How to Treat Common Stains on Carpets and Upholstery

Stains happen, whether it's red wine on the couch or muddy shoes on the carpet. The good news? Many common stains can be treated effectively if you act quickly, use the right methods, and avoid common mistakes. In this guide, we’ll walk you through some basic first steps and explain when it’s best to call in the experts at JAE.

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Why You Need to Be Careful with Stains

Not all stains are the same. And more importantly, not all fabrics or carpets respond the same way to stain treatments. What works on one surface might damage another.

That’s why JAE’s qualified team tailors the treatment based on both the type of stain and the type of fabric or carpet. Trying to DIY without knowing the difference can cause more damage than the stain itself.

Never mix multiple cleaning products on a stain. It won’t double the power; it can actually set the stain deeper or cause chemical reactions that make it harder (or impossible) to treat.

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What NOT to Do

• ❌ Don’t scrub the stain — it can damage the fibres and spread the stain.
• ❌ Don’t apply heat — heat can “lock in” many stains permanently.
• ❌ Don’t use random household cleaners — even natural ones — without testing first.

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When in doubt, blot, not rub, and leave the rest to professionals

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Understanding Different Types of Stains

Not all stains are created equal. The method you use depends on the type of stain you're dealing with:

• Protein-based stains: Blood, dairy, sweat
• Tannin stains: Coffee, tea, wine
• Oil-based stains: Grease, makeup, butter
• Dye stains: Ink, juice, paint
• Combination stains: Food, pet messes

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Identifying the stain helps determine the best cleaning method and prevents accidentally setting the stain deeper.

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How to Treat Food and Drink Stains

Coffee, Wine, and Juice

• Blot immediately. Use a clean, dry, colourfast cloth to soak up as much liquid as possible.
• Mix a solution of 1 teaspoon white vinegar, 1 teaspoon approved wool detergent, and 1 litre of warm water.
• Apply and blot. Dab the solution onto the stain using a clean sponge or spray bottle, then blot dry. Repeat if necessary.

Food Stains

• Scrape off solids. Use a spoon or a dull knife.
• Apply cleaning solution (1 teaspoon white vinegar, 1 teaspoon approved wool detergent, 1 litre warm water).
• Blot until gone. Pat gently, never rub.

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How to Treat Pet Accidents: Urine, Vomit and Odours

Pet stains can be tough, especially if not treated right away.

• Blot up liquids. Use paper towels to absorb as much as possible.
• Use an enzyme cleaner. These break down the proteins in pet stains.
• Rinse with clean water and blot dry again. 
• Tip: Avoid using vinegar on pet stains as it can make the smell worse and encourage repeat accidents.

How to Treat Grease and Oil Stains

• Sprinkle baking soda, cornstarch or talcum powder on the stain and let sit for 10–15 minutes.
• Vacuum up the powder.
• Use a little dry cleaning fluid on a cotton bud or cloth to dab it up.
• Use approved wool detergent. Apply with a soft brush and gently work into the fabric. Blot with water and repeat if needed. Avoid rubbing and damaging the fibres.

How to Treat Ink and Marker Stains

Ink can set fast, so act quickly.

• Apply rubbing alcohol to a cotton ball and dab gently (do not rub).
• Blot with a clean cloth. Repeat until the ink fades.
• Rinse the area with water and blot dry.

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When to call JAE

Some stains need more than a dab of soap. JAE’s trained technicians know how different fibres and fabrics respond and use specialist equipment and treatments for the best possible Stain Treatment result. JAE focuses on safe, specialist products and effective stain treatment procedures that protect your upholstery and carpet long-term.

JAE also offer a Carpet & Fabric Protection service which can help future spills be easier to treat.

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FAQs

Q: Can I use the same cleaner on couch fabric and carpet?
A: Not usually, as they’re often made from different materials. Always test first and check the label. Or call JAE for help if you're unsure.

Q: What if I already tried something and the stain won’t budge?
‍A: It’s still worth getting in touch. The wrong product might’ve made it tougher, but not impossible, to treat. JAE’s expert technicians deal with complex cases every day.

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