Stunning wall-to-wall carpeting is not only a classy statement of decor, it adds warmth, texture, and actually reduces noise. Sometimes all it takes is a quick moment away from your kids or new puppy before a stain meets your carpet. This doesn’t mean you have to put up with dull, discolored high-traffic areas, or stubborn stains. There are plenty of tools that can clean carpet stains right before your eyes! And if you believe that a vacuum is the only tool for cleaning carpets, think again.

A simple search on Amazon will uncover numerous carpet shampoos, machines, scrub brushes, and stain removers—all claiming to help restore your carpets to their original glory. You can also rent professional-grade carpet cleaning machines from your local grocery or home improvement store. But what’s the best tool for a homeowner who loves DIY’ing their way to clean carpet stains?

Check for Colorfastness

You will make your carpet stain go from bad to worse without knowing how the solution works with your carpet stain.

This involves testing the cleaning solution on a small, hidden part of your carpet to make sure it won’t cause any staining or harm. To check for colorfastness, put a small amount of the cleaning solution on an inconspicuous area of your carpet and wait 10–15 minutes. If the color stays the same, then it’s safe to use the cleaning solution on your carpet.

However, if the solution starts to cause staining, then you’ll need to try a different option. Regardless of the type of carpet you have, it’s always best to check for colorfastness.

Breakdown of Common Carpet Stains

Oil should be treated with a solvent-based cleaner like rubbing alcohol or mineral spirits.

Food and drinks take a mixture of white vinegar and warm water or a mild dish soap to do the trick.

Pet stains: Use an enzymatic cleaner made specifically for pet messes.

Ink stains: Using rubbing alcohol or nail polish remover (acetone) is a major help.

Blood: Use cold water or club soda and gently blot the stain with a clean cloth.

Chocolate: First, use a blunt knife to remove as much solid chocolate as possible. If the chocolate is melted, place a sealed plastic bag filled with ice cubes over the stain to harden it before scraping. Next, mix ¼ teaspoon of liquid dish soap with 1 cup (0.24 liters) of warm water, and use a clean cloth to apply the solution to the stain, starting from the outside and working towards the center.

Carpet Stain Remover Spray

This is a classic choice, and for good reason. Simply spray it on the stain, let it sit for a few minutes, and then blot it away with a clean cloth. It’s super easy to use and works like a charm on most common stains like coffee spills, pet accidents, and food stains.

Folex Instant Carpet Spot Remover

Say goodbye to stubborn carpet stains with Folex Instant Carpet Spot Remover! This powerful formula is specially designed to tackle tough spots and spills on your carpets, rugs, and upholstery. With its unique blend of ingredients, Folex effectively lifts stains without the need for scrubbing or rinsing. Just spray, blot, and watch as the stain disappears before your eyes.

Resolve Carpet Stain Remover

This is your go-to solution for quickly and easily removing tough stains from your carpets. Whether it’s a fresh spill or a set-in stain, Resolve’s powerful formula penetrates deep into carpet fibers to lift and remove even the most stubborn marks.

Nature’s Miracle Stain and Odor Remover

An absolute must-have for pet owners and households with active lifestyles. This versatile cleaner is specially formulated to not only tackle tough stains like urine, feces, and vomit but also eliminate odors at their source. With its bio-enzymatic formula, Nature’s Miracle breaks down organic stains and odors to leave your carpets, floors, and fabrics fresh and clean.

Carpet Cleaning Machine

Now, these machines might seem a bit intimidating, but believe us, they can be a game-changer. They use hot water and a cleaning solution to deep clean your carpets, effectively removing even the toughest stains. Just follow the instructions, move the machine over the stained area, and watch it work its magic.

Bissell ProHeat 2X Revolution

Experience the ultimate cleaning power with the Bissell ProHeat 2X Revolution. This innovative carpet cleaner is designed to tackle the toughest stains and dirt, leaving your carpets looking like new. With powerful suction and heat technology, this machine effectively removes deep-down dirt, allergens, and odors. Its lightweight design and easy maneuverability make it a convenient choice for any home.

Hoover Power Scrub Deluxe

This efficient carpet washer provides a deep clean that lifts embedded dirt and stains with ease. Equipped with a powerful motor and multiple brushes, this machine ensures a thorough cleaning that revitalizes your carpets. With easy-to-use features and a large capacity tank, the Hoover Power Scrub Deluxe makes carpet cleaning a breeze.

Rug Doctor Deep Carpet Cleaner

This robust machine is designed to deliver superior cleaning performance, removing dirt, grime, and odors from your carpets effectively. With its powerful motor and dual cross action brushes, the Rug Doctor Deep Carpet Cleaner penetrates deep into carpet fibers, leaving them refreshed and renewed. Easy to use and maintain, this machine brings the power of a professional clean right to your doorstep.

Carpet Brushes and Scrubbers

These handheld tools are magical when it comes time to clean carpet stains. They work by agitating the carpet fibers and loosening dirt and debris. Brushes have stiff bristles that penetrate deep into the carpet, making it easier to lift stains. Scrubbers, often motorized, provide consistent, powerful scrubbing action to break down tough stains and embedded dirt.

OXO Good Grips Deep Clean Brush Set

This set includes brushes with sturdy bristles designed to deep clean hard-to-reach spots effectively. The ergonomic Good Grips handles provide a comfortable and secure grip, making cleaning less of a chore. Whether you’re scrubbing grout, tile, or other hard surfaces, this brush set is sure to become your go-to cleaning companion.

Lysol Scrub Brush

Make cleaning a breeze with the Lysol Scrub Brush. This durable and versatile brush is designed to help you tackle a variety of cleaning tasks effectively. The tough bristles are perfect for scrubbing away grime and dirt from surfaces, while the comfortable handle ensures a secure grip during use.

Fuller Brush Carpet and Floor Sweeper

This innovative sweeper is designed to effortlessly pick up dirt, crumbs, and debris from both carpets and hard floors. The compact and lightweight design makes it easy to maneuver around furniture and between rooms.

DIY Eco-Friendly Ways to Clean Carpet Stains

When you decide to clean your carpet without using any chemicals, your first thought might be to use hot water. However, this may not be the most effective method. If you saturate your carpet with water or any other liquid, it can seep deep into the carpet and reach the padding underneath. This can make it difficult to dry without the proper equipment, and it can also increase the risk of mold and mildew, which can be expensive to deal with.

If you prefer a more eco-friendly option, you might want to give baking soda a try. It works surprisingly well in absorbing odors and lifting stains from your carpet. Just sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda over the stain, let it sit for a while, and then vacuum it up. It’s a simple and natural solution that can be quite effective for light stains.

Hydrogen peroxide with dish soap does so much for so cheap! Use equal parts of both ingredients and allow it to sit on the stain for at least 10 minutes. Don’t try to scrub it in too much, or it could spread. You want to do more of a blotting action with a clean cloth.

Due to its carbonation and slight acidity, club soda does the trick. The bubbles lift and loosen the stain, while the acidity helps break it down. To use, blot the stain, apply club soda, and blot again. Repeat if necessary, then rinse with water and blot dry.

Avoid Having to Clean Carpet Stains

Hey, prevention is always better than a cure, right?

Place an exterior doormat on the porch for visitors to wipe off dirt, snow, grass, anything from outside you don’t want inside. Having an interior doormat next to any entrance to your home is a great place to perform a couple “stomp” moves to get the excess dirt off.

Have house shoes for everyone, you can enforce a “no-shoes” policy inside your home. If you can’t bare walking around in socks or completely barefoot, house slippers are always a trend.

Act quick with spills because that 5-second rule when food drops on the floor also applies to spills on your carpet. Cleaning it up immediately is much easier than letting it soak in and become more permanent.

Vacuum for maintenance. You may not see any dirt or grime on your carpet, but believe it or not, it’s there. A quick pass every few days will keep any dirt from building up and resulting in a stain.