Cleaning Tips for Panicked Parents

Let’s face it – kids and carpets don’t mix. While we love the cushy protection carpet offers for our toddlers and older daredevils, we eventually come to understand that, to our children, the carpets in our home are just another thing to destroy, inadvertently or otherwise. From infant formula to finger paint to ground-in food, kids can deal out some serious stains, leaving parents panic-stricken and scrambling for their cleaning products.

Sadly, our store-bought stain removers are often no match for the most serious carpet offenses. But fear not – there are solutions! Following are some tips for dealing with a few common kid-induced carpet traumas.

Fruit Juice
If you have a child under the age of 10, chances are good that he or she has wandered off with a cup of grape or cranberry juice at some p or another, only to dribble, pour or slosh the contents onto your carpet. Even the most diligent parents find themselves facing huge, unexplained red stains on their brand new berber. So what can be done?

The key to effectively removing fruit stains is to move quickly. Immediately blot the stain with a clean cloth to remove as much juice as possible. Spray some water onto the stain and blot again. Next, prepare a cleaning solution using a small amount of non-bleach detergent and lukewarm water. Blot, don’t rub, the stain with a cloth soaked in solution, then rinse using a spray bottle and water. Repeat, soaking up as much liquid as possible after each step, until no trace of the stain remains.   

Play-Doh
Most moms have a love/hate relationship with this preschool favorite. While play-doh offers hours of fun and creativity, it invariably ends up stuck inside other toys, crammed into the soles of shoes and, yes, smooshed into your carpets.

Should you happen to find play-doh crumbles lodged deep within your carpet after a play date, patience is the best approach. Scrubbing wet play-doh or using a cleaning solution can lead to staining. However, if you allow the play-doh to dry, you can usually loosen it with a stiff-bristled brush. Follow with a good vacuuming and voilà! Good as new.

Potty Accidents
While potty accidents can certainly be traumatic for frazzled toddler parents, they needn’t be traumatic for your carpets. Potty accidents can be treated in the same way as pet stains. First, remove liquids (or solids) to the best of your ability. Next, create a solution to clean, deodorize and disinfect the soiled carpet. Experts recommend combining one part white vinegar with one part water. Spray the solution onto the stain, then blot. If any hint of the stain remains, try adding a teaspoon of baking soda to the solution. Baking soda can also be used to remove odors once the carpet is dry – sprinkle baking soda onto carpet, allow it to sit overnight, and then vacuum.