How to remove tough stains from carpets?

Gertrude Kolela
by Gertrude Kolela

How can I remove tough stubborn stains from my carpet without using a vacuum cleaner?

Which home made hacks can I use?


  17 answers
  • Redcatcec Redcatcec on Aug 03, 2020

    Do you have a carpet shampooer? If not, they can be rented from diy stores and some grocery stores. They have recommended shampoos and treatments depending on what stains are in your carpet.

  • K. Rupp K. Rupp on Aug 03, 2020

    Some dish soap mixed with water in a spray bottle would be the first home hack I would use. Let it sit and then scrub lightly. You can always add to it by spraying with spray n wash or shout. You don't necessarily need carpet spray to get your stain out.


    For really tough stains get yourself a handheld Bissell. You can spray a solution on and then suck it up. Works great and they aren't too expensive.

  • Try putting a 1/4 cup of white vinegar and a tbsp of Dawn dish soap in a spray bottle. Fill it with water and spray the stains. Let it sit for 15-20 minutes and blot with a clean cloth.

  • Kathy Gunter Law Kathy Gunter Law on Aug 03, 2020

    mix equal parts of white cleaning vinegar, water, and grease cutting dawn in a spray bottle. Spray, scrub, and blot dry. Repeat as needed until stain is gone. You can also use this for laundry stains.

  • Chloe Crabtree Chloe Crabtree on Aug 03, 2020

    Use 1/4 cup of white vinegar, 1 tbsp. of Dawn dish soap, and fill with water. Spray area liberally and let soak for 5-10 minutes and then proceed with blotting with a clean, dry towel until stain is removed. Some carpet stain removal products can be of great benefit for combating many types of carpet stains.

  • Nan W. Nan W. on Aug 03, 2020

    Gertrude: I would rent a carpet shampooer --- you will be surprised how much they pick up and will leave your home smelling fresh!

  • Vimarhonor Vimarhonor on Aug 03, 2020

    Hello generally I use the commercial carpet cleaning spray products with the Oxi cleaner in it. If stains are pretty severe or widespread the rug doctor might be beneficial.

  • Cheryl A Cheryl A on Aug 03, 2020

    a vacuum cleaner isn't much help in removing stains - but the carpet should be vacuumed before cleaning up spots - here is more spot removal info

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vITy9DuhOh4

  • Patty Patty on Aug 03, 2020

    It depends upon what the stain is made of. I use Clorox Urine remover for any pet stains. I use distilled white vinegar for most clean up. At times, I need to use Oxy and Dawn. I removed red nail polish from an off white carpet using Motzenbocher (I spelled that wrong, ask for it at Lowe's). Many stainscrequire more than one treatment. Be prepared for this.

  • Em Em on Aug 03, 2020

    Try diluted Awesome spray cleaner from the Dollar store. It removes dirt no other cleaner will touch. It is an all purpose cleaner and is amazing. Spray on stain and blot up with old rags then rinse with plain water in a spray and blot again.

  • Cynthia H Cynthia H on Aug 03, 2020

    Spot cleaning will help for small areas. Keeping a carpet clean does involve vacuuming, to keep dirt and debris from being ground in. Even an inexpensive stick vacuum is better than trying to keep it clean any other way. I have a small hand vac that I use for quick cleanup, but, it would be exhausting to clean a whole rug with one. When I spot clean I use Resolve spray. It works well. I blot with a microfiber cloth. The trouble with any spot cleaning is it may buildup. I finally bought a Bissell steam cleaner when I had wall to wall carpet, and saved a lot of money after previously renting one. If that isn't in the budget, maybe you could borrow one? Good luck and stay safe!

  • Maura White Maura White on Aug 06, 2020

    I LOVE oxiclean for this!!!!!!! Oxiclean has saved the day many times at our house!

  • Chloe Crabtree Chloe Crabtree on May 01, 2022

    Use 1/4 cup of white vinegar, 1 tbsp. of Dawn dish soap, and fill with water. Spray area liberally and let soak for 5-10 minutes and then proceed with blotting with a clean, dry towel until stain is removed. Some carpet stain removal products can be of great benefit for combating many types of carpet stains.