Carpet Stain Removal Guide

How to get coffee & tea out of carpet

1. 1Blot up as much liquid as you can with a dry white cloth.
2. 2Blot with a little cool water to dilute what’s left.
3. 3Apply the detergent solution, wait a few minutes, then blot.
4. 4Follow with the vinegar solution to lift leftover tannin, then blot.
5. 5Rinse with plain water and blot dry.

Pro tip: Coffee with cream or sugar leaves residue that attracts dirt — if a shadow comes back after drying, a hot-water extraction will rinse it out.

How to get red wine out of carpet

1. 1Blot immediately with a dry white cloth — don’t let it soak in.
2. 2Pour a small amount of cool water on the spot and blot again; repeat.
3. 3Apply the detergent solution and blot from the outside in.
4. 4Follow with the vinegar solution, blot, then rinse with plain water.
5. 5Blot dry and weigh down a stack of paper towels.

Pro tip: If a pink or purple tint stays after drying, the dye has bonded with the fiber — call us before trying anything stronger.

How to get pet urine out of carpet

1. 1Press a thick stack of paper towels onto the spot, standing on it to pull up as much as possible. Repeat with fresh towels.
2. 2Blot with a little cool water and press dry again.
3. 3Apply the vinegar solution, wait 5 minutes, then blot.
4. 4For lingering odor, use an enzyme cleaner made for pet urine and follow the label.
5. 5Let it dry fully, then vacuum.

Pro tip: Urine soaks through to the pad and spreads wider than the visible spot. If the smell returns on humid days, it needs deep extraction.

How to get pet vomit & accidents out of carpet

1. 1Lift off solids with a spoon or dull knife — scoop up, don’t press down.
2. 2Blot the area with paper towels.
3. 3Apply the detergent solution and blot.
4. 4Use an enzyme cleaner for any remaining odor, following the label.
5. 5Rinse with plain water and blot dry.

How to get blood out of carpet

1. 1Blot with a cloth dampened in cold water.
2. 2Apply the detergent solution and blot; repeat as needed.
3. 3Rinse with cold water and blot dry.

How to get grease, oil & makeup out of carpet

1. 1Scrape off any excess with a dull knife.
2. 2Sprinkle baking soda or cornstarch on the spot, wait 15–20 minutes, then vacuum.
3. 3Apply the detergent solution and blot.
4. 4Rinse with plain water and blot dry.

Pro tip: Oily spots often look gone, then reappear as they attract dirt. Professional extraction removes the residue.

How to get gum out of carpet

1. 1Hold a bag of ice on the gum until it’s hard and brittle.
2. 2Gently chip and scrape it off with a dull knife.
3. 3Vacuum the bits away.
4. 4Clean any leftover residue with the detergent solution, then rinse and blot.

How to get candle wax out of carpet

1. 1Let the wax harden (an ice bag speeds it up) and scrape off what you can.
2. 2Lay a paper towel or brown paper bag over the remaining wax.
3. 3Press briefly with an iron on a low setting so the wax melts into the paper — move to a clean part of the paper and repeat.
4. 4Clean any remaining color with the detergent solution, then rinse and blot.

Pro tip: Colored wax can leave dye behind. If you see a tint after the wax is out, leave it to us.

How to get ink & marker out of carpet

1. 1Test rubbing alcohol on a hidden spot first.
2. 2Dab a little rubbing alcohol onto a white cloth — not onto the carpet — and blot the ink.
3. 3Switch to a clean part of the cloth often so you don’t spread it.
4. 4Follow with the detergent solution, then rinse and blot dry.

How to get mud & dirt out of carpet

1. 1Let the mud dry completely — wet mud smears.
2. 2Break up the dried mud and vacuum thoroughly.
3. 3Treat any remaining mark with the detergent solution, then rinse and blot.

How to get juice, soda & sports drinks out of carpet

1. 1Blot up as much as possible.
2. 2Blot with cool water to dilute the sugar.
3. 3Apply the detergent solution and blot, then the vinegar solution and blot.
4. 4Rinse with plain water and blot dry.

Pro tip: Red drinks contain dyes that can bond with carpet fibers. If color stays, call us before using anything stronger.

How to get nail polish out of carpet

1. 1Blot (don’t wipe) up as much wet polish as you can.
2. 2Test a non-acetone remover on a hidden spot first.
3. 3Dab remover onto a white cloth and blot the polish, switching to clean areas often.
4. 4Follow with the detergent solution, then rinse and blot dry.