How to Clean Condiment Stains from Carpet

Mayonnaise stains are addressed further down the page

You Will Need:

• Cleaning solution (these are safe for all carpet types)
  • 1 teaspoon neutral detergent with 1 teaspoon white vinegar and 1 quart cold water
  • 1/4 teaspoon mild, non-bleach detergent with 1 liter cool water
• Spray bottle (for cleaning solution)
• Clean white cloths or paper towels
• Rinsing Solution:
  • 2-6 drops mild, non-alkali dish detergent with 1 cup cold water
• Water in spray bottle
• Heavy Weight
• Spoon

How to Remove the Stain:

1. Begin by using the spoon to scrape away excess “spillage” of the condiment from the carpet and discard.
2. Spray cleaning solution to stain.
3. Blot with clean cloth. Repeat as necessary with a clean cloth each time until no more stain appears on the cloth.
4. Spray with rinsing solution.
5. Blot with clean cloth. Repeat as necessary to be sure all cleaning solution has been removed.
6. Spray with clean, fresh water.
7. Blot with clean cloth to remove any remaining residue.
8. Cover stain with clean cloth or stack of paper towels and put heavy weight on top (heavy books, etc.)
9. Leave set for several hours to absorb any remaining liquid.
10. Remove weights and cloths and let area air dry.
11. When spot has dried completely, vacuum thoroughly to restore carpet texture and pick up any remaining cleaning solution residue.

You Will Need:

• Spoon
• Wet/Dry Vacuum
• Clean white towels or paper towels
• Club Soda
• Detergent Solution: 1 teaspoon clear, non-bleach detergent with 2 cups water.
• Hydrogen Peroxide Solution: 1 part 3% Hydrogen Peroxide with 3 parts water
• Ammonia Solution: 1/4 c. clear ammonia with 1 cup water
• Vinegar Solution: 1/4 c. white vinegar with 1 cup water
• Water to rinse.
• Spray bottles for water and cleaning solutions.

How to Remove the Stain:

1. Begin by using the spoon to scrape away excess “spillage” of the condiment from the carpet and discard.
2. Apply club soda to the stain.
3. Blot with clean cloth or use vacuum. (If stain is gone, do not proceed to next step.)
4. Spray with detergent solution.
5. Let the solution soak on the stain for 5 minutes.
6. Blot with clean cloth.
7. Rinse with clean fresh water.
8. Blot with clean cloth or use vacuum. (If stain is gone, do not proceed to next step.)
9. Apply hydrogen peroxide solution.
10. Let the solution set for 30 minutes. (Cover with thick towel to block out light as this can affect the hydrogen peroxide. Check periodically to make sure it is not bleaching your carpets)
11. Blot with clean cloth.
12. Spray with clean, fresh water.
13. Blot with clean cloth or use vacuum. (If stain is gone, do not proceed to next step.)
14. Apply ammonia solution to stain being careful not to saturate the carpet. Watch for loss of color. (Do not use ammonia on natural fiber carpeting.)
15. Blot with clean cloth or vacuum.
16. Apply vinegar solution to stain.
17. Blot with clean cloth or use vacuum.
18. Cover stain with clean cloth or stack of paper towels and put heavy weight on top (heavy books, etc.)
19. Leave set for several hours to absorb any remaining liquid.
20. Remove weights and cloths and let area air dry.
21. When spot has dried completely, vacuum thoroughly to restore carpet texture and pick up any remaining cleaning solution residue.

This method is safe for all carpet types.

You Will Need:

• Spoon
• Baking soda or corn starch
• Dry cleaning solvent
• Cleaning Solution: 1 T. dishwashing detergent, 1 T. white vinegar, 2 cups water
• Clean white cloths or paper towels
• Vacuum

How to Remove the Stain:

1. Begin by using the spoon to scrape away excess “spillage” of the condiment from the carpet and discard.
2. Sprinkle baking soda or corn starch on the stain
3. Let this sit for 10-15 minutes and then vacuum.
4. Apply dry cleaning solvent to the stain.
5. Blot with clean cloth.
6. If the stain remains, apply the cleaning solution.
7. Blot with clean cloth. Repeat until the stain is completely removed.
8. Spray with clean, fresh water.
9. Blot with clean cloth to remove any remaining residue.
10. Cover stain with clean cloth or stack of paper towels and put heavy weight on top (heavy books, etc.)
11. Leave set for several hours to absorb any remaining liquid.
12. Remove weights and cloths and let area air dry.
13. When spot has dried completely, vacuum thoroughly to restore carpet texture and pick up any remaining cleaning solution residue.

• If a mayonnaise stain persists, you can dab it with alcohol or vinegar.

Do not use laundry detergent or automatic dishwasher detergents as they may damage the fibers of your carpet.

• Do not use bleach or ammonia on wool carpets as it will damage the fibers.
• Do not use carpet spot cleaners on oriental rugs as it will damage the fibers.
• Oriental rugs should be cleaned with caution. If your rug is an antique, silk, or part silk, contact a professional to remove the stain.