What is the best carpet stain remover for set in stains?

Author: Vesta Keeling I  |  Last update: Wednesday, September 17, 2025

The OxiClean Carpet Stain Remover earned the title of best carpet spray cleaner by quickly and completely removing every stain we tested, including barbecue sauce, mud, red wine, and even animal urine, both fresh and set-in stains on carpet and upholstery.

How do you remove old set-in stains from carpet?

Mix equal parts water and hydrogen peroxide (no more than 3% concentration) in a spray bottle and shake well. Spray the stained area generously but not excessively. Gently agitate the stain with a soft-bristled brush or microfiber cloth, working from the outside edges towards the center of the spot.

What is the best stain remover for old carpet stains?

Our top picks:
  • Best Overall: Bissell Professional Pet Stain and Odor Removing Formula.
  • Best Value: Folex Instant Carpet Spot Remover.
  • Most Versatile: Rocco & Roxie Supply Co. Professional Strength Stain & Odor Eliminator.
  • Best Deep Cleaner: Bissell Pro Oxy Power Spot.
  • Best for Old Stains: Carbona Oxy Powered Carpet Cleaner.

How do you get stains out of carpet that have been dried?

Apply hydrogen peroxide to the stain – it is often a good idea to put the peroxide in a spray bottle first and then spray the stain. Let the hydrogen peroxide sit for a few minutes and use a bristle brush to scrub the stain. Use a cloth or steam vac to pull the peroxide out of the carpet.

What do professional carpet cleaners use to remove stains?

Our main tools and techniques include: Steam Cleaners or Hot Water Extraction Machines: These powerful machines use hot water and suction to penetrate deep into carpet fibers, loosening and removing embedded dirt, grime, and stains that regular vacuuming cannot reach (source: carpet-rug.org).

What stain remover is the best? Testing 8 of the top carpet spot cleaning brands.

Does Mr clean Magic Eraser work on carpet stains?

The simple answer is: Yes, you can use it relatively well on some fabrics and carpets.

Does vinegar and baking soda remove old stains from carpet?

Another powerful method to try on old stains is vinegar and baking soda. Vacuum the stain first and then sprinkle baking soda over the area. Mix 1-part vinegar with 1-part water in a spray bottle. Mist over the baking soda and leave it to foam, dry and harden over a few hours.

Are there stains that cannot be removed from carpet?

Yellow mustard dyes the carpet and is nearly impossible to get out. The champion of all deadly stains. Chances of removal 2%.

How to remove a set-in stain?

Create a solution by combining equal parts white vinegar and lemon juice. Soak the stained area in the solution for 15-30 minutes, allowing the acids to break down the stain. Rinse the garment thoroughly to remove any residue. Follow up with a standard wash.

Will Dawn dish soap remove carpet stains?

Next, try a solution of white vinegar, Dawn dish soap, and water in a spray bottle. Mix 1/4 cup of white vinegar, 1 tablespoon of Dawn dish soap, and fill with water. Spray the solution liberally on the stain and let it soak for 5-10 minutes. Then, blot the stain with a clean, dry towel until it is removed.

What is the strongest carpet cleaning solution?

Our Top 5 Carpet Cleaning Picks
  • #1 Industrial Strength Carpet Extractor by Boardwalk.
  • #2 Deodorizing Carpet Cleaning Powder by Arm & Hammer.
  • #3 Triple Oxi Advanced Trigger Carpet Cleaner by Resolve.
  • #4 General Purpose Spotter by Diversey.
  • #5 Urine Destroyer by Resolve.

Will OxiClean remove old carpet stains?

Whether it's a wine spill, tracked-in dirt, or last night's dinner carpets attract all types of stains. Fortunately, OxiClean™ Carpet & Area Rug Stain Remover Spray works hard to remove tough stains forever! Always test OxiClean™ Carpet Spray on an inconspicuous area first for colorfastness.

Does WD 40 remove carpet stains?

Although home remedies do a great job on lighter stains, they're time-consuming and involve many supplies. WD-40 seems like a much more convenient, effective, and quicker way. It truly lives up to its reputation of being a miracle cleaner, even when it comes to stubborn carpet stains like makeup or even candle wax.

Does peroxide get stains out?

Hydrogen peroxide is a powerful stain remover, natural disinfectant, and whitening agent – all without leaving harmful residues behind. It's safe for most washable, dye-stable fabrics and works effectively when added to your regular wash cycle or as a pre-treatment solution.

Are some carpet stains permanent?

Carpet and rug fibers act as wicks. Liquid spilled on the fibers will be drawn up to the fiber tips as they dry. If the material is not removed quickly and the tips are allowed to air dry, the stain will be concentrated on the top of the fibers and this can cause permanent staining.

How to deep clean carpet?

Carpet Cleaning – The Best Way to Deep Clean Your Carpets
  1. Step 1: Remove Debris with Vacuum. ...
  2. Step 2: Pretreat to Loosen Stains. ...
  3. Step 3: Setup Your Carpet Cleaner. ...
  4. Step 4: Clean Your Carpets. ...
  5. Step 5: Rinse Your Carpets (Optional)

What is the best set in stain remover?

Our Top Picks
  • Best Overall: Shout Advanced Grease Busting Foam at Amazon $4. ...
  • Best Spray: Lively Probiotic Laundry Stain Remover at Amazon $10. ...
  • Best Powdered: SALE. ...
  • Best Unscented: SALE. ...
  • Best for Travel: Tide To Go Instant Stain Remover at Amazon $8. ...
  • Best Smelling: ...
  • Best on Tough Stains: ...
  • Best on Fresh Stains:

How to remove set-in stains from carpet?

Mix a cup of room temperature water with a few drops of dish soap. Use a white towel or a microfiber towel to work it into the stain. Don't get it too wet or it could soak through the carpet pad. Let it sit for a few minutes and then use a clean cloth and fresh water to blot the stain.

How do you remove stains that have already been dried?

How to Get Old Stains Out of Clothes
  1. Mix. Fill scoop with OxiClean™ Versatile Stain Remover powder to line 4 per 1 gallon of water. Wait until the powder fully dissolves in the solution.
  2. Soak. Soak clothes for 1-6 hours, depending on the severity of the stain. ...
  3. Wash. Wash as normal with your regular detergent.

What is the strongest stain remover for carpet?

OxiClean Carpet Stain Remover

The Oxi-Clean Carpet Stain Remover earned its spot as our best overall pick because, out of all the stain removers we've tested, this one was the most effective across all types of spots. It even eliminates strong urine odors, and leaves behind a light laundry-like scent.

How do professional carpet cleaners remove stains?

The carpet cleaning machines use hot water and cleaning solutions to deep clean your carpets. The hot water mixes with the cleaning solution and removes dirt and stains from deep within the fibers. While these machines are expensive, they can save you money in the long run by extending the life of your carpets.

Can you get really old stains out of carpet?

Yes, vinegar and baking soda are a powerful combination that has been proven to remove old stains from carpet. When combined with vinegar, the oxidation power of the baking soda creates a potent solution that can uproot the toughest set-in stains from carpet.

What is the best homemade carpet stain remover for old stains?

For those times when you need a little more stain fighting power, add baking soda to dish washing liquid, white vinegar, and warm water. Mix the ingredients in a spray bottle and you're ready to go. Or, try this combination of white vinegar, salt, and lavender scented essential oil to clean stains and deodorize.

How to remove unknown set in stains?

First, soak the stained fabric in cold water for at least 30 minutes. Mix 1 tablespoon of liquid laundry detergent with enzymes with 1 cup of water. Add 1/4 teaspoon of white vinegar and stir. Use a Dobie All Purpose Cleaning Pad to apply the detergent-vinegar mixture to your unidentified stain.

Will hydrogen peroxide remove carpet stains?

Instead of using store-bought carpet cleaners, you can mix 3% hydrogen peroxide and water to treat ink, blood, pet and other stubborn stains from your delicate carpets. Some of the reasons are: It has oxidising properties that attack nasty stains and take them out of fabrics in a few minutes.

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