How To Remove Potpourri Stain From Carpet

by SR101 Reader

An SR101 reader asked me for stain removal help for a potpourri stain.

SR101 Reader asked:

Can you please help. I have a pink stain caused by potpourri on my cream carpet.

I have tried 1001 carpet cleaner and a steam mop, but to no avail.

Taylor's answer:

Potpourri can be composed of many types of things, but it sounds like yours is composed of flowers mainly, based on its color, since roses are one of the most common ingredients in potpourri.

The stains from this would be tannin stains, most likely. However, some of these scented products also contain essential oils in them, which means you would have a combination stain.

The first thing I would try is to cut both the oil and remove the tannins at the same time. I would normally suggest mixing a solution of 2 cups cool water and one tablespoon dishwashing liquid to make a carpet cleaning solution.

In this case, however, it sounds like you already tried a pH neutral carpet spotter, the 1001 carpet cleaner, without much stain removal already happening. Therefore, I would most likely suggest going on to the next step.

Dry Cleaner Solvent {Referral Links}

If the dishwashing solution did not remove the stain then you can consider another product to do the trick. In this case, I would suggest trying dry cleaning solvent (such as the kind shown on the right).

Sponge the potpourri stain with dry cleaning solvent, to remove the stain. Once as much of

the stain is removed as possible with this method you will next get plain cold water and a clean white cloth and sponge the area to remove the cleaning solution, and then blot dry.

Make sure you only get your carpet as wet as necessary to remove the stain from the potpourri, and then to let the carpet thoroughly dry afterward.

If all else fails you may need to call in a professional carpet cleaner to help you remove the stain. You will need to list all steps you took to try to remove the stain to help the professional know what can still be done.

Be warned, however, that anytime you try to remove stains on your own and then call a professional they will tell you that you should have just called them first, and that you've done something that caused the stain to set. Therefore, as always you take DIY stain removal attempts into your own hands.

Does anyone else have any good suggestions for this reader on how you've removed a similar stain? If so, please tell me in the comments.

I've answered this question as part of the website where I answer stain removal questions. You can ask for stain removal help here, or read even more questions I've already answered.

Photo by Lathyrus

Thanks For Visiting My Website: Grab Your Free Gift!

Taylor

Hi, I'm Taylor, a busy mom with 3 kids, so I have lots of hands on experience with house cleaning, laundry and my fair share of spots, spills and other messy catastrophes. Thanks for visiting my site.

free printable laundry stain removal chart

[Get your free chart here]

I update the website all the time with tips, tutorials, cleaning recipes, reviews of products from readers like you, and tests I've done on various cleaners, removers and laundry supplies.

I'd love to give you a gift! When you subscribe to my free weekly newsletter you will receive a free printable laundry stain removal chart that you can reference as needed.

I hope you enjoy this gift, and stop by again soon!

CAUTION: This website is provided for informational purposes only. It is provided as is, without warranties or guarantees. Some stains and messes just won't come out, and are permanent. Further, some cleaning methods can harm your item, so if what you want to clean or launder is sentimental or expensive call a professional. See disclaimer of liability for more information.