How to Remove Carpet Stains

Water-Soluble Stains

Stains resulting from spilt soda, juice, alcoholic beverages, ice cream, jelly, washable markers, latex paint, berries, Gatorade or Kool-Aid (just to name a few) can easily be removed from most synthetic fiber carpeting and rugs by simply following the directions below:

1. After dipping a clean, non-patterned, white cloth in your choice of carpet stain removal solution gently blot the stain repeatedly. Do not rub the stain as this can cause the foreign material to either set in or spread.
2. Place the cloth on the stain for 15 minutes – it is important to give some time for the stain to break down – then soak up any excess liquid with a dry, non-patterned, white cloth.
3. Dip another clean cloth into a vinegar solution (1 cup of white vinegar to two cups of water) and blot repeatedly. Again press cloth onto stain and wait 15 minutes to allow the vinegar to remove any residual detergent.
4. Rinse stain by blotting with a clean cloth soaked in lukewarm water. Allow time for the carpet to dry completely. If the stain is still noticeable, repeat steps one through four until it is completely gone.

Special Water-Soluble Stains

Stains such as blood, chocolate, coffee, tea, vomit, wine, and mustard require a little different technique from those stains listed above. We recommend following the directions below to receive optimal results when removing any of these foreign substances from your carpet or upholstery:

1. For natural fiber carpet and upholstery, we recommend liberally spraying the stain with 1 tablespoon or ammonium mixed with 1 cup of water, then blotting dry with a clean white cloth.
2. Spray the stain with the vinegar solution listed above, then blot dry. Once dry, re-spray with detergent solution seen in step #1, and blot dry. Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water and allow sufficient time to dry.
3. Repeat steps one and two until stain is no longer visible.

Fat, Oil, Wax, and Other Stains

Fat, Oil, and Wax Stains

Place a non-patterned white paper towel or cloth (one you don’t mind discarding) directly onto the affected area and iron on warm setting. This should allow the fat, oil or wax to adhere to the paper towel rather than the carpet.

Tacky, Wood or School Glue

Moisten a cotton ball or soft cloth with rubbing alcohol and press onto affected area. Once the glue is completely moistened, gently wipe it off with another clean towel and repeat until no sticky residue is present.

Nail Polish

Blot the affected area with a clean cloth that has been dipped into nail polish remover. For best results we recommend using acetone nail polish remover rather than non-acetone. Repeat as necessary.