What is the best carpet stain remover for stubborn stains?

Author: Prof. Jaylan Wyman PhD  |  Last update: Monday, January 12, 2026

Final Verdict. After rigorously testing dozens of carpet stain removers, our best overall pick is the Oxi-Clean Carpet Stain Remover. It removes various stain types with little to no scrubbing. If you prefer a stain remover with gentler ingredients, consider the Biokleen Bac-Out Stain and Odor Remover.

How do you get severely stain out of carpet?

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 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.

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).

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%.

Best Carpet Spot Remover - Ultimate Solution For Tough Carpet Stains

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's the hardest thing to get out of carpet?

The 8 Hardest Stains to Remove From a Carpet
  • 1) Blood. Obviously, your first priority will be to deal with the person who's bleeding. ...
  • 2) Red wine. As with blood, start by blotting up surface liquid. ...
  • 3) Other coloured drinks.
  • 4) Coffee. ...
  • 5) Ink. ...
  • 6) Animal urine. ...
  • 7) Other bodily fluids. ...
  • 8) Cooking oil.

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.

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.

What should you not clean carpet with?

Abrasive cleaners can damage the carpet fibers and leave a bare spot where the stain used to be. The same goes for heavy-duty scrubbing brushes. If you must scrub your carpet, use a mild cleaner and a soft bristle brush to prevent damage.

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.

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 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.

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.

Can I leave hydrogen peroxide in carpet overnight?

Hydrogen Peroxide (Do Not Use Wool)

After the carpet has dried completely, spray hydrogen peroxide in enough quantity to get the stained area uniformly wet, then leave it alone overnight The peroxide will have a mild bleaching effect.

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.

How do you get tough stains out of carpet?

If the stain is stubborn and won't come out, make a solution of one quart of warm water and one teaspoon of mild non-bleach laundry detergent (the liquid kind). Don't use dishwasher detergent. Apply this solution to the stain, let it sit for about five minutes and blot up excess moisture.

What do professionals use to clean carpet?

Hot Water Extraction

Otherwise known as steam cleaning, this is easily the most common professional carpet cleaning technique. Steam cleaning uses hot water at high pressure to penetrate into carpet fibers, breaking down the dirt and bacteria stored deep within. The hot water is then extracted via vacuum.

Is vinegar or carpet cleaner better?

The short answer is that you should not use vinegar for carpet cleaning. There is truth to the idea you can use vinegar as a natural disinfectant for cleaning but it cannot remove dirt or soil from a surface or from carpet.

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.

When not to use Mr Clean Magic Eraser?

7 Things You Should Never Clean With Magic Eraser
  • Don't Scrub Polished, Finished, Painted & Other Delicate Surfaces. ...
  • Never Spot-clean Electronic Devices with Magic Erasers. ...
  • Don't Wash Non-stick Cookware with Melamine Foam. ...
  • Avoid Cleaning Natural Stone Surfaces.

Can I put Mr. Clean in my carpet shampooer?

Have you ever wondered “Can I use Mr Clean in My Carpet Cleaner?” The answer is yes! But with some caveats. While Mr Clean can be used to clean carpets, there are a few things that need to be taken into consideration before diving in and using it.

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

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 type of stains cannot be removed from carpet?

These are 8 of the hardest carpet stains to remove from your carpet.
  • Red Wine.
  • Pet Urine.
  • Blood.
  • Coffee.
  • Cooking Oil.

What ruins a carpet?

One of the most common causes of carpet damage is simple wear and tear. Over time, constant foot traffic, furniture movement, and general use can lead to gradual deterioration of the carpet fibers. This type of damage may manifest as flattened or crushed fibers, discoloration, or uneven wear patterns.

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