What is dwell time and why does it matter?

Dwell time is how long you leave the treatment product on the stain before extracting or blotting. It allows the chemicals to break down the stain. Too short and the stain will not come out; too long and you risk damaging carpet fibres or setting the stain further.

Should I rub or blot a stain?

Always blot, never rub. Rubbing pushes the stain deeper into the fibres, spreads it wider, and can damage the carpet pile. Blot from the outside edge towards the centre to prevent spreading. Use a clean white cloth or paper towel.

Can all stains be removed from carpet?

Not all stains can be fully removed. Some dyes (like hair dye or certain inks) can permanently bond with carpet fibres. Set-in stains are harder to remove than fresh ones. Acting quickly on fresh stains gives the best chance of full removal.

Do I need different products for different stains?

Yes. Protein-based stains (blood, milk) need enzymatic cleaners. Tannin stains (coffee, wine) need oxidising agents. Grease stains need solvent-based spotters. Using the wrong product can set some stains permanently.

CleanCalcs

Carpet Stain Treatment Calculator

Work out pre-treatment dwell time and product volume for carpet stains.

Stain Type

Stain Age

Number of Stains

How many stains to treat

Average Stain Diameter

Average width of stains

How We Calculate This

This calculator estimates treatment time and product volume based on stain type, age and size.

Dwell time factors

Base dwell time varies by stain type (5-15 minutes)
Fresh stains: half the standard dwell time
Set-in stains: double the standard dwell time

Product volume

Based on typical application rates per stain type, adjusted for stain diameter.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Last updated: February 2026

All calculations are estimates. Always verify quantities and timings for your specific situation.