Stains can happen at any time, no matter how careful you are. That’s why knowing how to remove stains on your own can be useful in any situation.
It's inevitable that at some point, your worst stain nightmare will happen. Whether it be red wine spilled on the white carpet or ketchup on your favorite shirt. There are steps you can take to effectively remove these stains.
There is no one method that will work every time. The best way to find out what works best is by identifying the type of stain and applying the right stain removal technique. Below are some of the most common stains you might encounter and how you can remove them DIY style.
Coffee Or Tea Stains
Coffee and tea stains are a common occurrence in the kitchen. They can be difficult to remove, but there are a few tricks that will help you get rid of them.
If the stain is fresh, the first thing you should do is run cold water over the stained area. This will help break down the stain and make it easier to remove. Then you can launder the fabric as usual.
If the stain has dried up, pour warm water over it to soften it then apply liquid detergent. Rub the detergent over the stain and let it sit for 10 minutes before rinsing it off.
If you have a stubborn stain, you can also try to rub a teaspoon of baking soda over it. The baking soda will work to absorb the stain from the fabric. Let it settle for a few minutes before rinsing it off.
Another trick is to spray a mixture of white vinegar and water over the stain. Let it sit for a few minutes before blotting the stain with a paper towel. You should see the stain lifting with this method.
Wine Stains
There are many ways to remove red wine stains. One of the most popular methods is to use paper towels and some club soda.
The first step is to soak up as much of the wine as possible with paper towels. Then, pour some club soda on the stain and let it sit overnight. Rinse and launder as usual.
Another method is to first pour white vinegar over the stain to neutralize the wine’s red pigment, and then apply liquid detergent. After a few minutes, you may launder in hot water until the stain is removed.
Lastly, if the stained fabric is a light color, you can try mixing hydrogen peroxide (which is a bleaching agent) and dish soap. Pour the mixture on the stain and let it sit until the stain disappears. Once removed, rinse in cold water and wash as usual.
Blood Stains
The first step is to act quickly. If the blood has already dried, it will be more difficult to remove.
If you are dealing with fresh blood, use cold water and a sponge or cloth to soak up the blood. If you are dealing with dried blood, soak the stain in cold water for 10-15 minutes to loosen up the stain.
After that, apply laundry detergent or hydrogen peroxide on the stain then gently scrub it with a soft brush or sponge until the stain disappears. Launder the fabric in cold water as usual.
Sauce Stains
With sauce stains like ketchup, it’s important to scrape off any excess sauce using a spoon or knife to avoid spreading it across the fabric. After that, run the back of the area under cold water to flush it out.
Apply hydrogen peroxide or white vinegar on the stain and gently scrub with a toothbrush or sponge until the stain lifts. Then you can wash it with laundry detergent as usual.
Fruit Juice Stains
Be careful not to apply liquid detergent on juice stains because it will only make it stick! First, you need to remove any excess bits of fruit or pulp with a spoon to avoid spreading it.
Then, flush it out with cold water and soak the area in a mixture of white vinegar and dish soap. Let it sit until you see the stain disappear. After that, rinse and launder the fabric as usual.
In any of these methods, remember not to put the stained fabric in the dryer when you first wash it, as this will only make it worse. Before doing so, you need to ensure that the stain is completely removed.
Don’t let these common stains ruin your fabrics or your day. With the right methods, you can get rid of them without much hassle. Knowing how to deal with these stains will help you keep your apartment looking great at all times while also helping you save both time and money.
Westmount at Forest Oaks Apartments in Arlington, TX