ClickCease Carpet Cleaning Stain Guide ✦ Prestige Carpet Cleaning
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Stain Guide For
Carpet & Rug Celaning

Tips to treat Spots or Spills
  • Can you remove tough stains like wine, coffee, or pet urine? What is your process for treating them?

    Yes, we have a very high success rate in removing a wide variety of tough stains, including common spills like wine and coffee, as well as difficult biological issues like pet urine and odors. While we cannot guarantee removal of every stain (as some can permanently dye carpet fibers), our technicians are experts in stain treatment.

    Our process involves:

    • Pre-Inspection: We first identify the type of stain and the carpet fibers to determine the safest and most effective treatment.
    • Specialized Treatment: We use a range of professional-grade, non-toxic spot removers specifically designed for the type of stain we are treating. For pet issues, we use a deep-sinking enzyme treatment that attacks the odor-causing bacteria at the source, rather than just masking the smell.
    • Hot Water Extraction: Our powerful Thermo-Rinse™ cleaning process then flushes the stain and the treatment solution from deep within the carpet.

    If you have a fresh spill, we recommend gently blotting the area with a clean, white absorbent cloth. Avoid rubbing, and do not use harsh store-bought chemicals, as they can sometimes set the stain permanently. Give us a call as soon as possible for the best results.

  • 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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We’ve helped thousands of Durham residents restore and refresh their carpets, area rugs, and upholstery with our professional cleaning services. We take this responsibility seriously because a clean, fresh space isn’t just about appearances—it’s about better air quality, comfort and health.