Carpet Stain Removal Guide

Accidents will happen. However most spots and stains are able to be removed quite well if treated promptly and correctly. Follow this carpet stain removal guide for the best possible results. The longer the stain has been there, the harder it could be to remove. However carpet stain removal need not be difficult when following good guidelines.

Always check that the dye in your carpet/rug is colourfast by pre-testing any cleaning solution on an off-cut or inconspicuous area. Firstly, start from the outside working towards the center. Try not to rub the carpet fibre too vigorously as damage could occur. Pay particular care with wool fibres as they can distort quite quickly.

Type of Stain	1st	2nd	3rd
Beer	1
Beetroot	1
Bleach	1
Blood	9	6
Blu-Tac	6
Burn or Scorch Mark	5
Butter	2	1
Candlewax	3
Chewing Gum	6
Chocolate	1	2
Cocoa, Milo	2	9	1
Coffee (Black or White)	2	9	1
Cooking Oils	2	1
Crayon	2	1
Cream	2	1
Egg	1
Excrement	1
Fruit Juice	8	1
Furniture Polish	2	1
Grass	4
Gravy	8	1
Grease	2	1

Type of Stain	1st	2nd	3rd
Ice Cream	1
Ink- Ballpoint	4	1
Ink- Printer	4	1
Make-up	2	1
Metal Polish	2	1
Mildew	1	5
Milk	8	2	1
Mustard	1
Nail Polish	7	2
Oil	2	1
Paint- Water Based	2	9	1
Paint- Oil Based	3	2	1
Rust	2	1	10
Salad Dressing	2	1
Shoe Polish	2	1
Soft Drinks	8	1	5
Tar	3	2	1
Tea (Black or White)	2	9	1
Urine	1
Vomit	1
Wine- Red	11	8
Wine- White	1

Carpet Stain Removal Treatment (Cleaning agent)

Solution of one teaspoon wool detergent (Softly, Martha Gardeners) with one teaspoon of white vinegar and one litre of warm water
Dry-cleaning fluid, lighter fluid or mineral turpentine.
Caution. Use in a well ventilated area away from flame.
Mineral Turpentine. Mixed with an equal amount of dry-cleaning fluid increases effectiveness.
Methylated Spirits.
Caution. Use in a well ventilated area away from flame.
Hydrogen Peroxide. Diluted 10 to 1 with cold water.
Do not use on dark or patterned carpet.
Chewing gum remover (freezing agent) or a small amount of white spirit and gently scrape away.
Nail Polish remover. Acetone. Care should be observed. Use sparingly. Take your time.
Clean warm (not hot) water.
Cold Water only.
Weak solution of white vinegar or lemon juice with cold water.
Absorbent powder (Salt, Talcum powder) Sprinkle on spillage, leave overnight and vacuum next day.

We are happy to work out possible solutions for the carpet stain removal that is most appropriate for your needs. Our contact page is there for advice as well.

Also check out the News Page for other thoughts on carpet stain removal.

Finally, while advice is offered in good faith, no responsibility is accepted for claims arising from the use of the suggested carpet stain removal treatments. If a stain fails to respond to the treatment listed, call a professional carpet cleaner immediately.