Battling stains to keep the house looking pristine is everyday business for homeowners. Sadly, not all stains are equally forgiving. While some vanish with minimal effort, others stains cling obstinately, defying all cleaning attempts.
Don’t let those pesky stains win the battle! Below, you’ll find the most common ones and the best way to get rid of them.
Red wine
Sure, sipping on red wine feels classy, but when it splashes onto your attire, the charm quickly fades. Don’t let them settle and battle them quickly by doing this:
Blend one part of hydrogen peroxide with two parts of water. If you’ve got a washing machine nearby, apply this mixture and a dab of enzymatic laundry soap to the affected area. After three minutes, pop it in the washer using cold water and the same soap.
No washing machine in sight? No sweat. Apply the hydrogen peroxide concoction directly, wait three minutes, then gently massage the stain and rinse with cold water.
Tomato sauce
Tomato stains act fast, making them trickier to erase. When you see one, the first thing you have to do is swiftly scrape off any residue using a spoon or knife.
Next, use laundry soap, dishwashing liquid, or hand soap to work on the stain by hand. Rinse thoroughly with cold water.
Pro-tip: If a washing machine is available, launder the stained piece using cold water and enzymatic detergent.
Grass or plant stains
Dealing with grass stains is a head-scratcher because the chlorophyll in plants acts like a dye, essentially embedding itself in your clothes.
Combat these stains by applying a mixture of one part baking soda and hydrogen peroxide combined with three parts warm water. Let it sit for about ten minutes, then hand wash or machine wash using your regular detergent.
Organic stains
Pet owners will appreciate this method as it will help them to deal with urine, feces, and vomit stains. Here’s your game plan:
Enzymatic cleaners are your go-to. These products utilize friendly bacteria to essentially eat away the stains. Just use it on the spot as if you were using any other cleaner—always following the instructions on the label.
Pro-tip: For blood stains, ensure your cleaner contains proteases.
Nail polish
Spot a nail polish stain while it’s still fresh? Act fast by blotting it with a damp cloth to remove excess.
Follow up by using a sponge soaked in non-acetone nail polish remover and dabbing it until it’s gone. If you’re dealing with large stains, work from the stain’s perimeter towards the center to prevent it from expanding.
Pro-tip: For dried stains, gently scrape away using a knife or razor first before getting to the polish-remover part.
Paint and ink
Paint and ink stains are a different ball game, as they evaporate and oxidize in a blink, adhering to surfaces almost instantly.
Use a soft cloth to apply rubbing alcohol, gently working it into the stain, then rinse with cold water. Repeat it a couple of times, followed by washing the spot with robust laundry detergent. Ideally, launder the item in warm water afterward.
What if the stain doesn’t go?
Even though some stains put up more resistance than others, almost every stain can be ousted if treated promptly. However, after a certain period, some stains might become permanent, no matter how vigorously you scrub.
If you are dealing with those stubborn stains, don’t press your luck. Excessive effort might damage the fabric or surface you’re trying to clean. If you’re feeling adventurous, proceed with caution!
We have more cleaning tips for you!
CalMaids offers a world of cleaning advice to keep your stress levels low and the cleanliness in your home high! From how to clean your mop to how to keep a clean place with a busy schedule, we have everything you need. Check out our blog for more!
