Top Carpet Stain Removers: Tailored Solutions for Every Carpet Type

Choosing the right homemade carpet stain remover

We have scoured the internet to find the best carpet stain removers that can be made at home. When choosing which carpet cleaning solution you should use, regardless if it is store bought or home made, pay attention to the type of fibers your carpet has.

There are two types of carpets, synthetic carpets and carpets made out of natural fibers. Different combinations of ingredients work better with the two types of carpets. To spot clean synthetic carpet stains, you will need to dip a white cloth into the DIY carpet cleaning solution and apply it to the stains. Never try to pour the solution directly onto the carpet stain. For carpets with natural fibers, you should use a spray bottle to mist the stain remover onto the stains.

Here are some of the best DIY carpet stain removers:

DIY carpet stain remover with detergent

If you are using the stain remover on synthetic carpets, mix a quarter teaspoon of a translucent dishwashing detergent, like Dawn or Palmolive Pure+Clear.

If you are using the stain remover on natural fiber carpets, mix one teaspoon of translucent dishwashing detergent, like Dawn or Palmolive Pure+Clear.

DIY carpet cleaning solution with white vinegar

If you are using the stain remover on synthetic carpets, mix one cup of white vinegar with two cups of water.

If you are using the stain remover on natural fiber carpets, mix a quarter cup of white vinegar with a quarter of a cup with water.

DIY carpet cleaning solution with ammonia

This cleaning solution should be used on natural fiber carpets only. Mix one tablespoon of clear household ammonia with half of a cup of lukewarm water.

DIY carpet cleaning solution with solvent

Use an oil solvent or a non acetone nail polish remover

3 Best carpet stain removers

If you are not a fan of making your own homemade carpet cleaner, there are some great cleaning products for you that will clean carpet stains just as good. We have looked all over the internet to find the best carpet stain remover for you. Here are the options for cleaning products:

1. Folex Instant Carpet Spot Remover

This has been considered to be the best carpet stain remover as it has passed many tests in removing stains. This is a water based stain remover that can easily tackle stains from grease, oil, red wine, coffee, and food. It is solvent, dye, fragrance and petroleum free, which is great for people who suffer from asthma problems and allergies. Regardless of being harmless to the people at risk, its formula can tackle a wide variety of messes. It is sold at a very affordable price point and a bottle big enough to last.

To clean carpet stains, just spray Folex on the spot, lightly rub it in, wait for 30 secs, and blot the area with a white cloth that is dry. This spot remover contains alcohols and surfactants, which are typically foaming agents, and chelants, which prevent molecules from binding together, to draw the stains from the carpet fibers. Do try to spot test the product before using it to make sure there will be no color transfer or discoloration from the carpet fibers.

Even though it is a great solution for almost all stains, pet messes might not be cleaned off as you would like. Folex does not have any enzymes that break down odors, so unless you want to use a two solutions, this is not for your and your pet messes.

2. Best Budget: Resolve Spot + Stain Carpet Stain Remover

This carpet cleaning cleaning solution offers different formulas in spray, liquid, foam, and powder. It is also budget friendly, just like the Forex. Reviews from customers said that it was easy to use and had high versatility, with a formula that could handle everything from tomato sauce to wine stains.

The spray formula penetrates deep cleaning of the carpet fibers to break down and lift stains. The oxygen based bleach contained inside the solution helps keep stains from reappearing.

To use, spray the formula over the stained area, let it work for 30 seconds and then blot it down with a white cloth that is dry. Then, let the area dry completely and repeat the steps if needed.

This solution is too, however, not suitable for cat urine odors.

3. The Spruce Stain and Odor Remover in Fresh

This solution is the best carpet stain remover for pet stains. Pet messes are naturally difficult to remove because you need to worry about having to eliminate odors as well as removing stains. If the odor remains, a lot of animals tend to come back to the same spot and mark it again. The Spruce carpet stain removers promise to remove pet stains and be used an odor remover.

To use, shake the bottle well, spray the stain remover on the stained area liberally. Let the product work into the pet stains for 10 to 15 minutes and then scrub the spot with a cloth or soft brush. Finish the deep cleaning by wiping the freshly cleaned area with a damp cloth or sponge; this will remove any product residue. Allow the area to dry and enjoy and have your carpet smelling fresh again.

3 Best Carpet cleaning machines

1. Fortador Volt Electra steam cleaner with vacuum

When you buy this carpet steam cleaner, you will get steam at a pressure of 175 PSI / 12 bar, higher than most other popular steam mops. It also has a boiler made from high-quality steel along with a large, seven-inch display that shows you all of the information you need to monitor water, detergent, temperature, and pressure. Electricity powers the Volt Electra, so all you need to do is plug it in to get started. This unit uses an ECO system that maximizes heating efficiency to deliver a constant steam flow rate. It's also much lighter so you can maneuver it more easily.

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2. Fortador Volt Mini multi purpose steamer

The Fortador Volt Mini is a commercial grade steam cleaner that cleans and sanitizes hard surfaces as well as carpet stains. The highly portable steam cleaner is lightweight, weighing in at 16.5 lbs, allowing operators to move it freely. The carpet cleaning machine heats up quickly, taking only five minutes to produce steam. This steam cleaner comes with various attachments like a mop head, little brushes, a selection of microfiber cloths and more.

A steam cleaner alone is enough to remove dirt and grease stains. However, some situations may need a cleaning solution in removing stains completely. Fortador has a variety of carpet stain removers for sale, or you can make your own homemade carpet stain remover with a recipe provided below. Regardless of what you use, it will help you get rid of the carpet stains.

3. Rug Doctor

The Rug Doctor is one of the cleaning products that has been around in the market for a while. However, it is fairly pricey for just using as a carpet cleaning machine. It is a very bulky machine that is hard to move around and too big to store in a small closet space.

However, if you want to rent one, stores like Home Depot offer those services. Keep in mind, you will still need to buy or make cleaning products to use with your Rug Doctor.

How to remove food stains and drink stains from carpets

Below, you will find instructions that remove stains from things like red wine, chocolate, milk, coffee, berries, and etc.

How to remove food stains with a detergent carpet cleaning solution

1.Dip a white cloth (or a white paper towel) into the homemade carpet cleaning solution for synthetic carpets and dab repeatedly, then press the cloth on the spot for a few seconds. Give it a ten to fifteen minutes to break down the stain, then soak up the excess liquid with a dry cloth.

2.Dip a white cloth into the vinegar solution for synthetic carpets and dab repeatedly, then press the cloth on the spot for a few seconds. Wait about ten to fifteen minutes. It is important for the white vinegar to remove the residual detergent, which will attract dirt if left in the carpet fibers.

3.Rinse the carpet stain by blotting with a damp cloth soaked with lukewarm water. Wait until the carpet is completely dry. As long as you see the stain getting lighter, repeat these steps as needed until it is not there anymore.

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How to remove drink stains from natural fiber carpets

These instructions should help you treat coffee and tea stains with your DIY carpet cleaning solution:

1. Use a spray bottle to apply the homemade carpet cleaner solution for natural fiber carpet, then blot it with a dry white cloth.
2. Use a spray bottle to apply the vinegar solution for natural fiber carpets, then blot it with a dry white cloth.

3. Spray the stain with a homemade carpet cleaner detergent solution for natural fiber carpets, then blot with a dry white cloth.
4. Spray the stain with lukewarm water, then blot it with a dry white cloth.
5. Repeat the steps above until the carpet stain is removed.

How to remove wine stains, stains from berries, juice, milk and etc.

1. Use a spray bottle to apply the homemade carpet cleaner solution for natural fiber carpet, then blot it with a dry white cloth.
2. Use a spray bottle to apply the ammonia solution for natural fiber carpets. Blot it with a dry white cloth
3. Apply the vinegar solution for natural fiber carpets, then blot it with a dry white cloth.
4. Spray the stain with a homemade carpet cleaner detergent solution for natural fiber carpets, then blot with a dry white cloth.

4. Spray the stain with lukewarm water, then blot it with a dry white cloth.

6. Repeat the steps above until the carpet stain is removed.

How to remove oil and grease stains

Follow the instructions below to treat butter, essential oil, lotion, and lipstick stains with your homemade carpet cleaning solution.

For synthetic fiber carpets and rugs

1. Apply a small amount of homemade carpet cleaning solvent to a white cloth. Dab repeatedly, then press the cloth firmly on the spot for a few seconds.
2. Rinse by blotting with a white cloth soaked in lukewarm water.
3. Wait an hour or until the carpet is completely dry. Repeat the steps until the stain has been removed completely.

For natural fiber carpets and rugs

You will need spray bottles to put your solutions in for this one.

1. Apply a small amount of the homemade carpet cleaning solvent to a white cloth, then blot it with a dry white cloth.
2. Spray the stain with the homemade carpet detergent solution, then blot it with a dry white cloth.
3. Spray the carpet stain with lukewarm water, then blot it with a dry white cloth.
4. Wait an hour or until the carpet is completely dry. If the stain is still there, repeat steps 1 through 4 until it is gone.

Stain removal of dirt from carpet fibers

For synthetic fiber carpets

1. Vacuum any dry dirt on the carpet to try to remove as much as you can prior to treating your carpet with a solution.
2. Dip your clean white cloth into the homemade carpet detergent solution for synthetic carpets and dab it before pressing the white cloth on the spot for a few seconds.
3. Wait about 15-10 minutes to let the carpet cleaner solution get into the dirt, then soak up the excess liquid with a dry white cloth.
4. Dip another white cloth in lukewarm water and dab it before pressing it on the spot for a few seconds.
5. Wait for your carpet stains to dry. If they are not yet gone, repeat the steps above.

For natural fiber carpets

You will need to use spraying bottles for this one

1. Vacuum any dry dirt on the carpet to try to remove as much as you can prior to treating your carpet with a solution.
2. Spray the stain with the homemade carpet cleaning solution with detergent for natural fiber rugs, then blot it with white cloth that is dry.
3. Spray the stain with the homemade carpet cleaners solution with vinegar for natural fiber, then blot it with a soft cloth.
4. Reapply the carpet stain remover with detergent, then blot it again with a white cloth.
5. Lastly, spray the carpet stain with lukewarm water, then blot it again with a white cloth.
6. Wait for the carpet stain to dry and see if you need to repeat the steps.

Especially tough stains can require repeating the process of spraying and blotting before your carpet will be clean again.

Stain removal of pet accidents

Pet urine might be the worst to clean up. The pet odors can stay if not treated and on time, and the entire carpet will have to be considered trash. Here are instructions how to clean pet stains from your carpet.

How to clean pet accidents on synthetic fiber carpets

1. Dip a white cloth into the homemade carpet cleaners solution with detergent for synthetic fiber carpets and dab it before pressing the cloth on the spot for a few seconds.
2. Wait for about 10 to 15 minutes, then soak up the excess liquid with a dry soft cloth.
3. Dip the cloth into the homemade carpet cleaners solution with vinegar and dab it before pressing the white cloth on the spot for a few seconds. Wait for 15 minutes.
4. Wait until the carpet is completely dry. If the pet stains are still there, repeat the steps.

How to clean pet urine on natural fiber carpets

You will need multiple spray bottles and white cloths for this.

1. Spray the spot with the homemade carpet cleaners with detergent for natural fiber carpets, then blot it down with a white cloth that is dry.
2. Spray the stain with the homemade carpet cleaner solution with ammonia for natural fiber carpets, then blot it down with a clean white cloth.
3. Spray the pet urine stain with the homemade carpet cleaner solution with vinegar for natural fiber carpets, then blot it down with a white cloth.
4. Apply the detergent solution again, then blot it down with a white cloth.
5. Spray the stain with warm water, then blot it down with a white cloth.

How to remove chewing gum from carpets

For synthetic fiber and natural fiber carpets

1. Rub the spot with with a plastic (Ziploc) bag filled with ice cubes until the stain becomes hard. Try to shatter it with something hard, like a spatula and pick up the rest of the things with a vacuum.
2. Apply a small amount of solvent with a white cloth, then blot it down.
3. Rinse the stain by blotting with a soft cloth soaked in warm water.

How to remove mayonnaise stains

For synthetic fiber carpets

1. Apply a small amount of homemade carpet stain remover with solvent, then blot it down. Wait 10 to 15 minutes to dry.
2. Repeat if the stain is still there.
3. Rinse the stain by blotting a damp cloth with water. Wait another 15 minutes, then soak up the excess liquid with a soft cloth.

For natural fiber carpets

1. Spray the stain with the homemade carpet cleaning solution for natural fiber carpets, then blot it down with a white cloth that is dry.
2. Spray the stain with the homemade carpet cleaner solution with ammonia for natural fiber carpets, then blot it down with a white cloth that is dry.
3. Spray the spot with a stain remover with vinegar for natural fibers, then blot it down with a white cloth that is dry.
4. Apply the homemade carpet cleaner solution with the detergent, then blot it with a white cloth that is dry.

Conclusion

We hope this guide will help you to remove all stains from your carpets and choose right cleaning method.

Also check our guide for furniture cleaning with steam.