How to Get Old Stains Out of Carpet Home Remedies​: 8 Effective Techniques

Carpets bring beauty and elegance to your living area but are also a magnet for spills and mishaps. Over time, these blunders can create ugly stains that appear challenging to clear. It is really annoying and difficult to deal with, especially when you choose the wrong or improper cleansers to remove the blemish.

This guide will help you determine the type of carpet stain and how to remove it properly to revive its beauty and glamour. You’ll find the most excellent home solutions for removing these nasty stains. Let’s explore them.

Different Types of Carpet Stains

Carpets make our living spaces stylish and comfortable and add beauty and warmth to our homes. But with daily use, they can get dirty and smudged. Kids can spill things while playing, and pets can have accidents. Foot traffic and dirt tracks can also leave their mark. In this way, rugs look dull and muddy. 

To remove them, it’s crucial to identify the type of stain and choose the right ingredients and solutions to tackle them. The most encountered types of these dyes are:

Water Soluble Stains

Food, drinks, ink, and pet faeces usually cause water-soluble stains. Luckily, they’re easy to remove with a little effort. As dry foods don’t leave marks on rugs, you can easily scrape them with a knife. But, if you wait too long, they can become challenging to remove and might leave a mark.

To extract these stains, gently blot the area with a clean cloth. Don’t rub it, as this can make the stain worse. For tough stains, you can use hot water to help loosen them. If the stains are on the fabric, another effective way is to add ammonia or acetic acid to pull them out. 

Oil Based Carpet Stains (Non Soluble Stains)

Since oil doesn’t mix with water, these stains can’t be removed with just water treatment. They are less common but more challenging to eliminate and require specialized cleaning solutions and techniques. This type includes grease, mustard, or many other fat-like substances. 

To remove these stains, remove the affected area with a dry solvent to absorb excess moisture. One effective method is to spread baking soda on the stain, which is a proven solution for non-water soluble stains. 

Solid Stains

These include protein-based stains and are difficult to remove. They can also add marks and change the colour of the fabric. They are caused by:

• Vomit
• Wax
• Gum
• Blood spot
• Mud and dirt
• Tar and asphalt

All these stains require specialized treatment or technique as they stick to the carpet fibers and leave a residue. To pull out gum or wax stains, use ice and then scrape with a knife. If it still leaves a mark, you can apply a cleaning solution, such as a solvent-based cleaner or a detergent. 

Pet Stains

Pet owners mostly face this problem. Accidents, vomiting, or other bodily functions can cause them. These stains can be challenging to clear, as they contain proteins, uric acid, and other substances that can bond with carpet fibres.

You should act quickly to remove these smears, blot them with a hygienic cloth or paper towel, and apply a cleaning solution, such as a pet stain remover or a mixture of white vinegar and water. You can also use a soft-bristled brush to rub on the marks and then rinse with water gently.

Why Is Identifying Stain Type Beneficial for Effective Removal?

Now that you’re familiar with the various types of stains, you understand the importance of identifying them. Knowing the kind of blemishes enables you to select the most effective cleaning solution, technique, and treatment. Here are the key reasons why knowing different sorts of spots is crucial:

Effective Expulsion: Different cleansers have their specific mode of action. For example, fat-soluble stains require a solvent-based cleaner, while water-based pigments can be removed with detergents. When you know about spots, you will be able to select the best cleaning technique. Similarly, some may require specialized treatments, such as enzyme-based purifiers for protein-based or acid-based cleaners for mineral-based stains. 

Prevent the impairment: There are cases when people complain about the ineffectiveness of the solution. This is because they use inappropriate practices. Using the wrong solution can harm the surface being cleaned. For instance, employing a solvent-based cleaner on a water-based stain can damage carpet fibres. 

When you know stain type quickly, it can help prevent the spot from setting. This is especially important for protein-based stains, which can permanently bond with surfaces if left untreated.

Save time and money: Identification can also prove time and budget-friendly. You will easily select the best method without performing multiple trials. You will find the finest results and avoid the risk of stain residues with little effort.

Try Baking soda + Vinegar.

One of the most accessible and most valuable methods to remove a variety of stubborn stains is the solution of baking soda and acetic acid. It is particularly effective against: 

• Grease and oil-based stains
• Food and drink stains
• Pet stains
• Ink stains

Vinegar and baking soda present many benefits, such as they are natural, innocuous, eco-friendly, and cheap.

How to Use:

First of all, spread the baking soda thoroughly over the stain and make a solution of vinegar with water by adding equal parts of both components. You can also add dishwashing soap to improve its efficacy.

In case of urine stains, you need to wait for almost 20 minutes and then rinse with cold water and blot dry.

 Now, spray the baking soda and vinegar solution over the site, which already has baking soda over it. Its results will be shown at different times for different satins. For instance, for coffee marks, you should wait for 5-10 minutes and then gently scrub it with a microfiber cloth or soft brush. At the end, wash the carpet and let it dry completely. 

Mode of action:

Baking soda perforates the stain, lifts it and breaks down the molecules. Meanwhile, vinegar triggers a chemical reaction that produces carbon dioxide gas. 

The acid also makes it more alkaline by adjusting the pH level of the stains, ultimately making them more soluble and effective for deep cleaning.

Use Club Soda to Remove Carpet Stain

Tired of applying countless cleansers that just don’t work? Worry no more! Club soda is a game-changing solution for removing persistent old stains. This natural, gentle cleaner is designed to lift and remove various spots on carpets without damaging the fibres. 

How to Use Club Soda? 

You should treat the stain as soon as you will see it. Use a paper towel to blot the spot and remove the excess spill. Now, pour the club soda directly onto the blemish and let it sit for 5-10 minutes. Again, smudge it and remove excess club soda. If the stain is still visible, you can repeat the procedure until it is gone. 

You can perform the patch test before applying it to the whole stained area so that it won’t damage the fibres. Avoid rubbing it as it will cause the stain deeper into the carpet. 

Mode of action: 

Club soda contains carbon dioxide gas, which creates a gentle effervescence that will ultimately loosen the stain molecule. It also acts as a solvent to dissolve the dirt or any other stain molecule. Other than these, it also stabilizes the pH, which helps to prevent damage to the rugs.

Hydrogen Peroxide Solution

For light-coloured carpets, using Hydrogen Peroxide is also another effective remedy for removing carpet stains. Remember, do not use it on dark-coloured carpets, as it can lighten or fade the original colour if used in high concentration. 

You should have a clean microfiber cloth or white cloth, a bristle brush, and hydrogen peroxide for this remedy. 

Hydrogen peroxide can burn the skin if you are handling it with bare hands and in concentrated form; wear protective gloves to avoid direct contact with this harsh cleaning agent. Also, gloves will avoid possible skin irritation.

Also, dilute it and make sure it is not concentrated more tha 3% as it is one of the harsh chemicals that can damage the carpet material. 

How to Use it?

• Mix equal parts of hot water and hydrogen peroxide in a clean spray bottle and shake vigorously for thorough blending. Vacuum the entire carpet to get rid of dirt particles. Gently spray on the affected stained area; do not use in large quantities. 
• Let it soak in for 15 minutes, and then gently agitate the tough stains, microfiber or clean cloth. Now, extract the excess solution and old stains from the carpet by using the vacuum cleaner.

Being an excellent and effective carpet cleaner, Hydrogen Peroxide is extensively used in other household remedies, such as cleaning grease from the kitchen cabinets, removing wax from the ear, whitening clothes, etc.

Clean With Warm Water + Dish Soap

If you are not accessible by using acids or other chemicals, that would look damaging to your carpets. This method best suits your requirements, as it only uses dish soap with water. This simple and adequate cleaning solution is an excellent alternative to harsh chemicals. This remedy is exceptionally safe for those who don’t know the type of stain. 

How to prepare and use?

Select the high-quality dishwasher and mix 1 tablespoon with one cup of warm water. Then, dip a clean cloth into the mixture and squeeze it out thoroughly. Apply the solution to the mess and gently scrub the area. You can now rinse the fabric with clean water and blot the area to remove excess moisture. 

There is an alteration of this procedure:

If the dish soap method is ineffective on your carpet, add two tbsp of ammonia in 1 cup of water. You can apply it using the same steps as above. 

Mode of action:

Surfactants in detergents emulsify oils and fats, which ultimately allows them to be easily removed. The warm water helps to solubilize the stain molecules and make them more accessible to the dish soap

Remove Stubborn Carpet Stains With White Wine

Alcoholic-based cleaning agents always work perfectly when ot comes to removing the old stains from any type of fabric. White wine has a generous quantity of Acetic acid, making it a remarkable cleaning agent. Maybe it sounds weird to you, but apart from cleaning old or fresh stains, white wine is also extensively used to get rid of the red wine or grape juice stains from the carpet and the clothes.

What do you have to require for a worthwhile remedy?

1. Paper towels
2. Steam vac
3. White Wine

Pour a small amount of white wine into the stained area (red wine stains); it will easily penetrate into the carpet stains and dilute and break the red wine or other stain pigments. Now, softly blot the stain with paper towels or clean clothes. You can repeat this process twice or thrice until you see visible improvements.

After successfully removing red wine stains, from the carpet, now it’s time for the rinsing process. Take an equal amount of liquid dishwashing soap or mild detergent and warm water in a spray bottle.

Gently scrub the remaining stain traces with a soft or bristle brush before dabbing away the extra moisture with a clean paper towel. If you still need proper cleaning after using this remedy, consider using a steam vacuum cleaner for thorough cleaning.

Prepare Borax Solution

It is a natural mineral used for centuries as a cleaning agent, pest control, and fertilizer. It is suitable for stains from liquids like grape juice that have not been removed with other washing powders. You can mix it with water to create a solution that proves effective against persistent stains, as it not only eliminates spots but also diminishes the odour and cleans the surface.

How to use it?

• You will need to have borax, ice water, a vacuum, and a cloth.
• Mix both ingredients in equal parts to make a solution and add in a spray bottle.
• You can also add a few drops of dishwasher and shake the bottle to mix it thoroughly.
• Now, spray the mixture on the affected site of the carpet and leave it for 15 minutes.
• After appropriate time, wash the area with ice water and remove the excess moisture with a clean towel.
• At the end, dry your rug well to avoid any residue.

Mode of action:

It solubilizes grease, oil, and wax-based stains. Borax can chelate metal ions, which helps prevent new stain formation. It also has antimicrobial properties, which help to kill bacteria, viruses, and fungi that can cause smells.

Try Ammonia + Water Solution

Ammonia is one of the remarkable carpet cleaners that works superbly when combined with warm water. Ammonia, being a robust alkaline solution, is excellent in breaking acidic stains and tough stains, such as food dye, pet urine, grease stains, beverage stains, and nail polish stains. Hot water helps dilute the ammonia, making it more effective to remove the old stains from the carpet. 

Before applying ammonia solution directly on the carpet, test the solution on a small, inconspicuous area to make sure that it will not damage the carpet material or discolour its bright colour.  

Combine one cup of Ammonia in half a gallon of warm water, dip the clean cloth or sponge in this ammonia solution and blot the old, fresh or tough stain on the carpet. Allow it to sit for a few hours to penetrate and complete the cleaning process.

After some hours, rinse the affected area with lukewarm or room temperature water and dry it with a dryer or clean tower. 

Precaution:

• Never mix the ammonia with any bleaching agent, as it creates incredibly harmful and toxic fumes.  Always wear a mask while dealing with ammonia, as it is dangerous for the respiratory system.
• Direct inhaling of toxic ammonia leads to coughing, chest pain, shortness of breath, and lung problems, so always be extra careful when you are using it.

Use Water + Vinegar + Dish Soap

Dish soap and vinegar are powerful and eco-friendly ways to remove stains. These three ingredients create a mixture that is effective against dirt, grime, and pigments. One of the main benefits of using this is that it is biodegradable and gentle on surfaces.

How to make and use it?

Add half a cup of acetic acid in one full cup of water and 1 tbsp of dishwasher in a bowl. Swirl all components thoroughly. Now, take a clean towel and dip it into the cleanser. Press it to release surplus liquid and apply it to the dirty area. Gently scrub, rinse the fabric with clean water, and blot the zone to remove extra moisture.

DIY Hacks to Remove Old Stains

You know enough about the most effective and proven household remedies to remove carpet stains; here are some tested and tried DIY hacks to get rid of dedicated types of carpet stains with mild stain removal or traditional homemade solvents.

Blood:

Never ever use the hot water on any kind of blood stain, as it leads to adhering to the carpet materials. Try warm water with club soda or white vinegar for instant stain removal. You can apply any of the water-based stain removal remedies we discussed above. 

Chocolate Stain:

First of all, use a dull knife (not sharp) to scrap away the dried and solid chocolate material as much as possible. In the case of melted chocolate, try to harden the chocolate by putting ice cube bags in it before scraping the chocolate stain. Implement liquid dishwashing soap and warm water remedies to remove chocolate stains from the carpet.

Tea or Coffee Stain:

Hydrogen Peroxide solution is perfect for removing coffee or tea stains. Mix 2 tbsp of hydrogen peroxide, 1 tbsp of dish soap, and equal warm water. Spray it over the stained area blot, and repeat the process if needed.

Pet Urine:

Consider using the enzymatic cleaner to wash or remove the pet urine from the home carpet. It will not only remove the ugly urine stain from the carpet but also eliminate its stinking odour. It is extensively used in professional cleaning methods.

Conclusion

Understanding the stain types and how to remove them at home without using a professional carpet cleaning service is very satisfactory. Once you know the cause and type of stain, it will be a piece of cake to clean it. In this dedicated and comprehensive blog post, we have discussed the potential types of carpet stains, 8 most effective remedies, and instant DIY hacks for quick stain removal.

Which remedy works well for you? Share your valuable experience with us, and don’t forget to share this helpful blog post with your lovely friends and family. For more practical home remedies, visit our website.