Stubborn Carpet Stains
Can't remove carpet stains? Learn DIY methods for wine, pet, and grease stains, plus professional cleaning costs ($100–$300).
Typical repair cost: $100–$300 · DIY difficulty: Easy · About 15–30 minutes.
What usually causes it
- Wine or coffee spills
- Pet accidents
- Grease or oil
- Ink stains
- Mud and dirt
What you need
- White vinegar
- Baking soda
- Dish soap
- Clean cloths
- Spray bottle
How to fix it yourself
- Blot (don't rub) the stain immediately with a clean cloth
- Mix 1 tbsp dish soap + 1 tbsp white vinegar + 2 cups warm water
- Spray solution on stain and blot with clean cloth
- For tough stains, sprinkle baking soda, let sit 15 min, then vacuum
- For pet stains, use an enzyme-based cleaner to break down odor
- Rinse area with cold water and blot dry
When to call a pro
For set-in stains, large areas, or whole-room cleaning, professional steam cleaning gives the best results.