Experts note that with stains on carpets (especially red stains), the faster you get to it, the better.

Scraping the stain first removes the top layer, which can make the rest of it easier to clean up. If you don’t want to scrape your carpet with a knife, you can also use a spoon.

Ammonia is a harsh substance, and inhaling it can cause coughing, sneezing, and irritation. Always work in a ventilated area, and use gloves to protect your skin. [5] X Research source Keep ammonia away from children and pets. Dish soap and ammonia are usually strong enough to remove fresh stains that just happened. However, if the stain is old, you might need to use other methods.

White vinegar isn’t super harsh, but you still may want to wear gloves to avoid skin irritation.

Club soda is clear, so it won’t stain your carpet.

If you use hydrogen peroxide, you might notice some fizzing or bubbling when you apply it to the stain. This is a good sign—it means the peroxide is working!

Acetone also works against red makeup, like eyeshadow or lipstick.

Juice can be tough to remove from carpet, so try to get to it right away before it sets into the fibers.

You can use sea salt or normal table salt. Either one will help absorb the stain and get it out of your carpet. Otherwise, you can even put some dry baking soda on the spot and scrub it with a scrub brush. [12] X Expert Source Chris WillattHouse Cleaning Professional Expert Interview. 1 July 2019. Then vacuum it. [13] X Expert Source Chris WillattHouse Cleaning Professional Expert Interview. 1 July 2019.

Never use warm or hot water on a stain, as that can drive the color compounds deeper into the carpet fibers.

You can usually find commercial cleaners at grocery and home goods stores. It is a good idea to get your carpet steam cleaned yearly, especially if you have pets. [16] X Expert Source Chris WillattHouse Cleaning Professional Expert Interview. 1 July 2019.