Accidents happen. Maybe you’ve spilled coffee (or red wine!) on the nice, new, light coloured area rug, or dripped candle wax on a shiny, unfettered table. Or, perhaps the dog just didn’t make it in time to do his business outside…
Whatever the issue may be, stains are a part of life.
With information at your fingertips, it’s easier than ever to simply look online for the most effective way to get rid of that specific stain.
To get you started, here are a few stain fighters that work wonders:
- Stain remover (may seem obvious, but still worth a mention)
- Vinegar
- Bleach
- Dish Soap
- Oxy-Clean Powder
- Rubbing Alcohol
- Paper Towels
- Old, Clean Rags
- Table Knife
The Strategy
First of all, avoid the inevitable and treat your fabrics with stain resister beforehand. This will save you a lot of grief and money in the long run.
The faster you get on that stain, the better your chances are of getting it out! Blot (don’t rub!) any excess liquid and colour right away with a paper towel or an old, clean rag.
Before treating the stain, make sure that it won’t fade or remove the colour of the item by testing it on an obscure part of the carpet or upholstery.
Place the stain down on a clean paper towel and treat it from the underside of the stain. This will press the stain directly onto the paper towel.
For stains like wax, gently use a table knife to remove as much of the solid component as possible before treating with a stain remover.
Avoid using heat to dry the stained area until it is completely gone. Heat will just set the stain and make it more difficult to remove.
Some stains take longer than others to remove. Take your time and repeat the process if necessary.
Unfortunately, there are some stains that just can’t be removed completely; do what you can and try to come up with a creative solution to strategically hiding it. Maybe move that chic new side table at a different angle, or layer area rugs on top of one another.
When in doubt, ask a professional or check online for tips on specific stain removal.
