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Stain on Carpet and Rug Stains
Stains on Wood, Laminate and Vinyl
Knowledge and speed are your two most effective tools for keeping your floors looking their best. As soon as a spill occurs, check this guide for easy ways to clean it. Be sure to take care of it quickly — the sooner you can remove a stain, the better your results.
How to Get Stains Out of Carpet and Rugs
Here's a first-aid approach for basic stain removal on carpets or rugs. In some cases, professional cleaning may be necessary. General care tips:
Place mats at entrances to collect soil from outdoors.
Vacuum frequently — experts recommend twice weekly.
Pay special attention to high-traffic areas when vacuuming.
Use a blotting action when removing spots on carpet; never rub.
Beer Stains
Use a dry white towel or plain white paper towels to absorb as much as possible. Then blot with water-dampened white towels.
If stain remains, mix -+ teaspoon liquid dish soap (not dishwasher or laundry detergent) to 32 oz. water. Spray lightly onto spot, blotting repeatedly with white towels; work from outer edge in toward center.
Rinse by spraying several times with clean water to remove residue, then blot with dry towels.
Blood Stains
If wet stain:
Use a dry white towel or plain white paper towels to absorb as much as possible. Then blot with water-dampened white towels.
If stain remains, mix -+ teaspoon liquid dish soap (not dishwasher or laundry detergent) to 32 oz. water. Spray lightly onto spot, blotting repeatedly with white towels; work from outer edge in toward center.
Rinse by spraying several times with clean water to remove residue, then blot with dry towels.
If dry stain:
Blot with water-dampened white towels, then apply an ammonia solution — mix 1 tablespoon household ammonia per cup of water (do not use a stronger concentration) — to white towel and blot onto carpet. DO NOT USE ON WOOL OR WOOL BLEND CARPET.
Blot repeatedly with paper towels; rinse several times with warm water to remove residue.
Finish with the same approach as cleaning wet blood stains.
Chocolate Stains
Use dry white towels or plain white paper towels to absorb chocolate, then blot with water-dampened white towels.
Apply an ammonia solution — mix 1 tablespoon household ammonia per cup of water (do not use a stronger concentration) — to white towel and blot onto carpet. DO NOT USE ON WOOL OR WOOL BLEND CARPET.
Blot repeatedly with paper towels; rinse several times with warm water to remove residue.
For any remaining stain, mix -+ teaspoon liquid dish soap (not dishwasher or laundry detergent) to 32 oz. water. Spray lightly onto spot, blotting repeatedly with white towels; work from outer edge in toward center.
Rinse by spraying several times with clean water to remove residue, then blot with dry towels.
Coffee Stains
Use dry white towels or plain white paper towels to absorb coffee, then blot with water-dampened white towels.
Mix 1 cup of white vinegar per 2 cups of water (do not use a stronger solution). Blot repeatedly with paper towels; rinse several times with warm water.
For any remaining stain, mix -+ teaspoon liquid dish soap (not dishwasher or laundry detergent) to 32 oz. water. Spray lightly onto spot, blotting repeatedly with white towels; work from outer edge in toward center.
Rinse by spraying several times with clean water to remove residue, then blot with dry towels.
Grease Stains
Blot up as much as possible with white paper towels.
Apply Carbona®, Energine®, K2R® or Goof-Off® to a white paper towel and blot stain lightly and repeatedly. Protective gloves are advised. Do not pour or spray directly on the carpet; the backing could sustain damage.
Rinse several times with warm water to remove residue.
For auto grease, professional cleaning may be necessary.
Gum on Carpet
Freeze with ice cubes in a plastic bag.
When frozen, shatter with a heavy object and vacuum while chips are frozen.
Then continue with the same method used for removing grease.
Ink Stains (Ballpoint, Permanent)
Follow the steps for removing grease.
Professional cleaning may be necessary.
Nail Polish on Carpet
Blot to remove excess polish on carpet with paper towels.
Apply nail polish remover to a white cloth or paper towel and carefully blot stain, working from outside toward center.
Using a clean white cloth dipped in cold water, blot to remove polish remover residue.
With a dry white cloth, blot dry.
Paint on Carpet
For wet latex paint:
Follow the directions for removing beer stains.
For dry latex paint:
Follow the directions for removing grease.
How to Clean Spills on Wood, Laminate and Vinyl Floors
Wood floors and laminate floors (faux wood, stone or ceramic) usually need just a damp cloth to clean most spills. General care tips:
Sweep regularly to remove dirt and grit.
Vacuum with a soft-bristle brush attachment — avoid beater bars on vacuums.
Wipe up spills as soon as possible.
Don't wet-mop or use excessive water, which can cause warping and peeling.
Do not use ammonia cleaners or oil soaps — they can dull the finish.
Avoid spike heels or cleats and keep pet nails trimmed.
Chewing Gum, Crayon or Candle Wax
Freeze with ice cubes in a plastic bag.
When the deposit becomes brittle, gently flake off.
Dried Milk or Food Stains and Ink, Oil or Grease Stains
Gently rub with a damp cloth.
Use a dry cloth to wipe dry.