These stain-busters are made of products you probably have on hand. But follow the recipes exactly. "In cleaning carpet, more is never better," says Barbara Wilson, technical-information manager for the Carpet and Rug Institute. And don't approach carpet cleaning the same way you scrub the tub: Rubbing a spot vigorously will not make the stain disappear faster, but it can damage the carpet fibers and make the stain set in deeper. The following pages will fill you in on when and how to use these various solutions to remove beverage, mud, oil, and various other carpet stains.

Synthetic-Carpet Cleaners
Dip a white cloth into these solutions and apply to the stain. Never pour the solutions directly onto carpeting.

Detergent solution: Mix 1/4 teaspoon of a translucent liquid dishwashing detergent, such as Dawn or Joy, into 1 cup of lukewarm water.

Vinegar solution: Mix 1 cup of white vinegar with 2 cups of water.

Solvent solution: Use an oil solvent, such as Carbona Carpet Wizard Carpet Cleaner (www.carbona.com for store locations). Or substitute nail-polish remover, such as Cutex Quick & Gentle non-acetone polish remover.

Natural-Fiber-Carpet Cleaners
Place these solutions (except the solvent) in spray bottles and mist them lightly onto the stain.

Detergent solution: Mix 1 teaspoon of translucent liquid dishwashing detergent, such as Dawn or Joy, into 1 cup of lukewarm water.

Vinegar solution: Mix 1/4 cup of white vinegar with 1/4 cup of water.

Ammonia solution: Mix 1 tablespoon of clear household ammonia with 1/2 cup of lukewarm water.

Solvent solution: Same as for synthetic carpets (see above).