Carpet Stain Removal Guide #1

Getting a stain out of the carpet is a challenge we’ve all faced at one time or another. Many of us have go-to products that supposedly work better than anything else, but luck and timeliness play just as big of a role as does the solution you use.

In order to prevent further damage to the carpet area, we typically recommend hiring a professional to remove the stain. However a lot of do-it-yourselfers just can’t get themselves to make the call. If you’d like to try and remove the stain yourself, here are some carpet cleaning solutions that we’ve learned work best:

Ammonia Solution – Mix a tablespoon of household ammonia with about one-half cup of water.

Bleach – We are not talking about chlorine bleach. Instead we’re talking about hydrogen peroxide or sodium perborate (this is present in Snowy or Clorox II).

Detergent Solution – Mix one teaspoon of colorless detergent or dishwashing liquid in warm water.

Dry Cleaning Solvent – Find a commercial dry spotter such as Thoro, Energize or K2R and always remember that it doesn’t take much to get rid of a stain. This solution can be harmful so always use caution.

Paint, Oil and Grease (POG) Remover – This type of solution is typically available in hardware stores. We recommend using it in very small amounts and with caution.

Over the years we’ve discovered which stains are hardest to get out of carpet and now we’re revealing some of our secrets.

How to Get Blood Out of the Carpet

• Use a detergent solution and blot.
• Next use the ammonia solution and blot.
• Then apply an enzyme detergent and blot.
• Rinse the area with water and blot it until it’s dry.
• If the stain is still there try using a rust remover or oxalic acid solution.
• You may need to bleach the spot using hydrogen peroxide.

How to Get Butter Out of the Carpet

• Use a dry cleaning solvent and blot.
• Next apply a detergent solution and blot until it’s dry.
• Then pour vinegar on the stain and blot.
• Rinse the stain with water and blot until it’s dry.

How to Get Candle Wax Out of the Carpet

• First you want to get as much was out of the carpet as possible.
• Next you’ll need to use a dry cleaning solvent on the stain.
• Then apply the paint, oil and grease solution and blot.
• Repeat step 2 with the dry cleaning solvent.

How to Get Ketchup and Tomato Sauce Out of the Carpet

• Use a detergent solution and blot.
• Next use an ammonia solution and blot.
• Then apply an enzyme detergent and blot.
• If the stain is still there you may need to use hydrogen peroxide.
• Rinse the spot with water and blot until dry.

How to Get Chocolate Out of the Carpet

• Remove as much chocolate as possible before applying anything.
• Then use detergent and blot.
• Next use an ammonia solution and blot.
• Applying a little vinegar solution and blotting will help as well.
• Use an enzyme detergent and blot.
• Rinse the spot with water and blot the area until it’s dry.

How to Get Coffee Out of the Carpet

• Use a detergent solution and blot.
• Then apply the vinegar solution and blot.
• Cover the spot with towels until it’s dry.