Stain Removal Guide for Carpet & Rug

One of the most common household stains. Tannins in coffee bind to fabric fibers quickly.

Red wine contains tannins and chromogens — natural dyes that bind aggressively to fabric. Act within minutes.

Blood stains must be treated with cold water only. Hot water cooks the protein and permanently sets the stain.

Oil-based stains require a degreasing agent. Water alone spreads oil and makes it worse.

Turmeric contains curcumin, one of the most stubborn natural dyes. Sunlight is your secret weapon.

Counter-intuitively, you should let mud dry before treating. Wet mud spreads deeper into fibers.

White wine stains are less visible immediately but can oxidize into yellow-brown marks over time.

Chocolate stains are a combination of fat and cocoa. Treat the protein and fat separately.

Tomato-based stains combine dye (lycopene) and oil. Treat both components.

The key to wax removal is temperature: freeze to harden, then heat to absorb — in that order.

Tea contains tannins similar to coffee. Black tea stains are particularly stubborn on white fabrics. Green tea is easier to remove.

Nail polish is a fast-drying lacquer. Act immediately before it cures — dried nail polish is very difficult to remove from fabric.

Latex (water-based) paint must be treated while wet. Once dry, it forms a plastic film that is very difficult to remove.

Mold and mildew are fungi that create dark spots and musty odors. They require a disinfecting agent, not just cleaning.

Pet urine has two problems: the stain and the odor. The odor comes from uric acid crystals that ordinary cleaners cannot break down — you need an enzyme cleaner.

Crayons are wax-based with pigment. They require both wax removal and pigment removal — two separate steps.

Motor oil is a heavy petroleum-based lubricant. It is more stubborn than cooking oil and requires a heavy-duty degreaser.

Super glue (cyanoacrylate) bonds almost instantly. Acetone (nail polish remover) is the only effective household solvent.

Blueberry, blackberry, and other dark berry stains contain anthocyanins — deep natural pigments that act like fabric dye. Act immediately.

Sticker and label adhesive residue is a sticky, tacky polymer that attracts dirt. Oil dissolves it; heat softens it.

Old, dried cooking oil that has already been through a wash cycle. The dryer heat has polymerized the oil — it requires aggressive degreasing and patience.

Vomit contains stomach acid and partially digested food. It stains quickly, smells strongly, and requires both stain removal and odor neutralization.

Dried or set-in red wine stains that have already been through a wash require more aggressive treatment.

Red Wine stains can be tricky — acting quickly and using the right method for your surface makes all the difference.

Olive Oil stains can be tricky — acting quickly and using the right method for your surface makes all the difference.

Tomato Sauce stains can be tricky — acting quickly and using the right method for your surface makes all the difference.

Mustard stains can be tricky — acting quickly and using the right method for your surface makes all the difference.

Chocolate stains can be tricky — acting quickly and using the right method for your surface makes all the difference.

Butter & Grease stains can be tricky — acting quickly and using the right method for your surface makes all the difference.

Ketchup stains can be tricky — acting quickly and using the right method for your surface makes all the difference.

Curry stains can be tricky — acting quickly and using the right method for your surface makes all the difference.

Soy Sauce stains can be tricky — acting quickly and using the right method for your surface makes all the difference.

Orange Juice stains can be tricky — acting quickly and using the right method for your surface makes all the difference.

Black Tea stains can be tricky — acting quickly and using the right method for your surface makes all the difference.

Beer & Ale stains can be tricky — acting quickly and using the right method for your surface makes all the difference.

Milk & Dairy stains can be tricky — acting quickly and using the right method for your surface makes all the difference.

Egg stains can be tricky — acting quickly and using the right method for your surface makes all the difference.

BBQ Sauce stains can be tricky — acting quickly and using the right method for your surface makes all the difference.

Salad Dressing & Mayo stains can be tricky — acting quickly and using the right method for your surface makes all the difference.

Jam & Jelly stains can be tricky — acting quickly and using the right method for your surface makes all the difference.

Coffee with Cream stains can be tricky — acting quickly and using the right method for your surface makes all the difference.

Honey & Syrup stains can be tricky — acting quickly and using the right method for your surface makes all the difference.

Beet stains can be tricky — acting quickly and using the right method for your surface makes all the difference.

White Wine stains can be tricky — acting quickly and using the right method for your surface makes all the difference.

Cooking Oil stains can be tricky — acting quickly and using the right method for your surface makes all the difference.

Hot Sauce stains can be tricky — acting quickly and using the right method for your surface makes all the difference.

Urine (Human) stains can be tricky — acting quickly and using the right method for your surface makes all the difference.

Vomit stains can be tricky — acting quickly and using the right method for your surface makes all the difference.

Mucus & Snot stains can be tricky — acting quickly and using the right method for your surface makes all the difference.

Nail Polish stains can be tricky — acting quickly and using the right method for your surface makes all the difference.

Candle Wax stains can be tricky — acting quickly and using the right method for your surface makes all the difference.

Latex/Acrylic Paint stains can be tricky — acting quickly and using the right method for your surface makes all the difference.

Oil-Based Paint stains can be tricky — acting quickly and using the right method for your surface makes all the difference.

Crayon & Wax Crayon stains can be tricky — acting quickly and using the right method for your surface makes all the difference.

White-Out & Correction Fluid stains can be tricky — acting quickly and using the right method for your surface makes all the difference.

Shoe Polish stains can be tricky — acting quickly and using the right method for your surface makes all the difference.

Permanent Marker & Sharpie stains can be tricky — acting quickly and using the right method for your surface makes all the difference.

Ballpoint Pen Ink stains can be tricky — acting quickly and using the right method for your surface makes all the difference.

Washable Marker stains can be tricky — acting quickly and using the right method for your surface makes all the difference.

Hair Dye stains can be tricky — acting quickly and using the right method for your surface makes all the difference.

Food Coloring stains can be tricky — acting quickly and using the right method for your surface makes all the difference.

Turmeric stains can be tricky — acting quickly and using the right method for your surface makes all the difference.

Blueberry & Dark Berry stains can be tricky — acting quickly and using the right method for your surface makes all the difference.

Mud & Dirt stains can be tricky — acting quickly and using the right method for your surface makes all the difference.

Motor Oil & Engine Grease stains can be tricky — acting quickly and using the right method for your surface makes all the difference.

Mold & Mildew stains can be tricky — acting quickly and using the right method for your surface makes all the difference.

Tree Sap & Pine Tar stains can be tricky — acting quickly and using the right method for your surface makes all the difference.

Pollen stains can be tricky — acting quickly and using the right method for your surface makes all the difference.

Berry Juice (General) stains can be tricky — acting quickly and using the right method for your surface makes all the difference.

Chocolate Ice Cream stains can be tricky — acting quickly and using the right method for your surface makes all the difference.

BBQ & Charcoal stains can be tricky — acting quickly and using the right method for your surface makes all the difference.

Chocolate Milk stains can be tricky — acting quickly and using the right method for your surface makes all the difference.

Caramel Sauce stains can be tricky — acting quickly and using the right method for your surface makes all the difference.

Peanut Butter stains can be tricky — acting quickly and using the right method for your surface makes all the difference.

Mayonnaise stains can be tricky — acting quickly and using the right method for your surface makes all the difference.

Ranch Dressing stains can be tricky — acting quickly and using the right method for your surface makes all the difference.

Guacamole stains can be tricky — acting quickly and using the right method for your surface makes all the difference.

Hummus stains can be tricky — acting quickly and using the right method for your surface makes all the difference.

Salsa stains can be tricky — acting quickly and using the right method for your surface makes all the difference.

Cream Soup stains can be tricky — acting quickly and using the right method for your surface makes all the difference.

Broth & Stock stains can be tricky — acting quickly and using the right method for your surface makes all the difference.

Energy Drink stains can be tricky — acting quickly and using the right method for your surface makes all the difference.

Soda & Cola stains can be tricky — acting quickly and using the right method for your surface makes all the difference.

Smoothie stains can be tricky — acting quickly and using the right method for your surface makes all the difference.

Ice Cream (Vanilla) stains can be tricky — acting quickly and using the right method for your surface makes all the difference.

Whipped Cream stains can be tricky — acting quickly and using the right method for your surface makes all the difference.

Condensed Milk stains can be tricky — acting quickly and using the right method for your surface makes all the difference.

Yogurt stains can be tricky — acting quickly and using the right method for your surface makes all the difference.

Maple Syrup stains can be tricky — acting quickly and using the right method for your surface makes all the difference.

Teriyaki Sauce stains can be tricky — acting quickly and using the right method for your surface makes all the difference.

Balsamic Vinegar stains can be tricky — acting quickly and using the right method for your surface makes all the difference.

Baby Formula stains can be tricky — acting quickly and using the right method for your surface makes all the difference.

Protein Shake stains can be tricky — acting quickly and using the right method for your surface makes all the difference.

Cooking Wine stains can be tricky — acting quickly and using the right method for your surface makes all the difference.

Duck Fat & Schmaltz stains can be tricky — acting quickly and using the right method for your surface makes all the difference.

Self-Tanner & Fake Tan stains can be tricky — acting quickly and using the right method for your surface makes all the difference.

Printer Ink stains can be tricky — acting quickly and using the right method for your surface makes all the difference.

Stamp Pad Ink stains can be tricky — acting quickly and using the right method for your surface makes all the difference.

Fountain Pen & Calligraphy Ink stains can be tricky — acting quickly and using the right method for your surface makes all the difference.

Acrylic Paint (Wet) stains can be tricky — acting quickly and using the right method for your surface makes all the difference.

Watercolor Paint stains can be tricky — acting quickly and using the right method for your surface makes all the difference.

Oil Paint stains can be tricky — acting quickly and using the right method for your surface makes all the difference.

Chalk Dust stains can be tricky — acting quickly and using the right method for your surface makes all the difference.

Carbon Paper stains can be tricky — acting quickly and using the right method for your surface makes all the difference.

Correction Pen & Liquid Paper stains can be tricky — acting quickly and using the right method for your surface makes all the difference.

Rubber Cement stains can be tricky — acting quickly and using the right method for your surface makes all the difference.

Antifreeze & Coolant stains can be tricky — acting quickly and using the right method for your surface makes all the difference.

WD-40 & Lubricant Grease stains can be tricky — acting quickly and using the right method for your surface makes all the difference.

Eyeshadow stains can be tricky — acting quickly and using the right method for your surface makes all the difference.

Lip Gloss & Lip Balm stains can be tricky — acting quickly and using the right method for your surface makes all the difference.

Nail Polish Remover Spill stains can be tricky — acting quickly and using the right method for your surface makes all the difference.

Toothpaste stains can be tricky — acting quickly and using the right method for your surface makes all the difference.

Dry Shampoo Residue stains can be tricky — acting quickly and using the right method for your surface makes all the difference.

Fertilizer stains can be tricky — acting quickly and using the right method for your surface makes all the difference.

Pesticide & Herbicide Residue stains can be tricky — acting quickly and using the right method for your surface makes all the difference.

Bark Mulch stains can be tricky — acting quickly and using the right method for your surface makes all the difference.

Clay Soil stains can be tricky — acting quickly and using the right method for your surface makes all the difference.

Red Clay stains can be tricky — acting quickly and using the right method for your surface makes all the difference.

Tar & Asphalt stains can be tricky — acting quickly and using the right method for your surface makes all the difference.

Fence & Deck Stain stains can be tricky — acting quickly and using the right method for your surface makes all the difference.

Spray Paint stains can be tricky — acting quickly and using the right method for your surface makes all the difference.

Weed Killer Residue stains can be tricky — acting quickly and using the right method for your surface makes all the difference.

Exhaust Soot & Engine Smoke stains can be tricky — acting quickly and using the right method for your surface makes all the difference.

Bonfire & Fireplace Ash stains can be tricky — acting quickly and using the right method for your surface makes all the difference.

Felt-Tip Marker (Permanent) stains can be tricky — acting quickly and using the right method for your surface makes all the difference.

Tie-Dye Bleed & Dye Transfer stains can be tricky — acting quickly and using the right method for your surface makes all the difference.

Colored Pencil Marks stains can be tricky — acting quickly and using the right method for your surface makes all the difference.

Sriracha & Chili Paste stains can be tricky — acting quickly and using the right method for your surface makes all the difference.

Pasta & Marinara Sauce stains can be tricky — acting quickly and using the right method for your surface makes all the difference.

Cheese Sauce & Nacho Cheese stains can be tricky — acting quickly and using the right method for your surface makes all the difference.

Pomegranate Juice stains can be tricky — acting quickly and using the right method for your surface makes all the difference.

Red Cabbage & Purple Vegetables stains can be tricky — acting quickly and using the right method for your surface makes all the difference.

Fish Sauce & Oyster Sauce stains can be tricky — acting quickly and using the right method for your surface makes all the difference.

Coconut Milk & Coconut Oil stains can be tricky — acting quickly and using the right method for your surface makes all the difference.

Rosé Wine stains can be tricky — acting quickly and using the right method for your surface makes all the difference.

Dried Blood stains can be tricky — acting quickly and using the right method for your surface makes all the difference.

Pet Urine (Dog & Cat) stains can be tricky — acting quickly and using the right method for your surface makes all the difference.

Interior Wood Stain stains can be tricky — acting quickly and using the right method for your surface makes all the difference.

Chalk Paint & Milk Paint stains can be tricky — acting quickly and using the right method for your surface makes all the difference.

Spray Tan Product stains can be tricky — acting quickly and using the right method for your surface makes all the difference.

Furniture Polish & Pledge stains can be tricky — acting quickly and using the right method for your surface makes all the difference.

Acetone Spill stains can be tricky — acting quickly and using the right method for your surface makes all the difference.

Glitter & Craft Glitter Glue stains can be tricky — acting quickly and using the right method for your surface makes all the difference.

Exterior Paint Spatter stains can be tricky — acting quickly and using the right method for your surface makes all the difference.

Rich Garden Soil & Compost stains can be tricky — acting quickly and using the right method for your surface makes all the difference.

Chalk Line & Marking Chalk stains can be tricky — acting quickly and using the right method for your surface makes all the difference.

Smoke & Fire Residue stains can be tricky — acting quickly and using the right method for your surface makes all the difference.

Lemon Juice & Citrus stains can be tricky — acting quickly and using the right method for your surface makes all the difference.

Tobacco & Cigarette Stain stains can be tricky — acting quickly and using the right method for your surface makes all the difference.

Rendered Fat & Lard stains can be tricky — acting quickly and using the right method for your surface makes all the difference.

Hair Removal Wax stains can be tricky — acting quickly and using the right method for your surface makes all the difference.

Plant Pot Overflow & Indoor Plant Soil stains can be tricky — acting quickly and using the right method for your surface makes all the difference.

Espresso & Strong Coffee stains can be tricky — acting quickly and using the right method for your surface makes all the difference.

Matcha Green Tea stains can be tricky — acting quickly and using the right method for your surface makes all the difference.

Kombucha stains can be tricky — acting quickly and using the right method for your surface makes all the difference.

Tonic Water & Quinine Stain stains can be tricky — acting quickly and using the right method for your surface makes all the difference.

Saffron stains can be tricky — acting quickly and using the right method for your surface makes all the difference.

Black Bean & Lentil Stain stains can be tricky — acting quickly and using the right method for your surface makes all the difference.

Spirits & Hard Alcohol stains can be tricky — acting quickly and using the right method for your surface makes all the difference.

Miso Soup & Fermented Paste stains can be tricky — acting quickly and using the right method for your surface makes all the difference.

Vitamin Supplement & Pill Residue stains can be tricky — acting quickly and using the right method for your surface makes all the difference.

Shaving Cream & Foam stains can be tricky — acting quickly and using the right method for your surface makes all the difference.

Hair Bleach & Peroxide Developer stains can be tricky — acting quickly and using the right method for your surface makes all the difference.