The 60-second triage for any fresh spill
What you do in the first minute matters more than any product you buy later.
What you'll learn
- Why blotting is always the first step — never scrub
- Cold water (not hot) for almost every spill type
- Why you should never pour grocery-store spotters on fresh stains
- When to call a pro instead of treating it yourself
Step by step
- Lift anything breakable off the spill area so you can work.
- Grab clean white towels — paper towels work; tea towels and cloth diapers work better.
- Press straight down and hold for 10 seconds. Never rub or wipe.
- Change towels as they saturate. Keep going until they come up clean.
- If the spill is still visible, pour a few tablespoons of cold water on it and blot again.
Safety note
Don't use hot water on protein stains (blood, urine, vomit, dairy) — heat sets them permanently. Cold only.
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