How to Remove Stubborn Stains from Carpets and Floors

Maybe it’s coffee spilled during a morning rush, your pup tracking in muddy paw prints after a rainy walk, or worse—a pet accident you didn’t discover right away. Stubborn stains like these are enough to make any homeowner or pet owner dread cleaning time. But stains don’t have to ruin your carpets or take hours to clean. By following these steps, you can quickly restore your floors and upholstery.

Step 1. Act Fast (But Don't Panic)

When it comes to stains, timing is everything—especially for liquids like wine or coffee that love to sink deep into fibers. The faster you act, the easier it will be to remove the stain. But here's a tip many don’t realize—blotting with a clean towel is always better than scrubbing. Scrubbing can actually push the stain further into the fabric, making it tougher to clean later (and no one wants that!).

Step 2. Use the Right Tools for the Job

Not all messes are created equal, so having the right tools for different situations is essential.

For smaller messes our SpotLite™ Portable Carpet Cleaner is perfect for immediate spot-cleaning. At under 11lbs, its portable design allows you to grab it quickly, and the 3.5" tough stain tool tackles smaller spills before they set. Featuring 6ft of cleaning reach, you can quickly clean messes such as mud, wine or pet accidents anywhere in your home.

For larger messes (think overturned juice pitcher) or rejuvenating your carpets, you’ll need something that packs a punch. Our full-size RevitaLite™ Carpet Cleaner is built to breathe new life into wide areas of carpet, giving your room a fresh, clean makeover. Its dual powered brushrolls pull dirt and stains up from the carpet fibers while leaving behind a fresh, clean finish. The removable nozzle cover also makes it incredibly easy to clean and maintain your deep cleaner.

Step 3. Stubborn Stains? Add Heat!

What about those dried stains you didn’t catch right away? We’re looking at pet accidents or that ketchup stain hiding under the couch for who knows how long. Heat can be a game changer for those extra-tough spots.

Our SpotLite™ Go Heated Carpet Cleaner includes a heated deep cleaning feature that helps loosen stubborn stains while going easy on your carpet fibers. Pair that with its lightweight design, and you’ve got a secret weapon to tackle those impossible stains in even the trickiest corners of your home. 

Step 4. Choose the Right Cleaning Formula

A powerful cleaning formula can make all the difference when treating tough stains. Safe for use around pets and families, our Kenmore Carpet Cleaning Formula is engineered to effectively eliminate deep-set dirt, persistent stains, and unpleasant pet odors. Whether you have a portable or full-size carpet cleaner, our professional-grade solution delivers ultimate results you've been seeking.

Step 5. Prevent Future Stains

Once your carpets are clean, you’ll want to keep them that way for as long as possible. Vacuum frequently to keep dirt from getting embedded in your carpet fibers. When spills inevitably happen (because they always do), address them as soon as you can.

Investing in the right carpet cleaner ensures you always have a solution ready for incidents.

Treat Stains with Confidence

Life happens. Stains happen. But with the right tools, your carpets and floors don’t have to suffer. Whether it’s rescuing a favorite rug from a pet accident or preparing your home for guests, Kenmore® carpet cleaners make it easier to get back to what matters most.

For more information on and to view our range of canister vacuums, stick vacuums, upright vacuums, air purifiers, steam cleaners, and more, visit https://kenmorefloorcare.com/