Eating around South Florida
Tips for common holiday stains
By John Tanasychuk December 9, 2010
Brad Hunsucker, director of franchise operations for Stanley Steemer of South Florida, offers five helpful tips on cleaning the most common food spills this holiday season.
Grape/fruit juice spills: On carpet, use 1 teaspoon of cold water and blot up. If spot remains, mix together 1 cup of cold water and 1/2 teaspoon dishwashing detergent (not containing bleach). Blot and gently rub the spot. When the area is dry, mix cold water and baking soda, apply in the same manner, apply pressure to soak up the excess moisture.
Butter stains: Use non-flammable dry cleaning fluid, which is available at most drug or hardware stores. Before applying solution, be sure to check for color and make sure the area is well-ventilated.
Tea or coffee: Mix 1 cup of cold water with 1/2 teaspoon dishwashing detergent (not containing bleach). Blot and gently rub the spot. When the area is dry, mix 1 teaspoon white vinegar with 2 teaspoons of cold water, blot and let dry.
Ice cream: Mix 1 cup cold water with 1/2 teaspoon dishwashing detergent. Moisten the spot with a teaspoon of the mix and gently rub, from the outer edges to the middle.
Candle wax: Place a white unstarched towel over the area and lightly touch it with a warm iron. As the wax melts, it will be absorbed into the towel
