How to Get Stains Out of Carpet Like a Pro

Act Quickly When a Spill Happens

Time is of the essence when dealing with a fresh spill. A new carpet stain is always easier to remove than an old stain that has set into the carpet pile.

1. Blot, do not rub. Use a clean white towel, paper towel, or a white cloth to blot up as much liquid as possible. Rubbing pushes the stain deeper into the carpet fibres.
2. Work from the outside in. Start at the edge of the stained area and move inwards. Working from the outside keeps the mark from spreading.
3. Use a damp cloth. A little water helps loosen the stain, but avoid soaking the part of the carpet. Too much moisture can damage the underlay.

Identify the Stain Before You Treat It

Different stains need different treatments. A red wine stain will not respond the same way as grease stains or coffee stains. Before starting any stain removal process, take a moment to identify the stain. Knowing the type of stain means you can pick the right cleaning solution and avoid making the problem worse.

Household Cleaning Products That Work

You do not need fancy cleaning products to clean your carpet. Many common items can act as a stain remover:

• Warm water – safe for most spills and carpet stains.
• Washing-up liquid – mix a few drops with warm water to tackle grease stains.
• White vinegar – natural cleaning option that helps neutralise odours and food stains.
• Baking soda – absorbs moisture and smell, useful for treating pet stain accidents.
• Hydrogen peroxide (3%) – works on blood stains or old stains, but always test on a hidden area of your carpet first.
• Carpet shampoo – helpful when you want to give a rug or carpet a deeper clean.



Always test any cleaning solution on a hidden area before applying it to the main stained area. Wool blend carpets and polypropylene carpets can react differently to natural cleaning solutions.

Methods for Removing Common Carpet Stains

Red Wine Stain

1. Blot up as much as you can with a cloth or paper towel.
2. Pour cold water directly onto the stain and blot again.
3. Mix 1 tablespoon of white vinegar with two parts water. Apply with a clean cloth.
4. Sprinkle baking soda over the damp carpet and leave overnight.
5. Use your vacuum cleaner the next day to remove any residue.

Coffee Stains

1. Blot the spill quickly with a clean cloth or paper towel.
2. Mix washing-up liquid with warm water to make a simple cleaning solution.
3. Dab onto the stained area and blot until it lifts.
4. Rinse with clean water, blot with a clean white towel, and allow the carpet to dry.

Mud and Dirt

1. Wait for the mud to dry before cleaning. Wet mud smears.
2. Vacuum the dry dirt to lift it from the carpet pile.
3. For marks left behind, use washing-up liquid mixed with water to treat the stain.

Pet Stain

1. Blot the affected area to remove as much liquid as possible.
2. Apply equal parts white vinegar and water directly onto the stain.
3. Sprinkle baking soda to absorb odour and moisture.
4. Allow the carpet to dry, then use your vacuum to remove the powder.

Grease Stains

1. Place a paper towel over the stain and blot carefully.
2. Cover with baking soda or cornflour and allow the carpet to rest for several hours.
3. Vacuum the powder away.
4. Treat the stain with washing-up liquid and warm water if needed.

Blood Stains

1. Use cold water only. Warm water sets blood stains.
2. Blot with a damp cloth until the stain begins to fade.
3. Mix washing-up liquid with cold water and apply onto the stained area.
4. Rinse gently and blot dry.

Removing Old Carpet Stains

Old stains can be some of the most stubborn stains to deal with. Once they have dried into the carpet fibres, they are much harder to remove.

• Start with a damp cloth to loosen the stain.
• Apply a cleaning solution made from warm water and washing-up liquid.
• Try hydrogen peroxide on blood stains or food stains if water alone does not work.
• Use carpet shampoo for a deeper cleaning treatment.
• Blot with a clean towel after each stage to lift the stain.



Removing old carpet stains may take more than one attempt. If you cannot remove old stains, professional carpet cleaning services have stronger stain removal methods.

Cleaning Tips to Keep Your Carpet Looking Fresh

A few simple habits can make a big difference in keeping your carpet looking clean:

• Vacuum regularly. A vacuum cleaner removes dirt before it settles into the carpet pile.
• Treat stains quickly. The sooner you treat the stain, the easier it is to lift.
• Use rugs in busy spaces. A rug protects the part of the carpet most likely to get dirty.
• Dry carpets fully. After a stain removal process, allow the carpet to dry completely. Damp areas can attract mould.
• Protect delicate carpets. Wool blend carpets and polypropylene carpets may need special cleaning products.



Cleaning advice like this helps extend the life of your flooring. With the right approach, you can clean the stain, remove any residue, and keep your carpet looking bright.

When to Use Professional Carpet Cleaning

Some stains need more than home cleaning. Ink, paint, heavy grease stains, and food stains that have been left too long can be harder to remove without a professional carpet cleaning service.

Professional carpet cleaners use machines that reach deep into the carpet fibres. Steam cleaning can remove stains from your carpet, lift odours, and refresh the carpet pile. Professional carpet cleaning also makes sense if you are dealing with a new carpet or rugs that need gentle treatment.

A cleaning service can apply stronger cleaning products and treatments without damaging part of the carpet. Whether you are struggling with stubborn stains, need to remove old stains, or simply want to keep your carpet looking new, a professional cleaning treatment can save time and effort.

Final Thoughts

Knowing how to get stains out of carpet helps you deal with spills calmly. A red wine stain, pet stain, or coffee spill does not have to ruin your flooring. Simple methods for removing stains with vinegar, baking soda, or washing-up liquid can lift most marks.

If you find yourself facing stubborn stains or trying to remove stains from your carpet that have been there for months, calling professional carpet cleaners is often the best move. Steam cleaning and advanced stain removal methods can bring life back to your carpet and rug.



By acting quickly, using the right cleaning products, and keeping up with regular vacuuming, you can extend the life of your carpet and keep your carpet looking fresh for years.