How do I clean stains on my carpet?

Cleaning stains on your home carpet requires different regimes and solutions depending on the carpet composition. Some carpets are easy-clean meaning stains can be removed with just soap and water, whereas other stains, such as wax, coffee and red wine require strong solutions and must have a carpet composition that can withstand bleach cleaning and harsh chemical carpet stain removal.

In this guide, we’ll cover:

• How to clean stains on a nylon carpet
• How to clean stains on a polypropylene carpet
• How to clean stains on a wool and wool-rich carpet
• Professional carpet cleaning and stain removal
• Additional things to consider

How to clean stains on a nylon carpet

Nylon carpet is a synthetic carpet type that is typically easy to clean, care for and maintain. Treated nylon 6 or solution-dyed nylon has stain-resistant properties and is an easy-clean carpet choice for the home.

Carpet stains are inevitable but how you treat stains can make all the difference when it comes to the longevity of your nylon home carpet. Time is of the essence with home carpet stains, whatever the carpet type and nature of stain. Blotting to remove the spillage before it penetrates the carpet pile can prevent bad staining. Stains which have been allowed to dry are more difficult to clean and need a more in-depth cleaning treatment. 

Gently blotting the carpet if any spills occur and cleaning stains on a nylon carpet using shampoo carpet cleaner is usually enough, without the need for cleaning with a bleach solution or harsh chemicals. Using for-purpose carpet shampoo is key, you must not use washing detergent or other household shampoo products that are not specifically for use on carpet.

Dampen a cloth with water and a good proprietary brand carpet shampoo (diluting according to label). Before treating the stain, test the treatment on an inconspicuous part of the carpet for possible colour change. Rinse by applying a small amount of lukewarm water to a clean cloth or sponge and do not walk over the carpet until it is completely dry. 

How to clean stains on a polypropylene carpet

Synthetic polypropylene carpet is cleanable with a 50% bleach, 50% water solution. All 100% polypropylene carpet is bleach cleanable, whereas most other carpet types are not to be cleaned with bleach or harsh chemicals and can be damaged if cleaned with strong chemical solutions. 

A practical and impervious home carpet choice, removing stains from a polypropylene carpet is relatively straightforward. Stubborn stains can be removed using a bleach cleaning solution without any negative effects to the carpet itself. 

As with all home carpets, scooping surface spillages from your carpet quickly, before they have a chance to penetrate the carpet fibres, minimises the risk of stubborn stains. For liquid spillages, gently blotting the carpet to soak up excess liquid before it soaks into the carpet can make stain removal easier. Ensure you do not rub the carpet pile during the stain removal or rinsing stages as this will further embed any spillages or spoils into the carpet fibres.  

It is best to treat your home carpet with a CleanSeal Certified stain removal solution. Apply the solution to a cloth or towelling, and not directly onto the stain or carpet pile. Once you have worked the solution into the stain, rinse the area with lukewarm water and a clean cloth or sponge. For stubborn and persistent stains, you may need to use a bleach cleaning solution and we recommend it is diluted to a 25% bleach, 75% water solution.

Once you have removed the stain and rinsed the affected area, remove excess water by patting the carpet dry. Do not walk on the carpet until it is completely dry.

Depending on where you purchase your home carpet from, many polypropylene carpets benefit from a lifetime stain warranty for peace of mind that your synthetic carpet will stand the test of time.If polypropylene carpet is right for you, it is worth finding out if it comes with a stain warranty.

How to clean stains on a wool or wool blend carpet

Wool and wool blend carpets can be routinely cleaned via steam cleaning, rotary brush shampooing, dry foam cleaning and cleaning with dry powder. 

When it comes to wool and wool blend carpet, the WoolSafe Organisation has been helping carpet owners and suppliers with cleaning advice for over 20 years.

For wool carpet stains and spillages, quickly scoop up solids from the carpet surface before they have a chance to penetrate the carpet fibres, minimising the risk of stubborn stains. For spillages, blot the carpet with paper towels or a cloth to soak up excess liquid before it soaks into the carpet. Avoid rubbing the carpet pile during the stain removal process as this will further embed stains into the carpet fibres.  

Depending on where you purchase your wool carpet, many wool and wool blend carpets come with the availability of a Wool Owner’s Warranty (WOW), which provides professional aftercare and cleaning for owners of wool and wool rich home carpets. The Wool Owner’s Warranty is available at an additional cost but does cover professional stain removal.  

Professional carpet cleaning and stain removal

Although removing stains and cleaning your carpet at home is a relatively straightforward regime, there are benefits to enlisting a professional carpet cleaning service for stain removal and routine carpet cleaning. The WoolSafe Organisation is a cleaning service provider for owners of wool and wool blend carpet and offer cleaning products and expert advice as well as cleaning services.

Professional carpet cleaning is a sure-fire way of knowing your carpet is free from dirt, bacteria, spills, and spoils without any damage to the carpet itself. Professional carpet cleaners are also expert at removing tough and stubborn stains from your carpet in the most effective and least damaging way, ensuring a super clean finish and extending the life of your home carpet. 

Professional carpet cleaning and stain removal provides peace of mind that your carpet is in good hands, that tough stains will be removed without any adverse effects, and that your carpet will be left gleaming and looking brand new.

Enlisting a professional carpet cleaner is relatively inexpensive and booking an annual carpet cleaning and stain removal with a professional is highly recommended as it will keep your home carpets in good condition. 

Additional things to consider

Cleaning stains on a carpet at home is a step-by-step process and many different carpet types require similar regimes and solutions. The best thing to do to be sure to remove stains from your home carpet is to consult your cleaning and maintenance guide for full details on carpet cleaning and aftercare. However, if you are unsure of how to approach carpet cleaning and stain removal, enlisting the help of a professional carpet cleaner is often easy and worth the investment. 

All home carpets can be blotted to remove liquid spillages and stains and can be cleaned with a natural soap and water solution to remove surface stains. 

Synthetic carpets can use a mild, natural cleaning solution of water, bicarbonate of soda and white vinegar, however, this must be avoided on wool and wool blend carpets. Certain synthetic carpet fibres such as treated nylon and polypropylene carpet use bleach cleaning and harsh chemical solutions to remove stubborn stains. Most synthetic,  natural wool and wool blend home carpets can withstand the use of steam cleaners for deep steam cleaning and stain removal. 

In addition to the carpet construction, other things to consider when cleaning stains on a carpet at home are the pile type, the colour of your carpet, the type of stain you’re trying to remove, and, finally, the home cleaning products and equipment available to you.