The universal rules
Almost every stain gets worse for the same three reasons: it was rubbed, it was treated with heat, or it was treated with something bleaching.
- Blot with a clean white cloth — pressing down, never scrubbing
- Work from the outside of the mark inwards
- Cold water first; heat sets protein stains like milk, blood and egg
- Never use washing-up liquid — the residue attracts dirt for months
- Test any product on a hidden patch first
- If in doubt, leave it and tell us — an untouched stain is far easier to remove
Stain by stain
These are safe holding measures, not permanent fixes. They stop a fresh spill becoming a set stain before a proper clean.
- Tea and coffee: blot heavily, then cold water and blot again. Repeat rather than soaking.
- Red wine: blot immediately, then apply cold water. Skip the salt and white wine tricks — they mostly spread it.
- Mud: let it dry completely, then vacuum the solids out before touching it with water.
- Pet urine: blot as much as possible, rinse with cold water, blot again. Skip perfumed sprays — they mask it and make later enzyme treatment harder.
- Candle wax: harden with an ice pack, chip the solid wax away gently, and leave the rest to us.
- Chewing gum: same as wax — freeze it and pick it off.
- Blood: cold water only, always. Warm water sets it permanently.
- Ink and dye: blot, do not add water, and call us. Water spreads dye stains quickly.
What can't be cleaned out
Some marks aren't dirt, they're damage — and no cleaner can restore missing colour. Household bleach, spot-cleaners containing peroxide, benzoyl peroxide from acne cream, sun fade and heat burns all remove or alter the dye. Repair or patching is the only fix, and we will always tell you when that's what we're looking at instead of taking your money.
Frequently asked
- Do supermarket stain removers work?
- Some are fine on synthetic carpet; several contain optical brighteners or peroxide that permanently lighten the fibre, particularly on wool. Always test on a hidden patch, and never use one on a stain you'd want a professional to attempt afterwards.
- I've already scrubbed it — is it ruined?
- Not necessarily. Scrubbing distorts and fluffs the pile, which reads as a stain even once the soil is gone. Grooming and proper extraction often improves it a lot.