Stain removal guide
Quick, safe steps to take before we arrive. Acting fast makes almost every stain easier to remove.
Golden rules for every stain
The first few minutes matter most. These habits work for nearly every spill on carpet and fabric.
- Blot with a clean, dry, white cloth. Rubbing spreads the stain and damages the fibres.
- Work from the outside of the stain towards the middle.
- Use cool water, not hot, which can set many stains.
- Test any cleaner on a hidden spot first.
- Skip harsh bleach and strong sprays.
Blot, never rub. It is the single most useful stain tip there is.
12 common stains
Tap a stain to see what to do before we arrive.
Coffee and tea
Blot with a clean, dry cloth. Dab with cool water and a drop of mild dish soap, then blot again. Never rub.
Red wine
Blot right away. Pour a little cool water or club soda on it and keep blotting. Call us for set-in wine stains.
Pet accidents
Blot up as much as you can, rinse with cool water and blot dry. Avoid heat at home, which can set odours. We treat pet stains and odours professionally.
Grease and oil
Sprinkle baking soda or cornstarch, wait 15 minutes and vacuum. Dab any leftover mark with a little dish soap and water.
Mud and dirt
Let it dry fully, vacuum the loose dirt, then dab the remaining mark with mild soapy water.
Ink and marker
Dab with rubbing alcohol on a white cloth from the outside in. Test on a hidden spot first. Ink often needs a professional.
Blood
Use cold water only. Blot, never rub. Hot water sets blood stains.
Chocolate
Let it harden, lift off the excess, then dab with cool water and mild dish soap.
Candle wax
Let it harden, gently break and vacuum the pieces, then ask us about any leftover colour or residue.
Gum
Harden it with an ice pack in a bag, then gently lift. Never pull hard on carpet fibres.
Vomit and food spills
Remove solids, blot the rest with cool water and a little mild soap, then dry. Ask us about odour treatment.
Mystery stains
Do not guess. Blot, take a photo and text it to us. We will tell you what to try.
Build a simple stain kit
- A stack of clean white cloths
- Mild dish soap
- Baking soda and cornstarch
- A spray bottle with cool water
- Rubbing alcohol for ink, used carefully
When to call a professional
If a stain is old, large, has dried, or you are not sure what caused it, stop and call us. Home remedies can set a stain permanently, and a professional clean gets much better results.
Send us a photo by text at (403) 702-6317 and we will tell you what we can do.
Ready for a cleaner home?
Call or text for a free, no-obligation quote, or book online in a few minutes.