(NAPSA)—Americanshavespilled the beans—all over clothing and in every room of the house—according to a recent poll. When asked about the substance spilled most often, 70 percent of the respondentscited beverages. Seventy-two percent said stains land on shirts or blouses more than other clothing items. While no one can prevent peo- ple from having an occasional case of the “dropsies,” here are a few tips to help keep your favorite items far from the give-awaypile: * Take it to the table—Avoid turning the dashboard of the car into a messy mealtray. Eating on the run and in stop-and-gotraffic can make you an easy target for spots, spills and stains. It is no surprise that 23 percent of Americans polled said the car is the most popular place outside of the home to experience a food stain. Wheneverpossible, schedule time for sit-down meals at a table where food and drinks are less likely to splat, splash and land on clothing. Protect and preserve— Your favorite foods and beverages don’t have to become a permanent part of your clothing or furniture. Take proactive steps to preserve the things you care about. Using a stain protector, such as Scotchgard from 3M, provides a defense against a lot of those food and drink spills that can ruin yourcar, clothing, carpeting and upholstery. Make the kitchen the central eating station—Forty-three percent of household spills outside of the kitchen occur in the living room and almost 27 percent occur in the family room. Set up a “central eating station” by encouraging adults and kids to contain food and beverages to the kitchen. Furniture and flooring in the kitchen are often designed to endurespills better than other rooms. Preserve the rest of the house for neater activities! * Dress to stress less— Entertaining and parties in the Proper stain protection can help prevent accidents from making a permanent messofthings. home can create a hazard zone of spots and spills with the threat of finger foods and beverages landing on fine upholstery and dressy clothing. With the new multi-use Scotchgard protector for fabric and upholstery in the red can, you won't have to cover the couch with an unsightly slip cover and you can wear your favorite luxury items to parties without a second thought. The red can now works on silk, wool, dry-clean only and other delicate items. Be a super citizen—More than half of poll respondents said they’ve thrown out clothes because they were stained or soiled. Instead, donate clothing (and furniture) to your local charity. It will help someone in need and give you a tax break. Keep carpets looking good longer—Consider buying carpets with mill-applied stain protector, or you can buy a do-ityourself formula in a can. In addi- tion, vacuum regularly, use entrance mats to trap soil before it can be tracked in your home, blot up spills immediately, and regularly have your carpet professionally cleaned. Stains happen, but they don’t have to ruin your day or your favorite things. Taking a few simple precautions will help you keep your clothing, rugs and upholstered furniture looking their best.
