How to Clean Carpet Stains - Food

Food Spills

All food, from chocolate to tomato sauce, has the ability to stain your carpets and rugs. Help reduce the risk of accidental food spills resulting in permanent blemishes, by following the stain removal advice outlined below.

» Beet Juice

» Berries

» Chewing Gum

» Chocolate

» Cooking Oil

» Egg

» Gravy

» Ice Cream

» Jam

» Ketchup

» Margarine/Butter

» Mayonnaise

» Meat

» Mustard

» Peanut Butter

» Salad Dressing

» Soya Sauce

» Spaghetti/Tomato Sauce

» Yoghurt

Beet Juice

1. Scrape off any excess beet and blot up as much liquid as possible.
2. Mix a solution of two cups cool water and one tbsp of dishwasher liquid. 
3. Sponge the stain with a clean white cloth. Blot until the liquid is absorbed. Repeat. 
4. If the stain appears to be gone you can use cold water and a new white cloth to sponge the area to remove any left over cleaning solution. 
5. If this fails to work you can try using ammonia. Note: that ammonia is not recommended for use on carpet or upholstery as it can fade the colours. Do a test on an inconspicuous part of the carpet or upholstery to make sure it won't harm it.

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Berries

1. Blot the area with a clean dry towel, then apply a small amount of cold water.
2. Blot and repeat several times.  Mix 1/4 tsp of a liquid dishwasher detergent into 1 cup warm water and put into spray bottle. 
3. Spray the area with the solution Note: do not use laundry detergent or automatic dishwasher detergent as both contain chemicals that could damage your carpet. 
4. Gently work the solution into the area with a small brush, sponge or cloth using light strokes working from the edges of the stain inwards. When you reach the centre of the stain, lightly pinch in an upward motion. Do not rub the stain. 
5. Rinse the spray bottle thoroughly to remove any of the dishwasher detergent solution from the area. Any residue that remains can act as a dirt magnet/ trap. Allow area to dry thoroughly. 
6. If the stain persists, apply a small amount of 3% hydrogen peroxide to a clean cloth. Blot the stain using the same light, edge to centre motion. Repeat as necessary. Blot the area and allow to dry.

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Chewing Gum

1. Rub ice on the gum to freeze it then scrape off as much as you can with a blunt knife.
2. If this method isn't working, you can heat the gum using a hair dryer to melt the gum, then pick off using a plastic bag over your hand. 
3. Once the gum is removed, wash the spot with a mild detergent and water

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Chocolate

1. Blot the area with a clean dry towel, then apply a small amount of cold water.
2. Blot and repeat several times. 
3. Mix 1/4 tsp of a liquid dishwasher detergent into 1 cup warm water and put into spray bottle. 
4. Spray the area with the solution Note: do not use laundry detergent or automatic dishwasher detergent as both contain chemicals that could damage your carpet.
5. Gently work the solution into the area with a small brush, sponge or cloth using light strokes working from the edges of the stain inwards. When you reach the centre of the stain, lightly pinch in an upward motion. Do not rub the stain. 
6. Rinse the spray bottle thoroughly to remove any of the dishwasher detergent solution from the area. Any residue that remains can act as a dirt magnet/ trap. Allow area to dry thoroughly. 
7. If the stain persists, apply a small amount of 3% hydrogen peroxide to a clean cloth. Blot the stain using the same light, edge to centre motion. Repeat as necessary. Blot the area and allow to dry

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Cooking Oil

1. Blot the area with a clean dry towel, then apply a small amount of cold water.
2. Blot and repeat several times. 
3. Mix 1/4 tsp of a liquid dishwasher detergent into 1 cup warm water and put into spray bottle. 
4. Spray the area with the solution Note: do not use laundry detergent or automatic dishwasher detergent as both contain chemicals that could damage your carpet.
5. Gently work the solution into the area with a small brush, sponge or cloth using light strokes working from the edges of the stain inwards. When you reach the centre of the stain, lightly pinch in an upward motion. Do not rub the stain. 
6. Rinse the spray bottle thoroughly to remove any of the dishwasher detergent solution from the area. Any residue that remains can act as a dirt magnet/ trap. Allow area to dry thoroughly.

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Egg

1. Scrape off any excess egg 
2. Mix 1 tbsp dishwasher liquid with 2 cups warm water   Using a clean white cloth, sponge the stain with the solution  
3. Blot until liquid is absorbed and repeat as necessary  
4. Let area dry thoroughly

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Gravy

1. Blot the area with a clean dry towel, then apply a small amount of cold water Blot and repeat several times.
2. Mix 1/4 tsp of a liquid dishwasher detergent into 1 cup warm water and put into spray bottle. 
3. Spray the area with the solution Note: do not use laundry detergent or automatic dishwasher detergent as both contain chemicals that could damage your carpet.  
4. Gently work the solution into the area with a small brush, sponge or cloth using light strokes working from the edges of the stain inwards. When you reach the centre of the stain, lightly pinch in an upward motion. Do not rub the stain.  
5. Rinse the spray bottle thoroughly to remove any of the dishwasher detergent solution from the area. Any residue that remains can act as a dirt magnet/ trap. Allow area to dry thoroughly. 
6. If the stain persists, apply a small amount of rubbing alcohol or mineral spirits to a clean cloth. Blot the stain using the same light, edge to centre motion. Repeat as necessary. Blot the area and allow to dry.

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Ice Cream

1. Blot the area with a clean dry towel, then apply a small amount of cold water. 
2. Blot and repeat several times. 
3. Mix 1/4 tsp of a liquid dishwasher detergent into 1 cup warm water and put into spray bottle. 
4. Spray the area with the solution Note: do not use laundry detergent or automatic dishwasher detergent as both contain chemicals that could damage your carpet.
5. Gently work the solution into the area with a small brush, sponge or cloth using light strokes working from the edges of the stain inwards. When you reach the centre of the stain, lightly pinch in an upward motion. Do not rub the stain. 
6. Rinse the spray bottle thoroughly to remove any of the dishwasher detergent solution from the area. Any residue that remains can act as a dirt magnet/ trap. Allow area to dry thoroughly. 
7. If the stain persists, apply a small amount of 3% hydrogen peroxide to a clean cloth. Blot the stain using the same light, edge to centre motion. Repeat as necessary. Blot the area and allow to dry.

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Jam

1. Blot the area with a clean dry towel, then apply a small amount of cold water.
2. Blot and repeat several times.  
3. Mix 1/4 tsp of a liquid dishwasher detergent into 1 cup warm water and put into spray bottle. 
4. Spray the area with the solution Note: do not use laundry detergent or automatic dishwasher detergent as both contain chemicals that could damage your carpet.  
5. Gently work the solution into the area with a small brush, sponge or cloth using light strokes working from the edges of the stain inwards. When you reach the centre of the stain, lightly pinch in an upward motion. Do not rub the stain.  
6. Rinse the spray bottle thoroughly to remove any of the dishwasher detergent solution from the area. Any residue that remains can act as a dirt magnet/ trap. Allow area to dry thoroughly.  
7. If the stain persists, apply a small amount of rubbing alcohol or mineral spirits to a clean cloth. Blot the stain using the same light, edge to centre motion. Repeat as necessary. Blot the area and allow to dry

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Ketchup

1. Blot the area with a clean dry towel, then apply a small amount of cold water.
2. Blot and repeat several times.  
3. Mix 1/4 tsp of a liquid dishwasher detergent into 1 cup warm water and put into spray bottle.  
4. Spray the area with the solution Note: do not use laundry detergent or automatic dishwasher detergent as both contain chemicals that could damage your carpet.  
5. Gently work the solution into the area with a small brush, sponge or cloth using light strokes working from the edges of the stain inwards. When you reach the centre of the stain, lightly pinch in an upward motion. Do not rub the stain.  
6. Rinse the spray bottle thoroughly to remove any of the dishwasher detergent solution from the area. Any residue that remains can act as a dirt magnet/ trap. Allow area to dry thoroughly

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Margarine/Butter

1. Blot the area with a clean dry towel, then apply a small amount of cold water.
2. Blot and repeat several times.  
3. Mix 1/4 tsp of a liquid dishwasher detergent into 1 cup warm water and put into spray bottle. 
4. Spray the area with the solution Note: do not use laundry detergent or automatic dishwasher detergent as both contain chemicals that could damage your carpet.  
5. Gently work the solution into the area with a small brush, sponge or cloth using light strokes working from the edges of the stain inwards. When you reach the centre of the stain, lightly pinch in an upward motion. Do not rub the stain.  
6. Rinse the spray bottle thoroughly to remove any of the dishwasher detergent solution from the area. Any residue that remains can act as a dirt magnet/ trap. Allow area to dry thoroughly.

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Mayonnaise

1. Blot the area with a clean dry towel, then apply a small amount of cold water. 
2. Blot and repeat several times.  
3. Mix 1/4 tsp of a liquid dishwasher detergent into 1 cup warm water and put into spray bottle. 
4. Spray the area with the solution Note: do not use laundry detergent or automatic dishwasher detergent as both contain chemicals that could damage your carpet.  
5. Gently work the solution into the area with a small brush, sponge or cloth using light strokes working from the edges of the stain inwards. When you reach the centre of the stain, lightly pinch in an upward motion. Do not rub the stain.  
6. Rinse the spray bottle thoroughly to remove any of the dishwasher detergent solution from the area. Any residue that remains can act as a dirt magnet/ trap. Allow area to dry thoroughly.  
7. If the stain persists, apply a small amount of rubbing alcohol or mineral spirits to a clean cloth. Blot the stain using the same light, edge to centre motion. Repeat as necessary. Blot the area and allow to dry.

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Meat

1. Blot the area with a clean dry towel, then apply a small amount of cold water.
2. Blot and repeat several times.  
3. Mix 1/4 tsp of a liquid dishwasher detergent into 1 cup warm water and put into spray bottle.  
4. Spray the area with the solution Note: do not use laundry detergent or automatic dishwasher detergent as both contain chemicals that could damage your carpet. 
5. Gently work the solution into the area with a small brush, sponge or cloth using light strokes working from the edges of the stain inwards. When you reach the centre of the stain, lightly pinch in an upward motion. Do not rub the stain. 
6. Rinse the spray bottle thoroughly to remove any of the dishwasher detergent solution from the area. Any residue that remains can act as a dirt magnet/ trap. Allow area to dry thoroughly.  
7. If the stain persists, apply a small amount of 3% hydrogen peroxide to a clean cloth. Blot the stain using the same light, edge to centre motion. Repeat as necessary. Blot the area and allow to dry

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Mustard

1. Blot the area with a clean dry towel, then apply a small amount of cold water.
2. Blot and repeat several times. 
3. Mix 1/4 tsp of a liquid dishwasher detergent into 1 cup warm water and put into spray bottle. 
4. Spray the area with the solution Note: do not use laundry detergent or automatic dishwasher detergent as both contain chemicals that could damage your carpet.  
5. Gently work the solution into the area with a small brush, sponge or cloth using light strokes working from the edges of the stain inwards. When you reach the centre of the stain, lightly pinch in an upward motion. Do not rub the stain.  
6. Rinse the spray bottle thoroughly to remove any of the dishwasher detergent solution from the area. Any residue that remains can act as a dirt magnet/ trap. Allow area to dry thoroughly.  
7. If the stain persists, apply a small amount of 3% hydrogen peroxide to a clean cloth. Blot the stain using the same light, edge to centre motion. Repeat as necessary. Blot the area and allow to dry.

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Peanut Butter

1. Blot the area with a clean dry towel, then apply a small amount of cold water.
2.  Blot and repeat several times.  
3. Mix 1/4 tsp of a liquid dishwasher detergent into 1 cup warm water and put into spray bottle.  
4. Spray the area with the solution Note: do not use laundry detergent or automatic dishwasher detergent as both contain chemicals that could damage your carpet.  
5. Gently work the solution into the area with a small brush, sponge or cloth using light strokes working from the edges of the stain inwards. When you reach the centre of the stain, lightly pinch in an upward motion. Do not rub the stain.  
6. Rinse the spray bottle thoroughly to remove any of the dishwasher detergent solution from the area. Any residue that remains can act as a dirt magnet/ trap. Allow area to dry thoroughly.

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Salad Dressing

1. Blot the area with a clean dry towel, then apply a small amount of cold water.
2. Blot and repeat several times.  
3. Mix 1/4 tsp of a liquid dishwasher detergent into 1 cup warm water and put into spray bottle.  
4. Spray the area with the solution Note: do not use laundry detergent or automatic dishwasher detergent as both contain chemicals that could damage your carpet. 
5. Gently work the solution into the area with a small brush, sponge or cloth using light strokes working from the edges of the stain inwards. When you reach the centre of the stain, lightly pinch in an upward motion. Do not rub the stain.  
6. Rinse the spray bottle thoroughly to remove any of the dishwasher detergent solution from the area. Any residue that remains can act as a dirt magnet/ trap. Allow area to dry thoroughly.  
7. If the stain persists, apply a small amount of rubbing alcohol or mineral spirits to a clean cloth. Blot the stain using the same light, edge to centre motion. Repeat as necessary. Blot the area and allow to dry

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Soya Sauce

1. Blot the area with a clean dry towel, then apply a small amount of cold water.  
2. Blot and repeat several times.  
3. Mix 1/4 tsp of a liquid dishwasher detergent into 1 cup warm water and put into spray bottle.  
4. Spray the area with the solution Note: do not use laundry detergent or automatic dishwasher detergent as both contain chemicals that could damage your carpet.  
5. Gently work the solution into the area with a small brush, sponge or cloth using light strokes working from the edges of the stain inwards. When you reach the centre of the stain, lightly pinch in an upward motion. Do not rub the stain.  
6. Rinse the spray bottle thoroughly to remove any of the dishwasher detergent solution from the area. Any residue that remains can act as a dirt magnet/ trap. Allow area to dry thoroughly.  
7. If the stain persists, apply a small amount of 3% hydrogen peroxide to a clean cloth. Blot the stain using the same light, edge to centre motion. Repeat as necessary. Blot the area and allow to dry.

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Spaghetti/ Tomato Sauce

1. Blot the area with a clean dry towel, then apply a small amount of cold water. 
2. Blot and repeat several times.  
3. Mix 1/4 tsp of a liquid dishwasher detergent into 1 cup warm water and put into spray bottle.  
4. Spray the area with the solution Note: do not use laundry detergent or automatic dishwasher detergent as both contain chemicals that could damage your carpet.  
5. Gently work the solution into the area with a small brush, sponge or cloth using light strokes working from the edges of the stain inwards. When you reach the centre of the stain, lightly pinch in an upward motion. Do not rub the stain.  
6. Rinse the spray bottle thoroughly to remove any of the dishwasher detergent solution from the area. Any residue that remains can act as a dirt magnet/ trap. Allow area to dry thoroughly.  
7. If the stain persists, apply a small amount of 3% hydrogen peroxide to a clean cloth. Blot the stain using the same light, edge to centre motion. Repeat as necessary. Blot the area and allow to dry

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Yoghurt

1. Blot the area with a clean dry towel, then apply a small amount of cold water.
2. Blot and repeat several times.  
3. Mix 1/4 tsp of a liquid dishwasher detergent into 1 cup warm water and put into spray bottle.  
4. Spray the area with the solution Note: do not use laundry detergent or automatic dishwasher detergent as both contain chemicals that could damage your carpet.  
5. Gently work the solution into the area with a small brush, sponge or cloth using light strokes working from the edges of the stain inwards. When you reach the centre of the stain, lightly pinch in an upward motion. Do not rub the stain.  
6. Rinse the spray bottle thoroughly to remove any of the dishwasher detergent solution from the area. Any residue that remains can act as a dirt magnet/ trap. Allow area to dry thoroughly.  
7. If the stain persists, apply a small amount of 3% hydrogen peroxide to a clean cloth. Blot the stain using the same light, edge to centre motion. Repeat as necessary. Blot the area and allow to dry.

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For further stain removal advice, we recommend reading "How to Clean Carpet Stains - Make-Up" and "How to Clean Carpet Stains - Drinks".