Super Stains! How to Eliminate 9 Common Kid Spots and Spills

Remove as much as possible with a dull knife or a spoon. (Rub an ice cube over gum first to freeze it.) Apply a lubricant, like glycerin, to loosen any remaining residue, then scrape it off and rinse with clean water. Apply liquid dish soap (add water to create a carpet-cleaning solution) to remove any leftover stain. For clothing, machine-wash normally. For carpet, sponge with clean water, then blot dry.