Holiday gatherings bring joy, laughter, and… spills. Lots of spills.

Red wine on the rug, wax dripping from candles, cranberry sauce sliding off a plate — and if you panic-clean the wrong way, you can actually damage your floors.

This quick guide shows you exactly what to do (and what not to do) the moment a holiday spill happens.

1. Red Wine

Blot — don’t scrub. Scrubbing pushes the stain deeper into fibers or wood grain.
Use a clean towel to absorb as much as possible, then apply a gentle, floor-safe cleaner. For carpet, a mix of cool water and a small amount of dish soap can help lift the pigment. For hardwood or LVP, stick to your manufacturer-approved cleaner only.

2. Candle Wax

Let it harden — seriously. Trying to wipe soft wax spreads it. Once it’s fully cooled, gently lift it with a plastic scraper or an old credit card. For stubborn residue on hard floors, place a bag of ice on top for a minute or two to harden it further, then lift again. Avoid metal tools that can scratch.

3. Cranberry Sauce (or Anything Sticky + Red)

Lift solids first with a spoon — don’t smear them. On carpet, use cool water and a bit of mild soap and dab until the pink hue fades. On hard surfaces, avoid abrasive scrubbers; use a microfiber cloth and a floor-safe cleaner. Cranberry pigments stain fast, so quick action helps.

4. Grease & Cooking Oil

Grease travels — it splatters farther than you think. On hard floors, sprinkle a little baking soda to absorb excess oil, then wipe with a microfiber cloth and a pH-neutral cleaner. On carpet, blot with a dry cloth first, then dab with a mild soap-and-water mixture until the residue lifts.

5. Water Spills (For Hardwood Floors)

Water seems harmless, but standing water can warp hardwood or seep into seams. Wipe immediately, then dry the area thoroughly with a second cloth. For hardwood, point a fan at the spot to prevent moisture from lingering in the boards. For carpet, press a towel firmly to absorb water from the pad underneath.

6. Coffee & Hot Chocolate

Sugar-based drinks can leave sticky residue and dull spots. Blot first, then clean with a gentle soap-and-water solution for carpet or a manufacturer-approved cleaner for hard floors. Avoid vinegar — it can damage finishes on hardwood and cloud LVP.

The Bottom Line

Holiday spills are unavoidable, but damage doesn’t have to be. With the right quick response, you can prevent stains, warping, and long-term damage to your hardwood, carpet, tile, or LVP.

If your floors are showing their age, we can help you explore beautiful, long-lasting options for the new year.

Schedule a Free In-Home Consultation →

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Read Part 1: 7 Holiday Floor Tricks Your Guests Will Rave About