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Archive for the ‘Care and Maintenance’ Category

The start of a new year brings fresh opportunities to upgrade and redefine your home. Flooring, often seen as a functional component, has emerged as a key design element capable of transforming your space. The right flooring not only adds aesthetic value but also enhances comfort, durability, and practicality.

As 2025 begins, new flooring trends are blending timeless appeal with innovative solutions. Whether you’re drawn to cozy textures, resilient materials, or statement-making designs, there’s an option for everyone. Let’s explore the possibilities for reimagining your home with the year’s top flooring ideas.


1. The Cozy Comeback of Carpeting

Once overlooked in favor of hardwood or vinyl options, carpeting is experiencing a resurgence. Today’s carpets are designed with a focus on sustainability, luxury, and practical benefits. Soft textures and soothing colors are key trends for 2025, making carpet an inviting choice for bedrooms, family rooms, and other cozy spaces.

Carpet is also favored for its insulating properties, helping to maintain a comfortable temperature during colder months and reducing noise in high-traffic areas. Advances in carpet fibers and treatments mean modern carpets are more durable and stain-resistant than ever.

What’s Trending:

  • High-pile and plush textures that create a warm, luxurious feel underfoot.
  • Neutral and earthy tones such as stone gray, soft beige, and pale taupe.
  • Sustainable materials like wool or recycled fibers to align with eco-friendly lifestyles.

Practical Considerations: In addition to its aesthetic appeal, carpet is an excellent choice for homes with young children or seniors, as it provides a softer, safer surface for falls.

Design Tip: To elevate your space, layer area rugs over carpets. Opt for contrasting colors or bold patterns to create visual interest without overwhelming the room.


2. Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP): Beauty Meets Durability

Luxury Vinyl Plank continues to dominate the flooring market in 2025. Its incredible versatility allows homeowners to enjoy the look of hardwood or stone without the maintenance challenges these materials can bring. LVP’s resistance to scratches, moisture, and everyday wear makes it an ideal solution for families with children, pets, or high-traffic households.

One of LVP’s standout features is its ability to mimic natural materials so convincingly that it’s nearly indistinguishable from the real thing. Homeowners love its combination of practicality and aesthetics.

Why Choose LVP:

  • Perfect for moisture-prone areas like bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry rooms.
  • Available in a wide variety of finishes, including distressed wood, matte stone, and high-gloss looks.
  • Durable enough for commercial use, making it a smart investment for long-term wear.

Creative Application: LVP can be combined with area rugs to define living spaces in open-concept homes. This pairing creates cozy zones while maintaining the visual flow of the flooring.

Styling Insight: Use LVP throughout an open-concept floor plan to create a cohesive look. For a unique touch, consider laying the planks in herringbone or diagonal patterns.


3. Engineered Hardwood: Timeless with a Modern Twist

For those who love the classic look of hardwood but need a more durable and versatile option, engineered hardwood is the answer. This flooring type features a top layer of natural wood over a multi-layered core, which provides greater stability in areas with fluctuating temperatures or humidity.

In 2025, lighter wood tones such as white oak, ash, and light maple are highly sought after. These finishes give spaces an airy, modern feel while maintaining the timeless beauty of natural wood.

Key Benefits of Engineered Hardwood:

  • Resistant to warping and shrinking, making it suitable for basements and kitchens.
  • Compatible with underfloor heating systems for added warmth and comfort.
  • Easier to install than solid hardwood, often allowing for floating floor installations.

Where to Use It: Engineered hardwood is versatile enough for nearly every room in the house, from living rooms to hallways. Its durability makes it a great choice for high-traffic areas.

Pro Tip: Pair light-toned engineered hardwood with darker furnishings to create an elegant contrast, or keep it minimal with neutral décor for a Scandinavian-inspired look.


4. Bold and Beautiful Tiles for Every Room

Tiles are no longer confined to kitchens and bathrooms. In 2025, homeowners are using tiles as a bold design statement in nearly every room of the house. From colorful geometric patterns to textured natural stone finishes, the possibilities are endless.

Tiles are particularly popular for their durability and ease of maintenance. They’re an excellent choice for entryways, mudrooms, and even living rooms when paired with radiant floor heating.

Trending Tile Styles:

  • Geometric Patterns: Create a dynamic, modern vibe with hexagons, chevrons, or intricate mosaics.
  • Large-Format Tiles: Oversized tiles are perfect for achieving a clean, seamless look in open spaces.
  • Natural Stone Looks: Porcelain tiles that mimic marble or slate add luxury without the upkeep of real stone.

Creative Application Ideas:

  • Use textured tiles to create a feature wall in a bathroom or living area.
  • Incorporate colorful tiles into a backsplash to add personality to your kitchen.
  • Choose matte-finish tiles for a sleek, contemporary aesthetic.

5. Nature-Inspired Flooring: A Connection to the Outdoors

Flooring that brings the beauty of nature indoors is a major trend for 2025. Whether through wood-look planks, stone-inspired tiles, or earthy color palettes, this style emphasizes tranquility and connection.

Nature-inspired flooring works particularly well in spaces designed for relaxation, such as bedrooms and living rooms. It pairs beautifully with other natural elements like houseplants, wicker furniture, and soft textiles.

Top Choices:

  • Wide-plank wood flooring with natural knots and grain for a rustic touch.
  • Porcelain tiles in slate or travertine finishes for durability and elegance.

Design Tip: Combine nature-inspired flooring with large windows or skylights to maximize natural light and enhance the organic feel.


6. Area Rugs: A Layer of Comfort and Style

Area rugs are an essential design element for 2025, offering both practical and aesthetic benefits. They’re ideal for defining spaces in open-concept homes, adding warmth to hard flooring, or introducing bold patterns and colors.

Where to Use Area Rugs:

  • Anchor your living room seating area with a large, plush rug.
  • Place a runner in a hallway or entryway to protect floors and add a welcoming touch.
  • Use an area rug under your dining table to delineate the space and protect your floors.

Pro Tip: Experiment with layering rugs of different textures, such as a jute rug paired with a soft, patterned overlay.


7. Maintenance Tips for Long-Lasting Floors

No matter which flooring type you choose, proper care is essential to keep it looking its best. Routine maintenance can help prevent wear and extend the lifespan of your investment.

General Care Tips:

  • Vacuum carpets regularly to remove dirt and allergens.
  • Use pH-neutral cleaners on hardwood and LVP to prevent damage to finishes.
  • Seal tile grout periodically to maintain its appearance and durability.

Seasonal Advice: In winter, place mats at entryways to catch snow and debris. For added protection, use boot trays to contain wet shoes and boots.


Transform Your Space in 2025

Your flooring is more than just a surface—it’s the foundation of your home’s design. Whether you’re drawn to the cozy appeal of carpet, the durability of luxury vinyl, or the timeless beauty of hardwood, the right flooring can elevate your space and reflect your personal style.

Visit our showroom to explore these trends and discover the perfect flooring for your home. Our experts are ready to help you create a space that’s stylish, functional, and uniquely yours.s it is beautiful, setting the stage for a home you’ll love in 2025.

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Nov-21-2019

Tile Maintenance and Care

Posted by Carpets N More under Care and Maintenance, Tile

Tile is a beautiful addition to any home. Though tile is extremely durable and low maintenance, it should still be cared for overtime. If you have ceramic or porcelain tile, we put together some simple and easy maintenance to practice on your flooring. Remember, grout can be a little trickier and will take some more in-depth techniques to clean.

Ceramic vs. Porcelain

Ceramic and porcelain tiles are both made from clays. Porcelain clay is denser and less porous, so it typically more durable. Being less porous means it can be harder for water or soot to get deep into the tile as well. However, both tiles should be cleaned regularly to avoid build-up of unwanted grease and other residues.

Glazed Tiles

Glazed tiles can be easily cleaned by just using water without the need for soap. If liquids are spilled on the ceramic or porcelain tile, they should be cleaned quickly. Remember, ceramic is porous, which can allow liquids to penetrate through easily. If you spill a beverage on ceramic, it can quickly stain it if not removed promptly. Simply wipe away spills and add water to dilute. You can use a rag or paper towel to absorb all remaining liquid or residue.

Abrasive Tiles

For more abrasive tiles, consider using a mop or a bristled brush. Rinse your ground and mop with hot water. You can add a tile cleaning solution as well to help break down dirt and soot. You may want to go over your floor again with a clean water mop to ensure you eliminate all dirt in the area.

Polished Tiles

Polished tile can be very vulnerable to acidic products. Do not use acidic cleaner when cleaning polished ceramic or porcelain tiles. You will also want to immediately remove any spills or accidents with acidic liquids like citric fruits, wines, sodas, kinds of vinegar, and pet urine.

Glass Tiles

Never use an abrasive brush on glass tiles – this can scratch your tiles and be seen very easily. Remember this if you have glass as your backsplash as well. Many homes will use glass as a decorative accent in showers or in kitchen backsplashes. Simply, wipe clean with a damp sponge and pat dry.

Tiles are low maintenance and do not demand much work. However, it is essential to keep them clean to prevent the build-up of unwanted soot and grime. These simple tricks can be done whenever you feel like it is time to clean your floors.

Sep-10-2019

How to Clean Stone in Your Shower

Posted by Carpets N More under Care and Maintenance

There is nothing that screams luxury more than a stone shower stall. In fact, having natural stone built into the design of your bathroom is a luxurious addition to any home. Whether your shower stalls are encased in travertine, limestone or granite, knowing how to maintain it properly is important. While stone can last a lifetime, using harsh chemical products to clean it can result in discoloration. Here is how you can protect your investment:

Never Use White Vinegar

Distilled white vinegar is a natural cleanser that is often suggested for many materials. However, this substance contains acid that when used against any type of stone, can break down the sealant. As a result, the stone slabs or tiles will begin to erode and discolor, and this will ruin the look of your beautifully designed bathroom.

Steer Clear of Ammonia

Ammonia is another product you will want to avoid when cleaning stone in the shower. While ammonia is great at eliminating bacteria and creating a sterile environment, it also breaks down sealants. When mixed with bleach, it can be toxic to your health.

Liquid and Powdered Scrubs Are a No-No

Liquid and powdered scrubs are abrasive, which means that they can end up scratching and damaging stone tiles. These traditional shower cleaners also have acids in their ingredients that will discolor stone over time.

So, how can you safely clean your stone shower? We are glad you asked!

Use a Squeegee or Microfiber Towel

Keep soap scum at bay by using a squeegee or a microfiber towel to wipe away soap scum. Soap sum is a combination of dead skin cells, water, and soap. For the best results, clean off soap scum before it dries to prevent it from coming back as fast. Next, a microfiber towel can easily catch the soap scum on your shower walls. However, you will want to wash it every week to prevent bacteria from building up on the fabric.

Try a Steam Cleaner

Steam cleaners are a powerful tool for cleaning grout and the top layer of stone walls. You can use a small, portable steam cleaner which is effective at cleaning flat surfaces. This is a safe and chemical-free way to keep your stone shower clean.

At the end of the day, remember to avoid harsh acids with your natural stone because they are often sensitive. If you have more questions, please do not hesitate to leave a comment below, and we will be sure to answer it for you.

May-22-2019

Chores You Should Complete Every Year

Posted by Carpets N More under Care and Maintenance, Hints and Tips

You get into a routine of when to do certain chores. Your daily chores may be as simple as making your bed or doing the dishes, or perhaps you have grocery day and a laundry day once a week. These simple habits can become routines. When you space out chores biweekly or once a month, it can be hard to remember what day they fall on during your busy life. It can be even more tasking to remember chores you only need to tackle once a year. However, we still have some maintenance and tasks we need to do annually. We put together a simple checklist as a reminder. If you have yet to tackle these in the last year, make these your new projects this week.

Curtains

While your curtains may be suspended, they still fall victim to airborne nuisance dust and allergens. Most textiles are magnets for dust. While your carpet and couches will hold more, your curtains and drapes should be washed once a year. This can help keep your home cleaner and prevent allergies.

Gutters

Your gutters are a simple way to take the water off your roof and direct it to a run-off or a drain; however, if your gutters get congested with leaves and debris, it will jeopardize the system. You should try to take care of this once a year to ensure your gutters are working correctly and efficiently. If you live in a wooded environment, you may need to do this more frequently.

Fireplace

When you use your fireplace, the wood you burn release contaminants and soot into your chimney. This build-up takes time but should be removed annually if you are using your fireplace. It is best to tackle this in the fall, so it is prepared by winter.

Mattress

You are recommended to sleep 1/3 of your life. That means you probably spend that portion of your life in bed and matting down your mattress. To prevent your mattress from “over-forming” to your body, it is best to flip and rotate your mattress once a year.

Today’s high pace society can make annual chores the last thing on your mind. With these four annual chores, you can rest assured that your tasks are complete. You can tackle them all once a year or break them into four separate tasks that you complete quarterly. Just find a method that works best with your own schedule.

Stainless steel is a beautiful finish that looks even better when it is gleaming and shining. In fact, many homeowners feel that stainless steel can make any space feel modern and sleek. That being said, anyone with stainless steel appliances and surfaces in their kitchen will tell you that keeping this finish spotless can be a challenge, especially if you have little ones or a big family. How can you keep your stainless steel surfaces free from watermarks and fingerprints? Check out our tips and tricks:

Cleaning a Steel Range

When cleaning a stainless steel stove or range, you will really have to “dig in deep.” It is not enough to simply clean the top surface. You will need to remove the control knobs because dirt and grime often get stuck under them. When you do not remove the knobs to clean them, remnants of the food you have been cooking as well as other types of grime will build up in that area which is unsanitary and eventually become hard to remove. Also, make sure you clean the hood so that grease does not accumulate.

Stainless Steel Appliances Handles

The handles on your stainless steel appliances will require regular cleaning since we tend to touch these areas often. Use a damp microfiber cloth to wipe them down a couple of days out of the week. It is best to use fine-woven microfiber cloths that are used to clean eyeglasses. This material is great at effectively removing dust and dirt without leaving behind smears or streaks.

Prevent Oxidation

Have you ever noticed a white film developing over a stainless steel surface? This is called oxidation. When steel begins to oxidize, a white film starts to grow over the surface creating a cloudy effect. You can fight against oxidation by applying a pumice powder and water mixture on your appliances. Pumice powder can be purchased at a local hardware store.

Cleaning the Countertops

If you have stainless steel countertops, a weekly cleaning of your countertops will keep the kitchen looking fresh. Plus, you do not have to use expensive cleaners, and you should avoid abrasive cleaning agents. In fact, a simple dish detergent and water mixture can be effective. Use a light dish towel during the cleaning process so that you do not scratch the surface.

Do you have any tips or tricks of your own for cleaning stainless steel appliances? We would love to hear your recommendations below in the comment section. Thanks for reading!

Removing glue from your carpet can be challenging if you do not know the correct procedures.  Different adhesives bring different challenges and should be handled accordingly.  As you read earlier in the series, freezing glue is always a good tactic to try to harden it then scrape it off the fibers.  However, not all glue respond to this method.  While some heavy hitter glues are challenging, young folks bring some challenges of their own. Here are several common types of glue children may bring into the household that can create a tacky nightmare if not handled correctly:

Stickers

Sticker residue can be easy if caught early, but more challenging if it is matted deep into the carpet fiber.  Heat up white vinegar and dampen carpet residue.  Allow the area to soak for about ten minutes to break up the sticker residue.   You should be able to scrub out the sticker residue after it is broken down by the vinegar.   If some residue still remains, repeat the method. 

Glitter Glue 

Scrape away as much residue as possible.  If your carpet is solution dyed, it should be able to handle a bleach and water mixture.  This can help remove the stained color.  If you are unsure, test your carpet in a discrete area.  You can use the bleach and water mixture to remove to glue.  If some remains, apply ice to harden and scrape up to rest of the residue. 

Super Glue 

Super glue can be challenging to remove.  Apply acetone diluted with water to your carpet.  After you remove most of the super glue, go back and apply a mixture of distilled white vinegar, washing detergent, and hot water.   Scrub away at the super glue and pat dry.  This should remove the remaining sticky mess. 

Like most stains, the sooner you can get to the accident, the better chance you have of removing the stain.  Do not let these sticky situations hold you down.  With some tender love and care, you can have your carpet looking like new again.  For more great tips and tricks, visit us our blog hub here and be sure to subscribe!

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Glue is excellent for fixing so many things around the house.  Unfortunately, you can find yourself in a very sticky situation when you get some on your carpet, and homeowners find that it can be one of the more challenging stains to remove.  While not only staining the carpet, it creates a sticky residue that can damage the carpet fibers and mat down the resiliency of your flooring.  Different glues will take different methods in order to remove them. To help, here are several of the most common household glues and how you can remove them from your carpet: 

Hot Glue 

Do not handle when the glue is still hot.  If you try to clean it when it is fresh and warm, it will only sink deeper into the carpet fibers.  Allow the glue to dry.  Apply ice to the glue to harden it.  Once it is hardened, you can pick away at the glue.  You can also apply acetone.  Acetone is a strong chemical.  You should dilute the chemical in water and apply it using a wet rag. 

Commercial Glue 

Commercial glues are usually applied using a caulk/adhesive gun.  These compounds are extremely difficult to remove.  Most commercial glues know this and have a recommend glue removing solvent sold separately.  This is your best option for removing this glue from rugs in your home.  Try applying a small amount to a discrete spot in the house.  These solvents can be powerful agents and may not be very forgiving to the carpet fibers and dyes.  If it seems to be damaging the rug, try to use ice to freeze the glue and remove.  

Rubber Cement 

Another extremely durable glue is rubber cement.  For this process, scrape away as much rubber cement as possible from your carpet.  Mix warm water with a little bit of laundry detergent and some white vinegar.  Apply the mixture using a damp rag and scrub your carpet.  Allow it to air dry.  This should help remove most of the rubber cement from your carpet.  You can repeat this process again after the carpet has dried. 

While glues are extremely useful around the house, they can be quite the pain to remove.  Using these tricks can help you from having to replace your carpet.  Check out the rest of this series to find more tricks and tips to removing difficult glue stains from your carpet.  Have a stain request you want more information on removing?  Let us know in the comment section! 

*Disclaimer: Please check with your carpet manufacturer for their stain removal advice. Results may vary. 

 

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Dec-6-2018

Expert Tips for Cleaning Vinyl Floors

Posted by Carpets N More under Care and Maintenance, Vinyl

Vinyl has become a popular flooring choice among homeowners. It provides them with a stylish and versatile flooring option that meets their budget. If you are one of the many homeowners installing vinyl in your home, we have three tips to help you keep your floors clean and in pristine shape. Let’s take a look!

Tips for Cleaning Your Vinyl Floors:

Regular Cleaning.

You will want to sweep or vacuum your vinyl floors routinely. Just be sure not to use your vacuum’s beater bar to avoid damaging your floors. Also, you should occasionally wash your floors with the proper solution. For the best recommendation, go on the manufacturer’s website and see their product referral.

Restore The Shine.

If you have a low gloss finish or high gloss finish on your vinyl floors, you can protect and restore the shine of your floors with the proper cleaning solution. For the best recommendation, go on the manufacturer’s website and see their product referral.

Protecting Your Floors.

To keep your floors looking beautiful longer, we recommend following these four protective tips:

      1. Use floor protectors underneath your furniture. This will help reduce the effects caused by indentation and help reduce the cause of potential scratches and nicks.
      2. Place floor mats at the entrances and exits of your home to catch dirt and debris at the source.
      3. Put an area rug inside of your high-traffic rooms to help cut back on daily wear and tear. Experts recommend purchasing a non-staining polypropylene rug, colorfast woven rug, or vinyl-back rug. They discourage using rugs that could potentially discolor your floors like rubber-backed and latex-backed.
      4. Cleaning your floors regularly can be one of the best ways to keep them looking new longer. Be sure to follow your vinyl manufacturer’s recommendations on products to avoid damaging your new floors.

As always, if you have any questions or concerns about your floors, please do not hesitate to reach out to us. You can call or visit us for more information. We hope you found this helpful and be sure to check back weekly for more updates and posts.

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Jul-24-2018

Help! How to Clean My Carpet Stains

Posted by Carpets N More under Care and Maintenance

Red wine, mud, even pet stains, we have all been there. Carpet stains can be tricky to clean and the longer they sit, the harder they will be to remove! But have no fear, here are four awesome tips and tricks to help you remove different kinds of stubborn stains. 
 
Help! How to Clean My Carpet Stains:

1. Red Wine
Red wine can be tricky. To start, you will need to collect some items from around your home. Grab clear, mild dishwashing detergent, hydrogen peroxide or ammonia, saran wrap, white vinegar, and some paper towels. Apply with a damp, white rag and mix together a cup of warm water with a quarter cup of your detergent. After, apply your 1/2 cup hydrogen peroxide or a teaspoon of ammonia and let it sit under your saran wrap for a couple hours with applied weight. Next, you will need to use white vinegar to neutralize it. Absorb remaining stains and liquids with a paper towel and let sit a couple hours underneath a weighted object.
**Keep an eye on the solution and never leave it unattended. 
 
2. Mud
With mud, you will need clear, mild dishwashing detergent, warm water, a dish brush, paper towels and a vacuum with a scrub brush. Do not scrub with the scrub brush, just tap and clean up as much dirt as possible. Break up the remaining mud particles with a toothbrush or dish brush and remember not to scrub in access dirt. Use a cup of warm water with 1/4 cup (mild, no dye) detergent and apply to stain. Apply paper towels on top and keep pressure to absorb up material. You will want to leave a heavy object on paper towels for several hours to ensure absorption.
 **Keep an eye on the solution and never leave it unattended. 
 
3. Pet Urine
Grab clear, mild dishwashing detergent, ammonia, white vinegar, clean, dry cloths, and some paper towels. Apply a cup of warm water with 1/4 cup of detergent and pat with a white cloth. Remember to pat the area so you do not soak the urine into the padding. Apply ammonia and some white vinegar to the area using a cloth. Do not attempt to soak the area with these materials. After the stain is removed, soak up access with paper towels for several hours by leaving a heavy object on top.
 **Keep an eye on the solution and never leave it unattended. 
 
4. Wax
Grab a white cotton towel large enough to absorb all the wax, a grease/tar remover, and a clothing iron. You will need to melt the wax to remove it but also be careful to not scorch the carpet fibers. Put your cotton cloth over wax stain and underneath the iron. Absorb as much of the wax as possible and be careful to not burn yourself or the carpet. After, grab your non-oil base grease and tar removal product. Mix with a cup of warm water and a quarter cup detergent. Pat this onto the remaining stain until gone. Soak up access with paper towels and leave sit for several hours.
 
**Never soak your carpet when cleaning it and make sure to soak up all access water so it is not absorbed into the pad.
 
We recommend checking with your carpet manufacturer for specifics on cleaning but using these helpful tools can be a great start. This should help you with some of the most common household stains but keep in mind carpet is never guaranteed to be stain resistant.
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Sep-3-2013

Labor Day Clean Up

Posted by Carpets N More under Care and Maintenance, Carpet, Hints and Tips

9605119_SDid you host a Labor Day party or barbeque?  Were you prepared for stains, spills, or any other mishaps that came from having a few dozen people walking through your home with food and drinks?  We’ve got a few great tips for your next hosting experience!

Today we will focus on how to get BBQ sauce out of carpet because that is a likely accident waiting to happen.

First, use a butter knife to scrape as much of the sauce off the carpet as you can. The sooner you catch the stain the better.

Dab some lukewarm water on the stain if it has already dried. Hopefully if someone spills they will tell you right away, but sometimes that doesn’t happen.

Add ¼ teaspoon mild detergent or carpet shampoo to 1 liter of cold water. Stir the solution in a bowl to mix thoroughly.

Before you apply any cleaner to your carpet, test the cleaner in a small patch where no one will see it. Wait a few minutes. If the cleaner discolors or otherwise adversely affects the carpet, remove it immediately with cold water and a sponge. If it ends up causing permanent damage, at least it won’t be right in the middle of the room.

If the cleaner does not affect the carpet, moisten a clean cloth liberally with the cleaning solution, and simply lay the cloth over the stain.

Use the bottom of a spoon to gently press down on the cloth. Gradually work your way all over the cloth, starting on the outside and working your way toward the center in a spiral to prevent spreading the stain. This process works the solution into the carpet without rubbing the stain in or damaging the carpet fibers.

Lift the cloth off the stain and gently spray with warm water.

Blot the stain with a clean cloth.

If the stain is gone, use a hair dryer on a low setting to dry the carpet.

If the stain is not gone, keep the carpet damp and call a professional dry cleaner as soon as possible.

At the end of the day a stain on your carpet is not the end of the world, however, they can be fixed if you follow the steps above. No need to let a little accident ruin your fun of hosting another party.