Coffee, wine, juice, crayons, mystery spots from the kids. The first few minutes after a spill matter most.
The basics
- Act fast. The longer a spill sits, the harder it is to get out.
- Blot, don’t rub. Press a clean, white towel into the spot and lift. Rubbing spreads it and frays the fibers.
- Work from the outside in, so the spot doesn’t spread.
- Use a little cool water, then blot again. Don’t soak it.
- Test anything stronger in a hidden spot first, and wait to see if the color changes.
On sofas
Check the care tag on the cushion or under the seat before you use any water or cleaner. Some fabrics should not get wet at all. If you’re not sure, blot what you can and leave the rest to a professional.
What to avoid
- Bleach and strong household cleaners on carpet or fabric.
- Mixing products.
- Heat on a fresh stain, like hot water or a hair dryer.
When to call a professional
- The stain is big, old, or came back after you cleaned it.
- It’s on a light carpet, a delicate fabric, or a rug you care about.
- You tried a product and the spot changed color.
Some stains are permanent, like dye, bleach or sun fading. Before we start, we’ll tell you which spots may not come out.
