Imagine that you’ve just spilled something on your clothes or carpet. Well, there’s no need to panic. That’s because most ordinary stains on clothing, carpet, and tile can be removed without much sweat, using items that most homeowners keep in stock.
Removing Stains on Clothing
Antiperspirants cause the most common stains on white dress shirts, T-shirts, and blouses. If the white clothing is washable, pour boiling water over the stained area, and then scrub the stain with a mixture made of 1/3 water, 1/3 baking soda, and 1/3 hydrogen peroxide. After scrubbing the stain, wash the clothing as you normally would, adding bleach to your load of wash. Another way to treat antiperspirant stains is to sponge the stain with ammonia. However, it is crucial to remember to never mix bleach and ammonia.
Tea and coffee are another typical source of stains on clothing. If the stain is still fresh, try blotting it with a rag or paper towel soaked in cold water. If you find that some of the stain is still left, spot clean it with a mixture of one pint of warm water and one ounce of borax. After that, wash with detergent.
What if it’s a really tough tea or coffee stain? If the fabric is durable, stretch the stained portion of the garment over a large basin. Then slowly pour boiling water over the stain from a height of around two feet. (Needless to say, if small children are present, don’t pour boiling water anywhere near them.)
Very important: Don’t use this procedure if the stain is anything but coffee and tea. That is because hot water can set many stains, such as blood stains. The result will be a ruined garment.
What happens if you scorch a skirt or blouse when you iron it? Depending on the severity of the scorch, you may be able to remove the scorch stain. Here’s a method that has worked well for many people: Make a mixture of one ounce of borax for every one pint of cold water. Soak the clothing in the solution. Next launder.
Handling Carpet Stains
Frequently people walk on carpet with dirty feet or spill food or drink on carpet. How should you treat the carpet? If you have modern, stain resistant carpet, cold water alone should remove most fresh stains. But you need to act quickly.
If cold water alone is not sufficient, use a solution of two cups lukewarm water, one teaspoon of white vinegar, and one teaspoon of liquid detergent. This should not discolor any carpet, but to be safe, try it out on a part of the carpet that is not visible.
What about removing blood stains from carpet? Well, this is a bit more difficult, especially if the blood has already dried. First, sprinkle salt over the blood stain. Second, spray the area with a mixture made with equal parts of water and hydrogen peroxide. Finally, blot with tissue, paper towels, or a cloth rag. Remember to spot test the mixture first, particularly if your carpet is a dark color.
Tile Stains
Chlorine bleach will remove the majority of stains on floor tiles. Use a mixture of three-fourths cup of bleach with one gallon of water. Be sure to wear rubber gloves. If you prefer, you can use white vinegar or ammonia instead.
Susanah Eastridge, the author, is the mother of three children. She has written numerous articles of interest to wives and mothers through the years. She likes to share with others any household tips that have saved her time. For free reports on cleaning blood stains, just visit her website at www.easybloodremoval.com.
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