If you have carpet flooring in your home, chances are you will have to deal with an unwanted stain. No matter the culprit, it’s important to know what to do right away so the stain doesn’t become permanent. Below we have listed 5 common carpet stains along with an easy way to remove them. Because time is so critical when working with stains, each method only requires common household products.
1. Pet Stains
What you need: paper towels, white vinegar, baking soda, water, cloth, and a spray bottle (optional)
Blot dry with paper towels
Mix 1 cup of warm water, 1 cup of white vinegar and 2 tablespoons of baking soda
Pour mixture into a spray bottle and thoroughly spray the stain (no spray bottle? Slowly pour the mixture over the stain and make sure not to use too much)
Let sit for 5 minutes
Gently rub the stain with a cloth and blot dry
2. Wine/Juice Stains
What you need: paper towels, baking soda, water, cloth, and a vacuum
Blot the stain with paper towels and do not rub
Apply a small amount of cold water and continue blotting with a cloth (do not spray)
Repeat until no more of the stain will come out
Make a paste with 3-parts baking soda and 1-part water
Apply to stain and let dry
Vacuum the dried paste slowly from each direction
3. Dirt Stains
What you need: mild dishwashing detergent, water, two cloths, and a vacuum
If wet, let dry
Remove as much dirt as possible by vacuuming slowly from each direction
Mix 1 cup of warm water with 1 teaspoon of mild dishwashing detergent
Apply mixture to stain with a white cloth
Blot dry with second cloth
Repeat until stain is gone
4. Blood Stains
What you need: mild dish soap, water, two cloths, and a spray bottle (optional)
Blot dry with paper towels
Mix 1 cup of cold water with 1/4 teaspoon of mild dish soap
Apply mixture to stain with a white cloth
Let sit for 5 minutes
Blot dry with second cloth and do not rub
Spray area with cold water (or lightly pour), blot dry and repeat until stain is gone
