stain removal guide for DC, MD, & Northern VA

Carpets are prone to stains, but with the right techniques and products, you can effectively remove them. Here’s a guide to tackling 10 of the most common carpet stains:

1. Coffee and Tea: Blot the stain with a clean cloth to absorb excess liquid. Mix one tablespoon of dishwashing detergent with two cups of cool water. Blot the stain with the solution until it’s lifted, then rinse with water.

2. Red Wine: Blot the stain with a clean cloth, being careful not to spread it. Mix one tablespoon of white vinegar with one tablespoon of dishwashing detergent and two cups of warm water. Blot the stain with the solution until it’s lifted, then rinse with water.

3. Grease and Oil: Sprinkle baking soda or cornstarch over the stain to absorb excess grease. Let it sit for 15-30 minutes, then vacuum it up. Blot the remaining stain with a cloth dampened with rubbing alcohol until it’s lifted, then rinse with water.

4. Pet Urine: Blot the stain with a clean cloth to absorb as much urine as possible. Mix equal parts white vinegar and water and apply it to the stain. Blot with a clean cloth until the stain is lifted, then rinse with water.

5. Ink: Blot the stain with a clean cloth soaked in rubbing alcohol. Repeat until the ink is lifted, then rinse with water.

6. Blood: Blot the stain with a cloth dampened with cold water. Mix one tablespoon of dishwashing detergent with two cups of cold water. Blot the stain with the solution until it’s lifted, then rinse with water.

7. Tomato Sauce: Scrape off any excess sauce with a spoon. Mix one tablespoon of white vinegar with one tablespoon of dishwashing detergent and two cups of warm water. Blot the stain with the solution until it’s lifted, then rinse with water.

8. Chocolate: Freeze the chocolate with ice cubes or a freezer pack, then scrape off the excess. Mix one teaspoon of dishwashing detergent with one cup of warm water. Blot the stain with the solution until it’s lifted, then rinse with water.

9. Juice: Blot the stain with a clean cloth to absorb excess liquid. Mix one tablespoon of ammonia with one cup of warm water. Blot the stain with the solution until it’s lifted, then rinse with water.

10. Grass: Mix one tablespoon of white vinegar with one tablespoon of dishwashing detergent and two cups of warm water. Blot the stain with the solution until it’s lifted, then rinse with water.

Remember to always test any cleaning solution on a small, inconspicuous area of the carpet first to ensure it doesn’t cause damage. Additionally, blot stains instead of rubbing to prevent them from spreading further. With these techniques, you can effectively remove common carpet stains and keep your carpets looking fresh and clean.