How to Remove Popular Stains

Stains can be annoying, especially when they are on the clothing, rugs, or furniture that you love the most. It doesn’t matter how the stains get where they are now. All that matters is whether you can get rid of them, and if so, how you will do it.

One thing you can be sure about is that stain removal will always be part of your house cleaning regime. This is the case especially when you have kids, pets, and friends in your life, combined with your daily routine. 

The part where it gets interesting is when trying to eliminate the stains. Most people believe that some warm water and a little soap can do the trick on removing almost every kind of common household stains. However, this is not always the case, as some stains are quite too stubborn. 

Luckily, it’s possible to remove most if not all types of stains as long as you use the right methods. A good rule of thumb is that you should act on any stain as early as you can. Avoid rubbing stained areas as the stain will only become harder to remove. Here are 5 common hard-to-clean stains and how to remove them:

1. Chocolate

The first thing you should do when trying to remove chocolate stains is scraping off the excess with a spatula or plastic knife. After that, you should apply a solution made of 2 cups of water and a tablespoon of enzyme detergent to the stain. Let the solution sit for 20 minutes, after which you should rinse thoroughly. Clean the residue using a combination of water and a mild detergent.

2. Bloodstains 

Bloodstains can be quite challenging to remove, which is why it’s advisable to take any delicate item with a bloodstain to professional cleaners. If you want to remove the stain on your own, however, one of the precautions to consider is that you should never use hot water as it set the stains. 

The best action to take is to first flush the affected area with cold water, after which you should dab it with a paste made from an enzyme detergent. Let the affected material sit in a warm place for roughly 30 minutes. Treat the area with diluted ammonia from a dropper, then rinse and finish with a regular wash cycle. 

3. Red wine  

With a stain such as this, always avoid rubbing it. Instead, blot it with a clean piece of cloth (should be damp). Next, apply white wine using a fresh cloth and then blot again. If the stain is still there, sprinkle baking soda on it and let it sit for 20 minutes, after which you should use yet another cloth to remove it. 

4. Ink 

The first thing you should do to a fresh ink stain is to create a “dam” around it to prevent it from spreading. You can do this with petroleum jelly. Next, apply isopropyl alcohol using a clean toothbrush or an eyedropper. Using a cotton ball and mineral spirits, dabbing it to get rid of any residue. Let it dry and then use a dish soap solution to rinse. 

5. Grease Stains 

The best time to act upon a grease stain is immediately! The first thing you should do is rinse the stain with cold water. Next, rub some dish soap gently onto the stain as this will help in loosening it. Afterwards, rinse with water and repeat if necessary. 

Gently apply and rub stain release liquid detergent onto the stain. After saturating the stained area, let it sit for some time – a few minutes should be enough. Wash on the usual cycle without rinsing off the detergent. You should use the hottest wash temperature.

Final word

The above are just some of the most common stubborn stains in homes. Even though most of these stains can be super-stubborn, all you need to remove them is the right products and procedure, as well as some patience. Remember that the earlier you tackle a stain, the higher your chances of completely removing it. 

Thank you for reading this blog post. If you are looking to hire professional cleaners, LCS are on hand. We offer many cleaning services, ranging from carpets and windows to offices and schools. Call today on 01604 926004 or visit our contact page for more details.