Tips and Tricks on Cleaning Carpet Stains

Here are a few really effective recipes and tricks I’ve gathered and tested over the time to get rid of carpet stains. Just remember to always make a test on a small, unnoticeable spot of the carpet before you start treating the stain, to make sure there's no risk of discolouration or damaging the fibres. In most cases of severe staining and spillage it is recommended that you hire professionals rug cleaners for this task, however if the stain is not that big and if it's still fresh , you can remove it yourself without risking permanent damage on the fabric.

Simple Home-made Stain Cleaners

• Soak a clean and dry cloth in rubbing alcohol and dab it onto the spot. Try to collects as much of the contamination as possible.


• Mix 1/4 cup tap water with 3/4 cup white vinegar in spray container. Splash the affected area generously but don't wet it too much - it will soak the under padding. Leave the solution on the area for 2-3 minutes, then take a dry clean cloth dry as much as possible. Rinse with cool water and let the carpet air dry if the weather allows it.


• Use a bar of Castile Soap wrapped in a wet cloth or sock and carefully rub onto the stain. You can also use a gentle bristle brush.


• Try laundry stain removal pen or stick onto the spot, but use this trick on light coloured fibres only.


• Pull up chewing gum easily by covering generously the spot with 1 teaspoon of peanut butter. Leave it on the wad for a minute or two, then pull up using a wet cloth. You can clean the area immediately with a wet, soapy cloth to prevent peanut butter from drying.


• Spot clean with soda. You can use club soda, or make a solution from 4-5 spoons of baking soda and 1 cup of water.


• Dab gently with a soapy sponge, then treat the spot using pure hydrogen peroxide or a 1:1 mix of hydrogen peroxide and household ammonia (careful on coloured fibres, this procedure is more appropriate for light materials).


• Blot directly with household vinegar and then rinse with pure water.


• Clean the stain, using baby wipe if you have one on hand – you'll be amazed how effectively they work.


• Mix together 6 teaspoons household ammonia, 4 tablespoons baking soda, 1/4 cup liquid dish detergent, 2 and 1/2 cups lukewarm water. Apply onto the stain with a sponge, allow to dry completely then vacuum.


• Make a thick paste from cornstarch and tap water and apply to stained area, wait until it dries completely then vacuum up. You may have to apply a few times, but it works.

Basic Rules When Cleaning Stains From Any Rug

• Don’t scrub the spot, but carefully blot out and wipe it upward if possible.


• Avoid applying too much liquid to avoid soaking and saturating the under padding of your carpet.


• Don’t take any risks – always test a small, inconspicuous  area first to make sure there you won't deteriorate or discolour the carpet's fibres.


• If you have pets at home, avoid using ammonia and ammonia based products because they may “trigger” your pet to relieve himself on the spot.

Always dry the area you've cleaned thoroughly. Your carpet can be damaged from moisture more, than from the stain you've removed. If the fibres start moulding it is almost impossible to save the carpet.
If you have to deal with an old stain, don't try too many different recipes on it. By doing so you risk to make the problem worse and the dangers outweight the benefits, it would be a better idea to turn to your favorite carpet cleaners in London.