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Having a carpet at home requires unfailing regular maintenance, which could take the form of routine vacuuming, at one end, to keeping it off-limits for the kids and pets (or, even the full-grown better half) with an almost manic proprietorship, on the other. To avoid exactly this kind of feeling of panic at the slightest crayon mark a child might make or a coffee spill by a careless guest, we have compiled a few easy-to-use remedies that will take care of such stains, enumerated here according to type.

'Vacuuming, the first line of defence
Regular maintenance mandates vacuuming of your floor coverings at least two to three times a week, and more often in high-traffic areas. This should take care of the daily build-up of shoe dirt, pet hairs and general dust. If left in for long periods of time, dirt can settle underneath the carpet fibres, creating a breeding ground for dust mites and bacteria. Once the dust is taken care of, you can get down to cleaning up stains, if any.

1. Organic stains (blood, wine and juices)
While salt is the go-to first step for red wine and the like, you might need something stronger when the stain is old and encrusted. In such cases, pour a capful or two of hydrogen peroxide (commonly available at the local pharmacy). Let it seep in for a few minutes, then rub with a soft rag dipped in warm water. Rub gently; do not scrub hard. Finish off by towelling the area dry.

2. Oil stains
Remove the excess grease with blotting paper first or simply wipe up with a piece of cloth. Once you’ve gotten off most of the top layer, pour a little rubbing alcohol (or surgical spirit) on the spot. Blot with a clean cloth after a few minutes. You may need to repeat the procedure a couple of times if the stain is deep-set.

3. Rust stains
Pour lemon juice on the stained area; let it sit for about half an hour till you see the stain fading. Rub slowly with a rag or an old toothbrush dipped in warm water, till the stain is completely gone.

4. Odorous stains
If you have pets, you can be assured your carpet will be soiled in more ways than one – at least once in their lifetime. Cat urine can be particularly smelly. To remove both stain and smell, sprinkle baking soda on the spot. Let it sit for a few minutes. Then, fill a spray bottle with equal proportions of white vinegar and warm water and mist the powder before blotting with a clean cloth.

5. Most other types of stains
Baking soda is a miracle ingredient, whether to bake cakes or to remove general stains. Sprinkle the powdered mix of baking powder and salt (in a 70:30 ratio) generously over the stain. Now, fill up a spray bottle with warm water and a bit of soap or any detergent (or a solution of vinegar and water in a 1:2 ratio). Spray the mixture on the powder-covered spot and let sit for a few hours. Place an old rag or towel on the spot so it absorbs the moisture and, with it, the stain.

The longer it sits the more effective it will be in soaking up the stain and odours. After the area is mostly dried, spray the carpet with regular tap water. Repeat step of placing a rag (a clean one) on the spot to absorb the wetness or let it dry naturally.

Some dos and don’ts:

• Do vacuum the rug to remove loose dirt, before you begin cleaning.

• Do test the colour-fastness of the rug by performing a spot test on a corner of the carpet, especially when using chemicals like hydrogen peroxide.
• Don’t brush or scrub in the opposite direction to the rug’s nap, because upon drying, the fibres in the washed spot will point the other way.
• Do use a vacuum cleaner to loosen up the carpet fibres once the rug has dried completely, as they have probably become compacted during the cleaning process.