How to remove stains from a rug
The faster you act, the better your chances. Here is a stain-by-stain guide, with what to do on wool, synthetic and delicate fibres.
The golden rules
- Act fast.
- Scoop, then blot. Remove solids, then press with a clean white cloth. Never rub.
- Work from the outside in so the stain does not spread.
- Test first on a hidden corner.
- Use the least liquid possible, especially on wool, viscose and jute.
- Rinse and dry: detergent residue attracts dirt.
Stain by stain
| Stain | What to do |
|---|---|
| Red wine | Blot. Dab with cool water, then with a drop of washing-up liquid in cool water. Rinse by dabbing with clean water. Blot dry. Do not use salt, which can set the stain. |
| Coffee and tea | Blot. Dab with cool water and mild detergent, then a little diluted white vinegar (1:2) on wool and synthetics. Rinse, blot. |
| Mud | Let it dry completely, break it up, vacuum. Treat any mark with mild detergent solution. |
| Grease and oil | Sprinkle bicarbonate of soda or cornflour to absorb, leave 15 minutes, vacuum. Dab with warm water and washing-up liquid. Synthetics hold oil, so act quickly. |
| Candle wax | Let it harden (or hold an ice pack on it), then lift off. Lay brown paper over the residue and press with a warm (not hot) iron; the paper absorbs the wax. Not on viscose. |
| Chewing gum | Harden with ice in a plastic bag, then pick or scrape off. Treat residue with mild detergent. |
| Nail varnish | Blot. Test an acetone-free remover on a hidden area; dab sparingly. Never on viscose or acetate. |
| Ink | Blot. Dab with a little rubbing alcohol on a cloth (test first), then mild detergent. Rinse. |
| Pet urine | Blot hard. Dab with cool water, then 1:2 white vinegar and water. Use an enzyme cleaner safe for the fibre. Dry thoroughly. |
| Vomit | Scoop. Sprinkle bicarbonate of soda, leave, vacuum. Dab with mild detergent, rinse, blot. |
By fibre
- Wool: cool water only, wool-safe detergent; no bleach or biological products. See cleaning a wool rug.
- Polypropylene and polyester: tolerate more water and mild detergent; oil needs fast action.
- Viscose and jute: blot dry, minimum moisture, dry quickly; call a professional for anything significant. See the viscose and jute guides.
- Washable rugs: pre-treat, then wash as the care label says.
Frequently asked questions
How do you get a stain out of a rug without a carpet cleaner?
Blot, then dab with cool water and a drop of washing-up liquid, rinse by dabbing with clean water and blot dry.
Does vinegar remove rug stains?
Diluted white vinegar (about 1:2 with water) helps with coffee, tea and pet odours on wool and synthetics. Test first and do not use it on viscose.
Does bicarbonate of soda clean rugs?
Sprinkled on a dry rug and vacuumed after 15 to 30 minutes, it absorbs grease and freshens odours.
Should I use hot water on a rug stain?
No. Hot water can set protein stains and shrink wool. Use cool water.
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Related guides
- How to clean a wool rug at home
- Washable rugs: how to choose and wash them
- Rugs for homes with pets
- All rug guides
Questions about a specific rug? Every product page lists the maker's size, material, pile height and care details. Delivery is free to England, Wales and mainland Scotland: 2-5 working days for Asiatic rugs and 1-2 working days for Livabliss rugs. See delivery and returns.