Home Remedy to Get Red Stains Out of Carpet

Bright red ketchup stains are notoriously difficult to remove.

Red household items abound--but you might not notice them until they stain your carpets. Crayons, ketchup, and even blood can wind up on the floor sooner or later. Simple home remedies can help get them out.

Blood

According to the Carpet Buyers Handbook website, you should use only cold stain removal solutions to prevent setting the blood. The website recommends using a rust remover to remove blood stains; dab on rust remover--do not rub into the carpet.

Red Crayon Wax

Ice stuck-on crayon wax until it is hard, and then pick off as much as possible. Place a few paper towels over remaining wax then press a warm--not hot--iron over the paper towels. The towels will absorb the lingering wax. Repeat as often as necessary with fresh towels. If a red stain remains after the solid particles are gone, dab it with a little dry-cleaning solvent and blot dry.

Ketchup

Add 1 tsp. neutral detergent--one that does not contain alkalies or bleaches--to 1 cup lukewarm water. Apply to ketchup stain and blot dry. Then apply a mixture of 1 tbsp. ammonia and 1/2 cup lukewarm water. Blot dry and repeat the detergent application. Sponge up what's left with clean water.

References

• The Carpet Buyers Handbook: Difficult Stains
• Ruth Yaron; Super Baby Food, 1998.
• Pioneer Thinking: Stain Remover Guide A-C