“Honey, I stained the shirt!”

The dreaded words from hubby dearest can upset many a housewife. This malady is not limited to hubby alone, though. Kids too are the culprits who almost daily come home with a stain or two on their clothes of school uniforms. And then, of course, the lady of the house with her cosmetics – lipstick, nail polish, eyeliner, creams, and what have you – ever ready to ruin her best party dress. 

If you have ever dealt with ink stains, coffee stains, oil stains, and the like on your garment, you would know how obstinate such blots can become. You can wash clothes as many times as you wish, but these stubborn stains still leave their trace. Googling for untried, quick solutions may more often than not put your stained item of clothing at risk and leave you worse off than before.

The good news is that most stains are easy to remove once you thoroughly wash them. However, persistent stains require more than normal cleaning. If you remember a few basic tips, you are certain to benefit. 

ACT QUICKLY TO REMOVE STAINS MORE EFFECTIVELY

First and foremost, be prompt in tackling the situation as fresh stains are easier to remove. Try stain remover, but be sure to use it as per direction. Never iron the stained item of clothing until you have completely removed the stain, as it is certain to show afterward. Don’t expect any stain to disappear in one go; sometimes, it requires more than one round of treatment. 

A SHORT GUIDE TO REMOVING STAINS OF VARIOUS KINDS

Remedies that usually work in removing common laundry stains:

Mud – When you try to remove mud stains off your clothes, it smears and spreads in various shades of brown. The key is to let the mud dry, then simply shake it off and wash clothing as usual.

Wet Blood – Bloodstains are easily removed by firstly soaking in cold water (avoid hot water as it can spread the stain further into the cloth) and then use a good detergent or clothes soap for cleaning. 

 Another great solution is baking soda. In a small bowl, add two parts of cold water and then one-part baking soda. Spray the stained clothes onto a flat surface, preferably with a plastic or so under the bloodstain. Mix and dab the solution onto the bloodstain. Leave it on the stain for a minimum of 45-min. The baking soda will dry – once it does, wipe off.

Dried Blood – If you have blood that has already set, there are several options for removing. Firstly, remove blood clots with a blunt knife by gently scraping it off. Place the stain under cold, running water. Once the stain lightens, you can wash with liquid detergent or stain remover.

Ketchup – It is best to let a stain remover sit on a tomato ketchup stain for a few minutes, before washing normally. Take care not to dry the stained clothes until the stain is gone. 

Chocolate – The first step is to remove any chocolate bits sticking to the fabric and then dab the stain with a paper napkin. This done, wash the garment in warm water mixed with any powder detergent. 

Alcohol – Apply cold water to the stain from the reverse side of the garment and rub a liquid detergent on it gently. Make it sit for a few minutes before rinsing and washing. 

Syrup – Scrape off the thick syrup with the dull edge of a knife, and rinse the area thoroughly with cold water. Afterward, apply liquid detergent.

Lipstick – This gritty cosmetic stain is oil-based and needs a pre-wash stain remover before laundering. Be careful not to drive the stain deeper by vigorous rubbing; instead, blot the area with a clean white cloth and rinse in warm water. 

Grease – Believe it or not, but one of the easiest and quickest ways of tackling a grease stain is by using baby powder. Yes!

Dab grease stains on your clothes with baby powder. Rub well, then remove and brush off the excess powder. Repeat the process until the stain is gone. Another alternative for grease stains is baking soda or cornstarch. Add cornstarch onto a cloth and rub the grease stain with it. Let it sit for a couple of hours. Brush of cornstarch and wash as usual.

Wait for a few minutes before laundering. Use steaming hot water to dissolve the grease stain and wash it with a detergent.

Carpet Stains – Various options depending on the type of stain exists when it comes to removing stains on household carpets. Alcohol, baking soda, cornstarch, and white vinegar all work well. 

If these fail, use paint thinners. Thinners are especially suitable for old stains on carpets, or stubborn stains that don’t want to go away. This solution should be used with care, though, and do ensure to keep paint thinners out of the way of children—store securely and high-up, out of reach of little hands.

Use this method early morning. Put on some gloves and protective gear before using them. Take an old, clean cloth and dab on point with paint thinners. Rub vigorously over the spot on the carpet until it lifts. Ensure to open all windows to allow the strong thinners’ smell to exist in the house.