Effective carpet stain removal techniques will help you maintain your home’s carpet and extend its life. Stains are much easier to remove when they’re fresh, so be quick to clean up any spills and messes. The longer a stain sits, the more it soaks into the fibers and becomes more difficult to remove. Soak up liquid stains with a cloth or paper towel, and be sure to blot — never rub — the area.

Generally, most stains fall into three categories: water soluble, oil-based and dry spot. Water soluble stains include milk, most foods, soda, coffee, ice cream and gravy. These stains can be removed with a small amount of distilled or tap water, or you can use a commercial carpet cleaner.

Effective Carpet Stain Removal Techniques: Save Your Carpet

Oil stains can be a challenge, but they can often be removed with rubbing alcohol or hairspray. Grease stains on the other hand, can be quite difficult to get rid of. However, you can usually beat them by sprinkling baking soda on the stain and allowing it to sit for an hour or so. It will absorb a lot of the grease and also eliminate any odors.

If you do end up using a cleaning solution, be careful to apply it sparingly and test it in an out of sight area. Too much liquid can oversaturate and damage the carpet backing. Blot instead of scrubbing, and use a white cloth to avoid dye transfer from colored fabrics. Dry the area thoroughly, and make sure it’s completely dry before attempting to vacuum it again.