Cleaning Hacks: Quick and Easy Ways to Tackle Stubborn Stains
Sometimes, we can easily remove stains using a bit of detergent and water, but unfortunately, some stains are much tougher!
There are, of course, innumerable stain removers in the market so that you don’t have to rely on only vinegar or baking soda.
The global stain removal market was estimated at around $22.7 billion in 2022. If you need some excellent stain removal hacks, then keep reading below!
1. Petroleum jelly for ink stains
The first thing you need to do here is to ensure that the stain does not spread further. You can create a barrier around the stain using petroleum jelly.
Next, apply isopropyl alcohol with the help of a dropper or a toothbrush. Dab this gently on the stain using a cotton ball and leave the cloth out for some time.
Finally, remove the stain with a mild dishwashing solution and water. Remember not to rub too much on the stain. Otherwise, the color of the cloth will get damaged, and the stain will look worse.
2. Cola for blood stains
Blood stains can become a job to remove, especially if they have been sitting there for some time.
While many people use vinegar to remove these stains, cola can also be an adequate remedy. Cola contains phosphoric acid that can remove blood stains from almost anywhere, including couches!
Apply the cola on the stain till it dries, but then you might be faced with a cola stain. Don’t worry; once you put it in the washing machine, the cola stain will disappear in a minute!
3. Steam cleaner for urine and fecal stains
So, your furry pet has upset its stomach a little and has ended up peeing or pooping on your clothes or the couch. Well, there’s no need to worry!
These stains might look terrible to you, but they’re no match for a steam cleaner. Steam cleaners can not only get rid of these stains without causing any damage to your fabrics but also lend a fresh odor to the room.
Moreover, you can use these cleaners to remove almost all kinds of stains, allergens, and bugs!
4. Cooking spray for soap stains
Cooking spray can do much more than prevent food from sticking to the pan.
If your bathroom sink, bathtub, or even the walls contain soap scum, a stain made from a mixture of oils, soap, talcum powder, and other substances you use while bathing, cooking spray can help.
All you have to do is spray it on the areas where the stains are visible and wait for a minute or two. Next, wipe the spray off with a clean towel or paper, and the soap scum will vanish!
5. Shampoo for collar stains
You may not be aware of this, but collar stains are natural. A ring usually forms around the collar of the neck of your shirt or the elbows.
Luckily, you don’t need any fancy detergent or stain remover to remove these rings. You need shampoo!
Take a bit of shampoo in your hands and gently rub them on the stain. Allow the shampoo to soak through the fabric and work magic for about 15 minutes. Next, do your usual laundry, and you won’t see the ring again.
6. Baby powder for oil stains
Oily stains can happen anytime and anywhere, making it essential to know how to remove them.
Fortunately, oil stains can be removed by using only baby powder. The baby powder is a powerful emulsifier for oil molecules and can absorb the stickiness accompanying these stains.
Pour a generous amount of the powder and let the fabric dry overnight. The following day, carefully brush away the powder from the stain and put the cloth in the washing machine.
7. Vodka for mildew stains
Nobody wants to look at stained mold and mildew in their bathrooms, right? But if you see them in yours, there’s an easy hack to get rid of those stains, and the answer is much more fun than you’d expect!
Adding vodka to a spray bottle and spraying it directly on the stains can work wonders. It’s not only a simple solution to do away with dirty stains, but it also costs very little.
After spraying the vodka, let it sit for about 10 minutes. Next, wipe the stained area with a cloth or sponge.
8. Baking soda for wine stains
Let’s be honest; we have spilled red wine on our white clothes at least once!
If you don’t know the hack to get rid of that ugly red splotch, don’t worry. If the stain is fresh, immediately sprinkle baking soda on the stain. Next, stretch the fabric and sprinkle salt over the stain without rubbing off the baking soda.
Finally, pour boiling water on the stain so that the water has enough power to thoroughly flush out the stain and make your shirt look as good as new!
Conclusion
So, dear reader, these are some of the most straightforward tips and tricks to ensure you always keep your mind over the most common stains the next time!
Mark Ligon is the Marketing Manager at a leading e-commerce store in plumbing supply. Mark focus is on DIY projects and providing creative and practical advice to individuals looking to complete DIY projects of their own
