.
5. If the stain persists, use Method 1 steps 4-8.

Method 3
For Feces, Urine, and Vomit:

1. Scrape off the excess and blot the liquid.
2. Vacuum up the dry particles.
3. Soften the stain with alcohol or dry cleaning solvent.
4. Blot immediately.
5. If the stain persists, use Method 1 steps 4-8.

Method 4
For Asphalt, Chocolate, Coffee, Cooking Oil, Crayon, Felt Marker, Furniture Stain, Grease, Ink (Ball Point, Permanent), Lipstick, Motor Oil (used), Oil Paint, Rouge, Shoe Polish, and Tea:

1. Blot the excess liquid.
2. Wet the stain with alcohol or dry cleaning solvent.
3. Blot immediately.
4. Repeat the above steps one time.
5. If the stain persists, use Method 1 steps 4-8.

Method 5
For Dirt and Red Clay Soil:

1. Allow area to dry and then vacuum the excess.
2. Soak with lukewarm water for a minute and then blot with a sponge or paper towel.
3. Repeat until no stain is evident on the towel or sponge.
4. If the stain persists, use Method 1 steps 4-8.

Method 6
For Nail Polish:

1. Blot the excess.
2. Apply nail polish remover and blot immediately with a paper towel.
3. Repeat until no stain is evident on the towel.
4. Do not allow anyone to walk on the treated area until it's dry.

Method 7
For Slime (toy):

1. Scrape off the excess.
2. Soften the stain with vinegar.
3. Blot using lukewarm water.
4. Repeat until no stain is evident on the blotter.
5. If the stain persists, use Method 1 steps 4-8.

If you exhaust the above options and your stain still won't go away, it's either time to call in a professional or rearrange your furniture.

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