Help for Holiday Mishaps

Family and friends help create special moments and memories during holiday celebrations. However, these moments can also create problems for your carpet, with unsightly stains lingering long after the festivities have ended. Food, beverage and candle wax spills are common hazards this time of year. In preparation for such mishaps, STAINMASTER® carpet offers some simple cleaning solutions to help keep spills and stains from dampening the spirit of the season.

Cleaning Solutions:

For candle wax:

Dry Cleaning Fluid Solution
Use non-flammable dry cleaning fluid or a liquid spot remover from the grocery store or hardware store. (Note: Do not apply dry cleaning fluid directly to carpet. Apply first to a cloth, and use the cloth to apply the fluid to the stain.)

Detergent Solution
Mix 1/4 teaspoon mild liquid dish soap with one cup of warm water.

For gravy, cranberry sauce and butter:

Detergent Solution
Mix 1/4 teaspoon mild liquid dish soap with one cup of warm water.

Vinegar Solution
Mix two tablespoons white vinegar with four cups warm water.

For eggnog:

Detergent Solution
Mix 1/4 teaspoon mild liquid dish soap with one cup of warm water.

Ammonia Solution
Mix two tablespoons clear, white non-sudsy ammonia and four cups warm water.

Basic Cleaning Steps:

1. Scoop up and blot as much of the spill as possible.
2. Vacuum any dry particles.
3. Prepare suggested cleaning solutions, beginning with the first one listed.
4. Pretest the cleaning solution on an inconspicuous spot of the carpet to ensure it does not discolor or damage the carpet.
5. Apply the cleaning solution to the stain area. Work from the outside of the stain toward the center.
6. Allow the cleaning solution to remain on the spill for at least five minutes.
7. Blot with a clean white cloth until no more stain transfers to the cloth. Do not rub the stained area, or you might damage the carpet fibers.
8. Rinse with cold water. Be sure all cleaning solution is removed from the carpet.
9. If you can still see the stain, repeat the process until either the stain is removed or the stain no longer transfers to the cloth.
10. If the stain remains, try the next solution on the list and follow the same protocol above. If the stain persists after trying each of the solutions, contact a professional cleaner.
11. Once the stain is removed, place layers of white paper towel on the site to absorb any moisture. Weight down the towels with a non-staining glass or ceramic object. You can let them sit overnight.
12. When the carpet is dry, vacuum to restore the texture.
13. Have your carpet professionally cleaned every 24 months, as required by the STAINMASTER® carpet limited warranty.

For an extended index of stains and how you can remove them, click here.