The best way to deal with a carpet stain is to prevent them! When that's not possible, the second best thing is to clean the stain immediately. Even the toughest of stains can be virtually eliminated if they are cleaned up on the spot, within seconds of the spill occurring. Unfortunately, that's not always possible. When you can't get to a stain or spill on the carpet while it's fresh, your next step to remove a carpet stain will depend on the type of stain.
Remove Oil- Based Carpet Stains
Oil-based stains are the absolute worst stains you can get on your carpet and regular carpet cleaners and detergents won't remove the oil and they could even do damage to the carpet. If the carpet is a dark colors and is color-fast, you can use an all-natural de-greaser product on oil stains, and then wash away with warm water and blot dry.
If this doesn't work, you can purchase an over-the-counter dry cleaning kit and use the dry cleaning solvent in the kit to work on the stain starting from the outer edges of the stains and working your way in toward the center.
Never rub an oil-based stain, as this will only spread the stain and further adhere the stain to the padding of the carpet, so that it will appear clean, but eventually will seep back up and re-stain the carpet later.
Some oil-based stains on carpet include: motor oil, cooking oil, some perfumes, melted crayons and wax (candles), and certain food stains.
Remove Liquid Stains
Liquid stains are the easiest to clean up from carpet, provided the liquid is light or brown in color. Red stains, suck as wine and Kool-aid or punch will be covered in the next section.
For most liquid stains, you can get a large towel, fold it in quarters, and then place it on the biggest part of the stain. Stand on the towel and stomp in place on top of it. Then, fold the towel over and repeat. Continue doing this either until the towel is soaked (replace the towel if necessary and wash immediately), until the floor is mostly dry/damp. If there is any discoloration, use a sponge and warm water with no solvents or detergents. Soaps will cling to the carpet fibers and will cause the area where the stain is too dirty, easier.
Red Liquid Stain
First, follow the instructions above for all liquid stains. If you have the ability to use an industrial carpet cleaner within a few hours of the stain, the red Kool-aid or punch stain should come right up with a couple of passes. If, however, you're not able to get to the stain immediately, removing a red liquid stain will require some patience.
Any of the oxygenated cleansers, like Oxy-clean, can help some with red liquid stains and the dry-cleaning solvent after you have tried everything else, should remove the rest of the stain. It may take several times of cleaning, letting it sit, and then cleaning again before the stain finally lifts. Be persistent, and it will eventually go away.
Commercial Carpet Cleaning
Commercial carpet cleaners are great for cleaning carpets and removing set-in and new carpet stains. Unfortunately, hiring carpet cleaners can be expensive. Watch for specials where you can get your entire house cleaned for a set fee. If hiring professionals isn't your cup of tea, most major supermarket rent the Rug Doctor or other brand carpet machines, with the circulating brushes.
Don't fall for the gimmicky and chemical-ridden carpet cleansing solutions, though. Simply use the hottest hot water your house can manage in the machine, and make as many passes as is needed to pull up the stains and odors from the carpet. Carpet cleansers and detergents will adhere to the carpet fibers, making them attract dirt like a magnet and will cause your carpets to get dirty much faster.
Basic of Carpet Cleaning and Spot Removal
Always be sure to flush with water to remove chemicals and cleaners for stains that require you to use them, and then blot dry and place a fan on the carpet to further dry it before anyone walks on it. No traffic on the carpet until it fully dried. Be sure not to wet clean carpets too frequently or when the humidity is expected to be very high for long periods of time, or you can cause mold growth on your carpeting.
Keeping clean and sanitary carpets is good for your health, the look of your home and can help keep your home smelling clean and fresh. Removing carpet stains quickly is always your best bet.