Emergency Stain Response: The Ultimate Carpet Saver’s Guide

Richie Morse
Jan 16
4 min read

Updated: Jan 16

It's 9 p.m. The kids are finally in bed, the house is spotless, and you've checked off all the daily chores. Now it's your time to relax with a Netflix binge and a well-deserved glass of wine. But just as you set your glass on the corner table, it slips. Your heart sinks as you watch the red wine spill onto your pristine white carpet. Panic starts to set in, but then you remember—Emergency Stain Response: The Ultimate Carpet Saver’s Guide. With this guide, you spring into action and save the day, rescuing your carpet from disaster.

Spilled Beverages (Coffee, Tea, Soda, Wine)

1. Blot, Don't Rub: Quickly blot the spill with a clean cloth or paper towel. Avoid rubbing as it can push the stain deeper into the fibers.

2. Cold Water Rinse: Apply a small amount of cold water to the stain and continue blotting.

3. Cleaning Solution: Mix a solution of 1 teaspoon of mild detergent with 1 cup of warm water. Apply a small amount to the stain and gently blot.

4. Rinse: Use a cloth moistened with cold water to remove any detergent residue.

5. Dry: Blot dry with a clean, dry cloth. Place a small fan nearby to help with drying if needed.

Food Stains (Sauces, Oils)

1. Remove Excess: Gently scrape off any solid food particles using a spoon or butter knife.

2. Blot the Stain: Use a clean cloth or paper towel to blot the stain, absorbing as much of the liquid as possible.

3. Cleaning Solution: Create a mixture of 1 teaspoon of dishwashing liquid, 1 teaspoon of white vinegar, and 1 cup of warm water.

4. Apply and Blot: Apply the solution to the stain and blot with a clean cloth.

5. Rinse: Rinse the area with water to remove the cleaning solution.

6. Dry: Blot dry with a clean cloth and allow the area to air dry.

Mud and Dirt

1. Let It Dry: Allow the mud to dry completely before attempting to clean it.

2. Vacuum: Vacuum the dried mud thoroughly to remove as much dirt as possible.

3. Cleaning Solution: Mix 1 teaspoon of mild detergent with 1 cup of warm water.

4. Blot and Clean: Apply the solution to the remaining dirt and blot with a clean cloth.

5. Rinse: Rinse the area with water to remove any soap residue.

6. Dry: Blot dry with a clean cloth and allow the carpet to air dry.

Pet Stains

1. Remove Solids: If there are any solid particles, remove them carefully with a paper towel.

2. Blot the Stain: Blot the stain with a clean cloth or paper towel to absorb as much liquid as possible.

3. Use an Enzyme Cleaner: Apply an enzyme-based cleaner specifically designed for pet stains. Follow the instructions on the product label.

4. Blot and Rinse: Blot the area with a clean cloth and rinse with water. Blot dry with a towel.

Grease Stains

1. Blot the Stain: Use a paper towel to blot the grease stain and absorb excess grease.

2. Apply Cornstarch or Baking Soda: Sprinkle cornstarch or baking soda over the stain to absorb the grease. Let it sit for 15-20 minutes.

3. Vacuum: Vacuum the powder thoroughly.

4. Clean with Dish Soap: Mix a few drops of dish soap with warm water. Dampen a cloth with the solution and blot the stained area.

5. Rinse and Blot Dry: Rinse the area with water and blot dry with a clean cloth.

Ink Stains

1. Blot the Stain: Use a clean cloth to blot the ink stain. Be gentle to avoid spreading the ink.

2. Apply Rubbing Alcohol: Dampen a cloth with rubbing alcohol and gently blot the ink stain.

3. Rinse and Blot Dry: Rinse the area with water and blot dry with a clean cloth.

Blood Stains

1. Blot the Stain: Blot the blood stain with a clean cloth or paper towel to absorb as much as possible.

2. Apply Cold Water: Dampen a cloth with cold water and gently blot the stained area. Avoid using hot water, as it can set the stain.

3. Use Hydrogen Peroxide: If the stain persists, apply a small amount of hydrogen peroxide to the stain. Let it sit for a few minutes, then blot with a clean cloth.

4. Rinse and Blot Dry: Rinse the area with water and blot dry with a clean cloth.

By following these steps, you can effectively tackle a variety of common stains and keep your carpets looking Pristine Clean, but we get it sometimes you don't have the time, or you might need some extra help from our commercial grade equipment. Those are what we call phone a friend stains.