We have all had the stain in our clothing items that
refuse to come out. There
may be a solution that you do not know about though. Did you spill red wine on your dress at a party, or did
someone spill it on your carpet?
Here are some great tips to make that stain disappear. You can learn more cleaning tricks at Apartment Therapy.
STAIN REMOVAL STAPLES
I find the best way to deal with stains is to be
prepared. I keep my cupboard stocked with enzyme detergent (best for removing
protein-based stains such as food or sweat), rubbing alcohol, baking soda,
Borax, and clean absorbent rags.
GENERAL GUIDELINES
I also follow these general guidelines: 1. Never
apply heat (iron or dryer) to a stained piece of clothing until the stain is
completely removed; and 2. Read the clothing label for washing instructions
before cleaning. If the stain is on upholstery or carpet, the goal is to
dissolve the stain with a solvent (often water or club soda) and pull it out
with something more absorbent than the upholstery/carpet, like a sponge or rag.
If using a harsher cleaning agent, make sure to test for colorfastness before
accidentally bleaching the dye out of the fabric.
Some of the most common and most annoying stains are
from red wine, ballpoint pen ink, and vegetable oil. Here are some techniques
for cleaning them up.
RED WINE ON CLOTHING
- When
discovered, immediately saturate the stain with club soda, cold water, or
white wine.
- Blot
with an absorbent cloth.
- Sprinkle
with salt and let stand 1-2 minutes, then rinse in cold water and rub
stain out.
- Repeat
steps 1-3 until it stops fading.
- Rub
liquid enzyme detergent into the stain and let stand 3-4 minutes, then
rinse in cold water. Do not use natural bar soap or stain could set.
- If
stain is still visible, apply a spot stain remover.
- Launder
with liquid enzyme detergent.
WINE ON CARPET
- Blot up
as much wine as possible.
- Soak
the stain in club soda or cold water. Blot, and if necessary, repeat.
- Make a
paste out of water and either Borax or baking soda. Rub it into the stain
and let dry.
- Vacuum,
and if necessary, repeat.
PEN INK
- Place
stained fabric on top of an absorbent cloth. Blot with water or rubbing
alcohol (whichever removes more ink) until no more ink comes off stain.
- Launder
in hottest water safe for fabric.
- If
stain remains, lay it out in the sun to bleach the rest of the stain.
OIL
- Apply a
laundry presoak or clear (undyed) dish soap.
- Wash in
the hottest water safe for fabric.
If you have any useful stain-fighting tips, please
let us know in the comments!
1 comments:
I remember a few years ago we had a new light coloured carpet and a dinner guest spilt red whine on it. My wife immediately got to work with the salt. The following day, the stain was nowhere to be seen! It just goes to show that the solutions in your blog really do work. No need for harmful chemicals.
Peter @ Colourlock
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