No matter how careful you are with your clothes, sheets, or other fabrics around the house, stains are bound to happen. Sure, some stains come out with a bit of soapy water and scrubbing, but others seem to cling hard, making you consider tossing your cherished items.
If you’re dealing with a stubborn stain that soap and water just can’t handle, don’t worry. We’ve got some tried-and-tested tricks to help you banish those pesky stains for good!
Before you tackle the stains
Keep in mind that the temperature of the water can have unwanted effects on what you’re trying to clean. For delicate materials like satin, silk, wool, or wood, steer clear of hot water as it can cause damage.
Also, avoid using warm or hot water on organic stains, as high temperatures can set them permanently.
Pro-tip: Always check the care label if you’re unsure about a specific fabric type.
Organic stains
Organic stains, such as urine, feces, vomit, and blood, can be particularly challenging and unpleasant to handle. This makes it important to know how to address them effectively, especially if you have pets.
Your best bet for these stains is an enzymatic cleaner. These cleaners contain bacteria that break down the stains. Just apply it to the affected area according to the label’s instructions—just remember not to use warm or hot water!
Pro-tip: For bloodstains, look for cleaners with proteases (check the label).
Red wine
A relaxing evening with a glass of wine can quickly turn stressful if it spills on your clothes. Here’s a quick fix:
Mix one part hydrogen peroxide with two parts water and soak the stain for three minutes. Then, wash it in cold water with regular detergent.
If a washing machine isn’t available or you’re dealing with a non-machine-washable item, use the hydrogen peroxide mix, wait three minutes, gently rub, and rinse with cold water.
Tomato sauce stains
Tomato sauce stains are particularly stubborn due to how quickly they oxidize, making them permeate your fabrics. As soon as you notice one, scrape off as much as you can with a spoon or knife.
Then, mix equal parts baking soda and salt with a little water to make a paste. Apply it to the stain, hand wash with cold water, and then launder as usual.
Pro-tip: For even better results, use an enzymatic detergent in the laundry.
Grass and plant stains
Chlorophyll, the compound that makes plants green, also makes these stains tough to remove. Create a cleaning mixture with one part baking soda, one part hydrogen peroxide, and three parts warm water.
Apply the mixture to the stain, let it sit for ten minutes, then hand wash or machine wash with regular detergent.
Paint and ink stains
Paint and ink stains are notoriously difficult because they’re designed to be basically permanent. When you spot one, act as soon as possible.
Dab isopropyl alcohol onto the stain with a clean cloth—if the stain is large, start from the edges to prevent spreading. The alcohol will dissolve the stain, making it easier to wash out. After applying alcohol, wash with soapy water and rinse. Repeat if necessary.
Pro-tip: If possible, wash the item in the machine with heavy-duty detergent after applying the alcohol.
What if the stain won’t come out?
Speed is key when it comes to removing stains. The longer they sit, the harder they become to remove. Some stains might not come out completely, no matter what you do.
Over-scrubbing can damage your fabric, so sometimes, it’s best to make peace with a fainter stain—or just replace the item.
Cleaning is made easy with ProTouch Cleaners!
Trying to keep your house constantly clean can be even more demanding when dealing with stubborn stains. That’s why at ProTouch Cleaners, we provide house cleaning services that take over your cleaning duties on any frequency you need. Get instant pricing at our website!
