Carpet Stains

Kids, dogs, and company can lead to stains on your carpets, but with a few basic stain removal tricks some of the most common carpet stains shouldn't cause you problems anymore!

1. Act quickly, blot - don't wipe, as much as you can. If there are solids, scrape them away. As you treat the area work from the outside in so that you don't spread the stain.

2. For older stains, mix together a couple of teaspoons of dish detergent, 3 teaspoons of white vinegar and a quart of warm water. Use the solution and a clean sponge to gently blot the stain away.

3. For a fresh spill, quickly blot as much as you can. Spray some white shaving cream on a cloth and scrub the stain with that! When it's gone blot the area with a cloth and clean water. (If you don't have shaving cream, try powdered laundry detergent, warm water and a soft brush on the spot. Repeat until it disappears.

Grease Stains

The Thanksgiving holiday inevitably brings grease stains, what a mess! But not one that you have to live with! With these easy ideas, those stains won't be a problem anymore.

1. Work fast. The sooner you catch it, the better luck you'll have removing it.

2. If someone spills grease on your tablecloth or placemats, put some paper towels between the fabric and the table, and apply some grease cutting dish detergent or shampoo directly on the stain. After you have finished your meal, wash the fabric as usual, the soap should have cut up the grease and washing will rinse away the soap. (Never dry an item that is stained until you're sure the stain is gone, as heat will set the stain.)

3. If the stain is on upholstery, rub some cornmeal into the stain and leave it there for a little while. The cornmeal will absorb the oil and you will see it clump a little as it does. Once the grease is absorbed just vacuum the cornmeal.

4. If the stain is right on your table or other wood furniture, sprinkle the area with baby powder and rub the powder into the stain. This will absorb the grease, then just brush away the powder and polish the wood.