How to Remove Common Household Stains

The golden rule for most stains is to act fast and blot, never rub, which spreads the stain and pushes it deeper. Fresh spills on carpet or upholstery should be blotted with a clean cloth and treated gently from the outside in. Set-in stains, and any stain on carpet or upholstery you cannot lift, are best left to professional cleaning, which reaches deep into the fibers without damaging them.

The Rules That Apply to Almost Every Stain

Two habits handle most stains. First, act fast: the sooner you treat a spill, the less it sets. Second, blot, do not rub. Rubbing spreads the stain and grinds it deeper into carpet or upholstery fibers. Blot gently with a clean cloth, working from the outside of the stain inward so it does not spread.

Always test any cleaner on a hidden spot first, especially on carpet and upholstery, and avoid soaking, which can damage padding or leave water marks.

When to Call a Professional

Some stains are worth calling in help for: set-in stains that have had time to dry, pet stains and odors that reach the carpet padding, and anything on delicate upholstery fabric. Professional cleaning uses methods that reach deep into the fibers and lift the stain without damaging the material.

For carpets and upholstery especially, a professional clean often rescues a stain that home treatment cannot, and refreshes the whole piece at the same time.