Fortunately, ammonia and vinegar -- two common and inexpensive household items -- can remove a variety of stains and restore the appearance of your carpet.
Things You Will Need
Ammonia
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Vacuum the carpet to remove surface dirt, dust and other debris.
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Fill a bucket with 1/2 gallon warm water and add 1 cup ammonia. Mix the contents together with a spoon.
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Dampen a sponge in the mixture and wring the excess liquid out of the sponge.
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Blot the stains with the sponge. Start at the edge of the stain and blot it, slowly moving inward toward the center.
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Let the carpet dry. Repeat if the stains are still visible.
Vinegar
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Vacuum the carpet to remove surface dirt, dust and other debris.
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Fill a small container with 1/2 cup white vinegar. Add 2 tbsp. table salt and mix thoroughly.
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Dampen a sponge in the mixture and gently rub the stains with the sponge. Let the carpet dry completely.
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Vacuum the salt residue off the carpet and repeat if needed.
Ammonia and Vinegar
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Vacuum the carpet to remove surface dirt, dust and other debris.
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Pour 1 part vinegar and 5 parts warm water into a spray bottle. Fill a second, clean spray bottle with 5 parts warm water and 1 part ammonia.
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Dampen the carpet stain with the vinegar mixture and let it soak for 3 to 4 minutes. Blot the stain with a clean cloth to remove the excess liquid.
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Dampen the carpet stain with the ammonia mixture and blot with a clean cloth to remove the excess liquid.
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Repeat until the carpet stains are no longer visible.
The Drip Cap
- Stains and dirt can turn a once-pristine carpet into a dingy mess that makes the whole room appear dull and dirty.
- Vacuum the carpet to remove surface dirt, dust and other debris.
- Repeat if the stains are still visible.
- Fill a second, clean spray bottle with 5 parts warm water and 1 part ammonia.
- Blot the stain with a clean cloth to remove the excess liquid.