You look down at your carpet after a dinner party, and what do you see? Spilled red wine. Ugh! Or, perhaps, you return home after a delicious dinner and notice that you dribbled butter down the front of your shirt. The worst! And let’s not even talk about those mystery stains that show up on spouse’s clothes! Where do those even come from?
Stains can definitely be a problem, but if you tackle them as soon as you notice them (and try some of these tips and tricks) there’s a good chance you can make them disappear. Here are some common – and stubborn – stains that we all have most likely experienced and some advice on treating them.
Red Wine on Clothes
As anyone who has ever spilled red wine on their clothing knows, dealing with the stain can be a challenge. But with a little bit of knowledge and the right supplies, it doesn’t have to be an insurmountable task. The first step is to blot the stain with a clean, dry cloth. Then, rinse the area with cold water. If the stain persists, you can try gently rubbing it with a mild detergent. Once the detergent has had a chance to work its way into the fabric, rinse it off with cold water again. If the stain is still visible, you can apply a commercial stain remover or attempt to remove it with white vinegar.
Red Wine on Carpeting
If you’re a red wine lover, chances are you’ve experienced the occasional spill. While red wine can make for a lovely evening, it can also be quite difficult to remove from carpeting. If you find yourself with a red wine stain on your carpet, there’s no need to panic. To start, blot the stain with a clean white cloth. Then, mix one-part white vinegar with two-parts water and apply the mixture to the stain. Next, sprinkle salt over the area and let it sit for about 15 minutes. Finally, vacuum up the salt and rinse the area with cold water. (Remember: Always test your cleaning method on a small, hidden portion of your carpet to make sure there will be no damage.)
Ink from Clothing
Removing ink from clothing can seem practically impossible, but there are a few simple techniques that can help. One popular method is to use hairspray. Simply spray the stained area with hairspray and then blot with a clean cloth. Repeat this process until the stain is gone. Another option is to rub the stained area with a cotton ball soaked in rubbing alcohol. Again, blot away any excess liquid and repeat as necessary. For tougher stains, you may need to reach for some WD-40. Spray the stain and then blot with a paper towel. The ink should start to lift away from the fabric. Finally, always remember to check the care label on your clothing before trying any of these methods. Some fabrics, like silk, are delicate and are best handled by a professional.
Grease Stains from Clothing
Anyone who has ever cooked a meal knows that grease stains are inevitable. Whether you’re splattered with spaghetti sauce or smeared with bacon grease, these stains can be difficult to remove. But don’t despair, with a little know-how, you can get those pesky stains out of your clothes. The first step is to pretreat the stain with an enzyme-based detergent (such as OxiClean or Clorox Clinical Soft Surface + Bio-Stain Cleaner). Then, place the item in the washing machine. If the stain is still visible after washing, you can try spot-cleaning it with a mixture of vinegar and water. Just remember, when it comes to removing grease stains, patience is key, and do not put the clothing item in the dryer until the stain is gone.
Pet Urine from Carpeting
If your pet has an accident on your carpet, it’s essential to act quickly to remove the urine and prevent stains. The first step is to blot up as much of the urine as possible with a clean towel. Once you’ve removed as much liquid as you can, mix together equal parts water and white vinegar. Apply the solution to the affected area and scrub gently with a brush. Rinse the area with clean water and allow it to air dry. If you’re still seeing stains, you can try sprinkling baking soda on the area and vacuum it up after a few hours.
The key to tackling most stains is to do so quickly – and to not give up! With a bit of effort, most stains can be removed, and your clothes or carpeting will be good as new!
If you’d like assistance keeping your home clean, we’re here to help. You can use our online form to request a quote or call us at: 352-374-4141.
