Welcome to the Norwex Movement

What’s the Best Way to Remove Carpet Stains?


leaf
What’s the Best Way to Remove Carpet Stains?

Protect Your Carpet Investment 

You’ve just swept, mopped and vacuumed, and your floors look beautiful, like new almost. But then Fido tracks mud in, and Junior drops his toast on the carpet, somehow smearing grape jelly everywhere in the process. Oh well, you’ve already moved on to the laundry. . . . You’ll tackle those muddy paw prints and jelly stains later. Right?

Much as we may hate to rearrange our housework plans, experts say it’s always better to deal with a fresh carpet stain now rather than later. The longer a stain has a chance to “set,” forming a bond with carpet fibers, the harder it will be to remove.

Clean Up Spills Immediately to Avoid Stains

But don’t rub or scrub! Start by carefully lifting any solid residue from the carpet using a spoon or the edge of a butter knife. To avoid spreading the stain, begin at the outer edge of the spill and work your way to the center. Be careful not to grind in the residue.

Once all solids are removed, press a clean, dry, microfiber cloth over the area to absorb the remainder of spill. Repeat with a fresh cloth until all liquid is absorbed. If you see a stain, work water into the area by using a damp microfiber cloth to blot gently until the stain is gone, changing cloths when necessary.

Tips for Tackling Tougher Stains

When water doesn’t completely remove the stain, or in the case of set-in stains like those listed below, try an enzyme-based carpet cleaner. This type of cleaner works well on organic stains and will help you avoid chemicals in your home.

Blood stain carpet icon

Blood: Try cold water (or even club soda) first, blotting the area with a clean microfiber cloth. Repeat until the stain is gone. If you need something a little stronger, try an enzyme-based carpet cleaner.

pet stain in carpet icon

Pet urine: Again, enzymes are your best bet with these types of stains. They help remove not only the stain but also any odor.

Butter Stain in carpet icon

Fat-based stains (butter, margarine, gravy, etc.): Sprinkle baking soda or cornstarch on the stain first, allowing the powder to absorb for about 15 minutes, and then vacuum. If the stain persists, try diluting a bit of enzyme-based liquid laundry soap with water and spraying the stain. Blot with a clean, microfiber cloth until the stain is gone.

Gum stain in carpet icon

Gum: First, peel away as much as you can. Harden the remainder by placing a bag of ice cubes over it, then chip it away with a spoon or dull knife. Vacuum, then spot clean with a solution of equal parts dishwashing liquid and white distilled vinegar. Use a rubber brush to work a small amount of the solution into the stain and let it sit for up to 15 minutes. Blot with a clean, wet microfiber cloth until no more solution or residue appears on the cloth.

wine stain in carpet icon

Wine or juice: Spritz the stain with club soda and blot with a clean cloth. Repeat until the stain is gone.

Jelly stain in carpet icon

Jelly: Mix a tablespoon of dishwashing liquid with 2 cups of warm water. Use a microfiber cloth to dab the solution on the stain. Blot the stain with a dry area of the cloth. Repeat this process until the stain is gone, then sponge with cold water and blot dry.

Some cleaning products may cause carpet to get dirty faster and/or damage your carpet’s texture and color. Always be sure to test any carpet cleaning products on an inconspicuous place first.

comment_2Do you have tips for removing carpet stains? Our readers would love to hear them! Please share your experiences in the comments below.

Resources:

When is the best time to tackle a carpet stain?

View Results
 
Now:
 
99%
It can wait:
 
1%
Total Votes:
160
View Poll

Subscribe
Notify of
12 Comments
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
Kate
Kate
5 years ago

How about removing coffee stains?

Cheryl Kydd
Cheryl Kydd
5 years ago

Cleaning Paste may work also. Especially if it is a oil/grease stain.

Tamara
Tamara
5 years ago

Let the water sit on the stain for a bit before wiping.

Nancy Tilley
Nancy Tilley
5 years ago

How about pee stains? My mother-in-laws dog loves to pee on the carpet.

Monica Lawson
Monica Lawson
5 years ago

Mix equal parts of Cascade Dishwasher Powder & Clorox 2 Powder with hot water. Pour a small amount on the strain, let sit for a few minutes and then vacuum up with a wet/dry vacuum. It color safe & works wonders on carpet, upholstery & laundry. When I steam clean the carpet, this is the solution I’ve been using for over 20 years.

Shelly Powell
Shelly Powell
5 years ago

I would also like to know how to get coffee out of a carpet. I’ve tried everything nothing works.

Vicki Bailey
Vicki Bailey
4 years ago
Reply to  Shelly Powell

Have u tryed norwex products I sell the stuff if ur interested http://www.vickibailey.norwex.biz

Sandra Patterson
Sandra Patterson
4 years ago

Thanks for helping me understand that it is important to not rub a stain in the carpet when first cleaning it up. My sister has her first babay on the way, and she is really worried about the white carpets in her home becoming stained. I will be sure to forward this article to her, but I think that going to professional will end up being her first choice for stain removal.

Shanon
Shanon
4 years ago

Dog urine what product works best

Moderator
Admin
Moderator
4 years ago
Reply to  Shanon

Shanon, thank you for your inquiry! While we are partial to Norwex’s Carpet Stain Remover, our policy is to direct all Norwex-specific inquiries to Customer Care.

In the U.S., please contact 1-866-450-7499. In Canada, please contact 1-877-766-7939. In Australia, the number to call for product inquiries/clarification is: 07 3204 9444.

Frank Janis
Frank Janis
3 years ago

Commercial machines are made to supply the very best cleaning results amongst the ranks. Carpet cleaner machines are powerful machines that offer professional cleaning and at precisely the same time are simple to use.

Mickey
Mickey
3 years ago

Can we also remove coffee stains with the same method?