How to Clean Party Stains at Home

Throwing a party in your home is one of the greatest joys of being a homeowner. It is also one of the messiest. When you open your doors to friends and family for an epic get-together, you’re also opening the door for a plethora of stains on your fresh, clean carpet. 

But don’t let the fear of stains get in the way of your get-together; a great party doesn’t have to spell the end for your spotless floors. Read on for tips on cleaning some of the most common party stains from your carpet, including beer, soda, wine, chocolate, and more. 

Homemade cleaning solutions for common party stains

While spills and stains can be stressful, it’s good to know that many of the most common stains on your carpet can be cleaned with a homemade cleaning solution. We’ll reference both of these effective homemade cleaning solutions throughout the article, so make sure to have these common household ingredients on hand in case of an accident at your next party.

Homemade detergent solution for carpet 

In many cases, a gentle detergent solution, cold water, clean rags, and patience are all you need to clean stains off of your carpet and leave it looking brand new. Dish soap can be used sparingly, but is generally not recommended for wool rugs or carpet.

You’ll need: 

• ¼ teaspoon mild liquid dish soap. 
• 1 cup of warm water 

Mix the mild liquid dish soap with warm water to create a gentle homemade detergent. 

Homemade vinegar solution for carpet

While a gentle homemade detergent can often handle most stains, in some cases, you may also need a vinegar solution to remove more stubborn stains. 

You’ll need: 

• 2 tablespoons of white vinegar 
• 4 cups of warm water 

Mix the white vinegar with warm water to create an effective vinegar solution that removes your tougher stains.

Cleaning party stains off of your carpet

Once you have your cleaning solutions, a vacuum, and a few clean rags, you’ll be ready to tackle your party mishaps when they happen. 

Here’s some general tips to consider as you clean your party spills: 

• Act quickly: No matter what kind of stain you’re dealing with, quick action is the most important step. The longer the stain is allowed to sit, the more time it has to sink deeper into the fibers, hence becoming more difficult to remove. Once you notice the spill, it’s best to get to work on it right away to avoid further headaches later. 

• Always blot, never scrub: While your first instinct might be to scrub away at the stain in question, this movement can spread the stain even further into the carpet fiber. In some cases, it might even fray your carpet fibers, leading to even worse damage. Instead, use a gentle blotting motion with a clean cloth to get the stain out, starting at the outer edges of the stain and working your way in to avoid spreading. 

• Use a clean white cloth to clean. While you’re working on your stain, make sure that you’re using a clean cloth or paper towel to blot. Avoid colored clothes that may transfer dye onto your carpet or dirty rags that make the stain even worse.

How to remove beer, wine, soda, salsa, chocolate, and ketchup stains from carpet: 

“Orzola Rug Grouping” Photo by Home Carpet One

What are some considerations for different types of carpet and rug stains?

Here are some ways to manage the different types of stains. 

1. Beer Stains

1. Blot the area with a clean cloth to absorb excess liquid.
2. Mix 1 tablespoon of liquid dish soap, 1 tablespoon of white vinegar, and 2 cups of warm water.
3. Apply the solution with a clean cloth and blot the stain gently.
4. Rinse with cold water and blot dry.

2. Wine Stains

1. Blot as much wine as possible using a dry cloth.
2. Sprinkle baking soda over the area and let it sit for a few minutes to absorb moisture.
3. Mix 2 cups of warm water, 1 tablespoon of dish soap, and 1 tablespoon of white vinegar.
4. Apply the solution, blot gently, rinse with cold water, and blot dry.

3. Soda Stains

1. Blot the soda immediately to prevent it from seeping into the fibers.
2. Mix warm water with a small amount of dish soap.
3. Blot the stain with the soapy solution until it fades.
4. Rinse with cold water and dry with a clean cloth.

4. Ketchup Stains

1. Remove excess ketchup using a spoon or dull knife.
2. Mix 2 cups of cold water and 1 tablespoon of dish soap.
3. Blot the stain with the solution and rinse with cold water.
4. For stubborn stains, apply white vinegar directly to the area, blot, and rinse.

5. Salsa Stains

1. Scrape off excess salsa gently.
2. Mix warm water, dish soap, and white vinegar (1 tablespoon each).
3. Blot the stain with this solution and repeat until it’s gone.
4. Rinse and dry the area.

6. Chocolate Stains

1. Scrape off dried chocolate carefully.
2. Mix 2 cups of warm water with 1 tablespoon of dish soap.
3. Blot the stain, rinse with cold water, and repeat as needed.
4. Dry the area with a clean towel.

General Tips:

• Always blot, never rub, to avoid spreading stains.
• Test cleaning solutions on a hidden area first to ensure no discoloration.
• For tough stains, professional cleaning may be necessary.

For more detailed instructions, visit Carpet One’s stain removal guide.

When to call a professional cleaning service

Most of the time, common party stains like beer, wine, and food stains can be removed with gentle homemade cleaning solutions and some elbow grease. But that’s not always the case; some stains may be more difficult to remove even after several rounds of cleaning.

If your stain still remains even after applying both your detergent and vinegar solutions to the spot several times, you may need to contact a professional cleaner. 

Preventing carpet stains

Party messes might seem inevitable, but there are precautions you can take to protect your carpeting and keep them clean for years to come. Some ideas for keeping your flooring clean even during parties include: 

• Laying down area rugs in busy, heavily trafficked areas to protect the carpet underneath
• Encouraging guests to eat and drink in designated areas like the kitchen or rooms with easy-to-clean flooring like ceramic or tile 
• Establishing a no-shoes rule to protect your floors from dirt or grime that may track in 

Conclusion 

Cleaning scary stains like wine or salsa can seem like a daunting task, but rest assured that many of these common stains can be cleaned with the help of homemade cleaning solutions. With these cleaning tips in your arsenal, you’ll be able to worry less about spills and focus more of your time and attention on hosting a great party. 

If you’re looking for even more ideas for making your flooring shine, reach out to Home Carpet One in Chicago! Our knowledgeable staff would love to walk you through the many flooring options we have available so you can build your party-ready home.