How to Clean Stubborn Carpet Stains

Do you have carpet stains that you think will be impossible to remove? Learn how to clean stubborn carpet stains in this HGTV video:

Ink Stains: Use denatured alcohol, old toothbrush, light-colored rags, and a wet-dry vacuum. Repeat the following steps as needed.

If the stain is fresh, use a light-colored rag to blot up as much of the stain as possible. Make sure not to press the fresh stain deeper into the carpet.
If the stain is dried, it will need to be soaked in alcohol for 5 minutes. Only use enough alcohol to cover the stain and soak down about 1/2 inch. Once the alcohol has soaked for a minute, take a clean rag and blot the ink from the stain. You can repeat this process several times.
If there are some fibers the alcohol is not reaching, take an old toothbrush and massage the alcohol into the carpet, leave for 5 minutes, then blot more ink up.
If there is still some ink stain left, use a wet-dry vacuum (make sure to remove the filter first).

Grease Stains: Use a wet-dry vacuum, baking soda, a spoon, dish soap, water, denatured alcohol, an old toothbrush, light-colored rags and a spray bottle. Repeat the following steps as needed.

Liberally sprinkle baking soda onto the grease stain. Be sure to cover the stain fully. Use a spoon to push the baking soda down into the fibers of the carpet. The baking soda will absorb the liquid grease. Leave the baking soda on the carpet for 3-5 minutes.
Using the dry setting on your wet/dry vacuum, vacuum the baking soda from the carpet.
Create a cleaning solution of one cup denatured alcohol and 1/2 teaspoon of liquid dish soap. Spray the stain with the cleaning solution and allow it to site for 2-3 minutes. Make sure the stained area is fully saturated.
Using the wet setting on your wet/dry vacuum, vacuum the cleaning solution from the stain.
If the stain is still present, use and old toothbrush to work the cleaning solution into the stain. Remove the moisture and stain with your wet/dry vacuum.

Nail Polish Stains: Use acetone, gloves, paper towels and light-colored rags. Repeat the following steps as needed.

If the nail polish is still wet, use a paper towel and blot up as much as possible. Make sure not to push the polish deeper into the carpet.
Acetone is a strong solvent that can damage your skin, so make sure to put on gloves before cleaning. Pour 1-2 oz of acetone onto the nail polish stain and let sit for 3-5 minutes. Once the acetone has soaked into the stain, use a paper towel to absorb the acetone and nail polish from the carpet.
If you’re not able to fully blot the nail polish from the carpet, you need to work the acetone into the carpet more fully. Pour 1-2 oz of acetone onto the stain and work it into the carpet using a rag. As you rub the stain, you will notice that the rag is absorbing the color of the nail polish. Continue to rub the stain gently using a clean part of the rag to remove the acetone and nail polish.

Red Wine and Coffee Stains: Use hydrogen peroxide, dish soap, sponge, light-colored towels, paper towels and a wet/dry vacuum. Repeat the following steps as needed.

If the spill has just happened, blot (don’t rub) as much of the liquid up as possible. Use a towel or paper towel to get the stain as dry as possible.
For a dry stain, make a cleaning solution of 1 cup hydrogen peroxide and 1/2 teaspoon dish soap in a small bowl. Using a sponge or light-colored towel, dab the cleaning solution onto the stain. Allow to sit for 5-10 minutes, then use a clean towel or paper towel to absorb the liquid.
Use the wet setting of your wet/dry vacuum to remove all of the liquid.