How to clean a dirty carpet? Best tips to remove stains

Life is full of surprises. You might be hosting a party, or have relatives visiting, and then... someone spills something on your carpet. Or maybe during your weekly cleaning routine, you discover an old stain with no recollection of how it appeared. Whenever you find a stain on your carpet, the best time to clean it is immediately. The next best time is now. What are the best ways to clean a dirty carpet? Read our guide and find out!

Removing Red Wine and Coffee Stains with Baking Soda Paste

Red wine and coffee stains can be particularly stubborn, but with the right approach, you can remove them effectively. Here’s a four-stage method recommended by cleaning experts:

1. Blot Up the Liquid: As soon as possible, blot the liquid with paper towels or a clean cloth to absorb as much as you can.

2. Dilute the Stain: Add a little water to the stained area to dilute the stain and continue blotting.

3. Apply Baking Soda Paste: Make a paste with a 3:1 ratio of baking soda to water. Apply this paste directly to the carpet stain and wait for it to dry completely before vacuuming up the dried paste.

4. Use a Carpet Cleaner Powder: If needed, use a carpet cleaner powder, such as Vanish Gold Powerpowder. This product is widely available on Amazon or in popular drugstores.

If you can’t clean the carpet immediately, such as during a party, just remove the excess wine from the carpet and sprinkle some salt on the stain. Salt helps absorb the liquid. After your guests leave, vacuum the salt from the carpet and proceed with the stain removal steps above. 

Removing Oil Stains Without Carpet Cleaning Products

Oil stains can be tricky because rubbing them will push the oil deeper into the material. Follow these steps for effective oil stain removal:

1. Absorb the Oil: Sprinkle baking soda on the stain to absorb the oil. Wait 15 minutes and then vacuum the powder.

2. Blot the Spill: Use a paper towel or clean cloth to blot up the spill until no more oil is transferred.

3. Apply Dishwashing Detergent Solution: Mix one tablespoon of dishwashing detergent with two cups of hot water. Blot the stain with a sponge dipped in the cleaning solution, then blot with a dry paper towel until the stain is removed.

4. Remove Soapy Residue: Ensure all soapy residue is cleaned away to prevent attracting more dirt.

Removing Old Stains with Hydrogen Peroxide

Old stains such as wine, coffee, blood, or urine can be more challenging to remove. Here’s a method using 3% hydrogen peroxide:

1. Spray Hydrogen Peroxide: Spray the stained area with 3% hydrogen peroxide. This solution won’t bleach your carpet.

2. Cover with a Damp Towel: Place a damp, clean, white towel over the stain.

3. Use a Steam Iron: Place a steam iron on the towel over the stain. Every 10-15 seconds, check the towel to see how the stain is being transferred from the carpet to the towel.

4. Repeat if Necessary: Spray a bit more hydrogen peroxide if needed, then use another dry, clean towel to blot the area and allow it to dry.

General Tips for Carpet Stain Removal

1. Act Quickly: The faster you address a stain, the easier it will be to remove.

2. Blot, Don’t Rub: Always blot stains instead of rubbing to prevent spreading the stain further.

3. Test Cleaning Solutions: Test any cleaning solution on a small, inconspicuous area of the carpet to ensure it doesn’t cause discoloration.

4. Avoid Excess Water: Too much water can damage the carpet backing and lead to mold growth.

By following these methods and tips, you can keep your carpets and rugs looking clean and fresh, even in the face of unexpected spills and stains. For more detailed cleaning advice and tips, be sure to explore our blog.