Both cottage- and shabby-chic styles are forgiving of life's spills and accidents, making them good choices for households with small children and pets. However, carpet isn't as forgiving, which makes hardwood flooring the easier choice to make. Hardwood is easier to clean than carpet. Almost any accident on a hardwood floor, from a spilled drink to a pet accident, can be cleaned easily with a rag and a spray from a household cleaner. Should you have an accident on carpet, the spots must be treated immediately and probably require different cleaning agents. Clean a spilled mixed drink with a combination of liquid dish soap and lukewarm water, but cleaning pet urine may require that combination plus the addition of vinegar or ammonia.