Ah, the magical season of winter. It’s time for cozy nights spent watching the snow fall with a cup of hot coffee or red wine in hand. But what happens when your peaceful evening is shot by your dog busting in the back door, tracking mud all over the carpet and spilling your drink on your sweater for good measure?
Subscribe to keep reading
Join 14,771 Charlotte tastemakers.
Fear not, friends. We know messy accidents can happen over the holidays. That’s why we’ve got all 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).
Mud on carpet or upholstery
Don’t get the spot wet! It may sound counterintuitive, but our friends at Fiber Services 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
The Laundress makes a great Stain Solution that’s specifically formulated to break down the super stubborn stains like red wine, tomato sauce, blood, chocolate and even grease.
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 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 call in the pros:
Fortunately, there are dozens of friendly, professional cleaners in Charlotte who can handle tough stains on everything from cashmere to carpet.
Here are a few of our picks:
(scoop publisher Susu has used all 3 of these cleaners and loves their work)
Long’s Dry Cleaning
Dilworth
918 E. Morehead St.
704-334-6439
Carriage Cleaners
2447 Park Road
704-377-9720
Fiber Services (upholstery)
10100 Park Cedar Dr #150
704-543-0903
