Read the general stain removal guidelines.

If your dog or cat looses its lunch on the carpet leaving a red stain that is a red dye 40 stain. It's caused by the dye in the pet's food. Switching food to a neutral color food ends this frustrating problem. Dogs and cats are colorblind. They can't see the difference in the color of the food.

Red dye is also found in punch, Popsicles, Kool-Aid and candles that are red or purple in color. To prevent accidents from leaving sometimes a permanent stain, switch to colors other than red or purple.

Red or purple dyes are best removed with peroxide. Regular household bleach in most cases only makes the stain worse. Remember to always test an inconspicuous spot first for color fastness.

Use 3% peroxide found at grocery stores or drug stores. Blot on the stain wait 30 minutes, rinse with vinegar and water then plain water. Repeat if needed.