The best and most basic way to remove a stain is to act quickly. The faster you act is, the more you are likely that you will be successful in eliminating the carpet stain. If there is any physical debris, such as food bits, remove it with a fork or spoon. Avoid using too much force as it will go deeper into the carpet fibers and may cause additional damage. Next, dab gently with a damp cloth or paper absorbent paper towel. This process may take several minutes. The next step is to use any stain-removal solution. Lastly, rinse the affected area with cool water and dab again to dry. A stubborn spill may require multiple attempts.