How to remove furniture stains from carpet

November 21st, 2025 Carpet Cleaning Guides

Furniture stains are a common problem in both commercial and residential carpets.

These marks are typically caused by wood furniture oils, rubber feet, adhesive transfer, furniture polish, or protective coatings that migrate from the furniture base into the carpet. Because these residues are oily, hydrophobic (repels water) and non-polar, they behave very differently from normal organic or particulate soils.

They tend to bond strongly to carpet fibres, resist water-based cleaning, and can leave dark, glossy or sticky patches that worsen over time. Successful removal requires the correct chemistry, targeted application, and controlled dwell time to break down the contamination without damaging the carpet fibres.

The Chemistry Behind Removing Furniture Stains

Furniture oils, rubber transfer and adhesive residues are solvent-based contaminants, not water-based soils. This means:

pH is irrelevant — these stains contain no water-soluble components that can be neutralised by acidic or alkaline cleaners.
Detergents cannot break the bond — non-polar soils do not dissolve in water-based solutions.
Solvents are required — specifically, solvents with strong affinity for oily, non-polar substances.

Citrus Gel

Citrus Gel is a citrus based stain remover for carpets and upholstery.

Citrus Gel is formulated with d-limonene, a powerful natural solvent derived from citrus. D-limonene bonds readily with oily residues, breaking them down at a molecular level (the smallest unit of a chemical compound). The gel form ensures the solvent stays on the surface of the fibres, targeting the stain precisely without penetrating the carpet backing.

This controlled action makes Citrus Gel ideal for furniture stains, gum, bitumen, tar, cosmetics and other oil-based contaminants.

Equipment

White terry towel or microfiber cloth – By using a white towel, no other pigment will bleed onto the carpet.
Wet Extraction Machine – Larger stains should be treated using a wet extraction machine. This will minimise the risk of wick back and ensure an effective solution.
Spotting Brush and/or Gum Getter – When agitating a carpet, don’t use the brushing motion as it will damage the carpet fibers. The best method is to tamp or firmly roll the brush over the stain.
Soft brush or carpet groomer – When aligning the carpet fibres, be gentle not to break or disrupt the fibres.
PPE – All the necessary PPE needs to be use when working with chemicals.

The Process

Apply Citrus Gel Directly

Apply a small, controlled amount of Citrus Gel to the stained area. The gel remains on the fibre tips, allowing precise, efficient treatment.
Agitation

Agitate the furniture stain by tamping up and down with a spotting brush to maximise penetration.
Allow Dwell Time

Let the product sit for approximately 5 minutes. Gently agitate to encourage solvent penetration and break down the residue.
Lift the Contamination

Blot the area or gently scrape softened material from the fibres. Repeat the application if the stain is aged or heavy.
Rinse the Area

Remove residual solvent by lightly extracting with clean water. This prevents re-soiling and leaves the carpet fresh and residue-free.
Repeat

Repeat steps 1-4 if required. Generally, these types of stains require 2-3 passes until they are fully removed.
Align the Fibres

Use a carpet brush to realign the fibres and restore appearance.

Further Notes

Shadow Removal

If there is a shadow left, apply Conquer O2 and absorb or vacuum extract excess moisture, leaving the treated area slightly damp with Conquer O2. The oxidising and encapsulating action of Conquer O2 will continue to work over the next few hours as it dries completely, removing the remaining stain.
Solutions for delicate fibres and fabrics

The best solution for delicate carpets including wool, is the Citrus Gel or Conquer.
Replacement for Citrus Gel

If the Citrus Gel is unavailable or not responding then try the Conquer or Conquer O2. These two products are encapsulating products designed to encase the soil and separate it from the fibres, enabling it to be vacuumed out.