Simple Steps to Tackling 6 Common Holiday Stains

Holiday time can be hard on a home. Houseguests, parties, cooking and baking combined with a busy schedule often result in spills, stains and frustrations. Cinderella Carpet One in Salinas and San Luis Obispo has compiled 6 common holiday stains along with simple cleaning steps to relieve holiday stress.

Holiday stains don’t have to add stress to an already busy schedule. The keys to handling stains with ease are being prepared and responding quickly,” There are a few basic techniques to learn.

Apply: Wet a clean, white (not printed) paper towel with a cleaning solution. Then dampen the carpet with it. Avoid wetting the carpet through to its backing.

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      Blot: Absorb the excess liquid from the carpet by pressing straight down with a clean, dry, white paper towel. Do not rub. Place a half-inch thick pad of clean, dry, white paper towels with a weight on top and leave overnight if necessary.

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      Scrape: Gently scratch the soiled area with the blunt edge of a spoon. Scrape from the outside edge of the spot toward the center.

Putting together a holiday stain “emergency kit” before the holidays begin can also help relieve some stress when accidents happen. A good “emergency kit” should include.

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    White Vinegar

·      Baking Soda

·      Unprinted White Paper Towels

·      Clear Dish Washing Detergent – Mix 1/2 teaspoon detergent with one cup of warm (not hot) water when you need it.

·      A Laundry Pre-soak Solution: Mix 1 teaspoon enzyme laundry detergent with one cup of water before using.

·      A Dry Powder Carpet Cleaner.

·      Dry Cleaning Solvent: Non-oily, non-caustic type sold as spot removal for garments. Caution: May be flammable.

With the techniques and tools ready, a holiday stain is easier to handle. The steps below cover 6 of the most common holiday household stains that occur all over the house.

1. White Glue. Kids’ craft projects make great gifts. When the glue ends up on the floor instead of the project, first scrape or blot up excess spill. Then apply the detergent solution using a damp towel. Blot the stain - don't rub. Next, apply white vinegar (undiluted), using a damp towel and blot again. Apply water with a damp sponge. Blot again and finish by weighing down a half-inch thick pad of white paper towels to absorb all the moisture. Leave overnight if necessary.

2. Lipstick. In a hurry to get ready for a party, the lipstick gets dropped on the carpet. Start by scraping or blotting up the excess spill. Apply the detergent solution using a damp towel and leave 3-5 minutes. Blot and apply white vinegar (undiluted), using a damp towel. Apply water with damp sponge. Blot again and finish by weighing down a half-inch thick pad of white paper towels to absorb all the moisture. Leave overnight if necessary.

3. Candle Wax. Candles make any holiday celebration a little more festive. When the wax drips on the carpet, first scrape off excess wax. Cover the stain with brown paper and apply a warm iron until remaining wax is absorbed. Be sure paper is large enough to cover the stained area. Take care never to touch the iron to the carpet as the fiber might melt. Change paper or rotate to clean area and repeat until all material is absorbed.  You can also try scraping the spill and then freezing it with ice cubes. Shatter the frozen wax with a blunt object like the back of a large spoon. Vacuum chips away before they melt.

4. Red Wine. Instead of limiting your guests to clear beverages, be ready with these steps. Blot up excess spill as quickly as possible. Apply the detergent solution using damp towel and leave 3-5 minutes. Blot and apply white vinegar (undiluted), using a damp towel. Blot again. Finish by weighing down a half-inch thick pad of white paper towels to absorb all the moisture. Leave overnight if necessary.

5. Cooking Oil.  Holiday cooking projects are fun for the whole family. A greasy stain should ruin the fun. First apply a dry cleaning solvent, using a dampened towel.  Blot the stain, as rubbing will embed it further.  Then repeat these steps, first applying a solvent and then blotting.  Lastly, apply water with a dampened towel and blot-finish with a weighted pad of towels.

6. Chocolate. Holiday candies are an indulgent treat but when one gets dropped, it can cause a big mess. First, finish your remaining treat, and then scrape up excess spill. Apply detergent solution using a damp towel and blot. Apply white vinegar (undiluted), using a damp towel, blot and apply water with a damp sponge. Blot and finish by weighing down a half-inch thick pad of white paper towels to absorb all the moisture. Leave overnight if necessary.

If after the holidays these stain removal tips just won’t take out the stains, come in to our showroom in Salinas or San LuisObispo and we can find you some new flooring to start out the New Year!