Spills happen. What you do in the first few minutes decides whether a stain comes out easily or becomes permanent. Here's what works for the most common ones.
The golden rules
- Act fast. Fresh spills are far easier to remove.
- Blot, never rub. Rubbing spreads the stain and frays the fibers.
- Work from the outside in so the stain doesn't spread.
- Test first. Try any cleaner on a hidden spot, like inside a closet.
- Use less liquid than you think. Soaking the carpet pushes the stain into the pad, where it can wick back up later.
Coffee and tea
Blot up as much as you can. Mix a little clear dish soap with cool water, apply a small amount, and blot. Rinse with plain water and blot dry. A little white vinegar mixed with water can help with any leftover brown tint.
Red wine
Blot immediately. Pour a small amount of cool water on the stain to dilute it and keep blotting. Then use the dish soap solution. Avoid hot water, which can set the color.
Grease and oil
Scrape up anything solid. Sprinkle baking soda or cornstarch on the spot, let it sit for 15 to 20 minutes to absorb the oil, then vacuum. Follow with the dish soap solution and blot.
What not to use
Bleach, colored cleaners and strong household chemicals can permanently discolor carpet. Too much soap is a problem too: residue left behind attracts dirt, and the spot comes back darker.
When to call a pro
If a stain has set, keeps coming back, or you're not sure what it is, it's worth having it treated professionally before more DIY attempts make it harder to remove.