Here are some recommendations for cleaning up different types of spills on different services.

Carpet – Soak up as much of the stain as you can with paper towels. Do not press on the spill too hard with the towels or the spill could seep into the underpadding of the carpet. You can also try using powder or flakes sprinkled on the carpet to absorb the spill. Vacuum this up and if necessary try to use a mild enzymatic cleaner on the area and then let the carpet air-dry.

Concrete – Unfortunately concrete does absorb odors, especially from pets. To prevent damage to the floor clean it up as soon as possible. Then ay paper towels soaked in an enzymatic cleaner on the concrete and leave it there for an hour or two to absorb any odors.

Cork floors are very absorbent but will remain in good shape if you can clean up the spill fast. Use an enzymatic cleaner to help lift a bacteria out of the cork layers. Citrus cleaners and Windex can also work well on a cork floor. Never use bleach as it will eventually degrade the floor or stain it.

Stone floors are usually uneven and filled with holes or seams that can harbour bacteria or mold that produces smells. Saturate the area with cleaner and mop up any exces. Do not use bleach or peroxide on these floors.

Tile floors usually clean up quite well with any type of cleaner. If it is a dark stain use a cleaner with a bit of bleach in it. Be aware that some enzymatic cleaners can yellow tile or floors.

Cleaning a wood floor is the most difficult. If the floor is heavily varnished it is sometimes just as easy to clean a wood floor as it is a tile floor. However if the floor is is old with a lot of cracks and seams or a parquet floor then the spills and stains can reach deep beneath the floorboards and cause odors to prevail.  The result will be a lingering mold or ammonia smell combined with rotting wood.

Upholster or fabric really does tend to retain stains and smells from spills or pet accidents.  The trick is to blot up as much of the spill as possible as soon as you can. Enzymatic cleaners work best for combatting this type of problem as well. No matter what kind of cleaner you are using on fabric upholstery be sure to do a test patch first or the colors of your fabric may run.