Insider Report: DIY Carpet Care Tips

Carpeting a home isn’t cheap. An expert shares tips for effective carpet stain removal and drying water-logged carpets to keep your carpet looking good for as long as possible.

You don’t have to worry about stains and water damage ruining your carpeting if you take the proper steps to correct these problems if they occur.

Read on to learn how to remove just about every carpet stain imaginable and some do’s and don’ts for dealing with water-damaged carpet.

DIY Carpet Care: Stain Removal

First, blot or scrape up the excess of any spill. Be sure to preset the removal method on an area of fabric or carpet that cannot be seen.

Then proceed with the spot carpet cleaning outline below for individual stains.

Butter, Cooking Oil, Crayon, Hand Lotion, Mascara, Shoe Polish, Tar

Gently apply a commercial solvent and blot carefully to absorb all the spill. Then, apply a mild detergent solution. Blot up excess again. Then wipe gently with a cloth soaked with water and blot dry.

Blood, Catsup, Chocolate, Mud, Egg, Ice Cream, Mayonnaise, Milk, Soy Sauce

Apply a mild detergent solution. Blot to absorb the excess. Apply a small amount of ammonia and blot again. Then repeat this time with a mild detergent and blot again. Wipe gently with a cloth soaked with water and blot dry.

Beer, Berries, Candy, Coffee, Fruit Juices, Mixed Drinks, Soft Drinks, Wine

Apply a mild detergent solution. Blot to absorb the excess. Apply a small amount of vinegar and the detergent once again. Blot. Then wipe gently with a cloth soaked with water and blot dry.

If none of the recommended steps work, you might wish to enlist the services of an expert. Be aware that do-it-yourself cleaning efforts might render the stain difficult for even an expert to remove. See 7 Ways To Save on Carpet Cleaning.

DIY Carpet Care: Water Damage Cleaning

• Remove as much water as possible by mopping or sweeping.
• Wipe furniture dry and block it up to allow the base to dry.
• Lift draperies off the carpet, loop through a coat hanger, and place the hanger on the drapery rod.
• Remove wet area rugs or other loose floor coverings.
• Open furniture drawers, closet doors, and luggage to enhance drying.
• Move photos, paintings, and art objects to a safe, dry location.
• Remove wet fabrics and dry them as soon as possible.
• Remove damp books from shelves and spread them out to dry.

• Do not use an ordinary household vacuum to remove water.
• Do not use electrical appliances while on wet carpet or wet floors.
• Do not go into rooms with standing water if the electricity is still on.
• Do not lift tacked-down carpet without professional help. Lifting the carpet incorrectly could damage the backing.

• 10 Money-Saving Carpet Hacks
• Removing Pet Urine Smells From Carpeting on the Cheap
• How To Soften Carpet Inexpensively
• How Effective Are Dry Carpet Cleaners?

Reviewed September 2024