How to Best Remove Common Household Stains

Coffee ring on the table? Red wine on the carpet? We’ve all been there. Unfortunately, household stains like these are one of life’s guarantees. They are bound to happen. Considering that 91% of home-owners partake in spring cleaning, now is a great time of year to tackle those pestering stains you’ve been ignoring around the house. They won’t stand a chance if you follow these helpful tips!

BASICS

1. Act quickly when possible, the sooner you clean the stain, the better it will come out.
2. Follow care instructions when applicable. Some fabrics may not react well to certain cleaning chemicals and supplies. If you don’t have care instructions, space-test by applying a small amount of your stain-removing solution to the area before attempting to remove the entire stain.
3. Absorb excess liquid from the outside in.
4. When in doubt, blot or dab. Rubbing the stain is usually counterproductive as you will work it deeper into the material.
5. Avoid direct heat and hot water. These tend to cause stains to set.
6. Repetition is key! You may need to repeat the stain removal a few times before it comes out. 

SOLUTIONS

For Carpet Stains:

• Mud - always allow mud to dry before removing. To remove the mud, vacuuming can sometimes be helpful. Otherwise, combine dish soap and water and dab the stain repetitively until you see results. Rinse the area with water before the dish liquid concoction dries completely.
  
  
• Nail Polish - apply rubbing alcohol to a cotton ball and lightly dab the stain. Continue dabbing using fresh cotton balls as needed until the stain dissipates.

• Red Wine - Pour salt over the stain and let sit for 24 hours. Vacuum the next day
  

For Clothing Stains:

• Coffee - Mix white vinegar and water together, drench the stain, then blot.

• Grease + Oil - apply dish soap directly to the stain and gently scrub with a brush. Rinse when finished.
  
  
• Ink - apply white, non-gel toothpaste to the stain and rub gently to lift the stain. (*This is the only stain in which you will rub instead of blot or dab, but make sure to not use too much pressure and be patient!)
  
  

For Stainless Steel Stains:

• Water Spots - Spray white vinegar on the water stain, and let it sit for five minutes. Then take a paper towel and gently wipe the area with the grain of the steel.
  
  
• Fingerprints - Combine water and rubbing alcohol together and dampen a microfiber cloth with it. Wipe the stain with the grain and then buff with a dry paper towel afterwards.