The golden rule of carpet stains is simple: act quickly and blot, never rub. Rubbing pushes the stain deeper into the pile and damages the fibres. Here is how to tackle the six culprits we see most often.
1. Red wine
Blot up as much as possible, then apply a little cold water and keep blotting. A solution of white vinegar and washing-up liquid lifts most of what remains. Never use hot water — it sets the stain.
2. Coffee & tea
Blot, then treat with a mix of vinegar, water and a drop of detergent. Rinse with cold water and blot dry. Stubborn rings may need a second pass.
3. Pet accidents
Blot thoroughly, then use an enzyme-based cleaner — ordinary detergents leave odours that encourage pets to return to the same spot.
4. Grease & oil
Sprinkle bicarbonate of soda to absorb the grease, leave for 15 minutes, vacuum, then treat with a little detergent solution.
5. Mud
Resist the urge to clean it wet. Let it dry completely, vacuum the loose dirt, then treat any remaining mark with detergent solution.
6. Ink
Dab (don’t rub) with a cloth lightly dampened with surgical spirit, working from the outside in.
When to call the professionals
Set-in, large or delicate stains — and anything on a valuable rug — are worth leaving to professional hot-water extraction. It reaches deep into the pile, lifts what home methods can’t, and protects the fibres while it does it.