- When you notice a carpet stain, don't rub it. You could spread the stain, damage fibers, or force the stain deeper into the carpet. Gently work solutions into stains, then blot until they're gone. Test all solutions on extra swatches of carpet or in an area that can't be seen to make sure they don't fade or damage the carpet. Don't use spot removers containing ammonia for pet urine stains. Since there's ammonia in urine, pets will think they're supposed to urinate in areas cleaned with ammonia. Read manufacturer's warnings and suggestions that come with your carpet and on commercial cleaning solutions.
- It's important to remove carpet stains as soon as possible after you notice them. Blot fresh pet accidents and cover the spot with salt to absorb the urine. Let the salt sit overnight and vacuum after it has hardened. For food dropped on a carpet, pick up all the pieces and use paper towel to blot any liquid. Pour club soda on the stain to loosen it and blot it with paper towel. If the club soda isn't fading the stain, pour 3% hydrogen peroxide on a white cloth and apply it to the stain (first test in an inconspicuous area). Let the peroxide sit for no longer than 15 minutes. Blot it with paper towel and rinse with club soda. Use a blow dryer to dry the area completely.
- Apply soda water immediately to beer or alcohol spills. Flush the alcohol or beer stains with lukewarm water. Pour white wine on top of red wine spills to neutralize the red wine chemicals. Sponge the stain right away with lukewarm water and mild detergent without soap. To remove oil or grease stains, blot up as much as you can and pour cornstarch on the stain. Let it sit overnight, then vacuum. Apply a tablespoon of foam shaving cream on the spot, let it dry, and vacuum.
- To remove set-in stains, you can try a number of solutions. Work vodka into a stain, using a washcloth. Wait one minute, then blot it with a paper towel. Try baby wipes to remove stains from carpets. Work a solution made of 1 1/2 teaspoons of distilled white vinegar, 1 tablespoon of liquid laundry detergent, and 2 cups of water into the stain, then blot it dry. Commercial solutions such as Woolite or Resolve made especially for carpet stains may also work.
- The Carpet and Rug Institute (http://www.carpet-rug.org/) suggests dipping a white cloth into one of the following solutions and applying it to the stain. Use 1/4 teaspoon of Dawn dishwashing liquid mixed into 1 cup of lukewarm water, or make a solution of 1 cup of white vinegar and 2 cups of water. Work from the edges to the center of the spot to keep it from spreading. Blot the spot until it is gone. Professional steam cleaning no more than twice a year can solve your carpet stain problems.
