It’s a fact of life. Stuff gets spilt, splashed, or rolled in. And if you have kids, it seems that your laundry features a never-ending series of grass stains, ink, mud, and food spillages. But don’t worry—most stains can be removed quite easily using everyday items and don’t need specialist stain treatment. Here’s our easy stain removal guide.
Grass Stains
It’s summer, and that inevitably means grass stains—usually on clothes but sometimes on carpets and furniture, too. The key to removing grass stains is to act quickly.
Apply liquid detergent directly to the stain. Rub the fabric together, or use a soft brush like a toothbrush to work the detergent if that’s impossible. The main component of grass stains is chlorophyll, which needs to be broken down. Leave the detergent on the stain for 10-15 minutes.
Alternatively, use a mixture of white vinegar and baking soda. Mix a solution of one part white vinegar and two parts water. Soak the stain in this mixture for 30 minutes. Then, sprinkle a bit of baking soda onto the stain and gently rub it in.
Rinse thoroughly with cold water. Do not use hot water, as this will set the stain. Wash as usual. Blot dry carpets and furniture.
Blood Stain Removal
Like grass stains, blood stains are easiest to remove when fresh. Always use cold water. Rinse the stain under cold running water initially. Soak the area in cold water on a carpet.
Leave to soak in cold water for 30 to 60 minutes. One tablespoon of salt in the water will help dissolve stubborn stains.
After soaking, gently rub a small amount of liquid detergent or soap onto the stain. Work it into the fabric using your fingers or an old toothbrush. If the stain is stubborn, apply a small amount of hydrogen peroxide (available at chemists) to it. Be careful with coloured fabrics, as hydrogen peroxide can bleach them, but it is OK to use on white fabrics.
Rinse thoroughly with cold water after applying soap or detergent.
Wash the item in the coldest water appropriate for the fabric. Heat sets blood stains, so avoid using hot water or the tumble dryer until the stain is gone.
Red Wine
Blot the spill immediately. Use a clean cloth or napkin to absorb as much wine as possible. Blot, don’t rub, as this will spread the stain.
Apply salt. Cover the stain with a layer of table salt. The salt will absorb the wine. Let it sit on the stain for several minutes, then brush off the salt.
Rinse the stained area with cold water from the back of the fabric so the stain gets pushed out rather than further into the material. This might not be possible on carpets and furniture.
Mix equal parts white vinegar and liquid detergent and apply it to the stain. Gently rub it in, then rinse with cold water. Use the coldest water suitable for the material. Check that the stain is fully removed before drying. Repeat the stain removal treatment if needed.
Ink Stains
Milk is a surprisingly effective ink stain remover. Pour enough milk into a bowl to fully submerge the stained area. Let the fabric soak in the milk for several hours or overnight if possible. After soaking, rinse the fabric with cold water and wash it as usual.
Tomato Ketchup – also works for Coffee.
Use a spoon or a blunt knife to scrape any excess ketchup from the fabric gently, being careful not to spread the stain further.
Rinse the stained area under cold running water, working from the back. Apply a small amount of washing-up liquid to the stain. Gently work the soap into the fabric. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes.
Rinse the area with cold water. For stubborn stains, apply white vinegar to the stained area after rinsing. Let it sit for a few minutes, then rinse again.
Mud Stains
Let the mud dry completely. Wet mud can spread and worsen the stain.
Once the mud is dry, use a toothbrush, your fingers, or the edge of a blunt knife to scrape off as much dried mud as possible gently. Be gentle to avoid damaging the fabric.
Apply a liquid detergent directly to the stained area. Gently rub the detergent into the fabric with your fingers or a soft brush, working it into the fibres. Let it sit for about 10 minutes.
Fill a basin with cold water and soak the stained garment for 30 minutes to an hour. After soaking, rinse the fabric well with cold water. Check to see if the stain has lightened or disappeared. If the stain persists, repeat the pre-treatment and soaking process.
Wash using the warmest water that is safe for the fabric.
Stain removal doesn’t have to be expensive, and it’s worth trying these hacks before spending money on stain removers or calling in professionals. Click here for more home cleaning hints.
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