The Ultimate Carpet Stain Removal Guide

Panic is the enemy of a clean carpet. When a spill happens, your first instinct is to scrub. STOP! Scrubbing damages the pile, making it fuzzy and actually pushing the stain deeper. Here is the correct protocol.

The Golden Rule: Blot, Don't Rub. Use a clean white cloth or kitchen roll. Press down firmly to absorb the liquid. Keep turning the cloth until no more liquid transfers.

For Red Wine: If the carpet is wool, mix a little white vinegar with water and dab gently. If it's polypropylene (bleach cleanable), use a dilute bleach solution (1 part bleach to 10 parts water) across the stain. Always test in a corner first!

For Coffee/Tea: These are tannin stains. A mixture of biological washing detergent (non-bleach) and warm water often works best. Rinse with clear water afterwards preventing sticky residue.

For Mud: Let it dry! Trying to clean wet mud just smears it. Wait for it to dry completely, then vacuum up the solid dirt. Treat any remaining mark with a mild detergent solution.

For Pet Accidents: You need an enzyme cleaner to break down the proteins and stop the smell. Blot up the mess, then apply a specialized pet stain remover. Bacterial action takes time, so follow the bottle instructions.

If in doubt, call a professional. Some stains are 'set' by heat or incorrect chemicals, making them permanent.