How to Treat Common Household Carpet Stains in an Emergency

Household stains that do not contain strong dyes, such as food and beverage stains, are best treated with warm (not hot) water.

Put it in a spray bottle and spray it on the stain. Then blot it up with a clean, white paper towel. You might have to repeat the process to get it all out. Then isolate the area by putting a chair over it or otherwise notifying people that the area is not to be walked on. Leave it alone until it is thoroughly dry, which may take up to a day.

Although, everyone seems to have a suggestion for what works best on stains, most of these suggestions can cause damage and bleaching to your carpet. For coloured carpets, they can spell disaster as the solution is often worse than the problem.

If you encounter regular stains on a regular basis, you might consider having your carpet treated with a stain-resistant process that will work to keep liquids from soaking into your carpet fibres.

Another thing to try when nothing else is working is shaving cream. It is surprisingly effective against a variety of stains. Just apply it directly to a stain and let it set for around a half-hour. Then, blot it up with a dry, white cloth. Finish the job by using the vinegar and water solution and then blotting up the solution.

For grease stains dishwashing liquid is your best bet. Put it in a spray bottle and spray it on the stain. Then blot it up with a clean, white paper towel. You might have to repeat the process to get it all out.