How To Clean The Different Types Of Carpet Stains? Carpet stains can be a real hassle to clean, but with the right techniques, it can be pretty easy. Stains are caused by a variety of things including food, dirt, pet stains, and more. There are 6 different types of stains that you should know how to clean on the carpet. The six types are:

1. Hydrocarbons stains

Hydrocarbons are oils, greases, or waxes. You can usually tell when something is a hydrocarbon stain because it’ll bead up when you apply water. These stains are usually pretty easy to clean because you can just use a degreaser or soap and water.

Ways to Remove Hydrocarbon Stains From Carpet

1. With soap and water – This involves mixing a small amount of dish soap with water and using it to clean the stain. Be sure to blot the area dry afterward.
   
2. Dry cleaning solvent – This is an option if the hydrocarbon stain is particularly stubborn. It’s best to test this method on an inconspicuous part of the carpet first to make sure it doesn’t damage the fibers.
   
3. WD-40 – This is a popular choice for cleaning greasy or oily stains. Lightly spray the stain and then blot it dry with a paper towel.
   
4. Nail polish remover – Some people swear by the quick fix that nail polish remover offers for greasy carpet stains, but it can be very dangerous to use because of the solvents in it. Try to avoid this method if you can.

2. Dry Cleaning Solvents stains

Dry cleaning solvents are chemicals that don’t mix with water. They tend to evaporate quickly and can be sprayed directly onto carpets. You should test them on an inconspicuous part of the carpet first.

Ways to Remove Dry Cleaning Solvent Stains From Carpet

1. With hairspray/deodorant – Press a ball of rolled-up tissue or toilet paper onto the stain and press down with a warm iron. This should remove the stain.
   
2. WD-40 – Lightly spray WD-40 onto the stain and use a brush to dab at it again to remove it. Don’t use too much or you’ll leave a watermark.
   
3. Ammonia – Mix one part ammonia with three parts water and apply it to the stain. Blot it dry with a paper towel afterward.
   
4. Vinegar – This is a popular choice for getting rid of dry cleaning solvent stains. Mix one part vinegar with two parts water, pour it over the stain, and then blot it dry.
   
5. Lighter fluid – Lightly spray lighter fluid onto the stain and let it sit for a few minutes before using a brush to carefully dab at the area again.

3. Dirt stains

Dirt stains can be pretty difficult to get rid of because they penetrate deep into the fibers of the carpet, and they can be difficult to see. You’ll usually need to use a detergent and water to get them out.

Ways to Remove Dirt Stains From Carpet

1. Spot cleaner – There are several commercial spot cleaners available that work well on dirt stains. Just be sure to test it on an inconspicuous part of the carpet first to make sure it doesn’t damage the fibers.
   
2. Soap and water – Mix a small amount of dish soap with hot water and apply it to the stain before blotting it dry with paper towels or a cloth.
   
3. Vacuum cleaner – If the dirt has dried onto the carpet, try using a vacuum cleaner to suck it up. If there’s still some residue left behind, mix one-part borax with three parts water and blot it dry again. Be sure to follow this method by vacuuming once more to pick up any excess borax.
   
4. Buffing – This is a technique that uses a brush or rag to rub the dirt stain until it’s removed. It’s best used on short-pile carpets.
   
5. Steam cleaner – A steam cleaner can help remove dirt stains, but be careful not to damage the fibers of the carpet with too much heat.

4. Wax

Wax stains come from things like candles, crayons, or wax paper. They can be difficult to remove, but there are a few methods that seem to work well.

Ways to Remove Wax Stains From Carpet

1. Ice – This is a popular choice for getting rid of wax stains. Put some ice in a plastic baggie and place it over the stain for a few minutes before using a paper towel or cloth to blot it dry.
   
2. Heating element – If the wax is still soft, you can try using a heating element to melt it and then blot it up with a paper towel.
   
3. Vacuum cleaner – If the wax is hard, try vacuuming it up with the vacuum cleaner. Make sure you use the crevice tool to get into all the nooks and crannies.

5. Bloodstains

Bloodstains can be pretty difficult to remove, but there are a few things you can try.

Ways to Remove Blood Stains From Carpet

1. Hydrogen peroxide – This is a popular choice for blood stains. Pour hydrogen peroxide onto the stain and let it sit for a few minutes before blotting it dry with paper towels or a cloth.
   
2. Hot water – Soak the stain in hot water for a few minutes and then use a spoon to work some laundry detergent into the area. Rinse the area clean with cold water and let it air dry.
   
3. Baking soda paste – Mix two tablespoons of baking soda with two tablespoons of water to make a paste. Apply the paste to the stain and let it sit for 10 minutes before using a paper towel or cloth to rub it off.

6. Chewing gum stains

Chewing gum is incredibly difficult to remove from carpets because it’s so sticky, but there are a few things you can do to try and get it out.

Tricks for Removing Chewing Gum From Carpet

1. Peanut butter – This is a popular choice for getting chewing gum out of the carpet because the oils in peanut butter help break down the stickiness of the gum. Just apply a small amount and let it sit for about an hour before using a spoon to scrape it up.
   
2. Ice – Put some ice in a plastic baggie and place it over the gum for a few minutes before using a paper towel or cloth to blot it dry.
   
3. Vacuum cleaner – If the gum is still sticking to the carpet, try vacuuming it up with the vacuum cleaner. Just be sure to use the crevice tool so you don’t miss any pieces.

How To Clean The Different Types Of Carpet Stains? – Conclusion

Using the above methods, you should be able to remove most dirt, wax, blood, and chewing gum stains from your carpet. However, if the stain is particularly difficult to remove or if the damage has been done already, it might be time to call in a carpet cleaning professional.