Lilies of all types are notorious for their pollen stains. Long stamens in the centre of the flower have delicate, pollen-covered heads that shed pollen readily onto floors, tablecloths, fingers and clothing. If you've ever brushed by a stand of daylilies outdoors, you know just how permanent these stains can be. Act quickly if you see orange-yellow pollen on your carpet. The longer you leave the stain, the more difficult it will be to remove.

Run a vacuum several times over the spot to pick up loose pollen grains. Be careful not to run the wheels of the vacuum over the stain because pressure will only work the pollen deeper into the carpet fibre.

  • Lilies of all types are notorious for their pollen stains.
  • Run a vacuum several times over the spot to pick up loose pollen grains.

Tear a small piece of duct tape off the roll and place it over the stain. Press it down lightly, then pull it up. The sticky surface of the tape will bond to stained fibres and pull them up.

Squirt stain remover that contains enzymes onto the stain, using enough to soak it thoroughly. Allow the remover to work for the amount of time recommended on the package for the type and size of the stain.

  • Tear a small piece of duct tape off the roll and place it over the stain.
  • Squirt stain remover that contains enzymes onto the stain, using enough to soak it thoroughly.

Blot up the remover and the stain with a soft, absorbent cloth or paper towel, pressing lightly to soak up the residue. Allow the area to dry, and repeat Steps 3 and 4 until the pollen stain is gone.

TIP

Avoid lily pollen stains by snipping off the stamens with scissors before bring the lilies indoors.

WARNING

Get to work on lily pollen stains as soon as you notice them. The longer they stay on the carpet, the more foot traffic will press them into the carpet fibres, making them more difficult to remove.