Most of us do not have thousands of sanitation workers at our disposal after our New Year’s Eve party. These folks are busy cleaning up Times Square after millions of revelers welcome in the new year. We are left with a messy house while family members sleep off their late night of partying. Following these tips will make the post-party cleanup must easier.

Restock the inventory of cleaning products before the party. Purchase paper towels and cleaners for rugs, carpets, upholstery, and any fine fabrics used in home furnishings. Bleach can remove tough stains from white material and color safe bleach does the same for colored items. If chemical cleaning products are not your preference, purchase natural or organic versions.

If spills and stains occur during the party, clean them up immediately. Allowing them to sit for hours can make cleanup more difficult. Throw away trash as it accumulates so messes are easier to spot. Keep an eye on carpets because guests tend to spill wine and other beverages. WineAway is great for carpet cleaning following a red wine spill. A mixture of baking soda and soda water helps break up other stains and spills set into furniture or carpeting. A pre-treater may be needed to remove sauce, blood, or wine stains.

Vomit, ice cream, urine, blood, and milk are considered protein stains. Heat should never be applied to these because it makes the stain permanent. Instead, blot or squeeze the material to remove excess liquid and then soak the stain in some cold water, occasionally rubbing the material between your fingers. If the item can be laundered, wash it in cold water with an enzyme detergent and dry it in a dark, cool spot.

Soap should not be used on tannin stains like coffee, tea, juice, soda, alcohol, or tomato juice. Use a sponge or cotton rag to blot excess liquid from the stain. Rinse the stain with cold water and use a stain removal product or detergent and hot water to clean a washable item. Champagne stains on walls can be removed with detergent and warm water.

Oil-based stains like salad dressing and mayonnaise should be blotted to soak up the excess. For fabric or carpet cleaning, apply baking soda to absorb the stain. A petroleum-based solvent also helps remove this type of stain. Wash the stained item in hot water if the care label permits and repeat this until the stain disappears.