Accidents happen fast, and if you’re not prepared, a simple spill can turn into a permanent stain, says Jacob Schmidt.
He says every Australian household should have a stain emergency kit ready to go. “Act fast as soon as the spill happens—that’s the trick. Having the right stuff ready to go makes a big difference. The longer you leave a stain, the harder it is to get out.”
The most common household stains include coffee, tea, wine and pet messes—many of which become major problems because people don’t respond fast enough.
“The first step is always to blot, never scrub,” Jason explains. “Use a clean white cloth to absorb the spill. Place a heavy object on top, and keep switching out the cloth as it becomes damp.”
What to include in your stain emergency kit:
- Clean white terry cloth towels (to avoid colour transfer)
- Dishwashing liquid (safe for most fabrics and surfaces)
- A trusted spot stain remover.
According to Jason, one of the biggest mistakes people make is using laundry products on carpets or mixing multiple cleaners. “These can cause chemical reactions or bleach marks. We often see situations where stains could have been removed—until the wrong product was used.”
Dealing with a tough stain? Here’s a step-by-step guide:
1. Blot immediately
Use a clean white terry cloth towel to blot up as much of the spill as possible. Do not scrub.
2. Apply pressure
Place a heavy object, like a book, on top of the towel to help absorb more moisture.
3. Repeat with fresh towels
Replace the towel with a clean, dry one as it becomes damp. Continue until no more moisture transfers to the cloth.
4. Use a mild cleaning solution
Mix a small amount of dishwashing liquid with warm water. Lightly dampen a white cloth with the solution and gently blot the stained area.
5. Avoid common mistakes
Do not scrub the carpet or soak it with water, as this can spread the stain or damage the fibres.
When to call the experts
If the stain doesn’t lift after your initial attempts, or if you’re unsure about which products or methods are safe to use, it’s time to call in a professional. DIY solutions can sometimes do more harm than good, especially when the wrong chemicals are mixed or the stain wasn’t cleaned quickly enough.
-Jacob Schmidt is the owner of Stain Busters Canberra. They provide expert cleaning solutions, specialising in carpet, rug, and upholstery cleaning, stain removal, and water damage restoration.
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