Ammonia, warm water, baking soda, laundry detergent… grandma’s timeless stain removal remedies run the gamut when taking on strawberries, red wine, mascara, blood, pet urine, ketchup, or iodine. Stains on carpet and laundry were as challenging in grandma’s day as they are today.
While the list of the toughest stains seems as long as our patience for fighting them is short, some stain removers can tackle stains from a wine spill, pet accident or other liquids better than others. But whether you’re using a family remedy or a store-bought product, a few tips can help ensure – or at least improve your changes for – success.
It’s important to tackle all stains with the same timeliness and attention.
- Time is of the essence. DON’T just throw it in the laundry. And don’t set it aside to treat later. Most stains can be removed – or at least minimized – if they’re addressed as soon as possible. Allowed to linger, stains tend to set into the fabric, carpet fibers or upholstery, and can be difficult or impossible to completely remove. Spot treat it immediately, giving the product or remedy time to work. Then, wash it according to label instructions.
- Test for color fastness. Some fabrics can be easily faded or damaged during attempts at stain removal – no matter what product is used. For carpets, test the product on a corner that it out of sight. For clothing, test low on the garment – maybe where it will be tucked in, or on the inside of the hem. If the remedy or product doesn’t change, smear, smudge or diminish the color, you’re probably safe to take on the stain itself.
- Cold water, cold water and can we say it again cold water, use cold water to rinse off excess and to rinse out stain removal solution, then launder. Remember HEAT sets stains, so NO heat drying until stain is completely removed, retreat the stain until completely gone.
- Don’t give up. If your household remedy doesn’t seem to be working, don’t just give up. That will only give the stain a chance to set. It might be time to use a stain removal product like Stain Rx, which is formulated and designed for the job. Have it on hand, buy it now, and when you need it like a good friend, it will be there.
