The 20 Toughest Carpet Stains to Remove and How to Remove Them
It happens to the best of us - you’re carrying a plate of food, pouring a glass of wine, or coming back from a muddy walk, and before you know it, there’s a stain on your carpet. During Christmas, with all the hosting and festive gatherings, spills are almost inevitable, but these mishaps can happen at any time of year. So, what do you do when it happens?
Every stain is unique and needs a different approach. To help, we’ve identified the most commonly searched stains people need advice on and teamed up with cleaning expert and How Clean is Your House? host Aggie MacKenzie. She’s shared her best tips for tackling even the trickiest stains, so you can keep your carpet looking its best this festive season and beyond.
The 20 toughest stains to remove from carpet and how to tackle them
Every day, people spill countless substances on their carpets, prompting frantic searches for how to remove them. But which stains are people searching for how to clean the most?
Rank
Carpet Stain
Annual Google Searches
1
Paint
284,400
2
Blood
270,120
3
Slime
221,280
4
Candle wax
211,200
5
Nail polish
208,920
6
Grease or oil-based stains
(gravy, butter, mayonnaise)
117,360
7
Chewing gum
101,280
8
Wine or beer
97,800
9
Vomit
73,440
10
Pen ink
70,560
11
Coffee or tea
69,600
12
Pet feces
69,480
13
Pet urine
51,840
14
Makeup
41,880
15
Chocolate
31,200
16
Tomato based sauces
20,280
17
Bleach
17,280
18
Milk, cream or cream liqueurs
16,080
19
Mud
13,080
20
Glitter
11,880
1. Paint – 284,400 annual searches
If you're planning home improvements or redecorating next year, paint will likely be a part of the process. Unfortunately, paint spills are a common mishap, shown by the fact that people search for ways to remove paint stains over 284,000 times each year worldwide. While preventing stains is ideal, most stains can be removed with the right approach and some elbow grease.
If you’ve spilled acrylic or latex paint, start by gently scraping away any excess paint with a utensil like a putty knife. Next, spray a solution of warm water and dishwashing detergent onto the stain and blot with a white cloth. This prevents transferring any dye from the cloth to the carpet.
Avoid rubbing the stain, as this can push the paint deeper into the fibers, making it harder to remove. Rewet the area and continue blotting with a clean cloth, repeating the process until the stain is gone.
For oil-based paint spills, the method is similar but needs an extra step. Before applying the detergent solution, use paint thinner to loosen the paint. Be cautious with paint thinner, as it can spread the stain if not carefully applied.
2. Blood – 270,120 annual searches
Blood might seem like an unlikely stain, but it’s the second-most searched stain removal query in the world. Removing human or pet stains like blood from carpets requires quick action to minimise staining, odours, and bacterial growth.
On how to tackle a stubborn blood stain, Aggie says, “Blot the blood with a clean cloth or paper towel to absorb it, but don’t rub, as it spreads the stain. Use a cloth dampened with cold water to gently blot and lift the stain. Mix one teaspoon of washing-up liquid with two cups of cold water. Dab the solution onto the stain with a clean cloth, working from the edges inward. Blot dry and repeat if needed.
Top tip: “For stubborn stains, apply a small amount of 3% hydrogen peroxide directly to the area. Let it sit briefly, then blot with a damp cloth. Test on a hidden spot first, as peroxide may bleach fabric.”
3. Slime – 221,280 annual searches
Slime might seem like an even more surprising stain than blood, but it ranks as the third-most searched stain removal query worldwide. A popular gift for kids at Christmas, slime can easily turn into a sticky situation for parents. While it may seem like an impossible stain to remove, don’t worry - there is a way to tackle it.
If you ever find yourself with a slime spillage, scoop all the slime away you can with a spoon. Then, mix hot water with white vinegar and blot the stain gently. Dab with a clean towel and repeat the process until the slime is all gone.
How to remove different stain types, according to Aggie MacKenzie
We bring all sorts of substances into our homes, and with that comes the inevitable risk of spills on our floors. From the runny to the sticky, the oily to the colorful, stains come in all forms. Some can be grouped by their consistency, ingredients, or just their messy nature, and each type has its own unique removal method.
Biological human or pet stains
Stains like blood, vomit, and pet urine are unfortunately common mishaps that can happen in any home. While cleaning these stains may not be pleasant, there are effective ways to handle them and get your floors looking good again.
Vomit: Vomit is one of those stains that no one wants to deal with, but it’s something that has to be cleaned up quickly.
Aggie offers the following advice: “Wear gloves and use a scraper to remove solids. Sprinkle bicarbonate of soda to absorb moisture and odors, let sit for 15–30 minutes, then vacuum. Afterward, apply washing-up liquid and vinegar with warm water, then apply an enzymatic cleaner designed for pet stains to address any lingering odors.”
Pet urine: Aggie suggests, “Absorb as much liquid as possible, then mix equal parts vinegar and water, pour onto the stain to neutralize ammonia, then sprinkle bicarbonate of soda. Follow with an enzymatic cleaner, rinse with water, and blot dry.”
Sticky stains
Sticky stains, like wax or chewing gum, are notoriously tough to remove, so they might call for some unusual tactics to get rid of them. Here are Aggie’s top tips for removing stubborn sticky carpet stains:
Candle wax: Aggies top tip is, “Fill a plastic bag with ice, place over the area to allow it to harden the wax. After it’s hard, you can chip away at the wax with a utensil. Then wipe away what remains with a damp cloth.”
Chewing gum: Aggie says, “Chewing gum on pavements is bad enough, but if it’s landed on your carpet, scrape away the worst, then put ice cubes over the residue until it’s brittle and chip away with a blunt knife.”
Grease or oil stains
Grease and oil stains in general see over 117,360 Google searches worldwide. Removing grease or oil stains, like mayonnaise or gravy, from carpet can be tricky, but with the right steps, it’s manageable.
To get rid of these tough stains, Aggie says: “Start by blotting the stain immediately with a paper towel or clean cloth to absorb as much grease as possible. Avoid rubbing, as this can spread the stain. Next, sprinkle a generous amount of bicarbonate of soda or cornflour over the stain to absorb the grease. Let it sit for 15–30 minutes, then vacuum thoroughly.
“Add warm water mixed with washing up liquid and apply the solution to the stain using a clean cloth or sponge, dabbing gently without soaking the carpet. Use a soft-bristle brush or an old toothbrush to work the cleaning solution into the carpet fibers gently. Then, blot the area with a clean, dry towel to lift the loosened grease. Repeat as necessary until the stain is gone.”
Tannin stains
Removing tannin stains (like coffee, tea, wine or beer) from your carpet usually needs quick action to effectively get rid of them. These types of stains can be stubborn but are usually water-soluble, so you have a good chance of success with the following advice.
Aggie says, “Use a clean white cloth or paper towel to blot the stain. Then, mix one teaspoon of clear washing up liquid with one cup of warm water and apply the solution. For older or stubborn stains, you can add a tablespoon of clear vinegar to the solution. Use a soft-bristle brush to gently apply the mixture to the stain, being careful not to scrub too hard, as this could damage the carpet fibers.”
Top tip: “If there's a lingering odor from drinks like beer, sprinkle a light layer of bicarbonate of soda over the damp area. Let it sit for 15–30 minutes, then vacuum thoroughly.
“For red wine, you can use soda water, which is about 85p in the supermarket. Douse in soda water and, using a clean white towel and work from the outside in, dab, dab, dab and re-wet until all the colour is out of the carpet and onto the towel.”
Dairy stains
Dairy-based stains can be some of the most odorous, as substances like milk, cream, or chocolate contain spoiled proteins and fats that cause unpleasant smells. Here’s what to do if you spill a dairy-based substance on your carpet:
“Blot the stain with paper towels or a clean cloth to absorb liquid. For solids, gently lift with a spoon. Use cold water and a mild soap solution to clean, then blot with a damp cloth. If odors remain, use vinegar or bicarbonate of soda.”
“If you spill milk, pay special attention to neutralising odours with bicarbonate of soda or vinegar, as spoiled milk can leave a strong smell. Baileys or cream liqueurs should be treated quickly to remove both the cream and alcohol components. If the stain has dried, apply the washing-up solution and blot repeatedly to lift residue.
“If you spill chocolate, scrape off as much solid chocolate as possible before applying any water or solution. Use cold water to prevent the stain from spreading or setting. Apply the washing-up solution and work gently, blotting repeatedly to remove the stain.”
Acidic stains
Acidic stains tend to refer to sauces, like tomato based sauces, hot sauce or other foodstuffs like cranberry sauce. The longer acidic stains sit, the more likely they are to set and cause permanent discoloration, so it’s important to remove these quickly and effectively.
Aggie shares a simple step-by-step guide on what to do if you spill an acidic substance on your carpet: “Use a clean white cloth or paper towel to blot the stain. Start at the edges and work inwards to prevent spreading. For thicker sauces, like tomato or cranberry, use a spoon or dull knife to lift off as much of the solid residue as possible. Mix one teaspoon of washing-up liquid with one cup of cold water and dab the solution onto the stain using a clean cloth or sponge. Avoid scrubbing, as this can push the stain deeper into the fibres. If the stain persists, mix equal parts white vinegar and water. Dab this solution onto the stain and let it sit for five minutes, before washing off with cold water.
“For light-coloured carpets with lingering stains, apply a small amount of 3% hydrogen peroxide. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes, then blot with a damp cloth.Test this method on a hidden area first, as hydrogen peroxide can lighten certain fabrics.
“Tomato stains often contain oils. If the stain has an oily residue, sprinkle a small amount of bicarbonate of soda over the stain after applying the washing-up solution. Let it sit for 15 minutes before vacuuming.
“Hot sauce may leave behind bright red or orange pigments. Apply a bit of the vinegar solution if the washing-up liquid doesn’t fully lift the colour. Cranberry sauce can leave a sugary residue. Ensure the stain is fully rinsed to avoid attracting dirt later.”
The dos and don’ts of cleaning your carpets
Aggie also shares her top dos and don’ts when it comes to cleaning your carpets to avoid any costly mistakes.
Aggie’s carpet-cleaning ‘dos’
Blot, don’t rub
“Gently blot spills and stains with a clean cloth or paper towel. Rubbing can spread the stain and push it deeper into the carpet fibres.”
Spot-test cleaning products
“Before applying any cleaning solution, test it in an inconspicuous area to ensure it doesn’t discolour or damage your carpet. A top tip is to hang on to any small offcuts. That way, if you have a stain later on and need to treat it with a solvent, you can use the offcut to test on before you risk bleaching the carpet!”
Act quickly
“Address spills and stains as soon as they happen. The longer they sit, the harder they are to remove, especially with festive treats like red wine or cranberry sauce.”
Vacuum regularly
“Vacuum daily or every other day to prevent dirt and debris from embedding into your carpet fibres, especially during times of year like Christmas, which often means more foot traffic.”
Use a Carpet Protector Spray
“Apply a carpet protector before big celebrations, for example Christmas parties, to shield your carpet from spills and make stains easier to clean.”
Aggie’s carpet-cleaning ‘don’ts’
Use too much water
“Oversaturating your carpet can damage the backing and lead to mould or mildew. Use water sparingly and always blot dry.”
Use harsh chemicals
“Avoid bleach or overly harsh cleaning agents, as they can discolour your carpet and damage its fibres.”
Ignore lingering odours
“If a spill involves dairy, alcohol or protein-based substances, clean thoroughly to prevent sour smells. Consider an enzymatic cleaner for odours.”
Skip the rinse
“If you use a cleaning solution, always rinse with plain water afterwards. Leftover residue can attract dirt and make the carpet look worse over time.”
Delay professional cleaning
“If you have a large, stubborn stain or delicate carpeting, don’t hesitate to call a professional. Trying to DIY a difficult stain can sometimes make it worse.”
Methodology
Flooring Hut used Google Keyword Planner to find out the number of Google searches per year for each type of stain.
Expert commentary was provided by Aggie MacKenzie.
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