Skip the store-bought chemicals and strong solvents.
Use these earth-friendly household staples to safely and efficiently eliminate stains on your carpets.
We asked cleaning experts to share their favorite strategies and organic-based solutions for spot-cleaning carpets.
Credit: Adam Albright
Scrape up solid bits; if the spilled substance has dried, vacuum the area before applying astain remover.
Blot spills with a clean white towel to absorb the staining material.
Never scrub the carpet surface or pour liquid directly onto the areaboth could actually spread the stain.
Credit: Steven McDonald
After using a natural carpet stain remover, rinse the cleaned area with water to remove residue.
Sticky residue attracts dirt, which can restain your carpet.
Don’t let the cleaned areas simply air-dry, which can result in noticeable rings.
Credit: Jay Wilde
Theexpertsat Empire Carpets recommend drawing out remaining moisture by placing several layers of white towels over the treated area.
Let it sit overnight before removing the towels.
Vacuum or hand-brush the cleaned area.
Credit: Jacob Fox
For a quick lift of fresh spills and older stains, keep ahandheld carpet steam cleanerat hand.
Alcohol
Treat oily stains with rubbing alcohol or vodkaboth will break down oils and grease, Reichert says.
Fill a spray bottle with rubbing alcohol or vodka and spray the stained area.
Credit: Kate Sears
Blot the area with a damp white cloth until the soap is gone.
Let the area dry, and repeat blotting until the stain is removed.
Blot with a water-dampened towel to remove soapy residue.
Credit: Jay Wilde
Baking Soda
Greasy and oily stains on carpets can be removed with strategically applied sprinkles of baking soda.
Let the baking soda sit for at least six hours, then vacuum.
Remove any residue with a wet cloth moistened with rubbing alcohol.
First, blot the wet spills with a clean cloth.
Spray the spot with ice water and sprinkle on borax powder.
Blot the stain with a white cloth until it’s gone.
Blot up the spill, then lightly spray the stained area with club soda.
Dab the entire area with a clean white cloth.
Continue to spray and blot until the stain has disappeared.
Cornstarch
Quickly get a handle on large liquid spills by applying cornstarch, Reichert says.
Blot up the excess liquid, then spread cornstarch across the stain.
Once the cornstarch has absorbed the liquid, scrape up the powder and vacuum the area.
After you’ve blotted up the spill, apply the solution to the stained area.
Let it sit for a few seconds before gently working it in with your fingers.
Rinse the area with water, blot, and repeat until the stains and residue are gone.
“Whip up this simple stain pretreater only as you need it,” Maker says.
Spray hydrogen peroxide onto stains, then cover them with a damp white towel.
Place a steam ironon the lowest settingatop the towel (check that it doesn’t touch the carpet).
Take care not to inhale the steam.
Iron the towel for 10 to 15 seconds.
Repeat until all or almost all of the stain has disappeared.
Lightly spray the stain again with hydrogen peroxide.
Place a clean dry towel over the stain and weight it with something heavy, like a skillet.
Allow the area to dry overnight.
Ice Cubes
The freezing method makes it easy to remove wads of gum and melted wax from your carpet.
First, peel or gently scrape off as much gum or wax as you might.
Then harden the remaining gum or wax by placing a plastic bag filled with ice atop the offending materials.
Apply the paste to the stained area and let it dry for 24 hours before vacuuming.
In addition to removing the stains, the mix kills bacteria and acts as a deodorizer.
Employ it as your first and best offense when washing out stains.
Use the spray to remove pet urine and rust stains.
After absorbing any moisture with a clean white cloth, lightly spray the stained area with the vinegar mixture.
Blot with a white cloth until the stain is gone.
The vinegar will reactivate the shampoo already in the carpet and extract the shampoo and dirt.
White Wine or Vodka
Just spilled red wine?
Otherwise, go to Plan B: Treat the stain by blotting with hydrogen peroxide.
