Guide to Stain and Spot Removal from Carpets and Upholstery

This is a general guide to spot and stain removal for common household stains. The guide is separated into categories of stains and the recommended procedures for that category.
Please note that this guide is only to be used for recommendations and is not in any way comparable to professional spot removal. Some cleaning agents have health risks, and can cause carpets to discolor, delaminate, or even dissolve the fibers.
With that said, Proceed at your own risk, and when in doubt, it’s always best to hire a professional.

General Spotting Guidelines

1. Always treat spots and stains as quickly as possible. The quicker a stains is treated, the less time it has to soak into the carpet or fabric.
2. Always remove as much of the staining substance as possible by scraping, blotting, or vacuuming before applying any cleaning products.
3. Always pretest in an inconspicuous area before applying any cleaning agents to your carpet. There are many different types of carpets and they will all react differently with cleaning products.
4. Always follow the manufacturers instructions when using any cleaning/spotting agents.

Water Soluble Stains (Candies or Syrups)

1. Extract as much excess soil as possible
2. Apply a carpet shampoo or spotting agent (Mix as directed on product label)

1. Tamp the area (Put a rag over the area and tap the stain with a wooden spoon or the handle end of a butter knife. The idea is to work the cleaning agent into the carpet without sinking the soils deeper into the carpet)
2. Blot (Don’t rub – this will sink the soils deeper into the carpet)
3. Repeat steps 2, 3, and 4 until soil is removed
4. If spot persists, try an oxygen based stain fighter such as Oxi-clean (remember to test any stain fighting products in an inconspicuous area first to see if discoloration occurs)
5. Rinse and extract the area to remove residues and neutralize the affected area

Protein Based Stains (Blood, Egg, Milk, Vomit)

1. Extract as much excess soil as possible.
2. Apply a carpet shampoo (Mix as directed on product label)
3. Tamp the area (Put a rag over the area and tap the stain with a wooden spoon or the handle end of a butter knife. The idea is to work the cleaning agent into the carpet without sinking the soils deeper into the carpet)
4. Blot (Don’t rub – this will sink the soils deeper into the carpet)
5. If spot persists, try an enzyme based Urine Stain Remover. You should be able to find something at most pet stores. (Mix as directed on product label) (remember to test any stain fighting products in an inconspicuous area first to see if discoloration occurs)
6. Rinse and extract the area to remove residues and neutralize the affected area
7. If spot still remains reapply the Urine Stain Remover and leave to dry.
8. Rinse and extract after Urine Stain Remover dries.

Tannin Stains (Coffee, Tee, Soda, Beer, Fruit Juice)

1. Extract as much excess soil as possible
2. Apply an oxygen based stain fighter such as Oxiclean (Mix as directed on product label)(remember to test any stain fighting products in an inconspicuous area first to see if discoloration occurs)
3. Gently tamp the area (Put a rag over the area and tap the stain with a wooden spoon or the handle end of a butter knife. The idea is to work the cleaning agent into the carpet without sinking the soils deeper into the carpet)
4. Allow 3 minutes for product to work
5. Rinse and Extract the area.
6. Repeat steps 2,3,4, and 5 until stain is removed.
7. If stain persists, sprinkle powdered oxygen based stain fighter directly on stain and steam iron through a damp cotton cloth.
   NOTE: This process could remove dyes or melt synthetic fibers in your carpet. PLEASE REMEMBER TO TEST FIRST
8. As a last resort, you could try a rust stain remover available at most hardware stores. NOTE: Rust removal products can be dangerous and corrosive; manufacturer’s directions should be followed closely.
9. Rinse and neutralize the areas as necessary.

Color Adding Stains ( Red Wine, Inks, Kool Aid)

1. Extract as much excess soil as possible
2. Apply a carpet shampoo or spotting agent (Mix as directed on product label)
3. Tamp the area (Put a rag over the area and tap the stain with a wooden spoon or the handle end of a butter knife. The idea is to work the cleaning agent into the carpet without sinking the soils deeper into the carpet)
4. Blot the area.(Don’t rub – this will sink the soils deeper into the carpet)
5. Repeat steps 2, 3 and 4 until stain is removed.
6. If spot remains, try an oxygen based stain fighter solution. Ammonia can also be used. (Mix 1 tablespoon ammonia to 1 cup water) (NOTE: Ammonia is a bleaching agent and could remove the dyes in the carpet along with the stain)
7. If stain persists, sprinkle powdered oxygen based stain fighter directly on stain and steam iron through a damp cotton cloth.
   NOTE: This process could remove dyes or melt synthetic fibers in your carpet. PLEASE REMEMBER TO TEST FIRST
8. Rinse, Extract and Neutralize the areas as necessary.

Volatile Solvent Stains (Oils, Grease, Nail Polish, Gum)

1. Scrape and remove as much excess soil as possible
2. For gums and waxes, use a freezing gum removal agent. Then break the soil up and vacuum.
3. Apply a solvent spotting agent. You should be able to find one at most hardware stores. (NOTE: Excessive use of solvents can dissolve carpet adhesives and backing, do not soak the carpet.)
4. Blot with a towel.
5. Rinse and neutralize the area as necessary.

About the Author
Tom Hackett is a dedicated father of 2 who owns yourbabysupply.com. Your Baby Supply offers a great selection of baby comfort products and baby pillows including baby sleep positioners, sleep pillows, sleep wedges, maternity pillows, and more!