cleaning solutions for carpet stains

1. Beer. One of the most burdensome stains that your carpet might obtain is coffee. Coffee stains make your carpet gross and filthy.
2. Vinegar. Vinegar is a potent stain remover that can release you from the burden of that evident stain on your favorite carpet.
3. Shaving Cream. Have that juice stains on your carpet from last night’s party? No need to worry because your trusty smooth shaving cream can help with that.
4. Corn Starch. Best for ink stains. Cornstarch can erase that almost impossible to remove ink stain in your carpet, almost like magic!
Salt. Salt is the most natural carpet stain remover you undoubtedly have in your house. This seasoning you use the most in cooking is also the most underrated.
Baking Soda. This fantastic powder with a wide range of benefits is also great for cleaning that gross vomit stain on your carpet.
Club Soda. How does your favorite carbonated drink help you with that urine stain of your pet that is very evident on your carpet?
Baby Wipes. Baby wipes are not just for babies! This works wonders on all drips and spills on your home. ...
Ice Cubes. Chill that spill. You may think that the chewing gum on your carpet needs a lot of effort to remove.
Paint Remover. Effective in removing that ink and paint stain, paint remover can erase those hassles in your carpet.

What is the best carpet cleaner for stains?

The Best Homemade Carpet Cleaners For Every Kind of Stain

• Best carpet spot cleaner for coffee and tea: Beer. ...
• Ammonia. ...
• Vinegar. ...
• Shaving cream. ...
• Cornstarch (and milk) Oh no, ink on the carpet! ...
• Best multi-tasking homemade carpet cleaner: Salt. ...
• Best DIY carpet cleaner for ink spills: WD-40. ...
• Best homemade carpet cleaner for mystery stains: Hydrogen peroxide. ...
• Best DIY carpet cleaners for vomit and urine: Baking soda. ...

More items...

How do you make homemade carpet cleaning solution?

Recipe for Carpet Shampoo for Lighter Colored Carpets

• 4 tablespoons of 3% hydrogen peroxide solution
• 1 tablespoon dish soap
• 1 ½ quarts of hot water
• 5 drops essential oil of your choice

What is the best homemade carpet cleaning solution?

Best DIY carpet cleaning solutions Vinegar carpet cleaner White vinegar is the superhero of stain removal and it’s one of the best natural carpet cleaners around.

How to get stain out of carpet using only vinegar?

Things to Remember When Using Vinegar on Your Carpets

• Vacuum Regularly. Be sure to regularly vacuum your carpet and clean it with a carpet cleaner so that any vinegar smell that may have been missed will be removed.
• Test a Small Area. ...
• Ventilate the Room. ...
• Rinse and Dry the Stained Areas. ...
• Dilute the Vinegar. ...
• Sprinkle Baking Soda. ...

How do you clean badly stained carpet?

Sprinkle a layer of dry baking soda on the stain. Then, mix a cup of white vinegar with a cup of water and a few drops of dish soap in a spray bottle. The vinegar will foam when it hits the baking soda which will clean the stain. Leave it to sit for a few hours.

What is the best homemade carpet stain remover?

Vinegar is the superhero of stain removal. Try these different formulas for homemade carpet stain remover to remove a variety of common stains: Rub light carpet stains with a mixture of 2 tablespoons salt dissolved in 1/2 cup white vinegar. Let the solution dry, then vacuum.

What household products get stains out of carpet?

To tackle every type of carpet emergency, always have these key ingredients on hand: lemon juice, baking soda, vinegar, and natural soap or organic detergent. These compounds, whether they're working together or alone, are sure to clean almost any carpet.

Does vinegar and baking soda remove old stains from carpet?

A combination of white vinegar and baking soda is an excellent cleaning agent for various stubborn old stains such as wine spills, blood stains, coffee stains, and fat stains.

Can hydrogen peroxide remove carpet stains?

Cleaning carpet stains with hydrogen peroxide is simple. Use 3% hydrogen peroxide on stains. Spray or pour peroxide onto the stain. Let it sit, then remove with a sponge or cloth.

Will hydrogen peroxide bleach my carpet?

Using a hydrogen peroxide with a concentration of higher than 6% will most likely bleach out your carpet's color dyes. Hydrogen peroxide solutions commonly used in households is diluted to a 3% grade. However, there's still the risk that the solution can bleach your carpet, depending on the dye.

What stains Cannot be removed from carpet?

According to carpet cleaning professionals, these are the 8 hardest stains to remove from a carpet: Blood. Obviously, your first priority will be to deal with the person who's bleeding. ... Red wine. ... Other coloured drinks. ... Coffee. ... Ink. ... Animal urine. ... Other bodily fluids. ... Cooking oil.

How do you remove set in stains?

Vinegar and baking soda also make a powerful team, including for set-in stains. Saturate the stain with vinegar, and then rub the spot with a paste made from equal parts vinegar and baking soda. Let it sit for about 30 minutes, and then launder.

Does vinegar discolor carpet?

White vinegar is clear and will not leave any discoloration, which is possible with other types of vinegar. Next, you should cover the stain with the white vinegar, being sure to leave the area wet but not completely soggy.

Does WD 40 Remove carpet stains?

Often, even the most powerful of vacuum cleaners, carpet cleaners, or home remedies aren't able to get rid of the most stubborn stains. This is when WD-40 comes in handy. Its activated formula equips you to remove carpet stains within a few minutes!

Can baking soda ruin carpet?

We are often asked if baking soda will stain carpet. We have never found that bicarb or baking soda (the same thing) to ever stain carpet. Some are also concerned that the vinegar will bleach carpet. There is little risk of this happening, even with woollen carpets.

How do you clean carpet to make it look new?

You'll need around one box of baking soda per 10 by 10 feet (3 by 3 meters) room. The baking soda will absorb odors and cling to dirt particles, making them easier to remove. After the 10 minutes is up, just vacuum like normal. Your carpet will be extra fresh and looking clean.

My carpet cleaner specifies using its brand of solution. Can I use other brands with it?

Yes and no. A number of machines specify in the instructions that the policy is invalidated if you don’t use its solution with its cleaner. However...

My cleaner has a separate compartment for detergent and I’m using a concentrated solution. Do I need...

If you’re using a cleaner that doesn’t have a single tank for water plus solution, we’d recommend diluting the concentrate one part detergent to fo...

Do I put hot or cold water in my cleaner?

Hot water speeds up chemical processes and also helps dissolve dirt, so we recommend using hot water with detergent carpet cleaning solution. Pleas...

How to get a stain out of a carpet?

Spray the stain with detergent solution for natural-fiber carpets, then blot with a dry white cloth. Spray the stain with lukewarm water, then blot with a dry white cloth. Repeat steps 1 through 4 until the stain is removed. For hard candy, chocolate, berries, juice, wine, soda, and milk stains:

How to clean a carpet with a solvent?

Synthetic-fiber carpets and rugs. Apply a small amount of homemade carpet cleaning solvent to a white cloth. Dab repeatedly, then press the cloth on the spot for a few seconds. Rinse by blotting with a white cloth soaked in lukewarm water. Wait one hour or until the carpet completely dries.

How to get ballpoint ink out of carpet?

Ballpoint Ink: Spray the stain with detergent solution for natural-fiber carpets, then blot with a dry white cloth. Spray the stain with ammonia solution for natural-fiber carpets, then blot with a dry white cloth. Spray the stain with vinegar solution for natural-fiber carpets, then blot with a dry white cloth.

How to get stains out of natural fiber carpet?

Natural-fiber carpets and rugs. Vacuum any dry dirt to remove as much as possible. Spray the stain with the detergent solution for natural-fiber carpets, then blot with a dry white cloth. Spray the stain with the vinegar solution for natural-fiber carpets, then blot with a dry white cloth.

How to get rid of beer stain on carpet?

Follow the instructions below to treat beer, coffee, and tea stans with your DIY carpet stain remover: Spray the stain with the homemade detergent solution for natural-fiber carpets, then blot with a dry white cloth. Spray the stain with vinegar solution for natural-fiber carpets, then blot with a dry white cloth.

How to clean a synthetic carpet with vinegar?

Dip a cloth into the vinegar solution for synthetic carpets and dab repeatedly, then press the cloth on the spot for a few seconds. Wait another 15 minutes. (This is an important step, because white vinegar removes residual detergent, which will attract dirt if left in the carpet.)

How to get stains out of synthetic carpet?

Dip a white cloth (or a white paper towel with no printing) into the homemade detergent solution for synthetic carpets and dab repeatedly, then press the cloth on the spot for a few seconds. Wait 15 minutes (it takes time to break down the stain), then soak up the excess liquid with a dry white cloth.

What is the best way to remove stains from carpet?

You enter stain removal mode and search for the best carpet stain remover. Before reaching for the nearest bottle of cleaning solution, you may find that the best carpet cleaning solution is water. Blot (don't rub) the stain with a clean, slightly damp white cloth.

How to remove stains from carpet with vinegar?

For a homemade carpet stain remover, stir 1 teaspoon of mild dishwashing liquid into 1 quart of warm water, and add 1/4 teaspoon of white vinegar, and apply to the carpet stain. No matter what carpet cleaner solution you are using, take care not to over-wet the stain, which can damage the backing. Let sit for 10 minutes.

How to get a spill out of a kitchen sink?

Scrape off any excess solid with a spoon or a butter knife as soon as possible so your cleanable spill doesn't turn into a permanent stain. Gently blot away excess liquid with a clean, white, absorbent cloth, working from the outside edge of the stain toward the center to prevent spreading.

How to get mud stains out of a carpet?

Scrape off as much residue as possible, then vacuum. Apply a detergent solution (like the DIY cleaner above). Let the solution sit on the stain for 10 minutes before blotting with a clean white cloth or paper towel.

How to get gum off of carpet?

Gum: Peel away as much gum as you can. Harden the remaining gum by placing a resealable plastic bag of ice cubes over it. Chip gum away with a spoon or dull knife.

How to get blood out of a carpet?

Blood: Apply cold water or club soda, then blot with a clean cloth. Repeat until the stain is gone. Fat-based stains (butter, margarine, gravy, etc.): Use baking soda as a carpet cleaner for fatty stains. Sprinkle the stain with baking soda and let it sit for six hours.

How to get chocolate out of a sandpaper?

Chocolate: Use a dull knife to scrape away as much chocolate as possible. If the chocolate is melted, place a resealable plastic bag filled with ice cubes over the stain to harden the remaining chocolate before scraping. Vacuum the area to pick up any loose flakes or pieces.

What is the best way to clean carpet stains?

Immediate treatment with a specially-formulated carpet solution is the best way to clean carpet stains. However, you can efficiently and quickly remove a variety of stains with other products like white vinegar, baking soda, and even regular soap. Steps.

How to get rid of stains on carpet?

For tougher stains and brightening of your carpet, mix a 3% hydrogen peroxide solution in with clear dish soap and warm water.

How to get a stain out of a rug?

Before applying the remover, blot the stain with a dry, or lightly damp rag or cloth, working from the outside in. Don’t scrub the stain as scrubbing can press the stain further into your carpet or rug, whereas blotting will help to lift the stain out.

How to get rid of chocolate stains on a carpet?

Warm water will help the baking soda and vinegar to dissolve faster. Add a drop or two of lemon essential oil to add a nice smell. This mixture is great for everything from chocolate stains to urine. Baking soda can also help eliminate odors leftover from the stain.

How to get toothpaste stain out of carpet?

If you have a toothpaste stain on your carpet, you can easily remove it by using a liquid detergent and water solution. Thanks! Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0. If you have a shop vacuum (wet/dry vacuum), rinse the treated area with water and use it to suction out the water and stain.

Who is the owner of Sunlight Fine Rug Care and Restoration?

This article was co-authored by Haim Shemesh. Haim Shemesh is a Carpet and Rug Cleaning Specialist and the Owner of Sunlight Fine Rug Care & Restoration, a business based in New York City. Haim specializes in Oriental, Persian, handmade, and antique rug cleaning and repair. He also conducts rug restoration along with fire damage care. He has over 17 years of experience in the carpet cleaning industry. Sunlight Fine Rug Care & Restoration has been awarded Angie's List Super Service Award in 2017 and 2018. Their clients include Staples, Ace Hotel, Momofuku, Banana Republic, and more. This article has been viewed 64,933 times.

Can bleach be used on carpet?

Avoid using any stain removing cleaners that contain bleach unless you have a pure white carpet.

What is carpet cleaning solution?

Carpet cleaning solution is designed to be used with a carpet cleaning machine to yield professional-grade results without having to hire someone to do the (often costly) job for you. These machines have a tank in which to mix the solution with water or a separate reservoir to hold the solution. Both the water and solution come out the brush head as you move the unit over the carpet in a vacuuming motion. Often the solution lathers like shampoo, which is why cleaners are also referred to as carpet “shampooers.”

What to do before using a carpet cleaner?

Vacuum the carpet first. Before using a cleaner, it’s a good idea to vacuum the carpet to remove debris and pet hair.

Why do carpets get mucked up?

Carpets get mucked up for a variety of reasons – foot traffic, pet accidents, spills, children – and a carpet cleaning machine is the number one way to remove stains. You can either own or rent these cleaners to keep your carpet fresh, but they simply won’t work without a carpet cleaning solution.

What is the best way to remove odors?

Odor remover/deodorizer: In tandem with stain-removing properties, a lot of the formulas on the market also come with odor-removing ingredients. A solution that contains enzymes is particularly useful for eliminating odors because it actually breaks down the odor-causing particles rather than mask them with scent.

Can you use hot water to clean carpet?

A. Hot water speeds up chemical processes and also helps dissolve dirt, so we recommend using hot water with detergent carpet cleaning solution. Please note that if you’re using a cold water extraction cleaner, only use cold water as instructed.

Can you use spot treatment on carpet?

Some carpet cleaning solutions must be supplemented with a separate spot treatment. This can make for a thorough clean, but it can add to your overall expense and time spent on the job.

Can you change the formula on a carpet cleaner?

A. Yes and no. A number of machines specify in the instructions that the warranty is invalidated if you don’t use its solution with its cleaner. However, these warranties only last a few years, so you’re free after that to change formula as long as it’s designed for use in a carpet cleaning machine.

Removing Stains from Carpet and Rugs

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Lift and Blot

If the stain is fresh, either lift or blot. If the stain maker is solid or semi-solid like mud, pet excrement, or mustard, lift it away. NEVER rub the stain. Use the edge of an old credit card or a thin spatula to lift the staining matter away from the carpet fibers.

Identify the Stain

Knowing what caused the stain is the first step in getting it out. If you weren't there when it happened, use your detective skills to figure out the culprit. A stain usually offers three clues—the location of the stain, how the stain smells, and the color of the stain. Each clue you solve will help you treat the stain properly.

Get out Identifiable Carpet Stains

If you know what caused the carpet stain, follow a stain removal chart to get out the stain. Here are some helpful guides for getting out the five most common and difficult stains on carpet:

Get out Mystery Carpet Stains With a Commercial Stain Remover

If you are using a commercial carpet stain remover, follow the directions on the product carefully. If the stain is old, allow more time for the product to work. Always finish by vacuuming the freshly cleaned area to lift the carpet fibers. Repeat the steps if the stain reappears after the carpet is dry.

Get out Mystery Carpet Stains With a Homemade Stain Remover

Many carpet stains can be removed with a simple solution of dishwashing liquid like Palmolive and warm water. Mix two teaspoons of dishwashing liquid with two cups of warm water. Dip a clean white cloth, sponge, or soft bristle brush in the solution.

Get out Older Carpet Stains

If the commercial stain remover or the homemade carpet cleaner did not remove the stain or if the stain is older, it's time to up the game. Mix a solution of oxygen-based bleach and cool water following package directions.

Warning

Oxygen bleach is a mild form of bleach but it can still discolor dark-colored carpet. Always test the solution in a hidden spot before using it as directed. Never use chlorine bleach to remove stains on a carpet. The discoloration it causes is permanent.

How to get rid of stains on carpet?

Mix up a solution of 2 quarts of warm water and 1 cup of clear ammonia. Sponge it onto your stained carpet or furniture and let it dry completely. If you need to, repeat. Be careful, as ammonia can be toxic.

What to do if you have a stain on your carpet?

Of course, if you have a serious stain, or need a full refreshing of your carpets, reach out to a professional carpet cleaner, like us here at Pro Force Carpet Cleaning.

How to get a stain out of a white wine bottle?

Before the wine dries, dash some white wine or vinegar on it to lighten the color. Sponge the area with cold water. Then, liberally spread salt over the whole spill and let it sit for 10 minutes. Vacuum the whole dirty mess, along with your stain.

How to get rid of a stain on a white shirt?

Mix some old-fashioned toothpaste (not the newer gel kinds) with one teaspoon of hydrogen peroxide 3%. Gently rub your mixture onto your stain using a terrycloth and rinse. This will take out many stains!

How to clean a carpet with vinegar?

This has to be one of the most versatile liquids God ever made. Vinegar has so many uses that it has entire books written about it! For carpet cleaning, try these formulas for common stains: 1 Dark or large stains? Mix 1 ounce of borax with 1 ounce salt. Dissolve into 4 ounces of vinegar. Rub onto your stain and let it dry. Vacuum up the residue along with your stain. 2 Lighter carpet stains? Do the same as the above, but leave out the borax. The salt and vinegar alone will do the job. 3 Tea or coffee stain? Blot the stain with white vinegar and water mixed in equal parts. 4 Paint spill? Mix 2 cups of water with ¼ ounce vinegar and ¼ ounce laundry detergent. Sponge onto the paint before it dries. Rinse it off with cold water. 5 Fruit juice spill? Mix ¾ ounces of laundry detergent, ½ ounce of vinegar, and 2 cups of water. Pour a bit of mixture onto the spill and blot out the stain.

How to get paint off a paint spill?

Paint spill? Mix 2 cups of water with ¼ ounce vinegar and ¼ ounce laundry detergent. Sponge onto the paint before it dries. Rinse it off with cold water.

How to get a stain out of carpet?

If you’re working with a stain that has worked its way down to the bottom of your carpet’s fibers, reach for the toothbrush. Pour some white vinegar onto the affected area and brush gently to remove the stain. Remember, don’t use your own toothbrush for this!

How to get soap stains out of carpet?

Let it sit for a few minutes and then use a clean cloth and fresh water to blot the stain. This is to get the soap out of the carpet.

What is the best way to clean wool carpet?

Water and dish soap is the safest method to start with. It’s safe enough for wool blend carpets and it won’t stain. This is the best method for when you’re not sure what the stain is from.

Why is it important to clean inwards?

You should also test the cleaning treatment on an out-of-sight part of the carpet before you start cleaning. If it bleaches the carpet or reacts poorly, no one will see the spot. This gives you a chance to try a different product.

What are non soluble stains?

Non-soluble stains include wine, pet messes, blood, chocolate, and coffee. The type of stain will determine the treatment. It’s much easier to remove a stain when you know what it is. But, if you’ve moved into a house that already had a carpet stain, you won’t know what it is.

How many people have moved furniture to cover a carpet stain?

At least 70% of people have moved a piece of furniture to cover a carpet stain. It seems like a quick fix until you rearrange your furniture and rediscover that old forgotten stain.

How to get a stain out of a sandpaper?

Sprinkle a layer of dry baking soda on the stain. Then, mix a cup of white vinegar with a cup of water and a few drops of dish soap in a spray bottle. The vinegar will foam when it hits the baking soda which will clean the stain.

What are the two types of stains?

There are two general types of stains, those that dissolve in water and those that don’t. Water soluble stains (the ones that dissolve in water) are often easier to clean. Water soluble stains are things like washable ink, milk, latex paint, berries, or mud. Non-soluble stains include wine, pet messes, blood, chocolate, and coffee.