Do you have stubborn stains around your home? Here’s how to clean them!
In the past, we’ve shared a variety of cleaning tips, but the ones we often get asked about most involve stain removal. There are many different types of substances, especially foods and beverages, that can cause stubborn stains on carpeting, clothing, furniture, etc. To help you with some of these issues, let’s explore how to remove stains that can often be a little difficult to deal with.
Food Grease Stains
Everyone knows that greasy foods aren’t good for your body, but they’re not so good for carpeting and various fabrics, either! The good news is that food grease stains may seem stubborn at first, but they’re not as difficult to get rid of as you might believe. To get remove these stains, sprinkle a small amount of cornmeal or talcum powder on the stain and let it absorb. Wait for a few minutes and then brush it off with a dry cloth.
Coffee or Tea Stains
With the proliferation of coffee and tea, it’s no surprise these stains are quite common. To remove a stain, start by combining equal parts white vinegar and water into a spray bottle. Spray the stain with a small amount of the mixture, and then blot it using a damp cloth. Once that’s done, dab it with a solution of one tablespoon ammonia and one cup of water. Finally, blot it with a damp cloth, followed by a dry cloth.
Tomato-Based Stains
Any type of red stain can be scary and this definitely includes tomato-based stains such as tomato sauce and ketchup. Start off by using a store-bought stain remover and then apply a tiny amount of diluted vinegar to remove any remaining color. If the stain is on carpeting or something stationary, flush it with cool water. For clothing, towels, and similar items, run it through a cold water wash cycle.
Mustard Stains
Mustard stains often go hand-in-hand with ketchup stains, especially if you’re a fan of foods such as hamburgers, hot dogs, and corn dogs. Luckily, even though mustard stains can seem to be stubborn, they’re not too hard to remove once you know the trick. All it takes is to saturate the area in white vinegar and then use a dish soap solution (1-2 tablespoons of dish soap in a spray bottle of water) to clean it up.
Pet Urine Stains
We all adore our little fur babies, but pet urine stains can be the bane of our existence, especially since they also fill the room with a terrible smell. To clean a stubborn pet stain, start off by making a solution of white vinegar (1/2 cup) and water (one gallon). Use a sponge to apply the mixture to the stain and let it sit for about 10 minutes. Then, soak it all up with a dry cloth or towel.
Grass Stains
Grass stains can also appear to be stubborn because they’re common with kids and we might not know about them until the stains are set in. These stains are almost always found on clothing. All you have to do is spray the stain with a product called Shout and let it sit for 15 minutes or so. Then, use a toothbrush to rub in the cleaner and throw the item into the wash.
Red Wine Stains
Red wine stains are so scary that spills have basically become a TV and movie trope. Although ginger ale is often thought of as the best way to take care of the problem, there’s a simple alternative. All you need to do is blot the area with a damp cloth and then use a second cloth to apply a bit of white wine. It’s basically like fighting fire with fire. Once the white wine has been applied, blot it again, sprinkle a little baking soda, and let it sit for approximately 20 minutes. Finally, use a third cloth to clean up any residue.
Ink Stains
If you happen to see the ink stain right after it happens, then the first thing you should do is create a petroleum jelly barrier around it to prevent spreading. Next, apply rubbing alcohol using either a clean toothbrush or eyedropper. Then, dip a cotton ball in mineral spirits and dab the stain to extract any residue. Once it’s dried, rinse the area using a dish soap solution.
Contact Maid Impressions for Professional Cleaning Services
Maid Impressions handles house cleaning in Clearwater, Dunedin, Palm Harbor, and the surrounding areas. Our cleaning system can take care of stubborn stains, deep house cleaning duties, and general cleaning needs. If you have any questions on how to remove stains or would like to request a free quote for our services, reach out by calling (727) 222-6019 today.
