Ah, the magical season of winter. It’s time for gathering of friends and family for wine-ing and dining, and cozy nights spent by the fire with a hot cuppa or red wine in hand. But what happens when your peaceful plans are interrupted by your dog (or kids) busting in the back door, tracking mud all over the carpet and spilling your drink on your sweater just for good measure?
Fear not, friends. We know messy accidents can happen over the holidays. That’s why we’ve got the info you need for how to keep yourself and your home spot-free this winter (and when to throw in the towel, call an expert and grab another glass of wine).
First Things First. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. For reals.
For upholstered furniture, curtains, rugs and carpeting, nothing gets stains out better than preventing them in the first place. If you have made an investment in fine fabrics and carpeting, you need to invest in professional fabric protection and care. Fiber-Seal of Charlotte is your #1 source to care for all the soft surfaces in your home. We reached out to these experts and #scoopselectvendor for their tips on dealing with spills and stains.
Stain removal Tips from Fiber-Seal of Charlotte:
- Know before you buy. Read the manufacturer’s stain protection policy closely. Many common stains void the warranty. And then what do you do! Always read the fine print before installation.
- Don’t forget to use non-chemical methods before reaching for the bottle of spot remover. Some spots are dry in nature (ashes and soot, for example) and are better removed by brushing and vacuuming.
- One of the first steps listed in the directions of almost any spot remover is Pre-Test in an inconspicuous area before using. Testing in an inconspicuous area allows a bit more breathing room in case something doesn’t turn out right. Often the zipped side of a sofa cushion will work, since it won’t be outward facing.
- For wine spills, of all the home remedies, the one that might make the most sense is club soda. Essentially, blotting up all of the excess wine and then carefully applying club soda is just rinsing the stain with carbonated water. Even though it doesn’t usually work completely, damage is rare. Avoid the folklore – don’t reach for baking soda, white wine or salt!
For customers who have purchased Fiber-Seal protection for their upholstered items, rugs and carpets, stain removal service is included free of charge in their annual service agreement. Fiber-Seal also provides their customers with phone assistance for stain emergencies, on-site assistance for difficult situations and a Fabric Care Kit with free refills for one year.
If you choose to go it alone, Braveheart, we’ve found the following DIY stain removal resources:
Mud on carpet or upholstery
Don’t get the spot wet. It may sound counterintuitive, but experts recommend letting a mud stain on upholstery or carpet dry completely before using a vacuum to clean off the soil particles. Then you can use a damp cloth to remove whatever soil is left over.
Red wine/blood/grease on clothes
The Laundress makes a great Stain Solution that’s specifically formulated to break down stubborn stains like red wine, tomato sauce, blood, chocolate and even grease on your clothing. You can buy The Laundress products at BEDSIDE MANOR or online at the links.
It’s easy to use: just apply the solution to the stain, work it into the area, pour hot water on it (unless it’s a blood stain — in that case, always use cold water) and then soak. If the stain has faded but isn’t completely gone, repeat the process. Once you’re satisfied with how much the stain has faded, launder the garment as normal.
Ink/marker/crayon
Carbona’s Stain Devils line has a formula for every spill imaginable, including marker and crayon removal for when the kids get a bit too carried away with those Christmas crafts. Stain Devils #3 is specifically formulated for ink, marker and crayon, or you can buy the complete Stain Devils set on Amazon by clicking here.
The instructions for all Stain Devils formulas are the same: remove as much of the cause of the stain as possible, place an absorbent white cloth beneath stain, apply undiluted solution directly to stain, tap stain with your finger to push it onto the cloth beneath it and rinse with warm water. All Stain Devils formulas are safe for skin and environmentally friendly, but shouldn’t be used on leather, suede, silk or acetate.
When to take it to the pros:
- The soiled item is antique, special or hard to replace. It’s just not worth your saving the cleaners fee if you ruin it.
- The soiled item is made with delicate or tough-to-clean fabric (Carriage Cleaners and LONG’S offer specialized cleaning for leather and fur and Fiber-Seal works with local leather and antique rug experts)
- You’ve tried cleaning the spot, and now the fabric’s color is starting to bleed (if this happens, dry the fabric quickly and call an expert)
- If you have any doubt, DO NOT TREAT YOURSELF. Often that will make the cleaner’s job even harder, as they have to not only deal with the original sin, but whatever you’ve used to compound the problem.
From scoop to you and yours, enjoy your holidays, spills and all. Remember a few spots and stains showcase a life well lived!
