4 Easy And Effective Methods For Getting Stains Out Of Carpet

A topic near and dear to my heart and home, getting stains out of our carpets has been an almost everyday occurrence as we work to potty train our new puppy. Considering there are so many different types of stains that can weasel their way into your carpet, it’s important to treat each stain with care and consideration. 

Before you even think about scrubbing away at that carpet stain, the first thing to remember is to stay calm and resist the urge to start rubbing, suggests Jacqueline Stein, a professional cleaner and the owner of Home Reimagined in Austin, Texas. “Rubbing can push the stain deeper into the carpet fibers, making it much harder to remove.”

Below, we asked multiple experts for their best tips and tricks for how to get stains out of carpet without the panic. 

Before Getting Started

Special Considerations for Carpet Stain Removal

It’s important to first blot a carpet stain with a clean, white cloth to absorb as much liquid as possible. “A common mistake that can worsen the situation is rubbing, rather than blotting, which can spread the stain,” explains Marla Mock, President of Molly Maid, a Neighborly company. “There are certain types of carpets that don’t absorb stains as much, like synthetic, that are easier to clean, therefore you won’t need as powerful of a cleaner.”

Additionally, quick action is critical. “Addressing a stain as soon as it occurs significantly increases the chances of removing it completely,” explains Taylor Riley, co-founder of Impact Cleaning Professionals and founder of Boom. Facility Service Advisors in Lakeland, Florida. “The longer a stain sits, the more it sets into the carpet fibers, making it harder to remove and more likely to cause permanent damage.”

The type of carpet you have plays a huge role in how you should approach stain removal, and is something you must consider. Wool carpets are natural fibers, so they’re more sensitive to harsh chemicals and excessive moisture. For wool, you’ll want to use a pH-neutral cleaner and be extra gentle. On the other hand, synthetic carpets (like nylon or polyester) are a bit more resilient but can still be damaged by strong chemicals or over-scrubbing, as any fabric can. 

“When it comes to stains, oil-based stains like grease or makeup are particularly tough on synthetic carpets, while protein-based stains (like blood or pet accidents) can be challenging on wool,” says Stein. “Knowing your carpet type is key to choosing the right cleaning method.”

Testing an Inconspicuous Spot

According to Riley, it's essential to test an inconspicuous spot before applying any cleaning solution to ensure it won’t damage the carpet or cause color fading. “To perform a colorfastness test, apply a small amount of the solution to a hidden area, such as under a piece of furniture,” explains. “Let it sit for a few minutes, then blot with a white cloth. If the cloth comes away with no color transfer and the carpet looks unchanged, it’s safe to use the solution on the stain.”

However, if there is any discoloration, Stein suggests switching to a gentler solution. “Always follow manufacturer instructions on the bottle and carpet, as well,” she warns.  

Safety Considerations

When using cleaning solutions on carpets, it’s crucial to ensure good ventilation by opening windows or using fans, especially if the product has strong fumes—and wear a mask. “Wear gloves to protect your skin, and avoid mixing different cleaners as this can create toxic fumes,” suggests Stein. “Bleach is a big no-no on most carpets as it can cause irreversible damage and discoloration. Instead, opt for gentler, pH-neutral cleaners.” Also, be wary of using products that contain ammonia or peroxide on wool carpets, as they can weaken the fibers over time.

What You Need

• Clean cloths
• Hydrogen peroxide
• Baking soda
• Mild non-bleach laundry detergent
• White vinegar
• Dishwashing liquid
• Spray bottle
• Water

How To Get Stains Out Of Carpet

Method 1: Hydrogen Peroxide and Baking Soda

1. Blot the stain: Start by blotting up as much of the stain as possible with a clean cloth. Avoid rubbing!
2. Apply baking soda: Sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda over the stained area. Baking soda helps to absorb moisture and odors. This will also help reduce spreading on the back side of the carpet. 
3. Mix the solution: In a spray bottle, mix 1 part hydrogen peroxide (3%) with 1 part water.
4. Apply the solution: Spray the hydrogen peroxide mixture over the baking soda until it’s slightly damp.
5. Let it sit: Allow the mixture to sit on the stain for at least 10-15 minutes.
6. Blot and rinse: After the time has passed, blot the area with a clean, damp cloth to remove the baking soda and peroxide. 
7. Dry the area: Place a dry towel over the area and apply pressure to absorb any remaining moisture. Allow it to air dry completely.
   

Method 2: Mild Non-Bleach Laundry Detergent

1. Mix the solution: In a small bowl, mix 1/4 teaspoon of mild non-bleach laundry detergent with 1 cup of warm water. “Remember that less is more with detergent as it needs a good rinsing, which is why it’s best used in laundry machines, not on other areas” says Stein.
2. Test first: Always perform a colorfastness test on an inconspicuous area before applying the solution to the stain.
3. Blot the stain: Dab the stained area gently with a clean cloth to soak up as much of the stain as possible.
4. Apply the solution: Using a clean cloth or sponge, apply the detergent solution to the stain. Work from the outside in to avoid spreading the stain.
5. Blot again: Gently blot the area with a dry cloth to lift the stain and detergent.
6. Rinse: Dampen a clean cloth with water and blot the area to rinse out any detergent residue. Rinsing is a very important step with detergent, so ensure to do this carefully and remove all residue. 
7. Dry: Finally, press a dry towel onto the area to soak up excess moisture and let it air dry.

Method 3: Homemade Carpet Stain Remover

Homemade carpet stain removers are great because they’re usually made with ingredients you already have in your pantry—saving you a trip to the store. “They’re also often free of harsh chemicals, making them a safer option for homes with kids and pets,” says Stein. “Plus, you have control over what goes into the cleaner, which means you can tailor it to suit your specific needs.”

What You’ll Need:

• 1 cup of white vinegar
• 2 cups of water
• 1 tablespoon of baking soda
• 1 teaspoon of mild dish soap

1. Mix the solution: In a spray bottle, combine the vinegar, water, baking soda, and dish soap. Shake well to ensure everything is mixed.
2. Test first: Always do a patch test in an inconspicuous spot before applying.
3. Apply: Spray the solution directly onto the stain.
4. Blot: Use a clean cloth to blot the stain, working from the outside in.
5. Rinse: Dampen another cloth with water and blot the area to remove any residue.
6. Dry: Press a dry towel over the area and let it air dry completely.

Method 4: Grease-Fighting Dish Detergent

1. Blot the stain: Start by blotting the area with a clean cloth to absorb as much of the grease as possible.
2. Mix the solution: in a small bowl, mix a few drops of grease-fighting dish detergent with 1 cup of warm water. “In some cases, you can even apply a minimal drop to the stain itself but always be careful based on the color of the carpet and not over-saturating,” says Stein.
3. Test first: Always perform a colorfastness test on an inconspicuous area before applying the solution to the stain.
4. Apply the solution: Dampen a clean cloth or sponge with the detergent solution and gently blot the stain. Avoid scrubbing, as this can push the grease further into the carpet fibers.
5. Rinse: Dampen a separate cloth with clean water and blot the area to rinse out the detergent.
6. Dry: Use a dry towel to absorb any remaining moisture and allow the area to air dry completely.