Carpet Stain & Upholstery Stain Removal Tips
Carpet stains are a frequent challenge in many households, caused by everything from food and drink to dirt and pet accidents. Maintaining clean carpets not only improves their appearance but also helps preserve their quality over time. Fortunately, with the right techniques, even tough stains can be removed safely and effectively. Whether it’s a fresh spill or a stubborn mark, acting quickly can prevent permanent damage.
Below, you’ll find simple and effective methods to treat the most common carpet and upholstery stains.
Always remember to test in an inconspicuous area first!

How to Remove Tea or Coffee Stains from Carpet?
Treatment
-
Use a clean, dry white cloth or paper towel to gently blot up as much liquid as possible. Avoid rubbing, as this can spread the stain or push it deeper into the carpet fibres.
-
Combine 1 cup of warm water with 1 tablespoon of white vinegar and 1 teaspoon of mild dishwashing liquid.
- Dampen a clean cloth with the solution and gently blot the stain, working from the outside in to avoid spreading.
-
After treating the area, use a dry cloth or paper towel to blot up the moisture. Repeat steps 4 and 5 as needed until the stain lightens or disappears.
-
Dampen a cloth with plain water and blot the area to remove any remaining cleaning solution.
-
Press a dry towel over the area to absorb excess moisture, then allow it to air dry completely. Avoid walking on the damp area until it’s dry.
-
Repeat if Needed: For stubborn or dried tea/coffee stains, repeat the process or consider contacting a professional carpet cleaner for deeper treatment.
Tip: The quicker you respond to tea or coffee spills, the easier they are to remove! Always test an inconspicuous area first!

How to Remove Red Wine Stains from Carpet?
Treatment
-
Use a clean, dry white cloth or paper towel to blot up as much of the red wine as possible. Do not rub, as this can spread the stain and drive it deeper into the carpet.
-
Pour a small amount of cold water directly onto the stain to dilute it. Blot again with a clean cloth to lift more of the wine from the carpet.
-
Mix three parts baking soda with one part water to form a thick paste.
-
Spread the baking soda paste over the stained area. Let it sit until it dries completely (this may take several hours).
-
Once the paste is dry, vacuum it up. This helps lift the stain and any remaining wine residue.
Optional Vinegar Solution Treatment:
-
If any staining remains, mix 1 cup of warm water with 1 tablespoon of white vinegar and a few drops of dishwashing liquid. Blot the area with the solution, then blot with a dry cloth.
-
Dampen a clean cloth with cold water and blot the area to remove any remaining cleaning solution.
-
Use a dry towel to absorb excess moisture. Let the area air dry completely before walking on it.
-
Repeat if Necessary: Older or deeper stains may require more than one treatment or professional carpet cleaning services.
Important: Always test any cleaning solution on a small, hidden section of your carpet first to ensure it won’t cause damage or discolouration.

How to Remove Urine Stains from Carpet?
Treatment
-
Use a clean, dry cloth or kitchen roll to blot up as much urine as possible. Press down firmly to absorb the liquid, but do not rub, as this may spread the stain or push it deeper into the fibres.
-
Mix a solution of equal parts white vinegar and cold water. This helps to neutralise both the stain and the odour.
- Pour or spray a small amount of the vinegar solution onto the stained area, ensuring it reaches the carpet backing where urine may have soaked through.
-
Use a clean cloth to blot the area, lifting out the vinegar and urine mixture. Repeat until no more moisture transfers to the cloth.
-
Sprinkle a generous amount of bicarbonate of soda (baking soda) over the damp area. This will help to absorb remaining odours and moisture.
-
Leave the bicarbonate of soda on the carpet for several hours or overnight until it’s completely dry.
-
Once dry, vacuum up the powder completely. Check for any remaining odour or staining.
-
Repeat if Necessary: For older or persistent urine stains, repeat the process or consider using an enzyme-based carpet cleaner specifically designed for pet urine.
-
Open windows or use a fan to help with ventilation and speed up drying time.
Important: Always check your carpet’s care instructions and perform a patch test before using any cleaning solution.

How to Remove Ink or Marker Stains from Carpet or Upholstery?
Treatment
-
The sooner you treat the ink or marker stain, the better your chances of removing it. Avoid letting the stain dry or set into the fibres.
-
Use a clean, dry white cloth or paper towel to blot up as much of the ink as possible. Gently press—do not rub, as this can cause the stain to spread.
- Lightly dampen a clean cloth with Isopropyl or rubbing alcohol (available from pharmacies). Gently dab the stained area—do not soak the fabric, especially on upholstery.
-
As the ink begins to transfer onto the cloth, switch to a clean part of the cloth and continue blotting. Avoid scrubbing, as it can spread the stain or damage fibres.
-
For Carpet – Rinse the Area: Once the stain is removed, lightly blot the area with a damp cloth and plain cold water to remove any alcohol residue.
-
For Upholstery – Use Minimal Moisture: If treating upholstery, avoid over-wetting the fabric. Instead, blot gently and allow the area to air dry fully.
-
Blot with a clean dry towel, then allow the area to air dry completely. Use a fan or open window to help speed up the process.
-
Repeat if Needed: Stubborn or older stains may require a second treatment. If the stain persists, consult a professional carpet or upholstery cleaning service.
Tips: Always test any cleaning product or solution on an inconspicuous area of the carpet or fabric to check for colourfastness and damage. Always work from the outside of the stain inwards to avoid spreading. Avoid using coloured cloths or paper towels that may transfer dye onto your carpet or furniture.

How to Remove Blood Stains from Carpet?
Treatment
-
-
Act Quickly: The sooner you treat the blood stain, the easier it will be to remove. Avoid using warm or hot water, as heat can set the stain permanently.
-
Use a clean, dry white cloth or paper towel to gently blot up as much of the blood as possible. Do not rub, as this can push the stain deeper into the carpet fibres.
-
Mix a solution of cold water and a small amount of mild dishwashing detergent (about 1 teaspoon of detergent per 2 cups of cold water).
-
Dampen a clean cloth with the solution and gently blot the stained area. Work from the outside of the stain toward the centre to avoid spreading it.
-
After applying the solution, blot the area with a dry cloth or paper towel to lift the loosened blood from the carpet. Repeat steps 4 and 5 as needed until the stain fades.
-
Once the stain is removed, use a cloth dampened with cold water to blot the area and remove any soapy residue.
-
Press a clean, dry towel over the area to absorb excess moisture. Then allow the carpet to air dry completely. Avoid walking on the area until it’s dry.
-
Repeat if Necessary: For older or more stubborn stains, you may need to repeat the process or consult a professional carpet cleaner.
Important: Always test any cleaning solution on an inconspicuous area of your carpet before applying it to a visible spot.
-

How to Remove Candle Wax from Carpet?
Treatment
-
Allow the candle wax to cool and harden fully. To speed up the process, place a few ice cubes in a plastic bag and apply it directly to the wax.
-
Once the wax is solid, use a dull knife or spoon to gently scrape away as much of it as possible. Be careful not to damage the carpet fibres.
-
Place a clean white paper towel, brown paper bag, or an absorbent cloth over the remaining wax residue.
-
Set your iron to a low heat setting with no steam. Press it lightly over the paper or cloth for a few seconds at a time. The heat will melt the remaining wax, which will transfer into the paper or cloth (Repeat as Needed)
-
If there’s any remaining stain or oily residue, blot the area with a mild dish soap and warm water solution. Use a clean cloth to gently work the solution into the fibres.
-
Finish by blotting the area with a damp cloth to rinse out any soap, then allow the carpet to air dry completely.
Important: Always test this method on an inconspicuous area of the carpet first to ensure it won’t cause damage or discolouration.

How to Remove Mud or Muck Stains from Carpet or Upholstery?
Treatment
-
Resist the urge to clean wet mud straight away. Let it dry fully first – trying to clean it while wet can smear the dirt and push it deeper into the fibres.
-
Once dry, use a vacuum cleaner with a hose or brush attachment to remove as much of the dried mud or muck as possible. Take your time to avoid grinding debris into the fabric.
-
Use a blunt knife or spoon to carefully scrape away any stubborn bits that remain stuck to the carpet or upholstery fibres.
-
Mix a small amount of mild washing-up liquid with warm water (about 1 teaspoon per 250ml of water). Avoid harsh detergents, especially on delicate fabrics.
- Dampen a clean white cloth or sponge with the soapy solution and gently blot the stained area. Do not oversaturate the fabric, particularly on upholstery.
-
After cleaning, use a second clean cloth dampened with plain water to blot the area again and remove any soapy residue.
-
Use a dry towel to blot up excess moisture. Allow the area to air dry fully before using it again. Open windows or use a fan to speed up drying if needed.
-
Repeat if Necessary: For deep or stubborn stains, the process may need to be repeated. If the stain persists, consider seeking professional carpet or upholstery cleaning services.
Tip: Before applying the solution, test it on an inconspicuous area of the carpet or upholstery to ensure it doesn’t affect the colour or texture. Always work from the outer edge of the stain inward to avoid spreading, and avoid using coloured cloths that could transfer dye.

How to Remove Chocolate Stains from Carpet or Upholstery?
Treatment
-
If the chocolate is soft or melted, place a few ice cubes in a plastic bag and apply it to the stain to harden the chocolate. This makes it easier to remove without smearing.
-
Use a blunt knife or spoon to carefully lift off as much of the hardened chocolate as possible. Be gentle to avoid damaging the fabric or carpet fibres.
-
Dampen a clean white cloth with cold water and gently blot the stain to lift as much residue as possible. Do not rub, as this may spread the stain.
-
Mix one tablespoon of mild washing-up liquid with two cups (approx. 500 ml) of cold water.
- Using a clean white cloth or sponge, apply the solution to the stained area and blot gently. Work from the outside of the stain inward to prevent spreading.
-
Dampen another clean cloth with cold water and blot the area to remove any soap residue.
-
Blot the area with a dry towel or cloth to absorb as much moisture as possible. Allow to air dry fully. Avoid heat, which can set any remaining stain.
-
Repeat if Necessary: If the stain remains, repeat the process until it disappears completely.
Tip: Test your cleaning solution on an inconspicuous area of the fabric or carpet to make sure it doesn’t cause any discolouration or damage.

How to Remove Chewing Gum from Carpet?
Treatment
-
Place a few ice cubes in a plastic bag and press it directly onto the chewing gum. Leave it for several minutes until the gum hardens. This makes it easier to remove without smearing.
-
Using a blunt knife, spoon, or plastic scraper, carefully lift the hardened gum from the surface. Be gentle to avoid damaging the fibres.
-
Mix a small amount of washing-up liquid with warm water. Dampen a clean cloth with the solution and blot the area to remove any gum residue.
-
If any gum remains stuck, apply a small amount of white vinegar or a commercial gum remover to a cloth and gently blot the area. Test this on a hidden spot first to ensure it doesn’t affect the colour or texture.
-
After the gum is gone, blot the area with a damp cloth (just water) to remove any cleaning solution or solvent.
-
Pat the area dry with a clean towel or cloth. Avoid using heat, which may set any remaining residue.
-
Once completely dry, vacuum the carpet to lift the fibres and restore its texture.

How to Remove Milk Stains from Carpet?
Treatment
-
Act Quickly: As soon as you notice the milk spill, blot it up using a clean, dry cloth or paper towels. Do not rub, as this can push the milk deeper into the fibres.
-
Mix one tablespoon of washing-up liquid (not bleach-based) with two cups (around 500 ml) of cold water.
- Dip a clean white cloth or sponge into the solution and gently blot the stained area. Work from the outside of the stain inward to avoid spreading it.
-
Continue blotting with the soapy cloth until the milk stain is lifted. Do not soak the fabric.
-
Dampen another clean cloth with cold water and blot the area to remove any soap residue.
-
Blot with a dry towel or cloth to absorb as much moisture as possible. You can also use a fan or open windows to help it dry more quickly.
-
If a sour smell remains, sprinkle bicarbonate of soda (baking soda) over the area once dry. Leave it overnight, then vacuum thoroughly the next day.
-
Repeat if Necessary: If the stain or smell persists, repeat the cleaning process.
Tip: Before applying the solution, test it on a small, inconspicuous area of the carpet or upholstery to ensure it doesn’t cause discolouration.
GET IN TOUCH
For a free quotation, advice or any additional information contact us today.
01375 350 150
info@thecarpetcleaningcompany.net
AREAS COVERED
Essex, Kent, London, Hertfordshire & Middlesex
PAYMENTS
Cash, Cheque, Major Debit & Credit Cards and Klarna Accepted

OPERATING HOURS
Mon – Fri: 9am – 5pm
Weekends: On request
Out of hours appointments available subject
to approval.
Follow Us


