How to Remove Gravy from Carpet

Serena said, “What’s the best thing for removing gravy from carpet..???”

You Will Need:

• Spatula or dull knife
• Cornstarch or baking soda
• A vacuum
• Dish liquid
• Water
• A cloth
• White vinegar
• Ammonia
• Hydrogen peroxide
• Lemon juice

Steps to Remove the Stain:

1. Scrape off as much gravy as possible with a spatula or dull knife, being careful not to grind it into the carpet.¹
2. Cover the remaining gravy with an absorbent powder, such as cornstarch or baking soda. Let the powder absorb the moisture for a while, then use a vacuum hose to remove the powder.²
3. Stir a big squirt of dish liquid into a cup of warm water. Blot the mixture on the stain, then sponge the area with cold water to rinse.³
4. If the stain is not removed by blotting with the above solution, stir ½ tbsp. of white vinegar into the solution, then continue blotting the solution on the stain. Sponge the area with cold water to rinse.²
5. If the above solutions do not remove the stain, mix 2 tbsp. of household ammonia in 1 cup warm water. Blot the mixture on the stain, then sponge the area with cold water to rinse.³
6. As a last resort, lightly blot the stain with either hydrogen peroxide or lemon juice. These are mild bleaching cleaners, so be sure to test them in a small, hidden spot on the carpet first. Sponge the area with cold water to rinse.¹
7. When the stain is gone, pat the carpet with a towel to wick up any excess moisture.³

• Spot Shot carpet stain remover works well on gravy stains.⁴
• Use caution and ventilate the area when working with ammonia. For more ammonia safety information, see Wikipedia.

1. Field Guide to Stains by Virginia M. Friedman, Melissa Wagner & Nancy Armstrong
2. Stain Rescue! by Anne Marie Soto
3. Clean it Fast, Clean it RIGHT by Jeff Bredenberg
4. Joey Green’s Cleaning Magic by Joey Green