How To Get Stains Out of Carpet: Coffee, Dirt, & More

Whatever’s not supposed to get on the carpet somehow always does. Whether you’re dealing with a spilled glass of red wine, finger-paint artwork from your 3-year-old, or an unexpected “gift” from your pet, we’ll teach you the right techniques to keep your carpets looking fresh and clean.

Removing Different Types of Carpet Stains

There are three primary types of carpet stains, and treating each one requires a few different techniques.

Water-Soluble Stains

Water-soluble stains dissolve in water, making them very simple to remove. A few examples include the following: 

• Alcoholic beverages
• Berries and fruit juices
• Ice cream
• Milk
• Mud
• Soda and other soft drinks

To remove these stains, mix 1/4 teaspoon of non-bleach detergent or white vinegar with 32 ounces of water. Gently blot this solution onto the stain, then rinse with clean water.

For tougher water-based stains, you might be able to try either of these solutions depending on the type of carpet you have:

• Non-wool carpet: Mix 1 tablespoon of ammonia with 1 cup of water.
• Solution-dyed carpets: Try a solution of one part chlorine bleach to five parts of water.

Oil-Based Carpet Stains

Oil-based stains don’t dissolve in water, making them more challenging to remove. They require special treatment and often need a solvent-based cleaner. 

Common oil-based stains include the following:

• Cooking oil
• Grease
• Lipstick
• Motor oil
• Oil-based paint
• Some types of makeup

Place a paper towel over the carpet and iron on a warm setting for these stains. The stain should lift off the carpet and stick to the paper towel. If the iron doesn’t get everything out, you may need a commercial carpet cleaner designed for oil-based stains.

Protein-Based Stains

Protein-based stains, which come from organic materials, can be particularly stubborn. An enzymatic cleaner is needed to break down the proteins effectively.

Examples of protein-based stains include the following:

• Blood
• Egg
• Milk
• Pet urine
• Vomit

To remove these stains, use a specialized enzymatic cleaner. Mix a cleaning solution of one tablespoon of ammonia with one cup of water. However, to avoid damaging the fibers, never use ammonia on wool or wool-blend carpets. It should also be noted that you should never mix ammonia-based cleaners with bleach or chlorine-based cleaners.

General Steps for Removing Carpet Stains

Regardless of the type of stain you’re dealing with, follow these general tips for the smoothest carpet stain-removal process.

Test Your Stain Remover

You’ll want to make sure that the solution you use doesn’t discolor or damage your carpet. Always test any cleaning solution on a small, inconspicuous area of your carpet before applying it to the stain.

Act Quickly

The sooner you address a stain, the better your chances of eradicating it. Fresh stains are much easier to remove than those that have had time to set into the carpet fibers.

Blot, Don’t Rub

Never rub the stained area. This can spread the stain and damage the carpet fibers. Instead, use a clean cloth or paper towel to gently blot the stain, working from the outside toward the center to prevent it from spreading further.

Carpet Cleaning and Maintenance

Even if you’re not dealing with stains, you should thoroughly clean your carpet every 12 to 18 months. Many homeowners work with a professional carpet cleaning service for the job. You may also be able to rent a steam carpet cleaner from your local hardware store. Portable carpet cleaners are available as well.

If you decide to clean your carpet yourself, follow these tips:

• Make sure the carpet cleaning machine you choose has enough vacuum power to allow the carpet to dry in 6 to 12 hours, or you may risk damage from getting it too wet.
• Use fans or a dehumidifier to expedite drying time after cleaning. You risk mildew and bacteria growth if your carpet is wet for over 24 hours.
• Choose a cleaning solution with a pH of 10 or less, and make sure you remove all detergent after cleaning. Check out our best carpet shampoos guide to learn more.
• Double-check your warranty. If your carpet is stain-resistant, treat it with products that are formulated for it. Otherwise, you risk impairing the carpet’s effectiveness and voiding your warranty.

Carpet Cleaning Products: Our Top Picks

The best type of cleaner to use depends on your situation. Some cleaners work better on water-soluble stains, while others are designed only for oil-based stains. Other cleaners are made for specific stain types, such as pet urine or wine. Here is a list of our top picks for the best carpet cleaners on the market.

Most Versatile

Courtesy Amazon

Shaw R2X Carpet Stain & Soil Remover

• $12.99

Prices taken at time of publishing.

From soil to oil, this stain remover can tackle any stain. It can treat one spot or act as a wall-to-wall cleaner on carpets and rugs made from a variety of materials, including wool. It’s also safe on clothing, furniture, and upholstery.

• $12.99 at Amazon

Pros and Cons

✔ Works on wool rugs and carpets
✔ Safe to use on furniture, clothing, and upholstery
✔ Doesn’t require rinsing after application

✘ May sometimes require multiple sprays to eliminate stains
✘ Only available in one bottle size

Key Features

• Spray cleaner
• 32-ounce bottle
• Effective on soil, oil, and more

What Customers Are Saying

Customers who were happy with this stain remover said that it worked on multiple surfaces, was easy to use, and eliminated stains quickly. However, unhappy customers had difficulty using the sprayer. They also said that the product had an unpleasant odor.

Best Enzyme Cleaner

Courtesy Amazon

BISSELL Professional Stain & Odor Remover

• $17
• $17.99
• 6% off

Prices taken at time of publishing.

Muddy pawprints, accidents, and other pet stains are some of the most common reasons why homeowners buy carpet cleaner. If you’re a pet owner, consider this spray that uses enzymes to remove stains and eliminate odors. The enzyme-based formula also works on grease, spaghetti sauce, makeup, and other spills.

• $17 at Amazon

Pros and Cons

✔ Designed with pet stains and odors in mind
✔ Can be used on any water-safe surface
✔ Doesn’t contain heavy metals, optical brighteners, phosphates, or dyes

✘ Takes longer for the enzymes to eliminate stains
✘ Has a small bottle size of 22 ounces

Key Features

• Spray cleaner
• 22-ounce bottle
• Effective on urine, feces, blood, vomit, grease, and more

What Customers are Saying

Customers were pleased with the effectiveness of this cleaner, stating that it removed stains and their associated odors. However, those who didn’t like this product said that it didn’t work well on all food stains.

Best Quantity Options

Courtesy Amazon

FOLEX Instant Carpet Spot Remover

• $6.65
• $23.64
• 72% off

Prices taken at time of publishing.

If you live in a household with messy pets or children, this product may be worth keeping in your closet. It can clean a variety of stains, including grease, oil, red wine, rust, coffee, and dirt using a non-toxic formula. It’s also available in small and large bottles as well as single packs and multipacks.

• $6.65 at Amazon

Pros and Cons

✔ Uses a water-based, odor-free formula
✔ Safe to use around children and pets if it’s used as directed
✔ Is available in multiple pack sizes

✘ Doesn’t always deodorize stains
✘ Can bleach a carpet if too much is used

Key Features

• Spray cleaner
• 32-ounce bottle
• Effective on ink, red wine, coffee, and more

What Customers Are Saying

Pleased customers said that this spray removed stains quickly came with simple-to-follow instructions, and had a pleasant scent. However, some customers were unhappy that it didn’t have a return policy. Others claimed that it adversely affected the color of their carpet.

Best For Wine Stains

Courtesy Amazon

Wine Away Red Wine Stain Remover

• $12.49

Prices taken at time of publishing.

Red wine can be one of the most difficult stains to remove once it steeps into your carpet. However, this cleaner is specifically formulated to work on red wine stains, treating both new and set spots. It’s also effective on other dark stains, such as coffee and spaghetti sauce.

• $12.49 at Amazon

Pros and Cons

✔ Doesn’t contain bleach or phosphates
✔ Works on carpet, fabric, and upholstery
✔ Has a fresh citrus scent

✘ Can require follow-up to completely remove a stain
✘ Not effective on non-washable fabrics

Key Features

• Spray cleaner
• 12-ounce bottle
• Effective on red wine, coffee, blood, and more

What Customers Are Saying

Happy customers said that this carpet stain remover was effective on dried stains. They also said that it worked well on clothes. However, those who were unhappy claimed that it was ineffective on pet stains and that it sometimes leaked from the bottle.

Best Powdered Cleaner

Courtesy Amazon

Resolve Pet Carpet Cleaner Powder

• $13

Prices taken at time of publishing.

Powdered cleaners are an alternative if you’re concerned about spray cleaners affecting the color of your carpet. You can sprinkle it on the affected area for spot treatment or over the entire surface for a deep clean. In addition to making your carpets look new, it also eliminates odors to make them smell fresh.

• $13 at Amazon

✔ Can be used on wool, nylon, and polyester rugs and carpets as well as hardwood floors
✔ Doesn’t have a strong fragrance
✔ Comes in a large one-pound container

✘ Not made for wet spills
✘ Not as effective on old stains

Key Features

• Powder cleaner
• One-pound container
• Effective on urine, vomit, blood, and more

What Customers Are Saying

Customers said that this powder worked well on pet stains, was effective on multiple types of carpet, and didn’t have an overpowering scent. However, those who were unsatisfied claimed that it clogged their vacuum cleaner. Others said that the container wasn’t completely full upon arrival.

Our Conclusion

With the right knowledge, tools, and techniques, you can effectively tackle most common household stains. The faster you can identify the type of stain and use the right cleaning method, the easier the process will be. For larger, stubborn stains or delicate carpets, don’t hesitate to call in professional help.