Red wine on your beige carpet?
Chocolate finger prints all over your couch?
Muddy paws on your throw rug?
Don’t panic…yet!
Here are some general guidelines to dealing with spills…
- If you have a wet/dry vacuum cleaner – go get it! And try to suck up as much of the spill as you can.
- Always, always blot a stain, do not rub! Use white cloths only – grabbing that red tea towel can create another stain problem!
- Act fast, as you do not want the spill to penetrate to the base of the material. And, work in from the outside of the spill.
- Lift off any excess using a spoon or a blunt knife.
- If you are going to be using a cleaning solution, test in an inconspicuous area first!
- Be ready to repeat everything several times and remain patient.
Beer, wine, coffee and tea
Blot and neutralize with a white vinegar solution, then work a small amount of a detergent solution into the spot (1/4 teaspoon detergent per 1 qt. of water). Continue applying detergent and blotting until spot is completely removed. Using a spray bottle, rinse with tap water and blot to remove excess moisture. Apply paper towels and weigh them down, allowing the spot to dry.
Blood, Ketchup, cheese, chocolate, cola, cough syrup, mixed drinks, soft drinks, soy sauce, starch, toothpaste, white glue
First, note that all solutions for removing blood must be cool in temperature. Blot and neutralize the spot with an ammonia solution, using a spray bottle to saturate the spot. Next, work a small amount of a detergent solution into the spot (1/4 teaspoon detergent per 1 qt. of water) and continue applying detergent and blotting until spot is removed. Using a spray bottle, rinse with tap water and blot to remove excess moisture. Apply a pad of paper towels, weigh them down and allow to dry.
Mud and dirt
Allow mud to dry completely. Shatter the dried mud with the handle of a knife, then vacuum. For dirt, apply a small amount of a detergent solution to the spot (1/4 teaspoon detergent per 1 qt. of water) and blot with a white paper towel to work the detergent into the affected area. Continue applying detergent and blotting until spot is removed. Using a spray bottle, rinse with tap water, and then blot to remove excess moisture.