Our MacGyver Stain Removal Guide

My favourite MacGyver episode is the one where he creates a makeshift defibrillator using candlesticks, a floormat and an electrical power cord to save a man’s life.

While being the MacGyver of stain removal may not save someone’s life, you’re still going to save the day. Check out what 6 products you need to get most carpet stains out in an instant.

Arm yourself with the right tools and products.

Everything you need to arm yourself with is in your cupboards at home. With the below items, you can treat most stains before they become permanent.

The Enemy

These are the four main types of stains you’ll be up against:

The MacGyver Guide to stain removal success

Remember: The first thing you should do is always remove as much of the spill/stain as possible, taking care not to spread it. Use a butter knife or spoon to scrape up the excess if the spill is solid. For liquid spills, use gentle pressure with an absorbent towel to soak up as much as possible

Fat and Sugar Stains

If the stain contains a lot of fat or sugar, remove the excess and:

01	Sponge with a little dishwashing detergent in warm water then blot dry.

02	Spray with Electro 3 Spot and Stain Remover, wipe one way with a towel then back the other.

03	No Electro 3? Just mix one tablespoon of ammonia with one cup of water (not suitable for wool carpet). Pour into a spray bottle and mist onto the stain. Blot with an absorbent cloth, rinse and blot dry again.

Oil and Grease Stains

You’ll need to use a solvent to dissolve an oily stain. Rubbing alcohol such as Isocol is an effective solvent which you can buy from most chemists and supermarkets.

01	Place rubbing alcohol onto a clean, colourfast cloth and blot, rolling the cloth over the stain. Do not rub back and forth or in a circular motion as it will spread the stain. Continue this process until there’s no transfer of colour from the stain to the cloth.

02	For wool carpets, mix a quarter tablespoon of dishwashing detergent with one cup of warm water and spray onto the stain. Lightly agitate then blot dry. For non-wool carpet, mix one tablespoon of ammonia with the dishwashing detergent and warm water.

03	Rinse with clean water and blot dry with a towel, using gentle downward pressure.

04	If you haven’t been able to remove the stain, spray with Electro 3 Spot and Stain Remover, wiping in one direction, then re-apply and wipe 90 degrees to the previous direction.

Tannin Stains

An acid is recommended to treat tannin stains, so white vinegar is best. It is a safe option and super effective on coffee, tea, red-wine and rust stains. After you’ve blotted the excess:

01	If the stain is fresh, sponge with lukewarm water then blot dry, placing downward pressure on an absorbent towel.

02	Mix 75ml of white vinegar with 150ml of water in a spray bottle and apply to the stain in a mist. Blot with a clean cloth or paper towel. Continue until there is no further colour transfer to the cloth. Rinse with cold water and blot dry.

03	If the stain remains, use Electro 3 Spot and Stain Remover. If you don’t have it, use a dash of dishwashing detergent in warm water. Rinse and blot dry.

04	For a rust stain, apply lemon juice to the stain and blot before following the above steps.

Ink Stains on Your Carpet

Washable textas are definitely an enemy of your carpet and usually caused by your own flesh and blood. If the kids have made a masterpiece on the carpet, we recommend Electro 3 Spot and Stain Remover or warm water with a little dishwashing detergent.

For all other types of ink:

01	Blot the stain with rubbing alcohol, rolling your finger over the stain.

02	When there’s no further colour transfer, use Electro 3 Spot and Stain Remover.

You don’t need to be a scientific genius or CIA-trained to be the MacGyver of removing stains from your home. Just remember that this article is a rough guide to stain removal.

Do your own further research before treating stains yourself. If you can’t remove the stain or if you’re after some advice, visit our website.