How To Spot Clean Carpet To Keep It Looking Like New (And The Best Products To Use)

Carpets sometimes get a bad rap for being hard to clean. But the truth is, you only need to clean your carpet once per year or every year and a half. In the meantime, spot cleaning will keep your carpet looking and feeling new. The best spot cleaning products vary based on the type of spill, but the same advice applies regardless: Act quickly and never rub the stain in. Timing is the key to fighting carpet stains of all kinds. The longer you wait to spot clean your carpet, the more likely that the stain will set into place and become more difficult to remove. So, lift excess residue, both liquid and solid, as soon as possible. Blot the stains, rather than rub, or you'll unknowingly work the spill deeper into your carpet's fibers.

Before you go any further, identify the type of spill. This is because different stains require different products and techniques. For example, blood stains can be made worse by using hot water instead of cold. Also, consider your carpet's material and check the care instructions on the label to avoid damaging it. For instance, you may need to steer clear of carpet cleaner ingredients that are too harsh for wool or cotton. Always test new cleaning products on an inconspicuous area first to ensure they don't damage or discolor your carpet.

Most common carpet stains come from beverages of some kind, from soda and juice to wine and coffee. Luckily, soda and juice are considered water-soluble stains, meaning they break down in water. However, most of these beverages contain pigments that can stain carpets. So, you need a special stain remover, such as Wine Away Red Wine Liquid Stain Remover, to tackle them. With an average rating of 4.4, the liquid remover is phosphate- and bleach-free, and works on blood and ink stains, too. In case you don't like using chemical-based cleaners in your house, the manufacturer mentions that this product is nontoxic and biodegradable since it's made of fruit and vegetable extracts.

One customer wrote (via Amazon), "Takes out red wine, blood, chocolate- I have tried all and worked for every one! Highly recommend!" To get rid of the unsightly stain on your carpet, blot it first to soak up the extra liquid. Then, spray the product directly on top and leave it for one to five minutes. Once the stain lightens, blot the spot again, working from the outward-in until it's no longer visible. That being said, a reviewer mentioned that you must use the product generously to get the pigmented stain out, so it might get expensive if such spills are common in your household.

Not all stains are water-soluble, particularly oil-based ones, which are a bit more challenging to remove. Since oil and water don't mix, don't use a water-based cleaning solution. Instead, apply a dry-cleaning cleanser, such as the Alba Chem PSR Powdered Dry Cleaning Fluid. It has an average rating of 4, and most reviewers mention that it gets the job done. However, they also say that it leaves a powdery residue behind. You may also have to put in a lot of effort if the stain has set in.

Similarly, protein-based stains, including urine and blood, can be difficult to get out. This is why you need enzymatic cleaners, like Nature's Miracle Stain and Odor Remover, to restore your carpet to its original state. With an average rating of 4.6, the organic cleaner can be used on vomit and drool stains, too. However, customers mention that the product's smell is very strong, although it isn't too noticeable once your carpet is dry. Also, the manufacturer recommends soaking the spot to ensure the stain and the odor don't set in. So, if pet accidents are an everyday occurrence, the product won't last long. That being said, the cleaner is available in gallon-sized bottles, so you can buy a bigger pack to ensure you're never caught off guard.