How to Remove Tough Stains from Carpets, Upholstery, and Hard Surfaces

By Eric Ruiz, Owner of Cleaning Bliss

We’ve all been there—spilling red wine on the carpet, knocking over coffee on the couch, or watching in horror as grease splatters on kitchen countertops. Stains happen, but they don’t have to be permanent!

As the owner of Cleaning Bliss, I’ve helped countless homeowners tackle stubborn stains. The key? Act fast and use the right method for the stain and surface.

In this guide, I’ll cover common stains and how to safely remove them from carpets, upholstery, and hard surfaces. Let’s get started!

General Stain Removal Tips

✅ Blot, Don’t Rub: Rubbing spreads the stain and pushes it deeper into the fibers. Always blot with a clean cloth.
✅ Work from the Outside In: This prevents the stain from spreading.
✅ Test in an Inconspicuous Area: Before using any cleaning solution, test on a small hidden spot.
✅ Use Cold Water for Protein-Based Stains: Hot water can set stains like blood, milk, or eggs.

How to Remove Stains from Carpets

Carpets are stain magnets, but with the right approach, you can lift almost any stain.

1. Wine, Juice, or Coffee Stains

🔹 What You Need: White vinegar, dish soap, warm water
🔹 Method:

1. Blot as much liquid as possible with a paper towel.
2. Mix 1 cup warm water, 1 tablespoon white vinegar, and 1 teaspoon dish soap.
3. Dab the solution onto the stain with a clean cloth.
4. Blot with a dry cloth until the stain lifts.

2. Grease and Oil Stains

‍🔹 What You Need: Baking soda, dish soap
🔹 Method:

1. Sprinkle baking soda on the stain and let it sit for 15 minutes to absorb grease.
2. Vacuum up the powder.
3. Apply a small amount of dish soap and scrub with a brush.
4. Rinse with warm water and blot dry.

3. Pet Urine Stains & Odor

‍🔹 What You Need: White vinegar, baking soda, hydrogen peroxide
🔹 Method:

1. Blot up as much urine as possible.
2. Mix equal parts vinegar and water, apply to the stain, and let sit for 10 minutes.
3. Blot dry, then sprinkle baking soda over the area.
4. Spray a mixture of ½ cup hydrogen peroxide and 1 teaspoon dish soap over the baking soda.
5. Let it sit, then blot and vacuum once dry.

4. Ink or Marker Stains

‍🔹 What You Need: Rubbing alcohol or hairspray
🔹 Method:

1. Dab rubbing alcohol on a clean cloth and gently blot the stain.
2. Continue until the ink lifts.
3. Rinse with water and blot dry.

5. Mud and Dirt Stains

‍🔹 What You Need: Dish soap, water, vacuum
🔹 Method:

1. Let the mud dry completely, then vacuum up the loose dirt.
2. Mix a few drops of dish soap with warm water.
3. Blot the stain until it disappears, then dry with a clean towel.

How to Remove Stains from Upholstery

‍Upholstered furniture is tricky because excess moisture can damage fabrics. Always blot and use minimal liquid.

‍1. Food & Beverage Stains

‍🔹 What You Need: Dish soap, vinegar, water
🔹 Method:

1. Blot up any excess liquid.
2. Mix 1 cup warm water, 1 teaspoon dish soap, and 1 teaspoon vinegar.
3. Dab the solution onto the stain using a clean cloth.
4. Blot with a dry towel to remove excess moisture.

2. Grease Stains

‍🔹 What You Need: Baking soda, cornstarch, dish soap
🔹 Method:

1. Sprinkle baking soda or cornstarch on the stain and let it sit for 15 minutes.
2. Vacuum up the powder.
3. Apply a small amount of dish soap and blot with a damp cloth.

3. Blood Stains

‍🔹 What You Need: Cold water, hydrogen peroxide
🔹 Method:

1. Blot with a cloth dampened in cold water.
2. If the stain persists, dab with hydrogen peroxide.
3. Blot until dry.

4. Ink or Marker Stains

‍🔹 What You Need: Rubbing alcohol, cotton swab
🔹 Method:

1. Dab rubbing alcohol onto the stain with a cotton swab.
2. Blot with a dry cloth until the stain lifts.

5. Pet Stains & Odor

‍🔹 What You Need: Vinegar, baking soda, water
🔹 Method:

1. Blot up any excess mess.
2. Mix equal parts vinegar and water and apply to the stain.
3. Blot dry and sprinkle with baking soda.
4. Let it sit overnight, then vacuum up the baking soda.

How to Remove Stains from Hard Surfaces

‍Unlike carpets and upholstery, hard surfaces like tile, wood, and countertops allow for more aggressive cleaning.

‍1. Grease & Oil Stains (Kitchen Counters & Cabinets)

‍🔹 What You Need: Dish soap, baking soda
🔹 Method:

1. Mix dish soap with warm water and scrub with a sponge.
2. For tough stains, make a paste of baking soda and water, apply, and wipe clean.

2. Hard Water Stains (Glass & Bathroom Surfaces)

‍🔹 What You Need: White vinegar, baking soda
🔹 Method:

1. Spray vinegar on the surface and let sit for 5 minutes.
2. Scrub with a sponge and rinse.
3. For stubborn spots, make a baking soda paste and apply before scrubbing.

3. Rust Stains (Sinks & Tubs)

‍🔹 What You Need: Lemon juice, salt
🔹 Method:

1. Sprinkle salt over the stain.
2. Squeeze fresh lemon juice on top.
3. Let sit for 10 minutes, then scrub and rinse.

4. Scuff Marks (Wood Floors & Walls)

‍🔹 What You Need: Magic eraser or baking soda
🔹 Method:

1. Gently rub a magic eraser over the scuff mark.
2. If needed, sprinkle baking soda on a damp cloth and rub the area.

5. Permanent Marker Stains (Counters & Walls)

‍🔹 What You Need: Rubbing alcohol, toothpaste
🔹 Method:

1. Dab rubbing alcohol onto the stain and wipe clean.
2. If needed, rub toothpaste over the stain and scrub with a cloth.

Final Thoughts: Say Goodbye to Stubborn Stains!

‍Tough stains don’t stand a chance when you have the right methods and a little patience. Whether you’re tackling a red wine spill on the carpet, grease stains on your couch, or hard water stains in the bathroom, these tips will help you restore your surfaces to their original condition.

‍Need professional stain removal? Cleaning Bliss is here to help! We offer expert cleaning services in the Salt Lake Valley to keep your home looking spotless.📞 Call us today for a free quote!Got a stubborn stain you can’t remove? Drop a comment below, and I’ll help you out! 😊