We love installing carpet and creating custom area rugs for you! However, we know the frustration of getting stains on your carpet, especially when you’re unable to get them out yourself. Cleaning carpet by hand is sometimes more difficult than homeowners realize, and the wrong supplies and techniques can make a stain bigger or even damage certain types of carpeting. In this guide, we’re sharing some quick general tips about how to clean carpet by hand and remove those pesky stains, while also walking you through how to remove some of the five most common carpet stains, including red wine, coffee, fruit juice, urine and pet hair and similar debris.
Please note that most carpet manufacturers recommend only blotting stains with warm water and getting your carpet professionally cleaned every 18-24 months to keep the warranty current. Please refer to the manufacturer’s instructions for proper care and cleaning of your carpet.
**Disclaimer: While these tips below are all helpful options to remove carpet stains, we recommend following the manufacturer instructions in order to properly care for your carpet. However, if you choose to not follow the manufacturer’s recommendations, Floor Concepts is not held liable for any damage or unremoved stains on your carpet. Please contact the manufacturer about your warranty with any further questions.
4 Quick Tips for Cleaning Carpet by Hand
Did you know that some harsh cleansers and shampoos can actually strip carpet of its color and nap? Pause before using those to read your labels and apply cautiously. Here are 4 quick tips we recommend for cleaning carpet by hand:
- Apply dish soap (meant for grease) with warm water to remove greasy stains or tough debris.
- Try using baking soda for oily substances. Simply sprinkle the baking soda onto the stain and then gently blot it into the carpet. After allowing it to sit for several minutes, apply a clean damp cloth to remove the baking soda and residues with it.
- Use a carpet broom (which is similar to an outdoor broom but with a stiff rubber head and bristles) to loosen dirt and stains that are matted into your carpet.
- Use laundry soap for minor carpet stains. Combine just a few drops of laundry detergent with a cup of warm water and apply this solution using a spray bottle to soak the area. Blot with a damp cloth.
Now that we’ve discussed just a few quick tips to get you started on cleaning your carpet by hand, especially when you need to act fast, let’s dive into more detail regarding some of the most common stains you might be trying to remove from your carpet.
How to Clean 5 Common Carpet Stains by Hand
For the most part, common carpet stains are water-based, so they can be easily removed with water and a mix of other household supplies. Here’s some of our best advice on cleaning these 5 common carpet stains:
1. Red Wine
This one requires you to act fast! The sooner you get to the stain, the easier it will be to clean. First, blot the excess wine so it doesn’t spread. Add water as you blot. After any excess is cleaned up, pour a small amount of club soda onto the stain. Blot again. Blotting is your friend. Keep up this process until the stain is fully removed. Use water to rinse away any residue then blot dry with a towel.
**Pro tip:
Blot the carpet stains, never rub.
2. Coffee
As with the red wine, first, blot away any excess coffee. Blot until no more excess moisture exists. Next, pour cold water on the stained area, but don’t saturate the area. This will dilute the coffee. Blot again and soak up as much water as you can. Repeat the process. Apply a carpet stain remover for any residual staining, if one remains. Dry the affected area, and use a vacuum to restore the carpet’s texture.
**Light carpet suggestion for coffee:
For light-colored carpets, you need a different solution. Combine white vinegar, liquid dish soap, and water. With a white cloth, slowly dampen the stain with the solution. Then rinse gently until the stain disappears. This may take a few passes. Next, wet a clean cloth, and clean any remaining solution. Blot the area dry with another cloth. Finally, sprinkle baking soda on top to absorb any excess moisture. Allow it to rest, then vacuum it off once the area is dry.
3. Fruit Juice
If you’re dealing with a fruit juice stain, start by blotting the stain. Blot any excess adjacent areas. Next, use a toothbrush to gently agitate the area. This will help the stain to reduce and move out of the carpet pile. Once you see no more residue, fill in any remaining fluid with water. Blot until no more moisture remains on the carpet fibers. For tough stains that remain, mix water with a commercial carpet stain remover and apply. Blot the area dry. Repeat if necessary.
4. Urine
Dog and cat owners know this stain very well, unfortunately. If it’s urine that contaminated your carpet, the lessons learned from cleaning up fruit juice are very similar. It will just require a greater amount of work than a small juice stain. Take the steps described above for fruit juices and use a stronger mixture of vinegar or club soda.
Nature’s Miracle is one of our favorites to sub in with this stain.
5. Pet Hair
This isn’t a typical stain exactly, but since we were on the topic of pets, we know this is also a common frustration for pet owners. Starting with the right tools can help to make the job easier and maintain the integrity of your carpet. A large, wide-toothed comb or a carpet broom is a great tool for this kind of carpet cleaning. The toothcomb or carpet broom can work wonders to knock apart dense clumps of hair without much effort. Follow up with a finer comb and/or vacuum to pick up any straggling strands.
Still have that pesky carpet stain even after trying some of these carpet cleaning techniques? There are some stains that can be cleaned by hand, but for many others, professional help is sometimes necessary. For any kind of carpet cleaning questions or concerns that you have, feel free to ask our flooring experts at Floor Concepts when choosing which type of carpet is right for you!
With over 50 years in the industry, Floor Concepts is an established flooring business serving the North Hills and greater Pittsburgh, PA. Our local, family owned and operated business continues to provide a large selection of inventory from custom area rugs to whole home carpet solutions to hard surface flooring and more! Contact us today.
