Can 'The Dude' abide by the sale of his abode?

Consumer Reports News: July 27, 2011 05:45 PM

Not every cottage comes with a cult following. But the home of "The Dude" in The Big Lebowski in Venice, California does. Now the scene of the Coen brothers' 1998 movie is for sale. For $2.3 million you can have your own piece of movie history plus five other matching bungalows. According to Bulldog Realtors, the compound was upgraded in 2005, so you won't find a stained rug at the open house.

In case you're not a fan, the Internet Movie Database explains the plot like this: "When "The Dude" Lebowski (Jeff Bridges) is mistaken for a millionaire Lebowski, two thugs urinate on his rug to coerce him into paying a debt he knows nothing about. While attempting to gain recompense for the ruined rug from his wealthy counterpart, he accepts a one-time job with high pay-off." And of course, hijinks ensue.

All that could have been avoided if The Dude had cleaned the rug himself. With stains, the faster you act, the better the results. Use a white paper towel or cloth to blot the spill until it's dry. To remove urine, if you don't have an enzyme-based pet stain product, blot the fresh stain with ammonia solution (one tablespoon ammonia mixed with 1/2 cup water). If the stain remains, try detergent solution (one teaspoon clear or white dish- washing liquid mixed in 1 cup warm water). Then blot with warm water. For a set stain, use a solution of 1/3 cup vinegar and 2/3 cup water, then detergent solution, then water.

Problem solved, which would have been welcomed because the rug, "really tied the room together."