Natural Carpet Stain Removers

You may cringe at carpet stains, but they're actually a sign of a house full of life. When you share your home with friends, family, kids, and pets, spills are bound to happen.

Replacing a carpet is a costly and disruptive home improvement project. Extend the life of your carpet with these DIY natural stain removers made with everyday household products. As a bonus, you'll avoid harsh chemicals in commercial products that can be health and environmental hazards.

General Stain Removal Tips

• For best results, treat stains as soon as possible. Use a clean, dry towel or cloth to blot up as much as you can first.
• Always test a solution on an inconspicuous part of the carpet to check for color fading or other undesirable effects.
• Spray or apply the solution to a clean cloth and use a blotting motion instead of rubbing to keep from working the stain deeper into the carpet. This method also prevents damage to carpet fibers.
• Start at the outside of a stain and work toward the center so the stain doesn't spread.
• If a stain has already soaked deep into a carpet, use a soft-bristled toothbrush to gently work in the appropriate solution.

Vinegar Solutions

Vinegar is the MVP of natural household cleaning products, and it works on a number of common carpet stains.

• For an all-purpose cleaner, mix 1/2 cup white vinegar with two tablespoons salt. Add two tablespoons of borax to treat larger or heavier stains.
• If you're working on home improvement projects, a solution of 1-1/2 teaspoons each of vinegar and laundry detergent in two cups of water cleans up spilled paint.
• Rid a carpet of stains and smells with a mixture of one cup white vinegar, two cups water, two teaspoons salt, and 15 drops of essential oil (lavender is a good choice, but feel free to use your favorite). Store in a spray bottle for easy use. 

Salt Solutions

• Were the kids eating fries in the living room again? Sprinkle salt on ketchup spills and let sit for a few minutes before vacuuming. Repeat as necessary until the stain is gone.
• Grease causes some of the most stubborn stains. Mix one part salt with four parts rubbing alcohol and apply in the direction of the carpet's nap.

Baking Soda Solutions

• Vomit and urine compound carpet stains with a lingering odor. After cleaning up the excess, sprinkle baking soda on the affected spot and pat it with a paper towel. Vacuum the residue once the solution has dried. In addition to cleaning, baking soda will sanitize and deodorize the spot.
• Baking soda provides another solution for grease stains when mixed with equal parts of salt. Work the powder into the stain with a stiff brush and let it sit for four to five hours before vacuuming.

Other Solutions

• Club soda is a classic treatment for red wine stains, but it's also effective on pet urine, coffee, and tea. Simply pour club soda liberally over the stain and blot dry.
• Sticky chewing gum on a carpet may seem hopeless. Just put some ice cubes in a plastic bag and use them to freeze the gum, then scrape carefully with a butter knife.
• Believe it or not, squirting shaving cream directly on the stain removes fruit juice, oil, and grease. Wipe the spot clean with a damp sponge.
• Clean fresh blood stains by pouring hydrogen peroxide directly on the spot and blotting with a clean towel.

Save your money and labor for more interesting home improvement jobs. These natural stain removers will keep your carpet looking clean and fresh.

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