Dealing with stains is an inevitable part of maintaining a clean and tidy home. From spilled coffee on the carpet to sauce splatters on upholstery, stains can be stubborn and frustrating.
Fear not; this ultimate guide is here to equip you with practical advice on tackling common household stains from carpets, upholstery, and clothing.
1. Coffee and Tea Stains:
Carpet:
- Blot the stain with a clean cloth or paper towel to absorb excess liquid.
- Mix a solution of white vinegar and water (1:2 ratio) and gently blot the stain.
- Rinse with cold water and pat dry.
Upholstery:
- Blot the stain with a clean cloth.
- Mix a solution of mild dish soap and water (1 tablespoon of soap in a cup of water) and gently sponge the stain.
- Blot with a clean cloth and rinse with water.
Clothing:
- Rinse the stain with cold water.
- Pre-treat with a mixture of liquid laundry detergent and cold water.
- Launder as usual.
2. Red Wine Stains:
Carpet:
- Blot the stain with a clean cloth.
- Sprinkle salt or baking soda over the stain to absorb the wine.
- Vacuum the area and clean with a mixture of dish soap and hydrogen peroxide.
Upholstery:
- Blot the stain with a clean cloth.
- Mix a solution of equal parts hydrogen peroxide and dish soap.
- Sponge the stain with the solution and blot with a clean cloth.
Clothing:
- Dab the stain with a clean cloth to absorb excess wine.
- Stretch the stained fabric over a bowl and pour boiling water through the stain.
- Launder as usual.
3. Grease and Oil Stains:
Carpet:
- Blot the stain with a clean cloth.
- Sprinkle cornstarch or baking soda over the stain and let it sit for several hours.
- Vacuum the area and clean with a mixture of dish soap and water.
Upholstery:
- Blot the stain with a clean cloth.
- Sprinkle talcum powder or cornstarch over the stain and let it sit.
- Vacuum the area and clean with a mixture of dish soap and water.
Clothing:
- Apply a small amount of dish soap or liquid laundry detergent to the stain.
- Gently rub the fabric together or use a soft brush.
- Launder as usual.
4. Ink Stains:
Carpet:
- Blot the stain with a clean cloth.
- Apply rubbing alcohol to the stain using a sponge or cloth.
- Blot until the ink is absorbed.
Upholstery:
- Blot the stain with a clean cloth.
- Dab the stain with rubbing alcohol using a sponge or cloth.
- Blot until the ink is absorbed.
Clothing:
- Place the stained area on a paper towel.
- Dab the stain with rubbing alcohol from the back to push the ink out.
- Launder as usual.
5. Chocolate Stains:
Carpet:
- Scrape off excess chocolate with a butter knife.
- Mix a solution of mild dish soap and water and blot the stain.
- Rinse with cold water and pat dry.
Upholstery:
- Scrape off excess chocolate with a butter knife.
- Mix a solution of mild dish soap and water and gently sponge the stain.
- Blot with a clean cloth and rinse with water.
Clothing:
- Scrape off excess chocolate with a butter knife.
- Pre-treat the stain with a mixture of liquid laundry detergent and cold water.
- Launder as usual.
6. Blood Stains:
Carpet:
- Blot the stain with a clean cloth.
- Mix cold water and mild dish soap and sponge the stain.
- Rinse with cold water and pat dry.
Upholstery:
- Blot the stain with a clean cloth.
- Mix cold water and mild dish soap and gently sponge the stain.
- Blot with a clean cloth and rinse with water.
Clothing:
- Rinse the stain with cold water.
- Pre-treat with hydrogen peroxide or a mixture of cold water and salt.
- Launder as usual.
7. Mud Stains:
Carpet:
- Let the mud dry completely.
- Vacuum or brush off the dried mud.
- Mix a solution of mild dish soap and water and sponge the stain.
- Rinse with cold water and pat dry.
Upholstery:
- Let the mud dry completely.
- Brush off the dried mud.
- Mix a solution of mild dish soap and water and gently sponge the stain.
- Blot with a clean cloth and rinse with water.
Clothing:
- Let the mud dry completely.
- Brush off the dried mud.
- Pre-treat with liquid laundry detergent or stain remover.
- Launder as usual.
8. Tomato Sauce Stains:
Carpet:
- Blot the stain with a clean cloth.
- Mix a solution of mild dish soap and water and gently sponge the stain.
- Rinse with cold water and pat dry.
Upholstery:
- Blot the stain with a clean cloth.
- Mix a solution of mild dish soap and water and gently sponge the stain.
- Blot with a clean cloth and rinse with water.
Clothing:
- Scrape off excess sauce with a spoon.
- Rinse the stain with cold water.
- Pre-treat with liquid laundry detergent or stain remover.
- Launder as usual.
9. Mustard Stains:
Carpet:
- Scrape off excess mustard with a spoon.
- Mix a solution of mild dish soap and water and gently sponge the stain.
- Rinse with cold water and pat dry.
Upholstery:
- Scrape off excess mustard with a spoon.
- Mix a solution of mild dish soap and water and gently sponge the stain.
- Blot with a clean cloth and rinse with water.
Clothing:
- Scrape off excess mustard with a spoon.
- Rinse the stain with cold water.
- Pre-treat with liquid laundry detergent or stain remover.
- Launder as usual.
10. Grass Stains:
Carpet:
- Mix a solution of white vinegar and water (1:2 ratio) and blot the stain.
- Rinse with cold water and pat dry.
Upholstery:
- Mix a solution of white vinegar and water (1:2 ratio) and gently sponge the stain.
- Blot with a clean cloth and rinse with water.
Clothing:
- Pre-treat the stain with a mixture of liquid laundry detergent and cold water.
- Launder as usual.
General Tips for Stain Removal:
- Act quickly: The sooner you address a stain, the easier it is to remove.
- Test in an inconspicuous area: Before applying any cleaning