Cleaning Up Spills During The Holidays

As we look forward to getting together with loved ones this year to share holiday meals, be prepared to clean up the accidents that may follow. Below is a quick guide of how to handle spills when they occur on carpets or rugs. Our full stain rug and carpet cleaning guide will also help in between professional cleanings.

Spot Clean Wine, Coffee, Tea, Juice –

Remove as much liquid as possible by applying pressure to the spill with an absorbent cloth (blot never rub), then treat the area with our product recommendation: Wine Away. This product is extremely effective at removing wine spills or stains and is regularly used by our professional cleaning team. If you don’t have Wine Away on hand use a vinegar or detergent solution and work from the outer edge of the stain, applying a little solution at a time, and blotting frequently with a dry absorbent cloth. This process can require considerable time and effort but with patience and persistence, it usually accomplishes successful results.

Spot Clean Cranberry Sauce –

Remove surplus material with a spoon or by other mechanical means and blot with a dry absorbent towel. Apply a solution of one tablespoon of white vinegar and 2/3 cup of rubbing alcohol to blot on the stain, working from the outside edge of the spill toward the center. Rinse with water alternately applying the water and blotting with a dry absorbent towel.

Clean Up Gravy Stains-

Scrape off excess gravy. Sprinkle baking soda, cornstarch, or other absorbent material on the stain. Allow time for the gravy to soak into the absorbent material. Vacuum up the excess. Next, use a clean white cloth and blot the stain with a dry-cleaning solvent. Blot until the solvent is absorbed. Repeat steps 3 and 4 until the stain disappears or is no longer absorbed into the cloth.

Remove Chocolate Spills –

Scrape up the excess material with a blunt knife or spoon immediately (while still wet), then use a detergent solution starting at the outer edge of the stain, and blot dry. Follow with an ammonia solution and blot dry again. Then continue indulging in your hot fudge sundae or chocolate cream pie! Remember to spot clean immediately to avoid absorbing the chocolate into the fibers.

Are pet stains your problem? Click here for the pet stain rug and carpet cleaning guide.