I posted this post a few years ago but wanted to revive it a bit with new images. This is our go-to way of cleaning carpets and rugs and I didn’t want it to be lost in the archive of the blog. Hope you all have a great Friday! Let’s get onto our post… Remove Carpet Stains Without Chemicals!
I still remember this as if it was yesterday and, in fact, it was more than 5 years ago. We were newly married and living in our first apartment. Our first, brand-new, first-renter apartment. We hadn’t been there long, maybe a month, and I was doing my make-up on the floor in our bedroom. The apartment had glass closet doors and that was just the perfect place to do my make-up while drinking coffee. Well, I knocked over my whole cup of coffee on brand new WHITE carpet. To say I freaked was an understatement. Luke on the other hand, had everything in control. Let me give you a bit of backstory on Luke. His parents owned a janitorial cleaning supply store while he was growing up and one of their best friends owned a floor service company (mostly commercial mopping, waxing, etc.). At this point in our marriage, we were both in college but Luke was working overnights waxing floors at various haircutting places all over town. So, let’s just call him a floor guy. Back to the story. He was super calm and just went to get a towel and an iron. A few minutes later, the spot was gone and there were no worries. So, you can remove carpet stains (including wine). We have lived to tell the tale!
Fast forward to our current house. Again, we have light-colored carpet (although not new – it’s actually decent in the main living room). We had been here about two weeks and I decided to have a glass of red wine one night. Again, I was sitting on the floor and again I spilled it. Panic mode set in, but Luke handled it again. =)
I’ve had it in my mind to share this little trick with you for quite some time, but I just kept forgetting. So, here it is now.
How To Remove Carpet Stains Without Chemicals!
Step 1: Gather your Supplies
You will need an iron and a light-colored towel (one that won’t bleed color).
Step 2: Wet Towel Completely and Fold
Fold the towel and make sure to get at least two folds if not three.
Step 3: Iron
Using high heat, press iron down on towel. This creates steam which raises the stain to the surface of the carpet or onto the towel itself.
Step 4: Release and Repeat
Press the iron to the towel for about three seconds. Release iron and check progress. Repeat if the stain is still showing. If you repeat the process, make sure to let the towel cool in between.
Step 5 : Gently Rub
Gently rub/dab carpet to completely release the stain.
Oh and if your wondering whether I brought any great cleaning tricks to the marriage…the answer is no. =)
Julia@Cuckoo4Design says
January 8, 2014 at 6:43 amWow really? I was always fought to not use heat in any way. I used the salt on the wine and that didn’t always work. I will have to try this 😉
Ashley Mayes says
January 10, 2014 at 7:48 amReally! It was shared on Hometalks Facebook page, so if it doesn’t get all the wine up…you can try a few other of the remedies on there. I know that different carpet fibers yield different results but we are two for two at our house. =)
Jamie says
January 10, 2014 at 6:12 amThis works well with candle wax as well…soak the rag in white vinegar and you’ll be amazed at what can come up. Works great!
Ashley Mayes says
January 10, 2014 at 7:46 amI’ve never spilled candle wax, but good to know! I’m sure it will happen eventually.
Pam says
January 10, 2014 at 7:52 amGreat idea. Do you think it would work on pet stains?
Ashley Mayes says
January 10, 2014 at 8:11 amI definitely think it is worth a try. We have a cat and have always used Resolve Pet Stain Remover for the hairball/bile stains. There are a few alternatives (using household chemicals) that people have brought up on Hometalk – you could definitely try those out as well. (http://www.hometalk.com/2888535/a-chemical-free-way-to-get-carpet-stains-out) Good Luck!
Debbie says
January 10, 2014 at 7:56 amDoes this work on cat hair ball ? Of course, using this technique after picking up the hair ball. Thanks so much.
Ashley Mayes says
January 10, 2014 at 8:11 amI definitely think it is worth a try. We have a cat and have always used Resolve Pet Stain Remover for the hairball/bile stains. There are a few alternatives (using household chemicals) that people have brought up on Hometalk – you could definitely try those out as well. (http://www.hometalk.com/2888535/a-chemical-free-way-to-get-carpet-stains-out)
sue says
January 10, 2014 at 8:04 amWow im trying .My hubby really ISa floor man installs alll floors,so wr have carpet samples to use to try this out.. Plus i DO have candle wax on my carpet.So i WILL be doing this ..i thought a paper brown bag ,but hey ill try it all
Thankyou
Ashley Mayes says
January 10, 2014 at 8:12 amGood luck!
Melissa Walp says
November 7, 2016 at 9:13 amThanks for sharing this! I have some carpet stains that I have been wanting to get out but I hate using harsh chemicals in the house.
Ashley Mayes says
November 16, 2016 at 1:23 pmMe too! Go for this!
angie says
November 7, 2016 at 8:52 pmthanks for sharing your tips sounds like we will have to put this in the book to remember
come see us at http://shopannies.blogspot.com
Ashley Mayes says
November 16, 2016 at 1:24 pmFor sure, thanks Angie!
Morgan @ Morgan Manages Mommyhood says
November 9, 2016 at 4:40 pmAhh this is so genius! I’m trying to reduce chemicals in my house but with a 7 month old and a toddler, we get lots of stains. Thank you for sharing at the Share the Wealth Sunday party – we hope to see you again soon!
Ashley Mayes says
November 16, 2016 at 1:24 pmThanks Morgan! Yep, totally try this!
Nicole says
November 15, 2016 at 8:55 pmThis is a really cool way to remove carpet stains without chemicals. Thanks for sharing your tip at the #HomeMattersParty
Ashley Mayes says
November 16, 2016 at 1:24 pmOf course, thanks Nicole!
Susie S. says
March 29, 2018 at 8:51 amI just read your post about removing carpet stains without chemicals. Which I’ll use whenever the situation arises!
My husband and I are renting a house with very light carpet in three bedrooms and the hall,and our dogs have had potty accidents. We have tried EVERYTHING to remove the stains and odor, without much success. We’ve considered buying a carpet cleaner to clean right away.
Having company is not an option until the
odor/stains are gone.
We need help!!!
Ashley Mayes says
March 29, 2018 at 7:15 pmThat sounds like a tough situation!