Home / Cleaning / How to Remove Stubborn Stains on Carpet and White Grout
A close up of a rug

How to Remove Stubborn Stains on Carpet and White Grout

/Updated /4 Comments/in /by Mary Hunt

Faithful readers will recall a reader tip from a past post, in which Julie shared her simple homemade carpet shampoo of hydrogen peroxide, hot water, and a tiny bit of liquid soap.

glass of red wine fell on carpet, wine spilled on carpet

That tip set off a semi-avalanche of responses requesting specific details, and many of which cautioned, wisely, that hydrogen peroxide can have a bleaching effect on some types of fabrics and carpets that are not colorfast.

Carpet Stain Recipe

Mix 1 cup 3% hydrogen peroxide, a few drops of Blue Dawn (or Dr. Bronner’s Pure Castile Soap) and enough hot water to fill the carpet cleaner reservoir.

Hydrogen peroxide is available in a number of dilutions all the way from 3% to 35% or greater. Typically, however, the hydrogen peroxide we buy in the drugstore or supermarket comes labeled: Hydrogen Peroxide 3%.

CAUTION: You should ALWAYS test any kind of stain treatment or cleaner in an inconspicuous area to make sure the item to be cleaned (carpet, upholstery, garment) is colorfast and you will not be making things worse. If your test proves no problems with 3% hydrogen peroxide, you can confidently use a stronger dilution of hydrogen peroxide in this recipe by increasing the amount.

For the best result make sure you are using fresh hydrogen peroxide (no older than 6 months) that has been stored in a dark place. Hydrogen degrades quickly when exposed to light.

Hoover Power Scrub Deluxe Carpet Cleaner Machine
Hoover Power Scrub Deluxe Carpet Cleaner Machine
    Buy on Amazon

    White Grout Cleaner

    Hydrogen peroxide can also be the active ingredient to clean stubborn stains from white grout provided it has not become permanently stained, in which case it needs to be removed, replaced and then well-sealed.

    In a bowl, mix fresh 12% hydrogen peroxide (you will get the best results using this much stronger version of hydrogen peroxide, available online ), baking soda, and a few drops of Blue Dawn to form a thick paste. Using an old toothbrush, apply the paste to the grout and give it a good scrub. Allow to sit on the grout for a few minutes or until you achieve your desired results, then rinse very well.

    Interestingly, I’ve heard from quite a few readers who have used this White Grout Cleaner as a last resort treatment for an ugly, stubborn carpet stain (even red wine on the light-colored carpet), and with great results. Add more hydrogen peroxide to make a thinner slurry and of course, test first to make sure you won’t be altering the color of the carpet.

    Becky writes: “We had tenants in our house for a few years and we got new carpets in all but one room after we moved back. The one-room was one we didn’t use much and the carpet was fairly new but the tenants had made a big stain in a very obvious location. I’d tried everything to get that stain out.

    “Today I mixed up a recipe of that stain remover (see above as White Grout Cleaner), scrubbed it into the stain, left it for over an hour, then rinsed well with boiling water in our Hoover SteamVac. The stain is GONE! That stain had been there for several years at least. I just wanted to thank you because it saved us from having to replace the carpet. I’ll be sharing the recipe with everyone I know.”

     

    Everyday Cheapskate participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn from qualifying purchases, at no cost to you.

     

    Print Friendly, PDF & Email

    More from Everyday Cheapskate

    Homemade Laundry Stain Paste That Works for Pennies

    why does my ice taste weird soda tea lemonade juice

    Why Does My Ice Taste Weird? Here’s the Answer

    etriever labrador on white rug in bright contemporary living room pet stains and odors

    Homemade Pet Stain Remover That Stops Repeat Accidents

    how to get rid of the smell in the ice cooler chest

    How to Clean and Deodorize Your Cooler So It Doesn’t Stink

    hamburger patties on hot grill how to clean a bbq grill without using a metal brush

    5 No-Brush Ways to Clean Your Grill (Using Stuff You Already Have)

    keeping laundry white

    How to Keep White Clothes Actually White (Yes, It’s Possible)

    MagicFiber Microfiber Cleaning Cloth, 6 Pack

    Homemade Eyeglass Lens Cleaner: 3 Simple Ingredients

    bright contemporary kitchen how to fix a smelly kitchen sink drain

    How to Get Rid of a Smelly Kitchen Sink Drain for Good



    Please keep your comments positive, encouraging, helpful, brief,
    and on-topic in keeping with EC Commenting Guidelines



    Last update on 2026-07-22 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

    Caught yourself reading all the way 'til the end? Why not share with a friend.

    4 replies
    2. Gina D Stevens says:

      Years ago, when I was cleaning up after a party, I spilled Merlot on white carpet. After blotting it, I went to the internet and learned that white wine was a remedy for red wine stains on white carpet. Sounded too easy to work, but It was like magic. I poured a little on at a time, let it sit, then blotted. Thanks, for your wonderful ideas, Mary. You always come through with the best ideas.

      Reply

    Leave a Reply

    Want to join the discussion?
    Feel free to contribute!

    Leave a Reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    How to Clean Garbage Disposal: The Ultimate Step-by-Step Guidehow to clean garbage disposal stainless sink water running words food waste disposalMulti-ethinic arms outstretched to ask questionsAsk Me Anything: Dry Slow Cooking, Clean Grout, Home Safe, Cloudy Glassware,...