Grass, plant and pollen stains

Grass stains are chlorophyll and plant proteins. They come in on kids' knees, dog paws and the soccer cleats that got kicked off on the rug. Cool water and a drop of dish soap first, then a mild oxidizer on synthetic carpet for the green that remains. Hot water sets the protein and should be avoided.

Pollen, especially the yellow cottonwood and alder pollen that blankets Puget Sound in spring, is a powder. Do not wet it first; it turns to dye. Vacuum it up dry, then treat any remaining yellow with cool water and detergent.

Houseplant water rings

The brown ring under a plant pot is tannin from the soil plus, often, mildew from the constant damp. Move the pot, let the spot dry fully, then treat with a tannin remover. Put a saucer with feet under the pot so air moves underneath.

Christmas trees

Tree sap on carpet is a resin; rubbing alcohol softens it. Needle stains are tannin. Both come out. Water from an overflowing stand is the bigger issue: check the pad for damp when the tree comes down.