If you have recently purchased a new high-end piece of furniture, a beautiful evening dress for a corporate event, or you have recently redecorated your home with new rugs or carpets, you know how frustrating it can be to spill or get a stain on it.
Thankfully, there are a few ways you can get tough stains out of the finest pieces in your home.
Note: The effectiveness of these methods can vary depending on the specific fabric, how old the stain is, and other factors. Always test any cleaning method on a small, inconspicuous area first and consult care labels before proceeding.
Wine Stains & Spills
Wine is a staple beverage for many people hosting a special event in their home. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering during the winter or a summer soiree outside on your patio, sometimes spills happen.
There are a few tips and tricks when it comes to removing red wine stains.
Baking Soda
The first is sprinkling baking soda or salt directly onto the stain and letting it settle into the fabric for 10 minutes. It should slowly start to absorb the stain, then blot away excess.
Vinegar, Water, or Club Soda
White vinegar, boiling hot water, or club soda may also work to blot the stain from the couch or carpet.
Ink Stains & Spills
Whether you’re a busy executive, a nanny working with kids on a special arts and craft project, or a personal assistant working to help meet a deadline for the principal you’re working alongside, ink stains are bound to happen.
Rubbing Alcohol
The best way to remove ink stains from clothing – whether it’s a silk tie or cashmere sweater – is to dip a cotton swab or cloth in clear rubbing alcohol and apply it to the ink stain. This can help absorb the stain and pull it up from the fabric.
Keep in mind, permanent inks (like Sharpie ink) are exactly as it says: permanent.
For rugs or upholstery that have ink stains, apply rubbing alcohol then blot the area with water and air dry.
Caution: Test rubbing alcohol on an inconspicuous area first, as it can damage some materials.
Blood Stains
Silks
For special and more delicate fabric like silk, first blot the blood stain with a cloth and then rinse the area with cold water. Soak it for up to 30 minutes in the cold water and if it persists, use a mild detergent or a salt paste and then rinse with more cold water.
Using over the counter stain removers is not recommended on silks.
Common Fabrics
For other fabrics, rinse with cold water as soon as possible, then pre-treat with an enzyme-based stain remover before washing. Avoid hot water, which can set blood stains.
Coffee
Getting through a busy day without coffee is almost impossible! Unfortunately, sometimes in a rush, coffee can splatter and leave a stain on your clothing, jacket, or furniture.
Hot Water
Experts recommend removing coffee stains by applying hot water right onto the stain. If it persists, try spot treating it with a 50 percent vinegar and 50 percent water solution, then brush the area and apply some laundry soap to it to remove the vinegar odor.
For rugs or upholstery, creating a solution of hot water and dishwashing detergent can help, then apply it with a cloth or soft bristled brush. Work on removing the stain starting from the outside edge first.
Grease
Getting a grease stain on your favorite piece of clothing or furniture can be very frustrating.
Vinegar & Water
One of the best ways to get a stubborn grease stain to come out is by mixing a half and half solution of vinegar and water and applying it liberally to the area. Let it sit, then wash it with laundry soap and water.
It might take a couple of times to get the stain out. Don’t put it in the dryer until the stain has been removed.
Grass
Parents and nannies know the joys of seeing the kids play outside, but when they are done with their outdoor adventures, grass stains might be a new part of their clothes.
Laundry Detergent
Treat obstinate grass stains with a heavy-duty laundry detergent and allow the enzymes in there to work. You can scrub the area with a soft fabric brush or with your fingers and then wash as usual.
If the stains are on denim clothing, soak the item in cold water for a bit, then pretreat the stain with vinegar or spot treat it with stain remover or a strong detergent. Once the cleaner is on there, let it soak, then wash as normal.
General Tips
- Act quickly – fresh stains are easier to remove.
- Be patient – some stains may require multiple treatments.
- For delicate or valuable items, consider professional cleaning.
Life gets messy and finding ways to clean up after it is possible! What’s even better is that our experts at Household Staffing can help place experienced professional housekeepers in your home to help keep things clean and organized.
Contact us today or complete our New Hire form to get started.
Household Staffing is not responsible for any loss or damage of clothes, furniture, upholstery, or other items.
