Seasonal Stains

During this time of the year many people increase their intake of sweets, food and other holiday goodies.  And, as would be expected, the number of spills from such pleasures increases as well. What can be done to limit carpet or flooring damage? What kinds of spills are most common? If all else fails, then what?

The article below comes from cmmonline.com dated 12-2-14. Some interesting research and comments were provided. Here's the article.

Study Reveals Top Stains of the Holiday Season

By Cleaning & Maintenance Management® Staff

December 02, 2014

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Vancouver, WA— Before you roll out the red carpet to family and friends this holiday season, you may want to put a professional cleaner on speed dial. While the holidays typically invite merriment and goodwill, they can also invite a host of spills and stains in at least two-thirds of American residences, according to the results of a new study from the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC). The study, conducted online by Harris Poll on behalf of IICRC from November 13-17, 2014 among 2,014 adults ages 18 and older, looked at the top stains of the season. The most commonly found type of holiday stain? It’s a tie between chocolate and fruit punch. 
“Holiday planning generally focuses on the food and decorations that make our homes and businesses feel more festive,” said Tony Wheelwright, chairman of the IICRC. “Our research shows that these substances have ended up on our floors or upholstery. If they aren’t properly treated, these stains can leave you with a lasting memory long after the holiday season has passed.”
According to the survey, the top five holiday stains Americans have encountered on their carpets, rugs, hard floors, or upholstery during the holiday season include:

• Chocolate: 26 percent
• Fruit punch or dye-based drink (e.g. Kool-Aid): 26 percent
• Grease:  23 percent
• Red or white wine: 21 percent
• Candle wax: 19 percent.

Other frequent holiday stains include vomit (18 percent), beer (16 percent), gravy (15 percent) and butter (10 percent).
Additional key insights from the study include:

• People in the Midwest are more likely to have encountered vomit stains (23 percent) than those in the Northeast (15 percent) and West (14 percent)
• Stains from cranberry sauce are more likely to have been found by people in the Northeast (11 percent) than in Midwest (6 percent)
• Younger people (ages 18-34) are more likely than those age 45-54 and those age 65+ to have encountered stains during the holiday season (74 percent vs. 63 percent and 59 percent, respectively).

To treat and remove most stains, the IICRC recommends using a three-step process of “blot, dilute and blot.” First, blot the stain with an absorbent towel to remove excess liquid or material. Next, dilute the stain with water, which is safe to use on most fabrics. Finally, blot the spot again to remove any excess water. Once you’ve treated the spot, cover it with a folded towel and place a heavy object over it to help absorb any additional liquid.
“This approach will treat a majority of stains, but when all else fails, you should call in a professional to limit further damage,” adds Pete Duncanson, chairman of the IICRC instructors and schools committee. “Certified carpet, hard floor and upholstery cleaning professionals will have the right tools, equipment and knowledge to remove your stains and restore your floors and upholstery to their pre-holiday beauty.”

For more information about the IICRC or to locate a professional IICRC-certified carpet or upholstery cleaner in your area, please visit www.iicrc.org.