MUDDY PAW SEASON: expert reveals how to remove your pet's muddy print stains from your home

The key to tackling carpet and upholstery stains is understanding what you're working with and the material you're cleaning. Mud stains are tough to remove as they contain decomposed organic matter like leaves.

Here's how to remove a mud stain from a carpet, mat or rug. 

1. Assess the stain

If you're cleaning a mat or rug, be sure to find a suitable work surface to clean it on first. Be sure to ensure it is a surface that you don't mind getting wet.

2. Remove excess dirt

Use a spoon, dull palette knife or the edge of a credit card to gently remove solid clumps of mud. Take care not to crush or rub them into the carpet/mat/rug to avoid creating extra stains.  

3. Let the mud dry 

Wait for the mud to dry completely, then vacuum up the remaining dried mud. 

4. Make a cleaning solution

Create a cleaning solution by mixing two teaspoons of washing-up liquid into half a litre of cool water. 

5. Conduct a patch test

If you're not sure about using the cleaning solution on your carpet/mat/rug, test it out on a small or inconspicuous area first or check with the manufacturer. 

6. Clean the area

Dab the solution onto the stain using a soft-bristled brush such as a toothbrush. Work inwards from the edges of the stain. Use kitchen roll to blot the stain, which should now lift. Finally, blot the spot with a microfibre cloth dipped in cool water to draw the soil and cleaning solution out. 

7. Wait for it to dry 

Once dry, give the carpet/mat/rug a final vacuum to lift the fibres.

The Perfect Mud Stain Removal Tool - Shark's StainStriker

Getting mud, set-in stains and other muck out of your carpets can be easy if you have the right tool. Shark's StainStrikers instantly remove stains, with no need to pre-treat. They're also portable and are able to tackle stains just about anywhere, from muddy mats to stairs.

Shop Shark's full range of StainStrikers here - prices start from £149.99.