Many homeowners find themselves constantly removing stains to maintain the appearance of their homes. While most stains come out easily, other types of stains seem to cling to surfaces and fabrics as if they have a will of their own.
If you want to stay ahead in the battle against some of the worst stains, check out these tips, and don’t let them catch you off guard!
Red wine
Red wine is definitely a fancy choice to drink, but it stops being that fancy when it stains your clothes—it’s such a headache to get rid of them!
Remove these pesky stains by mixing one part hydrogen peroxide with two parts water. If a washing machine is at arm’s reach, apply the solution and enzymatic laundry detergent to the stain. Wait three minutes, then toss it in the machine with cold water and the same detergent.
Pro-tip: No machine around? No worries. Use the hydrogen peroxide mix on the spot, wait three minutes, then give the stain a gentle rub and rinse with cold water.
Tomato sauce
Tomato-based stains oxidize quickly, which makes them harder to remove. So, the moment you spot a tomato stain, scrape off any excess with a spoon or butter knife.
Grab some laundry detergent, dish soap, or hand soap and massage the stain. Rinse the spot under cold tap water.
Pro-tip: If possible, throw the stained item in the wash with cold water and enzymatic laundry detergent.
Grass or plants
These stains are tough to crack because the chlorophyll in plants acts like a dye, basically permeating your clothes.
Keep grass stains in check by covering the area with a mix of one teaspoon of baking soda and hydrogen peroxide each and three teaspoons of warm water. Let it work for at least ten minutes. Once time’s up, wash the area with your laundry detergent as usual.
Organic stains
Knowing how to remove urine, feces, vomit, and even blood stains is especially useful for pet owners. Here’s how to do it:
Enzymatic cleaners are your main ally when dealing with these stains. These cleaning products use non-harmful bacteria to chow down on the stains. For blood spots, make sure the cleaner has special enzymes called proteases. Remember to always stick to the label instructions!
Nail polish
If you have the good luck of spotting these stains fresh, first, get rid of as much as you can by tapping it with a slightly damp cloth.
Then, use a sponge dampened with non-acetone remover to wet the area and rub it away. For larger stains, work from the outer edge to the center to prevent the stain from spreading.
Pro-tip: If the stain is dry, scrape off dried nail polish with a knife or razor before using the previous method.
Paint and ink
These two are a special case, as they evaporate and oxidize at warp speed, sticking to surfaces almost instantly.
Grab some rubbing alcohol and gently massage it into the stain to dissolve it, then rinse with cold water. Do this two or three times, then wash the area with some heavy-duty laundry detergent. If possible, toss the item into a warm wash with the same detergent afterward.
What about stains that won’t come off?
Although some stains are tougher than others, nearly every stain can be removed if treated quickly. However, after a certain time, some stains may become permanent, no matter how hard you scrub.
If you’re facing one of those stains, don’t push your luck. Trying too hard might wreck the fabric or surface you’re trying to clean. If you’re feeling brave, proceed with caution!
Learn more cleaning tips with us!
4 Senses House Cleaning can help you deal with all your cleaning chores beyond just tough stains. From how to clean your mop to how to remove bad odors from your place, we have tons of tips and tricks that will make your cleaning duties much easier. Check out our blog!
