The Truth About Stain Removal: What You Should—and Shouldn’t—Do

At 4 Seasons Carpet Clean, we have spent over eight years helping homeowners and businesses in London clean carpets from all kinds of stains. These include red wine, coffee, makeup, ink, food spills, and pet accidents.

After all those years, we’ve discovered one simple truth that most people don’t know:

Using the wrong chemicals on a stain can make it permanent.

Here’s the advice our team gives to every client. We will tell you what to never do and what to always do instead. This will help you save your carpets safely and effectively.

Why You Should Never Use Store-Bought Chemicals on Carpet Stains

When a stain happens, it’s tempting to grab the nearest “instant cleaner” or follow a viral online hack. Unfortunately, many of these quick fixes can do more harm than good.

• Set the stain permanently by chemically bonding it to the carpet fibres
• Cause discoloration or bleaching, especially on wool, silk, or natural fibre carpets
• Damage the texture of the pile, leaving rough or uneven patches
• Make professional cleaning harder, because chemical reactions can’t always be reversed

That’s why our skilled technicians at 4 Seasons Carpet Clean do not suggest using household products. This includes baking soda, vinegar, bleach, or detergents for carpet stains.

What You Should Do Instead (Professional Method)

If a stain appears — whether it’s from coffee, juice, or a pet accident — your first reaction matters most. Follow this method before calling a professional cleaner:

For Liquid Stains

• Use a clean, dry cloth or paper towel to blot (never rub) the stain.
• Then, use a second cloth slightly dampened with plain water to gently absorb residue.
• The goal: limit the spread, not clean it completely.

For Dry or Thick Stains (Mud, Food, Makeup)

• Use a dry cloth only, with no water.
• Lift or pick debris gently — avoid pressing down.
• Water can push the stain deeper into the fibres.

Never Apply Cleaning Products

Avoid bleach, detergents, vinegar, or baking soda. They may look effective at first but can leave permanent residue or discolouration once dry.

Call a Professional Carpet Cleaner As Soon As Possible

Once you’ve taken those first steps, it’s time to call a trusted professional. At 4 Seasons Carpet Clean, our team in London uses Prochem-certified extraction machines. We also use eco-friendly cleaning solutions for all carpet types, including synthetic and natural fibres.

1. We identify the stain and fibre type (wool, synthetic, or blend)
2. Apply a safe, pH-balanced pre-treatment
3. Use hot water extraction (steam cleaning) to lift dirt and residues
4. Rinse and extract thoroughly with no sticky residues

Why Choose 4 Seasons Carpet Clean

• Over 8 years of experience in stain removal and fibre care
• Eco-friendly, child- and pet-safe cleaning products
• Industrial-grade Prochem equipment for deep results
• Trained, punctual, and insured technicians
• 5⭐ Google-rated service trusted across London

We proudly serve Central and Greater London, including Paddington, Notting Hill, Chelsea, Kensington, Hampstead, and beyond.

Final Advice from Our Experts

• ❌ Don’t panic
• ❌ Don’t reach for bleach or vinegar
• ✅ Do blot with a clean cloth and plain water
• ✅ Then call a professional before it sets permanently

At 4 Seasons Carpet Clean, we’re always ready to help you save your carpets the right way, the first time.

💬 Need Expert Help Right Now?

Our friendly team is ready to respond anywhere in London. Whether it’s a red wine spill, coffee mark, or pet stain — we can help.

📞 Call 020 3488 1970
💻 Book Your Stain Removal Service Online
📍 Serving London & Greater London

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)