Stubborn stain ruined your fab new top? Clean it easy with this tried and true method and remove even the most stubborn stains from in a flash
PBS-TV’s Graham Haley shows you how relatively easy it is to remove even the most stubborn stains in a flash.
One of the most common household problems … and one which we get asked about more frequently than anything else … is how to remove a stain from something. Well the reason its such a problem is because most stains around the house result from a spill or an accident of some sort and most stains tend to set very quickly. So if you don’t happen to have the correct stain remover on hand you’re out of luck. You often end up having to throw the stained item out. Unless of course you know how to use one of the dozens of everyday products you already have in your home, to remove that stain before it gets a chance to set.
One of my favorite emergency stain removers is this. You probably already have some in your garage. Waterless hand cleaner. It’s main purpose is to clean grease off your hands. Mechanics use it all the time. But it’s cleaning properties go far beyond that. In fact I believe it’s the most versatile stain remover you could have in your home. So if you don’t happen to own any, go out and get it. You can usually find it in your hardware store and I’ve also found that many supermarkets are carrying it now too. Anyway, let me show you just how amazing this stuff is.
Stubborn stain ruined your fab new top? Clean it easy with this tried and true method and remove even the most stubborn stains from in a flash
What I’m going to do is create what I call “the stain from hell” on this nice white shirt here. First let’s put in some chocolate sauce, the stain that strikes fear in the hearts of mothers everywhere. And then we’ll add something that causes one of the most difficult stains to remove … the dreaded spaghetti sauce stain. Anyone out there ever got spaghetti sauce on their favorite top? You know what I mean don’t you? And to add insult to injury we’ll even throw in some mustard … a stain which nine times out of ten results in either throwing the garment out or consigning it to a life as a cleaning cloth. Now let’s mix it all together … and pour some onto this shirt … like so. There.
Oh my gosh … I’ll never get that out. Well don’t panic, just wipe up the excess with a paper towel … like so. And then put a blob of waterless hand cleaner on the area … like this … and then simply rub it in with your hand, like I’m doing here. You can also use a toothbrush if you prefer. It sometimes gets down into the fibers easier. Now I’ve used this stuff to remove stains like coffee, tea, blood, even pet accident stains from carpets. It really is amazing what it removes. Now as you can see the stain is all loosened up … so let’s give it a rinse in some cold water. Now all you do is agitate the item like so. I usually like to play it safe and use cold water to rinse in. Stains, especially non-greasy stains, can often be set by using hot water … and we don’t want that do we? Okay, lets have look at our stain now. What stain? It’s completely gone! And that was chocolate sauce combined with spaghetti sauce, combined with mustard!
And we removed it from what could have been a $100 shirt or blouse, with something that was sitting a few yards away in our garage. Isn’t that such a satisfying feeling?
To Recap:
1. Act quickly: The sooner you address the stain, the better your chances of successful removal. Blot or scrape off any excess substance before it sets into the fabric.
2. Pretreat with liquid detergent: For most stains, pre-treating with liquid detergent is a great first step. Apply a small amount directly to the stain and gently rub it in. Let it sit for a few minutes before proceeding to the next step.
3. Consider the fabric: Different fabrics may require different treatment methods. Always check the care label on your clothing to ensure you’re using the right approach for that specific fabric type.
4. Treat common stains individually:- Grease or oil stains: Use dish soap or a pre-wash stain remover on the stain, let it sit for a few minutes, and then wash as usual.- Coffee or tea stains: Rinse the stain with cold water, then sponge the area with a mixture of white vinegar and water. Follow up with a normal wash cycle.- Blood stains: Soak the stained area in cold water or apply hydrogen peroxide directly to the stain. Gently rub and repeat until the stain fades. Wash as usual.
5. Try natural remedies:- Lemon juice: Effective on fruit stains, ink, and rust. Apply lemon juice to the stain and blot gently before washing.- Baking soda: Works well on deodorant marks and sweat stains. Mix baking soda with water to create a paste and apply it to the stain. Let it sit for a while before washing.- White vinegar: Great for removing yellow underarm stains and odors. Dilute vinegar with water and apply it to the stain before washing.
6. Do a spot test: Before applying any stain-removal method, do a spot test on an inconspicuous area of the garment to ensure the treatment won’t damage or discolor the fabric.7. Follow care instructions: Always check the care label of your clothing for specific instructions. Some fabrics may require professional cleaning or special care.
Remember, not all stains can be removed completely, especially if they have already set in or are of a stubborn nature. In such cases, seeking professional help may be the best option.