How to remove spills and stains from carpet, rugs and upholstery

Whether it's a party mishap, a pet accident, or an everyday spill, the challenge of keeping your carpet, rugs and upholstery clean, fresh and stain-free is one that many homeowners face. In this guide we'll explore the key steps to take when faced with a spill or stain and explore the benefits of using a carpet spot cleaner.

1. Act quickly

The key to successful stain prevention and removal is to act promptly. The longer the dirt or spill sits, the more it soaks into the fabric and the more challenging it becomes to remove.

2. Identify the cause

Clear a space around the affected area and carefully look at the spill or stain to understand what may have caused it. This will help you to identify the best course of action.

3. Remove any larger debris

Often spills and stains are caused by a dropped mug or glass. It is important to remove as much of this larger debris as possible, being extremely careful to protect yourself from any sharp objects. A versatile wet and dry vacuum cleaner, like the Vacmaster Multi 20, is ideal for this.

4. Soak up any surface liquid

At this point, it is important to capture as much of the surface liquid as possible to prevent it soaking in. You could use a clean, dry kitchen cloth or paper towel , for this. But we recommend using a carpet spot cleaner, like the Vacmaster EasyClean Rapid Spot Cleaner, from this point.

5. Deep clean the affected area

You need to carefully clean as deep into the fibres of the carpet, rug or upholstery as you can. You can use a clean, damp cloth along with an off-the-shelf cleaning product here. But there's a few things you need to take note of if you opt for this method. The first is to remember to spray the detergent onto the cloth, not the surface you're cleaning, as any residual detergent left after you've finished can itself leave a stain. The second is to use a dabbing action rather than scrubbing, to clean the stain off. Rubbing and scrubbing may seem the most effective but you run the risk of permanently damaging the carpet or upholstery fibres, which can look more unsightly than the original stain! Keep repeating this spraying and dabbing process until the stain is gone. The final step is to remove the detergent with a clean, wet cloth.

Alternatively, for a much quicker, safer method we recommend using a dedicated carpet spot cleaner, such as the Vacmaster EasyClean Spot Cleaner where you can simply spray, brush and vacuum the stain away, all in one go.

6. Repeat if necessary

For stubborn stains, like red wine, you may need to repeat the cleaning process a few times. Remember, patience is key. Lots of aggressive scrubbing by hand can damage the fibres of the material.

7. Vacuum the area

After the treated area has dried completely, check for any sign of a stain. If you see one, repeat the cleaning process above. If you don’t, remember to vacuum the carpet to restore its texture and remove any loosened particles. If you have opted to use a carpet spot cleaner, you can probably skip this final vacuum step.

Visit the Vacmaster EasyClean Rapid Spot Cleaner page to find out more about how these powerful carpet cleaners can be used to remove spills and stains from carpet, rugs and upholstery.