How To Clean Common Stains Off Non-Wool Carpets

Most household spills can be easily removed using the steps below. Treatment of the affected area should begin immediately upon discovery, as stain removal becomes more difficult with time. To start, follow these steps then locate your stain on the chart and follow the appropriate procedure: 

1. First, use a spoon, dull knife, or a carpet cleaning key to remove as much solid material as possible. 
2. Always work from the outside of stain to the center to prevent spreading, especially with large stains. 
3. Blot up liquid spills with a white towel or paper towel. 
4. For best results, try to remove remaining stain with warm water.

Common Water-Based Stains

Special Water-Based Stains

Greasy, Oil-Based Stains

*Freeze and remove solid materials before using cleaning fluid.

Procedure A 

1. Mix a solution of 1/4 teaspoon of clear hand dishwashing detergent with 1 cup of water. Stir gently. 
2. Apply detergent solution directly to a white cloth. Dampen the carpet fibers in the stained area with the cloth. Avoid saturating the carpet. 
3. Wipe gently. Turn cloth frequently. Never rub, scrub, or use a brush. This may damage carpet fibers. If necessary, use your fingertips to work the solution to the base of the stain. Do not oversaturate carpet; use small amounts of solution and blot frequently. 
4. Wet the stained carpet fibers with clear, lukewarm water to rinse. 
5. Cover the spot with an absorbent white towel or paper towel and apply pressure to blot. 
6. Repeat the rinsing and blotting procedures until you are sure all traces of the detergent have been removed. 
7. If the stain is gone, place an absorbent white towel or paper towel over the area cleaned, and weigh towels down with a heavy colorfast object, such as a weighted plastic wastebasket. 
8. Change towels or paper towels until carpet dries. 
9. If stain remains, perform Procedure B (for coffee, tea, or urine, skip Procedure B and perform Procedure C). 

Procedure B (Do NOT use on coffee, tea, or urine stains) 

1. Mix 2 tablespoons of non-bleaching, non-sudsing household ammonia with 1 cup of lukewarm water. 
2. Apply ammonia solution, rinse, and blot, as outlined in Procedure A. Do not dry with paper towels. Follow Procedure C to neutralize the ammonia solution. 

Procedure C 

1. Mix 1/2 cup of white vinegar with 1 cup of lukewarm water. 
2. Apply vinegar solution, rinse, and blot, as outlined in Procedure A.

Important: Do not use any cleaner with a pH of 10 or higher. Before using, always test cleaners on a small, non-visible area for any discoloration of the pile.

Abnormally large or excessive stains may require hot water extraction method. Professional cleaning is recommended. If stain returns — a condition known as “wicking” — simply repeat stain removal procedures, paying special attention to blotting and removal of all moisture.