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• Ink spot

  Fast action can prevent spots from becoming permanent stains.

• Oil spill

  Act quickly, or these spots can be a real nightmare to clean.

• Spills, spots

  A guide to the best ways of preventing stains on floors, rugs, carpet and upholstery.

• Blot, blotting

  Blotting isn't rubbing or scrubbing. Here's how it's done, from routine maintenance to emergency care.

• Mud

  Spatters, spatters everywhere? Whatever you do, don’t spread them around.

• Juice spill

  Even ugly blotches will come out completely using the right methods.

• Paint spot

  Latex or oil-based? Either way, take action quickly before it dries into a permanent stain.

• Ketchup spills

  Fast action will help reduce chances this spot will become permanent.

• Blood

  A not-so-fearsome stain — if it gets immediate attention.

• Wicking

  An explanation of how dirt can re-appear on a (supposedly) clean carpet or sofa.

• Lampshade

  Cloth shades should be cleaned carefully with dry methods. Spot clean with wet methods only when absolutely necessary.

• Butcher block

  A place where cleanliness really helps keep the family healthy.

• Rust stain

  Don’t reach for bleach — it will make this stain worse. Here’s what to do.

• Water softener

  A powder can help with laundering in hard water. There’s also a more permanent solution.

• Formica®

  Sharp objects and harsh chemicals will damage this widely used surface permanently.

• Stainmaster

  Since 2004, this former Dupont trademark name for carpet fiber has been owned by Invista of Wichita, KS, a division of Koch Industries, Inc.

• Plastic furniture

  The garden hose is the easiest and best tool for routine cleanings.

• Oriental rug

  This is another easy-does-it job. When in doubt, seek professional help.

• Denatured alcohol

  This solvent is a capable spot cleaner on many hard surfaces.

• Acrylic fixture

  Stash the abrasive cleaners elsewhere. Abrasives will damage this plastic material.

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