Accidents happen, but the good news is that stains are usually easier to handle than they look. Start by removing any solids—use a spoon to gently lift them, always working from the outside of the stain toward the center. For liquids, blot immediately with white paper towels or a clean, absorbent cloth. Remember: never rub, since rubbing pushes the liquid deeper into the fibers and can make the stain worse.

Because liquid spills tend to pull dirt to the surface, they may leave behind a darker spot. To treat this, continue blotting with a fresh section of cloth or towel until no more moisture is absorbed.

Next, apply a small amount of your chosen cleaning solution to a cloth (but first test it on a hidden area of your rug to check for colorfastness). Dab the stain with gentle blotting motions, flipping the cloth often so you don’t reapply dirt. Avoid soaking the rug—work from the edges of the spot inward to prevent spreading. Let the cleaner sit for a few minutes, then repeat as needed until the stain is gone.

Once the stain is lifted, remove excess moisture by pressing with dry towels or a sponge. Finally, rinse the area with a cloth dampened in clean water, then blot again to dry.