Identifying Common Stains (and How to Get Rid of Them)

Whether it’s a wine spill during a dinner party or muddy paw prints after a walk, stains are a part of everyday life. But not all stains are created equal—and treating them the wrong way can make things worse. The first step to effective stain removal is knowing exactly what you're dealing with. Let’s explore some of the most common types of household stains and how to identify them.

1. Food & Beverage Stains

These include coffee, wine, soda, juice, chocolate, ketchup, and other pantry staples. These stains typically have a strong color and can soak into carpet or fabric quickly. A reddish or brownish tint usually indicates a tannin-based stain (like tea or red wine), while darker, oily marks may suggest sauces or chocolate.

Pro Tip: Don’t scrub—blot! Rubbing can push the stain deeper into fibers.

2. Pet Stains

Accidents happen, especially with new or aging pets. These stains often come with odor, and even if the spot is no longer visible, the residue can remain in carpet padding or upholstery.

How to Identify: Look for yellowish discoloration and sniff—yes, sniff! Pet stains usually have an ammonia-like smell.

3. Oil & Grease Stains

Found in high-traffic areas or from food spills, these stains are often invisible at first but attract dirt over time, making them darken. Greasy fingerprints on furniture or smudges on carpets are telltale signs.

How to Identify: Feel the fabric—grease stains leave a slightly sticky or slick residue.

4. Ink & Dye Stains

Whether from markers, pens, or even clothing dye, these stains are typically vibrant and fast-setting. They may appear blue, black, red, or purple, and can spread quickly.

How to Identify: Bold colors with defined edges usually signal ink or dye. These stains often don’t fade easily and can become permanent if not treated correctly.

5. Mud & Dirt

More than just a nuisance, dirt and mud can embed deep in carpet fibers. While they may look dry and dusty, they can contain oils and residues that cause long-term damage.

How to Identify: Mud leaves a crusty residue once dried, while dirt may not be visible until the carpet feels gritty or starts to discolor in walkways.

Let Chem-Dry Take the Guesswork Out of Stain Removal

While DIY stain treatments can help in a pinch, using the wrong product—or technique—can actually set the stain permanently. That’s where Chem-Dry comes in. Our professional team is trained to identify and treat all types of stains using our proprietary Hot Carbonating Extraction process. Whether it’s wine, pet accidents, or mystery spots, we have the tools and experience to restore your carpets and upholstery. Don’t stress—let Chem-Dry make your home look like new again.