What is the Best Way to Treat Stains?

If you’re struggling with stubborn carpet stains or wondering if blotting, scrubbing, or wiping is the right approach, we’ve got the answers! Our very own Peter Cheyne, Chairman of JAE Group, recently joined RNZ’s Anna Thomas to share expert tips on removing stains, preventing permanent damage, and choosing the right cleaning products. Peter reveals the most effective methods for tackling everything from red wine spills to pet accidents.

Read on or listen to the interview to discover professional cleaning techniques and essential do’s and don’ts to keep your carpet and upholstery looking their best!

Anna: When it comes to cleaning spills from your carpet, are you a dabber, a wiper, or a scrubber? According to today's expert guest, there's only one correct method if you want to avoid permanent damage.

Peter Cheyne is the Chair of JAE Cleaning Group and has been in the professional carpet and upholstery cleaning industry since the 1970s. Peter, welcome to the program.

Peter Cheyne: Thank you very much, Anna. It sounds rather daunting, but we’ll do our best.

Anna: Great! Let’s settle the debate first—blotting, wiping, or scrubbing? What’s the right approach?

Peter: The first thing you should do is not panic. A lot of people instinctively react by rubbing or scrubbing, but that’s the worst thing you can do.

Instead, take something absorbent—like tissue, paper towels, or clean white towelling—place it over the spill, and stand on it to soak up as much of the stain as possible. The goal is to remove as much of the spill before introducing any liquid cleaner.

Pouring water or any solution on a fresh spill just spreads and dilutes the stain, making it harder to remove later. If you get the excess out early, the final cleaning step will be much easier because you’re dealing with less residue.

Anna: That makes sense. Now, my mother’s go-to solution for a spilled glass of red wine was to pour salt on it immediately. Was she right?

Peter: Well, many people have done that over the years. Salt works because of its acidity, which can chemically react with the red wine. I’ve even done something similar myself. Alternatively, a little white vinegar can achieve the same effect.

But again, before applying anything, you should absorb as much of the wine as possible. The more stain you remove initially, the better your final results will be.

Anna: So, Mum was right! Good to know.

Now, what if someone walks dog poop through the house? True story—it happened yesterday. What’s the best way to clean it up?

Peter: The approach depends on your carpet type. While I’m giving general principles today, it’s always best to check how your specific carpet should be treated.

For a situation like that, I’d recommend using a small amount of wool cleaner—like the kind you use in your laundry—mixed with lukewarm water. Important note: Never pour the solution directly onto the carpet. Always apply it with a sprayer to control the amount of liquid.

Then, gently work the cleaner in. Do not rub aggressively—this can damage the pile. Instead, press down lightly, massage it in, and then blot with an absorbent material. The goal is to apply a little cleaner, work it in, then remove it along with the stain.

Anna: That’s a great tip. Now, there are so many cleaning products out there—how do we know what to use?

Peter: That’s a tricky question because not all products are suitable for all stains or fabrics. Some cleaners can cause more harm than good if misused.

The best approach is to follow the instructions carefully and choose a product designed for your specific material. At JAE, we have an excellent general spot cleaner that works well for most stains, but if you don’t have that, choose a cleaner appropriate for your carpet type and use it as directed. And remember, whatever you put in, you need to remove thoroughly.

Anna: What about upholstery? Does the same method apply?

Peter: Upholstery is more delicate. Some fabrics can be damaged by chemicals, so I always advise caution. If you're dealing with a serious stain or an expensive piece of furniture, consult a professional with proper certification.

Different fabrics—linen, cotton, velvet—react differently to cleaning solutions. Using the wrong product, especially one with a high pH, can cause discolouration. So, when in doubt, get professional advice rather than risking permanent damage.

Anna: We’ve had a few listener questions about pet stains, especially cat urine in cars or on carpets. What’s the best way to deal with that?

Peter: In cases of pet urine, professional cleaning is often the best option. The problem is that urine can soak into the underlay or foam beneath the carpet, and even if you clean the surface, the odour and bacteria remain trapped below.

At JAE, we have specialised treatments, including submersion cleaning for rugs and deep extraction for carpets. In serious cases, we even lift the carpet, remove and replace the affected underlay, and treat the subfloor before reinstalling the carpet. These methods are far more effective than DIY solutions.

Anna: Another listener, Julie, says she spilled blood and henna hair dye on her pale green carpet. She tried blotting it up with water, but now she has an ugly yellow stain. Any advice?

Peter: Unfortunately, from her description, it sounds like the carpet is beyond repair. If it’s in a low-traffic area, a bonded insert—where a matching piece of carpet is sewn in—might be an option. Otherwise, she may need to contact her insurance company.

Anna: And what about coffee stains? Any special tricks?

Peter: Coffee stains vary in difficulty depending on the temperature of the spill. A cold coffee stain is much easier to remove than a hot one.

The best approach is to make a mild cleaning solution using wool cleaner and tepid water. Apply it with a sprayer, work it in gently from the outside of the stain toward the centre to avoid spreading, then blot it out. A final light spray of white vinegar can help prevent browning.

Anna: We’ve also had a question about battery acid stains on a rental property’s carpet. Any hope there?

Peter: Sadly, no. Battery acid is corrosive, and there’s no way to repair that damage. The only solution is a bonded insert or carpet replacement.

Anna: One last listener question—what’s the worst cleaning job you’ve ever done?

Peter: I’ve seen a lot in my 50 years in this industry, but the worst is undoubtedly sewage backflow flooding a home. Imagine standing in two inches of waste material. That’s a full PPE job—masks, gloves, and a square-mouth shovel to remove the mess. Floods are devastating, but with the right techniques and equipment, we can often restore a house within five days.

Anna: Peter, this has been incredibly insightful. Thank you for sharing your expertise!

Peter: My pleasure. Thanks for having me!

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FAQ’s

What’s the best way to treat a fresh carpet stain?

The key is to act quickly and avoid scrubbing! First, blot—don’t rub—the stain using an absorbent material like paper towels or a clean white cloth. Stand on the cloth to soak up as much liquid as possible before applying any cleaning solution. Only after blotting should you lightly spray on a suitable cleaner (never pour it), gently work it in, and blot again to lift the stain. This helps prevent spreading and permanent damage.

How should I clean pet urine or strong odour stains from carpets?

Pet urine often soaks deep into carpet underlay, making DIY cleaning ineffective. Surface cleaning might remove the stain visually, but the smell and bacteria can linger. For best results, JAE recommends professional treatment. Their methods may include submersion cleaning for rugs, deep extraction for carpets, or replacing affected underlay and treating subfloors—ensuring a thorough, lasting clean.