Simple Methods for Effective Carpet Stain Removal

Spot cleaning carpets can be challenging, especially with stubborn or ingrained stains. Before opting for professional cleaning, try these easy household remedies to tackle common stains like wine spills or pet accidents. Here are some proven stain removal techniques you can use at home.

Ice Cubes: If kids have left chewing gum on your carpet, use ice cubes to solidify the gum. Once frozen, scrape it off gently with a knife and blot with dry cleaning solvent for best results.

Blotting is often more effective than scraping for removing stains.

Beer: For coffee or tea stains, apply a small amount of beer and gently rub it into the fabric. Repeat as necessary until the stain lifts.

Ammonia: Mix a cup of clear ammonia with two liters of warm water and sponge the stain. Allow to dry for easy removal from both carpet and upholstery.

Vinegar: A versatile stain remover, vinegar can be used by dissolving two tablespoons of salt in half a cup of white vinegar. Use this mixture to treat light stains, vacuum after drying. For tougher stains, add borax to the solution or create a paste with vinegar and cornstarch for larger stains. For paint splashes, mix vinegar, detergent, and water, and blot before rinsing with cold water. Fruit juice stains can be tackled with a solution of detergent and vinegar. For coffee or tea, use an equal mixture of vinegar and water.

Salt is another helpful tool—applying white wine to dilute red wine on your carpet, then blotting with water and sprinkling salt can help lift the stain. For greasy food stains, a mixture of salt and rubbing alcohol works effectively. Quickly applying salt on sauces or ketchup and vacuuming after a few minutes can also prevent permanent staining.
Borax can be used as a powerful stain remover—dampen the stain, rub with borax, and allow it to dry before vacuuming. A solution of vinegar and soap water can strengthen this process, repeated if necessary, to fully remove tough stains.