A spot is a stain waiting to happen — that is, if you don't do something about it. Taking immediate steps to remove the spill is the best way of preventing permanent stains from occurring.

 

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A wet-dry vacuum cleaner is a great tool for cleaning up both liquid accidents and dry spills. The suction ensures you won’t spread a wet spot over an even wider area by incorrect techniques such as rubbing.

With dry spills, a vacuum cleaner, broom or brush and dustpan may finish the job completely, as long as you avoid the use of liquids. Water or cleaning solutions will only make a dry spill harder to clean up. Not only that, you might wind up creating a stain that didn’t need to happen at all!

Food spills often include a combination of both liquids and solids. Pick up moist solids first, either with a wet-dry vac or by gently scraping the food with a spatula, spoon or other tool (a plastic putty knife works well, too) into a dustpan. Remember to rinse out the vacuum cleaner after you have finished removing the rest of the spot.

If you don’t have a wet-dry vac, blotting is the best first step for removing wet spots. Place a thick pad of white cloth or paper toweling over the spot and step on it; repeat as necessary with dry cloth sections (or fresh cloths) until a dry pad stops absorbing liquid. Use only white toweling, since colored or decorated towels may bleed inks or dyes into the spot and aggravate the cleanup.

The cardinal rule for cleaning wet spots is to use the least potent cleaner that will do the job. That means starting out with plain water, which will work well in a surprising number of cases. Dab small amounts of water onto the spot, and then blot from its perimeter to its center — once again, to keep from spreading the spot over a wider area. Avoid flooding rugs, carpets or furniture with water, or you’ll be blotting for a long, long time.

If water alone won’t finish the job, you’ll need to reach for a cleaning solution. If one doesn’t work, proceed to the next, but only after rinsing the spot with water and blotting or vacuuming the rinse water out as much as possible. Never mix cleaning chemicals together.

Following is a partial list:

• Hand dishwashing liquid: Try blotting a diluted solution of this standby into slightly greasy spots. Hand dishwashing liquid is mild enough for dozens of uses around the home, but stick with clear, uncolored products to avoid adding food dyes or colors. You’ll only need a few drops of liquid per cup (240 ml) of water.
  
  
• Hydrogen peroxide, specifically the 3-percent solution sold as a First Aid antiseptic. Dilute with an equal amount of water first. If diluted peroxide doesn’t work well, try it full strength.
  
  
• Rubbing alcohol or commercial spot removers: Test these solvents in an inconspicuous place first. Follow all label directions carefully for best results.
  
  
• One part ammonia diluted by at least 15 parts water. Ammonia is a powerful grease cutter. You’ll then need to neutralize the ammonia with a 1:4 solution of white vinegar and water.
  
  
• Enzymes or bacteria digesters. These products, typically sold as laundry pre-treaters or pet-accident removers, are well suited to spots that involve protein, such as blood or excrement. Read all instructions before use and test in an inconspicuous spot first. Follow all label instructions carefully. Many enzymes and digesters are made to work within a specific amount of time after application and before removal. Stick to the suggested range for best results. Remove the solution as instructed. These products aren't suitable for clothing, carpets or rugs made of wool.

Caution: Avoid using the following common household cleaners in spot removal:

• Dishwasher detergent or laundry detergent. Liquids and water pastes made from these products are harsh and can create more problems than they solve, and you won’t be able to get enough water on the spot to rinse out the detergent completely.
  
  
• Chlorine bleach, even in diluted form. Bleach is highly likely to cause color fading in whatever you’re trying to clean.

Once the spot is treated, rinsed, and hand blotted, apply a clean, dry pad of white cloths over the spot and weigh them down with something heavy. Check the site periodically and change the cloths (or rotate cloths to a dry area) if necessary until the spot dries completely.