Carpet Stain Removal Guide

By Steve Gillman

Carpet stain removal procedures are listed below for most common carpet stains, with links to pages with more detailed instructions. If you have a stain that's not on the list, follow the procedures on the page, How to Get Out Carpet Stains of All Types. We recommend that you read that page first in any case, so you're familiar with the general guidelines for carpet stain removal.

Acidic Substances: Strong acids are found in batteries, some tile cleaning compounds, and some drain cleaners. Refer to the page; How to Clean Carpet Stains: Acids, for detailed removal instructions.

Bleach: Bleach stains on carpet can't be removed, since the dye has actually been removed from the carpet. A carpet cleaner that does dyeing can spot-dye the bleached area to match the surrounding carpet. For more options see the following page: Remove Bleach Stains.

Blood: Blood stains on carpet will come out if you get to them quickly. Heat will set the stain, so use only cold water with your cleaning solution. For complete instructions, see the page; Blood Stain Removal.

Burns: See the page; Carpet Burns - How to Repair Them. This covers genearl burns and cigarette holes.

Chewing Gum: See the page; How to Remove Chewing Gum From Carpet.

Coffee: Use carpet coffee stain removers sold at Walmart and other stores. You can also try white vinegar. Heat the area with a hot, wet cloth, dab with vinegar, rinse, extract, and repeat. Dry the carpet well when you are done. More detailed instructions can be found here: Coffee Stains.

Dye Stains: Dyes from medicines, foods, cosmetics, crayons and other household products each react differently with carpet. Try the procedures on; Get Out Carpet Stains of All Types. If the stain is permanent, it may be possible to hide it by spot-dyeing. Call a carpet cleaner that does this. You can also find some options here: Dye Stains.

Fingernail Polish: Apply non-acetate fingernail polish remover to a white cotton cloth and dab the area, working from the edges towards the center. Leave it for a few minutes, then blot it, rinse it, blot it, and repeat if necessary. For more detailed instructions see: Removing Nail Polish Stains on Carpet.

Ink: See the page; How to Remove Ink Stains From Carpet.

Kool Aid: See the page; Kool Aid.

Mustard: Depending on the type of mustard, it may be necessary to cut out the stain and insert an undamaged piece of carpet. Try general cleaning procedures first. See: Remove Mustard Stains

Old Stains: If you have tried some of the procedures here with no luck, you might need professional help. You can also check out the page: What to Do About a Permanent Stain.

Red Stains: See the page; Kool Aid and Other Red Stains.

Red Wine: Extract the remaining liquid (blot or vacuum). Apply white wine. This recreates the initial conditions, especially on old stains, making it easier to remove. Extract and repeat, or do this in conjunction with a commercial spot cleaner. Rinse well and dry the carpet quickly. Also see Wine Stains on Carpet.

Rust: If it's a fresh stain, try general cleaning procedures. Professionals can remove most rust stains, but the chemicals used can be hazardous for casual use. Also see: How to Remove Rust Stains.

Urine: See the page; How to Get a Urine Stain Out of Carpet.

Wax: See the page; How to Get Candle Wax Out of Carpet.

More Carpet Stain Removal Pages:

Get Crayon Out of Carpet - Some techniques to try.
How to Get Gravy Stains Out - Two methods that will work most of the time.
Get Glue Out of Carpet - And what to do when you can't...
How to Get Odor Out of Carpet - From the simple to the professional ways...
How to Remove a Stain - Our first video tutorial can be found here.
How to Clean Rugs - Specific procedures for synthetic and wool rugs.
What to do About a Permanent Stain - Diminishing it and hiding it - and which are permanent.
How to Remove Asphalt Stains - Fresh and old stains are covered.
Get Beer Stains Out of Carpet - And get the odor out as well.
How to Remove Berry Stains - The basic procedure and what to do if it doesn't work.
Get Candy Out of Carpet - And what to do if you can't get the whole stain out.
Remove Ketchup Stains - Follow these instructions to get that stain out fast.
Cheese Stains - Remove the satin and the odors.
How to Remove Chocolate Stains - This is a tough one, but not impossible.
Removing Dirt Stains - The most common of stains...
Removing Egg Stains - Both the raw egg spills and greasy cooked egg stains.
Removing Poop Stains From Carpet - Not a pleasant thought, but here's how it's done.
Remove Fruit Juice Stains - Blot them up quickly and then do this...
Removing Mayonnaise Stains - Fresh spills and dried stains.
Removing Makeup Stains From Carpet - The basic formula for getting them out.
Removing Milk Stains - Removing the possible odors as well.
Removing Drink Stains - Mixed drinks, soda and more.
How to Remove Paint Stains From Carpet - Both latex and acrylic.
Remove Perfume Stains - And limit the damage to carpet fibers.
How to Remove Rubber Cement - Make it disappear.
How to Remove Soot Stains - Large and small problems.
How to Remove Soy Sauce Stains - Not as tough as you think.
Tar Stains on Carpet - They are not always permanent.
Remove Tea Stains From Carpet - Several things to try.
Removing Toothpaste Stains - Fresh and dried ones.
Removing Vomit Stains From Carpet - Get out the stain and odor.
Removing Watercolor Stains - For artists and parents.
Remove Dog Urine - Step-by-step process and a few tips.
Get Playdough Out of Carpet - The basic procedure and an alternative.

Carpet stain removal for other types of stains not listed here may be accomplished using the general procedures found on the page; How to Get Out Carpet Stains of All Types.

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