Before any stain is treated it is important that a basic procedure is followed as a common misconception is to scrub the stain so always keep a pile of paper towels handy as the first step is to remove any excess and blot the stain to remove all moisture, never scrub the stain. Work from the outside of the stain inward to prevent the stain from spreading. Always apply an appropriate cleaning solution to a clean dry cloth not directly onto the carpet, and blot.

There are a variety of everyday products that may help the process and to start with a basic detergent solution should be used which can be created by adding one teaspoon of a detergent solution suitable for washing woollens to 0.3 litres (half a pint) of warm water. Use this as a basic initial solution to blot the stain with.