Whether it’s a coffee spill during a busy morning or your dog’s muddy paws after a hike, your carpet sees it all. And while some stains might seem permanent, most can be removed with the right tools, timing, and technique.
Here are seven of the most common stains you can tackle at home with a carpet cleaner, plus a quick breakdown of how to handle them for best results.
1. Pet Stains and Odors
Accidents happen, even with the best-trained pets. Pet urine and feces can sink deep into carpet fibers and leave behind strong odors.
How to clean it:
- Blot up as much as possible with paper towels.
- Apply an enzymatic carpet cleaner made for pet stains.
- Let it sit for 5–10 minutes.
- Use your cleaner with hot water to extract the stain and solution.
For strong odors, consider a second pass or mixing in a vinegar rinse (equal parts white vinegar and water).
2. Red Wine
A splash of red wine can feel like a disaster—especially on light-colored carpet—but fast action can make all the difference.
How to clean it:
- Blot immediately with a clean towel. Do not rub.
- Mix dish soap, hydrogen peroxide, and a small amount of water.
- Dab the mix onto the stain and let it sit.
- Extract the moisture using your carpet cleaner’s rinse mode.
Tip: Always test peroxide on a hidden area first to make sure it doesn’t discolor your carpet.
3. Grease and Oil
From dropped food to tracked-in garage mess, grease is stubborn—but not impossible to clean.
How to clean it:
- Sprinkle baking soda on the stain to absorb oil. Let it sit for 15 minutes.
- Vacuum the area, then apply a degreasing solution or dish soap mixed with warm water.
- Scrub gently with a brush.
- Use your cleaner to rinse and extract.
4. Coffee and Tea
Coffee is acidic and pigmented, which can leave long-lasting stains, especially if mixed with cream or sugar.
How to clean it:
- Blot up what you can.
- Mix one tablespoon of white vinegar, one tablespoon of dish soap, and two cups of warm water.
- Apply the stain and let it soak for 10–15 minutes.
- Use your carpet cleaner to extract the solution.
Don’t forget to repeat if the smell lingers—dairy-based coffee spills often need a second clean.
5. Ink and Marker
Whether it’s a busted pen or a creative toddler, ink can spread quickly across your carpet.
How to clean it:
- Dab (don’t scrub) with isopropyl alcohol on a cloth.
- Work from the outside in to avoid spreading.
- Once the pigment has lightened, use your carpet cleaner to rinse and complete the job.
Avoid using hot water too early—it can set the stain.
6. Cigarette Odor and Residue
Even if you’ve aired the room out, cigarette smoke and ash can cling to carpet fibers long after the source is gone.
How to clean it:
- Sprinkle baking soda liberally over the area and let it sit overnight.
- Vacuum thoroughly.
- Use a cleaner with a deodorizing solution or vinegar rinse to refresh the carpet fibers.
Repeat weekly if the smoke has been in the home for a long time.
7. Juice and Soda
Brightly colored juices and sugary sodas can quickly bond with carpet fibers and attract dirt.
How to clean it:
- Blot the spill immediately.
- Use a mix of white vinegar and warm water (1:1 ratio) to treat the stain.
- Gently scrub the area with a clean cloth or sponge.
- Extract with your carpet cleaner, using clean water in the tank.
If a sticky residue remains, go over the area again to prevent future grime from sticking.
What the DIY Carpet Cleaning Process Looks Like
Tackling stains on your own might sound intimidating, but with a little patience and the right approach, it’s totally doable. Here’s a simplified version of the process:
Step 1: Identify the stain
Figure out what caused it—this determines the solution you’ll need.
Step 2: Treat the stain
Choose the right approach: blotting, gentle scrubbing, or applying a DIY or store-bought carpet cleaner solution.
Step 3: Extract the stain
Use your home cleaner to rinse the area with water and remove both the stain and the cleaning solution.
Tip: Always avoid over-wetting the carpet. Too much moisture can lead to mold or lingering odors.
Looking for More Than Just DIY?
Some stains require more than a home carpet cleaner can handle, especially if they’ve been sitting for a while or have soaked into the padding below. If you’ve tried everything and the stain still won’t budge, it might be time for a deeper reset.Explore our wellness-based carpet and home cleaning options here: See Our Services