Some stains are easy. A quick wipe, job done.

Others? They hang around, spread, smell, or disappear… then magically come back a week later.

If you’ve ever stared at a carpet or couch thinking “I’ve cleaned this already, why is it still there?” — you’re not alone. These are the toughest stains people deal with at home, and what actually helps remove them.

 

Red Wine

Red wine is one of the most searched carpet stains for a reason. It’s dark, fast-spreading, and sinks straight into fibres.

What to do:

1. Blot immediately with a clean cloth or paper towel. Do not rub.

2. Apply a carpet spot cleaner and gently work it into the stain.

3. Blot again to lift the colour and moisture.

4. Repeat if needed until the stain fades.

Why this works:
Acting fast stops the wine from setting and spreading deeper into the fibres.

👉 Helpful tool: Britex Spot Buddy for targeted, machine-powered spot cleaning.

Coffee

Coffee stains don’t always look dramatic at first, but they darken over time and can leave brown rings.

What to do:

1. Blot up as much liquid as possible.

2. Apply a spot cleaner to break down the tannins.

3. Blot again until the area looks even.

4. Avoid over-wetting, which can cause brown rings as it dries.

Why this works:
Coffee contains tannins that darken over time, so treating the full spill (not just the surface) matters.

👉 Good for this: Britex Spot ‘n’ Stain for everyday spills and fresh marks.

 

Grease and Oily Food

Think pizza, chips, takeaway spills, or butter.

Why it’s tough:

• Oil sticks to fibres

• Water alone won’t shift it

What helps:

• Target the grease before adding too much moisture

• Lift the stain rather than spreading it

   

Pet Accidents

This is where most people struggle, especially with lingering odours.

What to do for fresh accidents:

1. Blot immediately to remove as much moisture as possible.

2. Apply a carpet cleaner and work it into the affected area.

3. Blot again to lift both liquid and residue.

4. Allow the area to dry fully.

What to do for older pet stains or smells:

1. Clean the area thoroughly, not just the visible mark.

2. Focus on removing what’s soaked into the carpet, not masking the smell.

3. If the smell returns after drying, the stain has likely soaked deeper and needs a deeper clean to extract trapped residue.

Why this works:
Pet smells linger because liquid seeps below the surface. Proper extraction is key to stopping the smell from coming back.

👉 Need to go deeper? You can hire a Britex 3in1 Deep Cleaning Machine from just $43.60 for 24 hours to tackle tough, ground-in stains at home.
Hire a Britex 3in1 Deep Cleaning Machine

Makeup and Fake Tan

Makeup, foundation, and fake tan can stain fast and leave obvious patches.

Why it’s tough:

• Heavy pigments

• Oils mixed with colour

What helps:

• Treat early

• Avoid rubbing colour deeper into fibres

Why Tough Stains Keep Coming Back

Ever noticed a stain “disappear” after cleaning, then reappear days later?

That usually happens because:

• Moisture pulls leftover dirt back to the surface

• The spill wasn’t fully removed

• Residue was left behind

This is common with older stains or areas that weren’t fully extracted.

When Spot Cleaning Is Enough

Spot cleaning works best when:

• The spill is fresh

• The stain is small

• You act quickly

For everyday accidents, a good spot clean can stop stains from becoming a bigger problem later on.

When Tough Stains Need a Deeper Clean

If stains or smells keep returning, it’s a sign the problem sits below the surface.

A deeper clean helps:

• Remove trapped dirt and residue

• Eliminate odours instead of covering them

• Reset carpets that look tired or patchy

Common Mistakes That Make Stains Worse

If stains aren’t budging, one of these could be the reason:

• Scrubbing too hard

• Using too much water

• Waiting too long to treat the stain

• Covering smells instead of removing them

Gentle, thorough cleaning beats aggressive scrubbing every time.

FAQs: Removing Tough Carpet and Upholstery Stains

What is the hardest stain to remove from carpet?
Red wine, pet accidents, and oily food spills are among the hardest because they soak deep and leave residue behind.

Can old stains really be removed?
In many cases, yes. Older stains often need deeper cleaning because residue sits below the surface.

Why do stains come back after cleaning?
This usually happens when moisture pulls leftover dirt back to the surface as the area dries.

Can upholstery stains be removed at home?
Yes. Many everyday upholstery stains can be treated at home if they’re cleaned properly and early.

Do tough stains always need professional cleaning?
Not always. Many tough stains can be handled with the right DIY approach and a deeper clean when needed.