Get a Carpet Stain Out With an Iron and a Wet Towel

Old carpet stains that laugh at spray cleaners often give up to heat. The iron-and-towel method pulls the stain up out of the fibers instead of spreading it around.

How to do it

1. Mix a little dish soap in warm water and sponge it onto the stain.
2. Wet a white towel, wring it out, and lay it over the stain.
3. Set a clothes iron to steam and press it on the towel for 20 to 30 seconds.
4. Lift and check — the stain should be transferring to the towel. Move to a clean section of towel and repeat.

Test in a hidden spot first, and keep the iron moving on synthetic carpet so nothing melts. Works especially well on old drink and pet stains.