8 Natural Solutions for Removing Tough Stains
Stains are a part of life. Even the most meticulous households must deal with the occasional stain. If you are raising a young family, then stains are most likely a part of your daily routine. Many stains can be removed with specialized, stain-removing formulas, which often contain harsh chemicals that can make sensitive individuals sick. If you have young children or prefer a more natural approach to stain removal, there are a number of options.
Many common household ingredients are extremely effective at removing tough stains. You just have to know what elements to use on each specific type of stain. For best results, get to the stain as soon as possible. Avoid rubbing the stain, which will push it further into the surface it rests on. Always use cold water, as hot will set the stain.
The methods outlined here will usually work on those stains, but sometimes you need some heavier artillery. If these tricks don't work, it's time to bring in the professional carpet cleaning equipment.
Grass Stains
Try this sweet fix for grass stains. Brush any remaining debris from the fabric, then rub a bit of molasses into the stained area. Let the molasses sit on the stain for 8 to 10 hours, then wash normally.
Coffee Stains
Clean up those dark coffee stains with your morning breakfast. Soak up as much liquid as possible by blotting the coffee with a cloth. Then, beat an egg with cold water and spread over the stain. Rinse with cold water and repeat if necessary.
Food Stains on Plastic
There is a simple solution for those stubborn tomato sauce stains on your favorite Tupperware. Wash as usual, and then rub a bit of baking soda or lemon juice all over the stained area. Set the container in a sunny location, and the sun's rays will bleach away the stain. Rinse the container. If the stain is still visible, repeat by placing in the sun again.
Grease Stains
Oily stains can stay around a long time if not treated properly. Soak up the grease by sprinkling chalk dust or cornstarch on the stain. Then, soak the stain in a mixture of baking soda and water. Launder as usual. If that didn't work, try a little rubbing alcohol on the stain before washing.
Wine, Juice, or Berry Stains
Remember to blot as much of the liquid as possible before treating the stain. Then, try to lift the stain from the fibers of the material by soaking it in lemon juice or white vinegar. For red wine, soak in milk, white wine or club soda.
Gum Stains
While gum might seem like a messy stain, it's actually quite simple to remove. Just place the item in the freezer and allow the gum to freeze. If the item is too big for the freezer, place a few ice cubes on the gum. Remove the item from the freezer and scrape off the gum.
Candle Wax Stains
Place a paper bag or a towel over the wax and press it with a warm iron. The wax will be absorbed by the paper or towel. For any leftover residue, use a bit of alcohol.
Chocolate Stains
Remove chocolate by blotting or scraping as much of the chocolate as possible. Then, make a mixture of one tablespoon ammonia and a three-quarter cup of water. Spray mixture on the stain and blot. Repeat until stain is lifted.
When it comes to your health and house cleaning, the old ways are still the best ways. Rather than exposing your family to harsh chemicals, try these methods first. You should only resort to chemical cleaning after you've tried these safer methods.
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