Carpet Cleaning Stain Guide ✦ Prestige Carpet Cleaning

Stain Guide For
Carpet & Rug Celaning

Tips to treat Spots or Spills

How do I clean red wine stains?
1. Blot with white wine first
2. Apply detergent solution
3. Apply vinegar solution
4. Apply ammonia solution
5. Rinse and blot dry
What do I do if wax is spilled on my carpet?
1. Apply grease remover
2. Repeat
3. Apply detergent solution
4. Rinse and blot
How do I treat urine or vomit stains?
1. Apply detergent solution
2. Apply ammonia solution
3. Apply vinegar solution
4. Rinse and blot dry
How do I clean tar or shoe polish?
1. Apply non-oily nail polish remover
2. Apply grease remover
3. Repeat
4. Apply detergent solution
5. Apply ammonia solution
6. Rinse and blot
How do I clean paint (latex or oil-based)?
Latex Paint:
1. Blot
2. Rinse with detergent solution
  Oil-Based Paint:
3. Apply grease remover
4. Apply nail polish remover
5. Apply detergent, ammonia, vinegar
6. Rinse and blot dry
What’s the best way to remove nail polish?
1. Apply grease remover
2. Apply non-oily nail polish remover
3. If stain remains, apply detergent solution
4. Apply ammonia solution
5. Apply vinegar
6. Rinse and blot dry
Can I clean glue or rust from carpet?
Professional cleaning is recommended for glue and persistent rust stains.
How do I clean mud stains?
1. Let it dry
2. Brush or vacuum
3. Apply detergent solution
4. Rinse and blot
How should I treat milk or soda spills?
1. Use warm or soda water
2. Optionally use dry cleaning solution
3. Blot dry
How do I remove artificial color stains?
1. Apply detergent solution
2. Apply vinegar
3. Rinse
4. Apply enzyme detergent
5. Rinse and blot dry
How do I clean alcoholic beverage stains?
1. Flush with warm or soda water
2. Blot dry
Can I use vinegar for cleaning stains?
Yes. Use plain, undiluted white table vinegar.
How do I clean lipstick stains?
1. Apply grease remover
2. Repeat
3. Apply detergent solution
4. Rinse and blot
What’s the method for ketchup, mustard, or jello stains?
1. Apply detergent solution
2. Apply vinegar
3. Apply enzyme detergent
4. Rinse and blot dry
How do I remove ink stains (ballpoint)?
1. Spray with unscented hair spray
2. Apply grease remover
3. Repeat steps if needed
How do I get gum out of carpet?
1. Chill with an ice cube
2. Scrape off what you can
3. Apply non-oily nail polish remover
How do I remove grease or oil stains?
1. Apply non-oily nail polish remover
2. Apply grease remover
3. Repeat
4. Apply detergent solution
5. Apply ammonia solution
6. Rinse and blot
How do I treat grass stains?
1. Apply cool detergent solution
2. Apply vinegar
3. Rinse
4. Apply enzyme detergent
5. Rinse with cool water and blot dry
What’s the best way to clean fruit juice stains?
1. Apply detergent solution
2. Apply vinegar
3. Rinse
4. Apply enzyme detergent
5. Rinse and blot dry
How do I remove crayon stains?
1. Apply grease remover
2. Repeat
3. Apply detergent solution
4. Rinse and blot
How do I clean coffee, tea, or cola stains?
1. Flush with cold water or soda water
2. Blot dry
How do I remove chocolate stains?
1. Apply non-oily nail polish remover
2. Apply grease remover
3. Repeat as needed
4. Apply detergent solution
5. Apply ammonia solution
6. Rinse and blot
What’s the process for removing blood stains?
1. Apply cool detergent solution
2. Apply vinegar
3. Rinse
4. Apply enzyme detergent
5. Rinse with cool water and blot dry
How do I clean animal stains (urine, feces, etc.)?
- Apply detergent solution
- Apply ammonia solution
- Apply vinegar
- Rinse and blot
Should I test a cleaning solution before using it on a carpet?
Yes. Always test any cleaning solution on an inconspicuous area of the carpet first to avoid damage or discoloration.
What is the recommended ammonia solution?
Mix 1 tablespoon of household (sudsy) ammonia with ½ cup of lukewarm water.
Should I rub or blot the stain?
Always blot—never rub. Rubbing can spread the stain and force it deeper into the fibers. Blot gently and repeat as needed with a clean white towel.
What’s the first step I should take after a spill?
Absorb the liquid using a clean white towel or paper towel. Gently scrape up any solids, working from the outside of the stain toward the center to avoid spreading it.
Can I use bleach to remove carpet stains?
No. Bleach may remove the stain, but it will also remove the carpet’s color, causing permanent discoloration.
How important is it to treat carpet stains immediately?
Very important. The sooner you treat a stain, the easier it is to remove. Older stains are more difficult and may become permanent.
Can hairspray help with stains?
Yes. Unscented hair spray works well for ink and small tar spots.
Can I use nail polish remover on carpet?
Yes, but only use non-oily nail polish remover and apply it undiluted.
What is an enzyme detergent and how is it used?
It’s a detergent that contains enzymes to break down organic stains. Mix and use like regular detergent.
How do I make a detergent solution for carpet stains?
Mix 1 teaspoon of laundry detergent (like Tide) with 1 cup of lukewarm water.

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