How to clean up stains with household products
When red wine spills on a carpet or you get blood on your white shirt, there’s no time to spare – keep these stainbusters in the cleaning closet.
1. Hydrogen peroxide
Not only is hydrogen peroxide a great green cleaning product, it can remove stains like coffee, tea and blood from fabrics. Blot it on the stain, let it activate and bubble for a few seconds and then blot with a paper towel. You may need to repeat to remove as much of the stain as possible, then wash the clothing as usual.
2. Lemon juice
A squeeze of lemon juice will remove rust stains that can get into clothes from working in the garage.
3. Vinegar
White distilled vinegar attacks grass stains in clothing – just rub into the stain, leave for a few minutes and launder as usual.
4. Baking soda
To remove a wet stain from a carpet, make a paste with three parts baking soda to one part water, spread it over the stain, leave it overnight to dry and then vacuum out.
You can also put half a cup of baking soda in your washing machine load to brighten whites and increase the stain-removing power of your detergent.
How to use stain removers
• Apply a stain remover as fast as possible to stop the stain drying or sinking in.
• BUT if the item cannot be easily replaced, test on a hidden area first before trying any new products on it.
• Use a paper towel to dab any excess from the stain (never rub – it will only rub the stain deeper into the fabric)
• Apply the stainbusting product and then let it sit for at least 30 minutes before laundering as usual or dabbing it clean with a wet cloth.
When to use professional dry cleaners
Goldstar Cleaning Services is a depot for Prestige Dry Cleaning – drop off and pick up items at 1591 10th Ave, Fernie.
You need to get an item professionally dry cleaned if:
• You have tried a stain remover, and washed it as normal and the stain is still there.
• The item is fragile or is marked dry clean only.
Get it checked professionally as soon as possible after the stain is caused – the longer you wait, the more likely the stain will not be removable.