Stain Removal From Carpet – Stain Removal Guide

Our Stain Removal Guide is a great tool to use between professionals cleanings to keep your carpet spot, spill, and stain-free!

Pet, Children Upsets, Soda & Coffee Stains

Wipe up as much of the excess as possible, then shampoo lightly with a home detergent/ammonia solution. Blot lightly with household vinegar.

Bloodstains

Use a sponge to blot the stain with cold water, then lightly shampoo the area with a home detergent/ ammonia solution. In some cases, bloodstains may become permanent if treated after drying.

Candle Wax

Place paper towels over the wax stain, then apply the tip of a warm iron to the paper towels. Change towels as needed. Be careful not to scorch the carpet.

Candy, Chocolate, Butter, Grease & Oil Stains

Wipe up the excess, then shampoo lightly with a home detergent/ammonia solution.

Chewing Gum

Freeze stuck-on gum with ice cubes, then break or cut off the hardened gum. Blot any remaining gum with a dry cleaning solvent. Allow solvent to set for a few minutes, then scrape off.

Oil-Based Paint

Remove excess with spoon, then blot with a dry-cleaning solvent. If stains remain, apply a home detergent, then an ammonia solution; rinse, then blot dry.

Water-Based Paint

Remove excess with a spoon, blot with a home detergent, then apply an ammonia solution. If stains remain, apply a dry cleaning solvent; rinse, then blot dry.

Furniture/Shoe Polish & Cosmetics

Treat with a dry cleaning solvent. Allow the area to dry for a day, then shampoo with a home detergent.

Iodine/Medication

Blot area with paper towels, but do not treat stain any further – doing so may cause the stain to spread. Call Woodard for immediate assistance.

Nail Polish

On synthetic carpeting, blot up excess polish, then call Woodard for further assistance; NEVER use nail polish remover to remove stains on synthetic carpeting. When treating cotton or wool carpeting, apply nail polish remover to a sponge, then use it to blot the stain away.

Anything with Dye (Kool-Aid, Mustard, Red Wine, etc.)

Lightly shampoo the stain with a home detergent.

Ink

Apply hair spray to a white cloth, then use it to lightly blot the stain. Finish by shampooing with a home detergent.

Home Detergent Solutions

Home Detergent/Biz – Mix solution of: 1 quart warm water, 1 tsp. Biz brand detergent booster, 1 tsp. liquid dish detergent. Using mainly suds and a soft household scrub brush, shampoo the area gently. Do not rub too aggressively or you may cause texture change. Dab lightly.

Home Detergent/Ammonia – Mix solution of: 1 quart warm water, 1.6 oz. Ammonia, and 1 tsp. liquid dish detergent. Use same technique as with Home Detergent/Biz solution.

WARNING: Never mix ammonia and bleach together.

If these tips in our stain removal guide didn’t help, give us a call. Unfortunately, there are some stains that need a little extra attention.

About Woodard Cleaning & Restoration

Woodard Cleaning & Restoration was founded in 1946 by Earl and Nancy Woodard. Located in St. Louis, Missouri, Woodard services the greater metro area (Illinois, St. Charles County, Jefferson County, St. Louis County, and many more). Woodard is proud to serve as the preferred provider for cleaning & restoration services. Our cleaning services include carpet, hard surface, furniture, and rug cleaning for both residential and commercial properties. We also provide water, fire, board-up, storm and smoke restoration services for residential and commercial clients. For information or questions submit a form online or call us at (314) 227-3932.

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Updated 4/30/2020