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How to Remove Carpet Stains

Lowe's Editorial Team

By Lowe's Editorial Team
Published August 27, 2024

Carpets are a home accessory used to provide comfort and style. However, it is important to maintain them. The most common causes of stains on carpets are coffee spills and pet accidents. Learn how to remove stains from carpet and avoid these problems.

Tools and Materials

Tools

Materials

Types of Carpets

The different types of carpets are:

Polyester:

This type of carpet is commonly used indoors particularly in bedrooms, living rooms and family rooms. Polyester material is soft and comfortable. They are often stain-resistant and easy to clean.

Nylon:

This type of carpet is considered to be the most durable carpet. They are ideal for busy places in the home, such as hallways, stairs and living rooms. Nylon carpets are pet-friendly and stain-resistant.

Solution-dyed Polyester:

It is becoming a popular outdoor carpet option nowadays. It can be utilized both inside and out of the house. Solution-dyed polyester carpets are resistant to stains and fading, and it is durable. It is suitable for children and pets, and it is affordable.

Triexta:

This is a new widely used type of carpet in the market for families with children and pets. Triexta carpets can tolerate dirty conditions and is easy to keep clean. Ideal for common areas of the home such as staircases, passageways and living rooms. Helps to avoid pet stains and odors.

Olefin:

This carpet is relatively sensitive. It is advised to use in households without pets or children or in areas of the house that are not frequently used. It is recommended to use in areas with more sunshine. Olefin carpets need cleaning with ​strong chemicals like pure O2 powder with citrus to maintain.

Caution

Always wear rubber gloves and safety glasses to protect yourself from these harsh chemicals.

Solution-dyed Nylon

This indoor carpet is suitable for households with pets. It reduces pet odour and is fade-resistant. Solution-dyed nylon carpets are easy to clean. It is mainly used in living areas.

Before you begin

One thing to keep in mind is that it is very important to clean or remove the stains from the carpet immediately after a spill. If this is not done, mold will develop and the entire carpet will need to be replaced.

How to Get Coffee Stains out of your Carpet

  • First and foremost, dab the stained area with a clean white cloth because a colored cloth can imprint its color on the stained section. This will soak the excess liquid from the carpet.
  • Wearing disposable gloves, clean with a liquid detergent and a bristle brush. 
  • To prevent the stain from spreading, clean it from the outside to the inside. Work gently over the stain for 10 minutes. 
  • Then wet the stained area with cool water or with a damp cloth and sponge it. 
  • Then use a dry clean cloth to absorb the detergent solution.  
  • Let the stain air dry completely and then use a vacuum to clean the carpet. 

How to Get Dog Pee out of Your Carpet

  • Soak the dog pee off the carpet using clean white paper towels as quickly as possible to avoid odors. 
  • In a small mixing bowl, add one cup warm water and two tablespoons dishwashing liquid. 
  • Dip a bristle brush in the mixture, then carefully apply it to the stain. Apply it from the outside of the stain to the inside so that it does not spread. 
  • Then with a fresh white paper towel clean the mixture. 
  • To remove any residue, use a new damp white cloth to sponge the stain with cool water because a colored cloth can imprint its color on the stained section. 
  • Place some paper towels over the stain with some weight on them and leave for 15 minutes. This will allow it to soak up any remaining water. 
  • Air dry the carpet and vacuum when it's completely dry. 

How to Remove Mold from Carpet

Cause of mold
Mold is a fungus that thrives in wet, warm conditions and unfortunately carpets can provide the ideal place for it to develop. Mold growth can cause structural damage to the flooring. Mold growth in carpets is mostly caused by dampness, as damp conditions are excellent for mold spores to thrive. This wetness might come from spills, leaks or high humidity. Furthermore, the warmth of interior environments, organic elements trapped in carpets (such as dust and food particles) and poor ventilation all contribute to mold growth.

How to Prevent it

  • Wearing disposable gloves, slowly and carefully brush off the visible mold using a bristle brush. 
  • Make a mixture of vinegar and baking soda and apply it to the affected part of the carpet. Let it sit for an hour.  
  • Then scrub the affected area with a carpet cleaner and let it dry. 
  • Use a vacuum cleaner to clean the carpet after it is completely dry. 
  • Make sure to throw all the tools used to remove the mold. 
  • Repeat the process if the stain of the mold is still there.  

Tip

Use 2 cups of warm water, 2 cups of vinegar and 4 tablespoons of baking soda.

How to Remove Food or Drink Stains from Carpet

  • Remove or pick up the food from the carpet before it causes additional stains. 
  • If the food particles are already stuck in the carpet, it needs to be vacuumed.  
  • If a liquid is slipped on the carpet, use a paper towel to dab it so it can absorb the liquid. 
  • Scrub the stain slowly with liquid detergent and a bristle brush. Allow it to sit for 15 minutes. 
  • With a clean white cloth, carefully apply lukewarm water to the area and allow the carpet to dry naturally. 
  • Vacuum the carpet after it has totally dried. 

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