Carpet stain help! (possible TMI)

14 years ago

So I was recently witness to my cat vomiting a large amount of bright red contents onto my white carpet. Luckily it wasn't blood as I initially feared, but rather my cat somehow got into the bright red Wilton candy melts (he chewed through 3 bags to get them - never in a million years would I have thought he would go after them!)and threw them back up. They're basically made out of sugar and red dye.

I had a vet appt the next day for an unrelated matter and the cat was fine. My carpet, not so much.

I've tried everything. Baking soda, vinegar, peroxide, Blue Magic, which is the best carpet cleaner I've ever tried. It helped a little but it's still a big patch of dark pink and very noticeable. I rent too, so I imagine they will make me replace the entire carpet if I can't get it out.

Any suggestions? I plan on getting a professional carpet cleaning before I move out but I'd like to get rid of this stain now. I prefer more natural over chemicals but any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks!

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Comments (19)

Chi
Original Author
14 years ago
Oh, I should mention the carpet is not white-white, but more a light beige so bleach won't work.
Georgysmom
14 years ago
Have you tried Hotshot carpet cleaner? It's pretty effective. The only other thing I can think of is something like Tide mixed with water or Oxyclean.
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quilly
14 years ago
Can you contact Wilton and see if they have any suggestions?
sarahlee123
14 years ago
What about Nature's Miracle, sold in pet stores. It worked on a couple of really tough doggy and kitty upchuck stains on my carpet. I'd suggest testing it out in an hidden corner first.
ravencajun Zone 8b TX
14 years ago
Spot shot it comes in a blue can with Orange on it. The best stuff I have found, I get it at most grocery stores and walmart. Also good is one that looks like 2 canisters together with a spray handle and has Oxy clean in one canister.
terilyn
14 years ago
I've had good results from Incredible. Got it at Bed bath and Beyond.
kris_zone6
14 years ago
Try Wine Away, I have used it for red stains other than wine and it has worked.
ravencajun Zone 8b TX
14 years ago
The spray can is best.. For spot shot

The other is woolite power shot with oxi deep

Here is a link that might be useful: spot shot
Georgysmom
14 years ago
I said hotshot...meant spotshot. It's really good.
taigen_gw
14 years ago
Hmmm...maybe as a last resort try soda water and borax? I know borax is a bleach of sorts but at this time...what the heck? I would try putting on the powder and adding the soda a little at a time, have LOTS of papers handy to soak things up should it get out of control and water to dilute the effects.
Just my 2 cents worth.
Wish you luck :)
lydia1959
14 years ago
I've found that a carpet cleaning machine (I have a Bissell) and their premade solution works best to get out the tough stains. I used to use Spotshot, but find the machine works even better.
nodakgal
14 years ago
I second the Spot Shot. BEST stuff ever! I've used it for years. It's taken red candle dye out.
donnakt_gw
14 years ago
This worked for me..go to the web site and read what people are saying about it.

Here is a link that might be useful: Cleaner
anne_ct
14 years ago
Oxiclean...straight from the spray bottle...is the only thing that works with my cat's carpet "contributions"...and she's getting on in years so her "contributions" have grown of late.

Unfortunately...you've already applied so many "remedies"...including vinegar which may have set the stain rather than doing what you wanted it to do...that you may need a professional's opinion. If your carpet is 100% nylon...you have a better chance of removing the stain. Nylon doesn't absorb color the way other carpet fibre does. Any other fibre and you may be stuck with the stain now. So sorry.

Anne
declansmom
14 years ago
Don't know if this works, but I am going to try it on my carpet tomorrow. At this point, it seems as if you have tried them all, so this can't hurt!!!!
BTW, I found this on Pinterest, and I have no affiliation with the poster.

http://www.onegoodthingbyjillee.com/2011/12/homemade-carpet-stain-removerno.html
jannie
14 years ago
I've used Spot Shot many times. It always works. However, my dog has "accidents" near the back door if I don't let her out fast enough. I used Spot Shot there but it left whitish "rings". I had a professional carpet cleaner in this week. At first he thought the carpet had been bleached, but when he cleaned with his machine, it came out perfectly clean!
emagineer
14 years ago
If the stain never comes out you can always patch it. Last ditch effort. Find a hidden area of carpet with same aging and cut a circle. Match the circle to the spot. I use carpet thread and a round upholstery needle to whip stitch. You can't see the added patch. Wash the stained one well and patch the other one taken out. Did this when selling my house and a darn red candle dumped over on my off white carpet. You could try this in the back of a closet to see if it would work for you.

Does anyone know if Ritt Color Remover works? It is primarily for dyes, not used on professional colors for stripping.
imn2crafts
14 years ago
I have used "AWESOME" and it is sold at the Dollar Store .I have had good luck with some awlful stains, through boys being boys. It also works to take off grime in the shower, and many other things...D
amyfiddler
14 years ago
Best thing to do is to call a professional. Chem Dry type of business have a special treatment for red dye - they cost extra, a lot extra, but it's less expensive than new carpet.

Carpet stain help! (possible TMI)

Comments (19)

Chi
Original Author

Georgysmom

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Carpet stain help! (possible TMI)

Comments (19)

ChiOriginal Author

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Chi
Original Author