No matter how careful we are, accidents are simply part of everyday life. That’s why knowing how to respond quickly and correctly is critical to preventing further damage to your carpets and upholstery.
You can take every precaution—protective treatments, no-food rules, careful supervision—yet spills and stains still happen. A dog may urinate on a freshly cleaned carpet. Children might spill milk during playtime. Guests can accidentally knock over a glass of red wine. These moments are hard to prevent entirely.
Thanks to the internet, it’s tempting to turn to DIY remedies and home solutions. While some minor spills can be managed safely, not all advice online is reliable—and some methods can permanently damage your carpet.
Golden Rules for Dealing With Carpet and Upholstery Spills
If an accident happens, these basic steps can help minimise damage before professional help arrives:
Never Rub or Scrub the Stain
Rubbing forces liquid deeper into the carpet fibres and underlay, often making the stain worse and harder to remove.
Use a Clean White Cloth
Blot the spill gently using a clean white cloth or paper towel. Always work from the outside of the stain inward to prevent spreading.
Act Immediately
Speed is critical. The faster you respond, the better your chances of preventing permanent discolouration or odours. Delayed action allows spills to bond with fibres.