Top Stainless Steel Cleaners With so many guests and so much eating, it's bound to happen: a spill or splotch on your carpet. We tested 21 stain removers on messes that were fresh and on those that had set for 24 hours. Scrape or blot messes first, and try out the remover in a hidden spot on the carpet to make sure it won't also take out the dye. For more carpet cleaning power, be sure to check out our favorite carpet cleaning machines. Hoover Platinum Collection InstantHoover Platinum Collection InstantOur test topper, the Hoover Platinum Collection Instant (18-ounce aerosol spray, $10; 800-944-9200), scored best for fresh stain removal (spaghetti sauce and coffee in particular) and took out set-in red wine with one application. It can also be used on upholstery. ) was particularly effective on wine stains, both immediately and 24 hours later, and erased a fresh spaghetti-sauce blotch. We liked its targeted sprayer for a more accurate application. Earth Friendly Products Everyday Stain & Odor Remover Review

Blue Magic Carpet Stain & Spot Lifter Review Martha Stewart Clean Carpet Stain Remover Review Shout Carpet Spot & Stain Remover Review ScotchGard Oxy Carpet & Fabric Spot & Stain Remover Review Rug Doctor Spot & Stain Remover Review Hope's Perfect Carpet Instant Carpet Spot Remover Review Simple Green Carpet Cleaner Review Carbona 2-in1 Oxy-Powered Carpet Cleaner Review Fuller HyperOx Carpet & Fabric Spotter Review Every month, we deliverthe tools for creative learning Every month, new discoveries for young innovators Every month, new explorations for young innovators Every month, new creations for young innovators Every month, new adventures for young innovators Celery & Food Coloring Experiment Age Range: 3y - 9y Estimated Time: 1-2 hours My son was eager to use a plastic pipette he had (what is it about kids and water play?), so we decided to do a simple science experiment. By dipping celery stalks in colored water, you can literally see water traveling up the celery!

How We Did It When I told H we were going to do a celery experiment, he was ready to get chopping! After a bit of thought, I decided to let him cut the veggies himself. The lesson turned out to be a good one in knife safety! He was feeling like such a big boy. Next he added food color to water and watched wide-eyed as clouds of primary colors swirled around in the clear liquid. Though a simple action, it's a nice way to introduce the concept of density since the dye sinks to the bottom of the glass. And after about 20 minutes, we started checking out our celery. I was attempting the best way to photograph the teeny dots of color from the end of the stalk, when H grabbed a stalk, ripped it open, and clearly exposed the inside of the celery. After about an hour, the dye had made its way into the leafy green tops. I set it on the table so H could discover the change on his own. When he did, he was thrilled and excitedly explained to Dad, "The blue water got to the leaves because of the teeny tiny tubes sucking the water up like a straw!"

If you leave the celery in the dye overnight, the leaves get almost completely saturated by color. We were all amazed by the vibrant blue-colored leaves. The science: When you water the soil of your plants, how does the water travel from the soil into the plant and out to the leaves? Pet Adoption Events In NjTiny tubes (xylem) draw the water up from the roots like a straw. Cost To Install Bathroom MirrorIt works by a capillary action. Weight Loss Submit Guest PostThe water molecules suck up inside the tiny tubes and move up and out to the leaves as if someone was sucking on the end of the tubes. The suction actually occurs as a result of water in the leaves evaporating very slowly. Balloon Propeller (Newton's Third Law)

Cornstarch + Water = Oobleck Flour + Baby Oil = Cloud DoughWine, pasta, pet feces... our carpets have seen it all. When faced with a stain, it's tempting to bust out the sponge and start scrubbing. But do yourself a favor and take an extra two minutes to plan your attack, as the right strategy could mean the difference between a clean carpet and a stain that lingers forever. There are indeed different methods to best clean different types of stains (see below). But before getting to the nitty-gritty, a few universal rules apply for carpet cleaning. 1. Clean the stain ASAP. "The most important thing is to get to the stain before it has a chance to set," says Bahram Shabahang, co-founder of carpet design house Orley Shabahang. Don't let stains sit around. 2. Blot instead of scrub. Before cleaning, absorb whatever goo or gunk you can with a cloth or sponge."The goal is to pull out as much liquid as possible, to reduce the size and spread of the stain," Shabahang adds.

After that, always use a dabbing motion instead of rigorously scrubbing. 3. Use as little product as possible. This reduces both the drying time and the risk of staining your carpet. For most stains, it's ideal to use club soda or dish soap as a cleaning product. (See the guide below.) 4. Dry it well. Blot thoroughly with a towel after you clean, as carpet that remains damp could grow mold. You can also use a fan or hair dryer to gently speed the process, Shabahang says. After learning the basics of carpet stain removal, we wanted to see if DIY carpet-cleaning methods actually worked. So we made some stains and let them sit for 24 hours or more ('cuz let's face it, we do NOT always address our stains right away). We used Shabahang's recommended cleaning methods, unless otherwise noted. Here's how it went: DARK-COLORED FOODS (LIKE CHOCOLATE) Expert says: Scrape off what you can. Mix one part soap and four parts water, and apply with a sponge. Rinse with lukewarm water.

10 out of 10 stars. FATTY OR GREASY FOODS (LIKE PIZZA) Expert says: Scrape off with a knife, then layer paper towels on top of the stain. Turn your iron on lowest heat, and iron the paper towels to lift the grease. Apply a mix of white vinegar, soap and lukewarm water, then rinse.10 out of 10. Get top stories and blog posts emailed to me each day. Newsletters may offer personalized content or advertisements. WINE, COFFEE & MOST OTHER FOODS Expert says: Blot the stain, and rinse with club soda. If needed, brush the spot with soapy water and rinse.Better than we ever thought. 8 out of 10. For this trial, we used advice from Into the Gloss. Expert says: Dip a rag in clear-colored acetone, and use it to blot the stain.Yes, but not enough. There was plenty of nail polish on the rag but a LOT left on the carpet when we were done. 3 out of 10. Expert says: Remove what you can, then rinse with club soda. If needed, brush the spot with soapy water and rinse.