How to Remove Common Stains From Carpets and Upholstery

The single biggest factor in whether a stain comes out is time — the longer it sits, the more it bonds to the fibres. Here's how to handle the most common household stains before they set, and how to tell when it's time to stop DIY-ing and call in a professional steam clean.

The golden rule: blot, don't rub

Rubbing a fresh stain pushes it deeper into the fibres and spreads it wider. Always blot from the outside of the stain inward with a clean, dry cloth, and always test any cleaning solution on a hidden patch first.

Stain-by-stain guide

Red wine

Blot up as much liquid as possible immediately. Cover the area with salt or baking soda to absorb what's left, then vacuum once dry. Follow with a mix of cool water and a small amount of dish soap, blotted in gently.

Coffee & tea

Blot immediately with cool water. A mild solution of water and white vinegar works well on set-in coffee stains — apply, let sit briefly, then blot dry.

Pet stains & odour

Blot up as much as possible, then use an enzyme-based cleaner rather than a standard detergent — enzymes break down the organic compounds that cause both the stain and the smell, which regular soap doesn't fully address.

Oil & grease

Don't add water first — it can spread the oil further. Cover with baking soda or cornstarch to absorb the grease, leave for 15 minutes, vacuum, then treat with a small amount of dish soap (it's formulated to cut grease).

Ink

Ink is one of the trickiest stains — rubbing alcohol on a cotton ball, dabbed rather than rubbed, is the safest first attempt. Test on a hidden area first, as some dyes can be affected.

Safety note:

When to call a professional

DIY methods work well on fresh, surface-level stains. Call in a professional hot-water extraction clean when:

The stain has already set or been treated unsuccessfully with a home remedy
It covers a large area, or you're dealing with pet odour throughout a room
The fabric is delicate (velvet, silk-blend, antique upholstery) and you're unsure what it can handle
You need it done before a big event or a move-out inspection

Professional equipment reaches temperatures and extraction power that household tools can't match, which is often the difference between a stain fading and a stain disappearing completely.

Stain not budging? We handle carpets, couches and mattresses across Cape Town.

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