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Carpet stain remover

Course DIY
Keyword carpet stains, diy cleaning, pet messes, stain remover
Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Dish soap, vinegar and peroxide mixes for different stains. Blot, never rub, and test a hidden spot first.

What You’ll Need

  • Food or mud: 1 cup warm water; ½ teaspoon mild dish soap
  • Coffee tea or wine: ½ cup white vinegar; ½ cup warm water; ½ teaspoon dish soap
  • Pet messes or organic stains (urine, blood): ½ cup hydrogen peroxide; 1 tablespoon dish soap
  • Tough old stains: 1 part clear household ammonia to 3 parts hot water, in a spray bottle
  • White cloths spray bottle

Directions

  • Test a hidden spot first to make sure the color will not run, and use white cloths only.
  • Blot liquids firmly (do not rub), moving to a clean part of the cloth and blotting from different directions; scoop up any solids.
  • Spray or dab on the right mixture without soaking the carpet.
  • Wait 5 to 10 minutes, then blot with a fresh white cloth. Repeat if needed.
  • Rinse with plain cold water, blot dry or use a fan, and vacuum in two directions.
  • Old stains: mist with the ammonia mix, wait 30 minutes, lay a white towel on top and press it with a steam iron, changing towels often.

Notes

Grease: sprinkle cornstarch or baking soda.
Safety: peroxide can bleach dark carpet, test first; ventilate for ammonia; don't oversaturate (mold). Also: NEVER mix ammonia with bleach or vinegar solutions, and never use different mixtures on the same spot back to back without rinsing. Gloves; keep kids and pets away until dry.