--- title: When to Tackle Stains Yourself and When to Call a Professional description: Learn when to clean spots yourself and when to call a carpet cleaning service. Find out what stains can be easily cleaned…and which ones can’t. image: https://www.signaturecarpetcleaning.ca/hubfs/Blog%20Images/When%20is%20professional%20Stain%20removal%20required-1.webp --- [![Signature Carpet Cleaning Logo](https://www.signaturecarpetcleaning.ca/hs-fs/hubfs/Signature%20Carpet%20Cleaning%20Website/Logo_Marketing_%20Icon%20%26%20Signature%20Carpet%20Cleaning_Full%20Color_Horizontal%20(2).png?width=200&height=91&name=Logo_Marketing_%20Icon%20%26%20Signature%20Carpet%20Cleaning_Full%20Color_Horizontal%20(2).png)](https://www.signaturecarpetcleaning.ca) - [Services](https://www.signaturecarpetcleaning.ca/services) - [Carpet Cleaning](https://www.signaturecarpetcleaning.ca/services/carpet-cleaning) - [Pet Stain Treatments](https://www.signaturecarpetcleaning.ca/services/pet-stain-treatments) - [Furniture & Upholstery Cleaning](https://www.signaturecarpetcleaning.ca/services/upholstery-cleaning) - [Area Rug Cleaning](https://www.signaturecarpetcleaning.ca/services/area-rug-cleaning) - [Mattress Cleaning](https://www.signaturecarpetcleaning.ca/services/matterss-cleaning) - [Resources](https://www.signaturecarpetcleaning.ca/resources) - [Blog](https://www.signaturecarpetcleaning.ca/blog) - [Deals](https://www.signaturecarpetcleaning.ca/signature-deals) [![Download Price List](https://hubspot-no-cache-na3-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/cta/default/341613089/interactive-204296767418.png)](https://www.signaturecarpetcleaning.ca/hs/cta/wi/redirect?encryptedPayload=AVxigLK94GWPUGM7SKq%2FKaTmOQZ1deaaJ2DJZ7zaimqJFbOgx5WOalaMVEEPqFeFRak9TeLIeiap7z0Le2k1lxLmVpFOk%2FaiXfvHapml2JFvwJQZMX6yZgxEmFjlEpgecFPUOo4gA3vPoAZQMMBj%2FR81Ehu7L7RqzGSeCaknO8pRn8rHrUvfTVTNn5UmEXQIAj%2BnZkGgWmjRQX51HdWXmeE%3D&webInteractiveContentId=204296767418&portalId=341613089) Carpet Cleaning Knowledge # When to Tackle Stains Yourself and When to Call a Professional Learn when to clean spots yourself and when to call a carpet cleaning service. Find out what stains can be easily cleaned…and which ones can’t. [Jordan McLeod](https://www.signaturecarpetcleaning.ca/blog/author/jordan-mcleod) Feb 26, 2026 ---   Accidents happen and spills are part of everyday life. As a homeowner, you might wonder whether you can handle these messes on your own or if you need to call in professional help. This article will help you understand the difference between spots and stains, guide you on what you can clean yourself, and explain when you should call a carpet cleaning service. ### **Spot VS Stain** Not all spots are stains, and knowing the difference can save you time and money. #### **Spots** A spot is a small mess that can be cleaned easily if addressed quickly. It only affects the surface of the carpet fibres. Think of a day-old coffee spill or a bit of mud tracked in from outside. These are typically easy to handle on your own. #### **Stains** A stain is more permanent and has soaked into the carpet fibres, often changing their colour. Examples include nail polish, roofing tar, or pet stains that have been left untreated for too long. These are situations where you should call in professional help. ### **Spots You Can Clean Yourself** Most spots can be cleaned with a soap-free spot remover or a [homemade remedy](https://www.signaturecarpetcleaning.ca/download-recipe-book) like water and vinegar. Here are some common spots you can handle on your own: - Coffee - Soda - Water - Tea - Juice - Small dirt/mud spots - Small pet urine stains ### **Stains That Need Professional Help** Some stains need professional care to remove completely and without damaging your carpet or upholstery. Call a professional carpet cleaning service if you have these types of stains: - Liquid eyeliner - Nail polish - Roofing tar - Oil - Large or lots of pet urine stains - Bad-smelling pet stains - Candle wax - Mascara - Large soap stains - Many small spills combined ### **Cost of Professional Stain Removal** Professional stain removal can be expensive. Some companies charge by the hour, some by the stain, and some use a combination of both. Reputable companies usually charge around $120 per hour or more, and there might be extra fees for using special cleaning chemicals. [We include this for free- shameless plug ;)](https://www.signaturecarpetcleaning.ca/download-price-list) ### **Risks of Cleaning Stains Yourself** When you try to clean a stain yourself, be careful. You could damage your carpet or upholstery in several ways, including fraying the fibres, damaging the underlay or foam, making the dyes bleed, or permanently setting the stain. Knowing when to ask for professional help is important. If your stains are too tough for DIY fixes or if you have a mix of challenging stains, it's time to call the professionals. With a bit of knowledge, you can handle most spots on your carpets and furniture. To learn more about spot removal, check out our other blog articles or watch our helpful video guides. [Click Here to Download out Stain Removal Guide](https://www.signaturecarpetcleaning.ca/download-stain-removal-guide)for step-by-step stain removal instructions. [Carpet Cleaning Knowledge](https://www.signaturecarpetcleaning.ca/blog/tag/carpet-cleaning-knowledge) [Stain Removal](https://www.signaturecarpetcleaning.ca/blog/tag/stain-removal) [Hiring a Carpet Cleaner](https://www.signaturecarpetcleaning.ca/blog/tag/hiring-a-carpet-cleaner) ## Similar posts Hiring a Carpet Cleaner ### [How We Handle The Prep Work For You](https://www.signaturecarpetcleaning.ca/blog/how-we-handle-the-prep-work-for-you) Learn what prep work Signature Carpet Cleaning does for you. Find out how the proper prep work can make your carpet cleaning better. Jordan McLeod May 28, 2026 Hiring a Carpet Cleaner ### [Why Signature Carpet Cleaning Includes Stain Removal For Free](https://www.signaturecarpetcleaning.ca/blog/why-signature-carpet-cleaning-includes-stain-removal-for-free) Find out why Signature Carpet Cleaning doesn’t charge extra for stain removal and how we feel about “hidden fees” common in the carpet cleaning... Jordan McLeod Mar 13, 2026 Carpet Cleaning Knowledge ### [The Importance of Clean Equipment And How We Avoid Cross-Contamination](https://www.signaturecarpetcleaning.ca/blog/the-importance-of-clean-equipment-in-carpet-cleaning) See how our professional carpet cleaning service keeps your home spotless and healthy with meticulously sanitized equipment. Learn why clean tools... Jordan McLeod Dec 4, 2025 ### Get The Latest Cleaning Tips Delivered to Your Inbox Want simple tips for keeping your carpets and furniture clean? Subscribe to our blog! We’ll send you new articles with expert advice and easy DIY recipes as soon as they’re posted. 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