How To Get Stains Out of Carpet with This Easy Homemade Carpet Cleaning Solution

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Are you asking how to get stains out of carpet? Well, you’re in luck because in this post I’m sharing a homemade carpet cleaning solution that will get rid of most stubborn carpet stains!

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Are you asking how to get stains out of carpet?  Well, you're in luck because in this post I'm sharing a homemade carpet cleaning solution that will get rid of most stubborn carpet stains!

Tough stains, and dirty carpets, we hate them but they happen right? Coffee, wine, mud, and chocolate are just some of the most common types of stains. I have tried several different methods to remove old carpet stains. I found the best way to make a DIY carpet cleaner using just 2 natural ingredients! The good news is this homemade cleaning solution can save you a ton of money. You can make your own carpet cleaner and skip the bulky and expensive carpet cleaning machine, the steam cleaner, the commercial carpet cleaners, and the harsh chemicals. Let’s get started with this easy DIY carpet stain remover

How To Get Stains Out of Carpet with This Easy Homemade Carpet Cleaning Solution Video

Homemade Carpet Cleaning Solution:

Remember to spot-test in an inconspicuous area before treating a larger section.

For best results, always blot and avoid rubbing to prevent damage to carpet fibers.

How To Get Stains Out of Carpet

Removal Process:

  1. Blot Excess Spill:
    • Immediately blot up the excess liquid with a clean towel or paper towels.
    • For optimal results, continue blotting without rubbing to prevent carpet fiber damage.
  2. Prepare DIY Solution:
    • Mix 1 cup warm water with 1/4 tsp Dawn Dish Soap.
    • Pour the solution over the stained area and let it stand for 5 minutes.
  3. Blot with Cloth:
    • Using a light-colored or white cloth, or white towel, blot up the soapy water mixture.
    • Observe the stain lifting into the cloth.
  4. Warm Water Rinse:
    • If the stain is removed, finish with a warm water rinse to eliminate soapy residue.
    • Blot up the warm water to ensure no residue remains.
  5. Repeat if Needed:
    • For stubborn stains, repeat the above steps until the desired result is achieved.
  6. Dry Completely:
    • Let the treated area dry completely before use or foot traffic.
*Be sure to spot test your carpet in an inconspicuous spot before doing a large area.

Can red wine stains be removed?

*Be sure to do a test spot on your carpet in an inconspicuous place before doing a large area.

Start by blotting up the excess spill.

Start by blotting up the excess liquid with a clean towel or paper towels.

*For best results with all these stains be sure to blot not rub. Rubbing will unwind the carpet fibers and can make the stain worse as it gets into them.

Make a mixture of 1 cup warm water and 1/4 tsp Dawn Dish Soap. Pour over the spill and let stand 5 minutes.


Make this DIY solution with a mixture of 1 cup of warm water and 1/4 tsp Dawn Dish Soap. Pour over the entire area and let stand 5 minutes.

Using a light colored cloth, blot up the soapy water mixture. You'll see the stain coming up into the cloth.

Using a light colored or white cloth, blot up the soapy water mixture. You’ll see the stain coming up into the cloth.

If the stain is removed finish with a warm water rinse. This is to remove the soapy residue so dirt and future stains won't stick to it.

If the stain is removed finish with a warm, clean water rinse. This is to remove the soapy residue so dirt and future stains won’t stick to it.

If you have stubborn stains, repeat the above steps.

Blot up the warm water rinse as much water as possible.

Blot up the warm water and rinse as much water as possible.

Let dry completely.

Let dry completely.

How do you remove mud and dirt from carpet?

  1. The first step is to blot up the water if it’s wet and vacuum the area to get out as much dirt as possible.
  2. Apply the warm soapy mixture to the stained area and let it stand for 5 minutes.
  3. Blot up as much of the water as possible with a clean cloth.
  4. If the stain is gone, finish with a warm water rinse and blot up as much water as possible.

How do you get coffee stains out of the carpet?

  1. Start by blotting up the excess spill.
  2. Apply the homemade carpet cleaner solution onto the spot, and let it stand for 5 minutes. Blot up as much of the water as possible.
  3. If the stain is gone, finish with a warm water rinse and blot up as much water as possible.

How do you get old chocolate stains out of carpet?

  1. Carefully clean up the pieces, chunks, etc with a butter knife or plastic scraper being careful not to rub any into the fibers of the carpet.
  2. Apply the warm soapy mixture onto the spot, and let it stand for 5 minutes. Blot up as much of the water as possible.
  3. If the stain is gone, the last thing to do is finish with a warm water rinse and blot up as much water as possible.

How do you remove soda, beer, or milk from carpet

  1. Start by blotting up the excess spill.
  2. Apply the warm soapy mixture onto the spot, and let it stand for 5 minutes. Blot up as much of the water as possible.
  3. If the stain is gone, finish with a warm water rinse and blot up as much water as possible.
I filled a small squirt bottle with 1 tsp. Dawn and water. I that I keep in my bathroom.

Pro Tip: Create and store the DIY mixture in a spray bottle for convenient and quick access to a reliable stain remover.

A video I made with Hometalk is coming soon showing all of these stains and the removal process! I'm so excited they worked for me and I hope they'll work for you too!

How To Get Stains Out of Carpet with This Easy Homemade Carpet Cleaning Solution Video

How To Get Stains Out of Carpet with This Easy Homemade Carpet Cleaning Solution Q & A

What is the best homemade carpet cleaning solution?

The best homemade carpet cleaning solution is a mixture of 1 cup warm water and 1/4 tsp Dawn Dish Soap. This natural DIY solution effectively removes tough stains and saves you money on expensive commercial cleaners and machines.

Can you use Dawn dish soap on your carpet?

Yes, you can use Dawn dish soap on your carpet as a homemade carpet cleaning solution for removing tough stains. The mixture of 1 cup warm water and 1/4 tsp Dawn Dish Soap is effective and natural. However, it’s always recommended to do a test spot in an inconspicuous area of your carpet before treating a larger area.

Can you use soapy water on carpet?

Yes, you can use Dawn dish soap on your carpet as a homemade carpet cleaning solution for removing tough stains. The mixture of 1 cup warm water and 1/4 tsp Dawn Dish Soap is effective and natural. However, it’s always recommended to do a test spot in an inconspicuous area of your carpet before treating a larger area.

What is the best homemade carpet stain remover? Stains, we hate them but they happen right? Coffee, Wine, Mud, Chocolate are just some of the few most common stains. I found something that cleaned all of them up with just 2 ingredients!

This homemade carpet cleaning solution can also remove:

  • To remove grease stains, mix Dawn dish soap with water, apply the solution to the stain, and blot away.
  • For blood or ink stains, gently apply the soapy mixture, let it stand for a few minutes, then blot until the stain lifts.
  • Tackle pet urine, other pet stains, urine stains, or food stains by using the Dawn and water solution, ensuring to blot and lift the stain for a fresh and clean result.
  • Adjust the mix by adding rubbing alcohol for added potency against tough stains like oil spills, ensuring a versatile and effective stain-removing solution for various situations.

More Homemade Carpet Stain Remover Recipes:

Basic Vinegar and Water Cleaner:

White Vinegar and Baking Soda Solution

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup white vinegar
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 tablespoon baking soda

Instructions:

  1. Mix Ingredients: Combine 1 cup of white vinegar with 1 cup of water in a bowl.
  2. Add Baking Soda: Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of baking soda evenly over the mixture.
  3. Stir Well: Stir the solution until the baking soda dissolves.
  4. Apply to Stain: Pour the mixture directly onto stains caused by pet accidents, general dirt, or mild odors.
  5. Scrub Gently: Use a soft brush or cloth to gently scrub the stain.
  6. Let it Sit: Allow the solution to sit for 15-20 minutes.
  7. Blot with Cloth: Blot the area with a clean, dry cloth to absorb excess moisture.
  8. Rinse with Water: Rinse the area with clean water and blot again until dry.
The magic ingredient is Hydrogen Peroxide and it needs to be no more than 3% which is usually the kind you can pick up at any regular store. Hydrogen Peroxide contains antimicrobial ingredients and is very biodegradable. Put your Hydrogen Peroxide in a squirt bottle.

Dish Soap and Hydrogen Peroxide Solution

Ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoons dish soap
  • 1/4 cup hydrogen peroxide
  • 1 cup water

Instructions:

  1. Combine Ingredients: Mix 2 tablespoons of dish soap, 1/4 cup of hydrogen peroxide, and 1 cup of water in a bowl.
  2. Apply to Stain: Apply the solution directly to tough stains, including those from food spills, beverages, and pet accidents.
  3. Blot Stain: Blot the stain with a clean cloth or sponge.
  4. Scrub if Necessary: For stubborn stains, gently scrub with a brush.
  5. Let it Sit: Allow the solution to sit for 10-15 minutes.
  6. Blot Excess Moisture: Blot the area with a dry cloth to remove excess moisture.
  7. Rinse with Water: Rinse the treated area with clean water and blot until dry.

*Some people like to use hydrogen peroxide but it can bleach out your carpet.

Make a paste of 3% Hydrogen Peroxide and baking soda. Place on the dish, and scrub. Wash when you're done.

Cornstarch and Vinegar Paste

Ingredients:

  • 1/4 cup cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons white vinegar

Instructions:

  1. Create Paste: Mix 1/4 cup of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of white vinegar to form a paste.
  2. Apply to Stain: Spread the paste onto oily or greasy stains, and it’s effective against mild odors.
  3. Let it Dry: Allow the paste to dry completely (usually for a few hours).
  4. Vacuum: Once dry, vacuum the area to remove the dried paste.
  5. Check Stain: Assess the stain; repeat the process if necessary.

These solutions are tailored to address specific types of stains and odors, providing a targeted and effective cleaning approach for various carpet issues. Always conduct a patch test first to ensure compatibility with your carpet.

Carpet cleaning solution alternatives and Home Remedies:

  1. Shaving Cream: You can remove stains with regular unscented shaving cream. You can find my shaving cream tutorial at Simple Budget Friendly Shaving Cream Hacks To Help Your Home
  2. Bissell Machine or Carpet Shampooers: Utilizing a Bissell Machine or carpet shampooer involves purchasing a dedicated carpet shampoo or an appropriate solution designed for the machine. These products work by deeply penetrating carpet fibers, lifting and breaking down stains through the machine’s scrubbing action, leaving your carpet refreshed and revitalized.
  3. Dishwashing Detergent: Dishwashing detergent is an effective stain remover for carpets. Its grease-cutting properties help break down oily and greasy stains. Dilute a small amount of dish soap in water, apply to the stain, and gently blot or scrub the affected area to lift and remove the stain.
  4. Club Soda: Club soda is a versatile and natural carpet stain remover. Its effervescence helps break down stains, making them easier to lift. Pour club soda onto the stain, blot with a clean cloth, and repeat until the stain is lifted. It’s particularly effective for fresh stains like those from red wine or coffee.
  5. Essential Oils: Essential oils, such as tea tree or lavender oil, can be used to create a natural stain remover. Mix a few drops of essential oil with water or a carrier liquid like vinegar. Apply the mixture to the stain, let it sit for a while, and then blot or scrub gently to lift the stain while leaving a pleasant fragrance.
  6. Fabric Softener: Fabric softener can be an unexpected ally in carpet stain removal. Dilute fabric softener with water, apply to the stain, and let it sit for a short period. The softening agents in the fabric softener help break down and lift stains, making them easier to remove through blotting or gentle scrubbing.
  7. Laundry Detergent: Using laundry detergent as a carpet stain remover involves diluting it with water and applying the solution to the stain. The detergent’s cleaning agents work to break down and lift the stain from the carpet fibers. After application, blot the area with a clean cloth to remove excess moisture and the lifted stain particles.
  8. Nail polish remover, containing acetone or other solvents, can be effective in removing stubborn stains from carpets. It works well on nail polish spills, ink stains, and certain adhesive residues. However, caution is advised, as it should be tested in an inconspicuous area first to ensure compatibility with the carpet material, and it’s crucial to avoid using it on sensitive surfaces that may be adversely affected by its chemical composition.
Deodorize Your Carpet - Baking soda is a great deodorizer. Sprinkle it onto your carpet and let it stand for 30 minutes.

You can sprinkle baking soda on your carpet to help soak up a spill and then vacuum it up. Baking soda is also a great deodorizer.

Homemade cleaners are wonderful because they don’t contain harsh chemicals and they’re a great cleaning product. I always use cold water, as warm or hot can sometimes set a stain.

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How To Get Stains Out of Carpet with This Easy Homemade Carpet Cleaning Solution

Are you asking how to get stains out of carpet? Here's a homemade carpet cleaning solution that will get rid of most stubborn carpet stains!
Course Clean
Keyword homemade carpet cleaning solution, how to get stains out of carpet
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Additional Time 5 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings 1
Author Chas
Cost 1

Equipment

  • None

Ingredients

  • 1 cup warm water
  • 1/4 tsp Dawn Dish Soap
  • Bowl
  • Towels

Instructions

  • Start by blotting up the excess spill.
  • Make a mixture of 1 cup warm water and 1/4 tsp Dawn Dish Soap.
  • Pour over the spill and let stand 5 minutes.
  • Using a light-colored cloth, blot up the soapy water mixture. You’ll see the stain coming up into the cloth.
  • If the stain is removed finish with a warm water rinse. This is to remove the soapy residue so dirt and future stains won’t stick to it.
  • If the stain is not removed, repeat the above steps.
  • Blot up the warm water rinse as much water as possible.
  • Let dry completely.

Check out some of my related posts!

Are you asking how to get stains out of carpet?  Well, you're in luck because in this post I'm sharing a homemade carpet cleaning solution that will get rid of most stubborn carpet stains!

Share it with others!

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28 Comments

  1. Gilmer Gal says:

    My husband bought a new home and installed a looped carpet in our bedroom. Of course, it was an off-white color! In less than one week, SOMEBODY that was not me tracked in some tar that was being used on another project. I was horrified. Got some of that blue dish soap and warm water and, behold, it cleaned the spots! It became my go-to stain cleaner from then on! Thanks for posting this for others.

    1. Thank you so much for sharing your story, I’m so glad this worked for you as well. So nice to have a go to that’s already in our homes 🙂

  2. Who would have thought that this simple way would work? As a general rule, we spend so much money on “special cleaners” for things like these. I do just about the same thing, although I have added hydrogen peroxide to the mix. It’s great to know that I don’t have to do that! Thanks for this great tip, Chas!

    1. Thanks Linda and thanks for sharing that you do this too. Love having something that works that we already have in our homes. I have heard about the hydrogen peroxide working too, if I get a really stubborn stain I’ll have to give that a try.

  3. Thank you for sharing these helpful carpet cleaning tips. I will be pinning this one.

  4. jodie filogomo says:

    This is exactly when we need these tips!! Thanks

    XOXO
    Jodie

    1. Thank you so much Jodie 🙂 and I’m glad it can help you too.

  5. What kind of Dawn? It comes in all sorts of variations

    1. I have just the standard original blue version.

  6. Great tips! Thank you for sharing on Merry Monday! We hope you will join us again next week!
    Kim

    1. Thank you Kim and thanks for hosting a great party.

  7. Thanks for this I don’t have carpet but my daughter just got new carpet I will have to pass this on to her. Thanks for sharing at Bloggers Pit Stop.

    1. Thank you Connie and I love that you don’t have carpet. Much of our house has hard surfaces but there are a few places my husband insisted on having carpet still. Thanks for sharing with your daughter.

  8. Pat Kryszewski says:

    Will this work on older stains that have dried?

    1. Hi Pat! Yes, I have had good luck with it on older dried stains.

  9. I watched your video on cleaning the oven and was inspired. I did it and can’t believe how great it worked! My glass door is still a little greasy but the racks and inside look brand new! No scrubbing. No chemicals. No super hot oven using a ton of electricity from self clean mode. Thank you. I can’t wait to try the carpet stain removal.

    1. Oh gosh Kay, you just made my day. Thank you so much for sharing your success story! Hugs to you

  10. Thanks so much for sharing this tip!! Hoping I won’t have to try it any time soon!! LOL! Thanks for linking up at Charming Homes & Gardens!

    1. Thank you Kristin, and thanks for another wonderful party.

  11. Wow Chas! Very impressive, I am definitely saving this one for future use. Thanks so much for sharing at Charming Homes and Gardens.

    1. Thank you so much Kim, it’s been great and removes about anything.

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