STAIN, STAIN GO AWAY
The longer a stain sets, the tougher it is to remove. Treat stains on washable garments (even with just a dab of cold water) as quickly as you can. For dry-clean items, bring them in within a couple of days.
7
STAIN RESCUE
“If I don’t do laundry today, I’m gonna have to buy new clothes tomorrow.”
—Anna Paquin, actress
Removing stains isn’t as difficult as it might seem. With the right tools, some science, and a little luck thrown in for good measure, even the most challenging stains can become history. Because stain removal is likely one of the most troublesome problems, this chapter will arm you with all the necessary advice and steps to help you remove more than 60 common food, pet, and household stains from washable fabrics and water-safe upholstery and carpets. Keep it handy, refer to it often, and never cry over spilled milk again.
If you stock these products along with your regular laundry staples, then there’s no stain you can’t tackle.
1 ABSORBENT. Baking soda, cornstarch, cornmeal, talcum powder, or fuller’s earth (available in pharmacies) can be used to absorb greasy stains.
2 ACETONE. Use pure acetone or non-oily nail-polish remover on stains like nail polish. Do not use acetone on fabrics containing acetate or triacetate—it will melt these fibers!
3 AMMONIA. Purchase the household version of ammonia, which works well on dried blood, perspiration, citrus juice, felt-tip pen, urine, and other acid-based stains. Note, however, that ammonia can damage silk and wool fibers.
4 DEGREASER OR ADHESIVE REMOVER. This is a general term describing solvent-based liquids and sprays that are particularly useful for candle wax, sticky residue, and oily or greasy stains. With any solvent, repeated light applications are more effective than one heavy dose. Always wash out the solvent completely before laundering any item treated with it, and air-dry until you are sure the solvent is removed.
5 ENZYME PRESOAKS. These products break down protein stains, such as blood, grass, and baby formula. A laundry detergent that contains enzymes can also be used for presoaking.
6 RUST REMOVER. Choose a commercial rust remover, available in supermarkets and hardware stores, for rust and yellow stains. Handle it carefully, and always follow package directions.
GH ON CALL
If you own an Amazon Alexa–enabled device, check out our free Good Housekeeping Stain Removal skill. It will walk you through step-by-step directions for removing food stains, pet stains, and more from washable fabrics, upholstery, and carpeting. Enjoy!
How you work on stains is just as important as what you use to remove them and assures that your fabric won’t be damaged in the process.
BLOT
Using a clean cloth, blotting lifts out stains and keeps them from penetrating deeper into the fabric. To keep the stain from spreading, begin blotting at the stain’s outer edge and work toward the center. Blotting is especially important when working on carpet or upholstery, where you can’t place an absorbent pad underneath the stain.
SPONGE
Place the stained item right-side up over an absorbent pad. Using a clean white cloth dampened with the stain-removal product, gently dab the area so the stain migrates out of the fabric and into the pad. To prevent restaining the area, change the absorbent pad frequently. Sponging with water may also be used as a final step to “rinse” other stain-removal products from upholstery and carpeting.
SCRAPE
For gloppy stains (think baby food, eggs, chocolate, ketchup), the goal is to get rid of the excess before attacking the stain itself. Use a dull knife or a spoon to gently remove the excess without harming the fabric, carpet, or upholstery.
TAMP
Tamping is an up-and-down motion using a bristled brush or the back of a spoon. The goal is to break up the hard shell of a stain, allowing the stain remover to penetrate.
1-MINUTE TIP! Assemble a stain removal first-aid kit ahead of time so you’re ready when spills happen. Include white cloths (cloth diapers work well) or paper towels for blotting, a spoon for scraping, carpet and upholstery cleaner, and a spray bottle of cold water for rinsing.
This is an effective way to loosen heavy soils prior to laundering. You can do it in a basin, in the sink, or even in the washing machine. Mix the soaking agent with water and then add the item(s) to be soaked. Minimum soaking time is 30 minutes; maximum is usually overnight.
FREEZE
This is usually the first step in removing soft, pliable, or gooey substances, like chewing gum, rubber cement, and candle wax. Apply an ice cube wrapped in a small plastic bag to the stain. If the stained item is small enough, you can even pop it in the freezer for a few minutes. The goal is to harden the substance so most of it can be scraped off before additional treatment.
FLUSH
Put a clean absorbent pad or a layer of folded paper towels underneath the spot. Using an eyedropper, squeeze bottle, or spray bottle, apply the flushing agent slowly so it is absorbed into the pad, taking some of the stain with it. Change the pad as soon as you see traces of the stain. Flushing can also be done by holding the stained fabric under a faucet and letting water rush through it, or by placing the stained item facedown and on a pad and flushing from the back.
UPHOLSTERY CLEANING: KNOW THE CODES
The furniture industry has voluntary codes that indicate the appropriate cleaning methods for different types of upholstery fabrics. You’ll usually find them printed on fabric samples, on a label under seat cushions, or on hang tags. Use these labels as a guide for safe spot removal and overall cleaning. If no code exists, try a cleaning method on a hidden spot or call a professional upholstery cleaner for advice.
WATER-BASED
SOLVENT-BASED
WATER OR SOLVENT-BASED
NEITHER WATER NOR SOLVENT-BASED
Protect your investment and make it easier to remove stains with these supersmart strategies.
READ THE FINE PRINT.
Many carpets come with care information and details about the types of stains and care that the warranty does and does not cover. Be sure to read it and put the information in a safe place so you can find it when you need it.
ACT FAST.
Most of today’s carpets are treated with stain-resistant finishes, but that doesn’t mean they are stain-proof. These finishes hold the spill on the fiber’s surface, which gives you time to clean it up before the stain penetrates the tufts. The longer you leave the spill unattended, the more difficult it will be to remove.
BE PATIENT.
It’s better and safer to remove stains gradually using a small amount of cleaner and lots of blotting. If it doesn’t come out the first time, try again. Never saturate carpets with cleaner or water.
ZAP ODORS.
If you’ve got pets, you need to eliminate the odors as well as the stains to keep them from returning to the scene of the crime. Choose a stain remover with enzymes that kill odor-causing bacteria.
DEEP-CLEAN.
Every 12–18 months, have your carpet professionally cleaned and the stain repellent reapplied. Professional services do a more thorough job than you can at home, and it’s often required by the carpeting manufacturer in order to maintain the warranty.
These methods are for washable fabrics and water-safe upholstery and carpets. Test all solutions in a hidden spot for safety. For dry cleanables and other delicates, reach out to a professional.
A
ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES
FABRIC
1 Sponge the stain with cool water or soak for about 30 minutes in a basin of cool water.
2 Pretreat with a prewash stain remover.
3 Launder. If it’s safe for the fabric, add chlorine or oxygen bleach to the wash.
UPHOLSTERY
method 1
1 Mix 1 tablespoon white vinegar with ⅔ cup rubbing alcohol.
2 Using a clean white cloth, sponge the stain with the vinegar/alcohol solution.
3 Blot until the liquid is absorbed.
4 Repeat Steps 2 and 3 until the stain disappears.
method 2
1 Mix 1 tablespoon hand-dishwashing liquid with 2 cups cool water.
2 Using a clean white cloth, sponge the stain with the detergent solution.
3 Blot until the liquid is absorbed.
4 Repeat Steps 2 and 3 until the stain disappears.
5 Sponge with cold water to remove the detergent solution and blot dry.
CARPET
1 Blot up the spilled beverage.
2 Mix 1 tablespoon hand-dishwashing liquid and 1 tablespoon white vinegar with 2 cups warm water.
3 Using a clean white cloth, sponge the stain with the detergent/vinegar solution. Apply a little bit at a time, blotting frequently with a dry cloth until the stain disappears.
4 Sponge with cold water to remove the solution and blot dry.
APPLE JUICE OR APPLESAUCE
FABRIC
1 If applesauce, scrape off excess fruit.
2 Flush under cold running water.
3 Launder using the warmest water and type of bleach safe for the fabric.
UPHOLSTERY
1 If applesauce, scrape off excess fruit before blotting with a clean, dry cloth.
2 Mix 1 tablespoon hand-dishwashing liquid with 2 cups cool water.
3 Using a clean white cloth, sponge the stain with the detergent solution.
4 Blot until the liquid is absorbed.
5 Repeat Steps 3 and 4 until the stain disappears.
6 Sponge with cold water to remove the detergent solution and blot dry.
CARPET
1 If applesauce, scrape off excess fruit before blotting with a clean, dry cloth.
2 Mix 1 tablespoon hand-dishwashing liquid with 2 cups warm water.
3 Using a clean white cloth, sponge the stain with the solution.
4 Blot until the liquid is absorbed.
5 Repeat Steps 3 and 4 until the stain disappears or is no longer absorbed into the cloth.
6 If the stain remains, mix 1 tablespoon ammonia (caution, see page 150) with 2 cups warm water.
7 Sponge the stain with the ammonia solution. Blot until the liquid is absorbed.
8 Repeat Step 7 until the stain disappears.
9 Sponge with cold water and blot dry.
B
BARBECUE SAUCE
FABRIC
1 Working from the back of the stain, flush with cold water.
2 Pretreat with a liquid laundry detergent, then tamp the stain so the detergent penetrates, and let stand for several minutes.
3 Rinse well.
4 Sponge the stain with white vinegar and then rinse well.
5 Repeat Steps 2 through 4 until you have removed as much stain as possible.
6 Pretreat with a prewash stain remover and then launder with fabric-safe bleach.
7 If the stain remains, rub with a liquid laundry detergent and then soak in warm water for up to 30 minutes.
8 Launder with a fabric-safe bleach.
UPHOLSTERY
1 Mix 1 tablespoon hand-dishwashing liquid with 2 cups cool water.
2 Using a clean white cloth, sponge the stain with the detergent solution.
3 Blot until the liquid is absorbed.
4 Repeat Steps 2 and 3 until the stain disappears.
5 Sponge with cold water and blot dry.
CARPET
1 Mix 1 tablespoon hand-dishwashing liquid with 2 cups warm water.
2 Using a clean white cloth, sponge the stain with the detergent solution.
3 Blot until the liquid is absorbed.
4 Repeat Steps 2 and 3 until the stain disappears or is no longer absorbed into the cloth.
5 If the stain remains, mix 1 tablespoon ammonia (caution, see page 150) with ½ cup warm water.
6 Sponge the stain with the ammonia solution.
7 Blot until the liquid is absorbed.
8 Sponge with cold water and blot dry.
BERRIES
FABRIC
1 Flush the stain with cool water.
2 Mix 1 tablespoon white vinegar and ½ teaspoon liquid laundry detergent with 1 quart cool water.
3 Soak the stain in the vinegar/detergent solution for 15 minutes.
4 Rinse with cool water.
5 If the stain remains, sponge with rubbing alcohol and rinse thoroughly.
6 Launder using chlorine or oxygen bleach, if safe for the fabric.
1 Mix 1 tablespoon white vinegar with ⅔ cup rubbing alcohol.
2 Sponge the stain with a clean white cloth and the vinegar/alcohol solution.
3 Blot until the liquid is absorbed.
4 Repeat Steps 2 and 3 until the stain disappears.
5 Sponge with cold water and blot dry.
CARPET
1 Mix 1 tablespoon hand-dishwashing liquid with 2 cups warm water.
2 Using a clean white cloth, sponge the stain with the detergent solution.
3 Blot until the liquid is absorbed.
4 Repeat Steps 2 and 3 until the stain disappears or is no longer absorbed into the cloth.
5 If the stain remains, mix 1 tablespoon ammonia (caution, see page 150) with 2 cups cold water.
6 Sponge the stain with the ammonia solution.
7 Blot until the liquid is absorbed.
8 Sponge with cold water and blot dry.
BLOOD
FABRIC
1 If the stain is fresh, soak in cold water or use an eyedropper to apply hydrogen peroxide directly to the stain. For dried stains, brush the stain well to remove the surface deposit, then pretreat or soak in cool water with a laundry product containing enzymes.
2 Launder.
3 If the stain remains, rewash using fabric-safe bleach.
UPHOLSTERY
1 Mix 1 tablespoon hand-dishwashing liquid with 2 cups cold water. If the stain has dried, brush it well to remove any surface deposits.
2 Using a clean white cloth, sponge the stain with the detergent solution.
3 Blot until the liquid is absorbed.
4 Repeat Steps 2 and 3 until the stain disappears.
5 Sponge with cold water and blot dry.
CARPET
1 Mix 1 tablespoon hand-dishwashing liquid with 2 cups cold water. If the stain has dried, brush it well to remove any surface deposits.
2 Using a clean white cloth, sponge the stain with the detergent solution.
3 Blot until the liquid is absorbed.
4 Repeat Steps 2 and 3 until the stain disappears or is no longer absorbed into the cloth.
5 If the stain remains, mix 1 tablespoon ammonia (caution, see page 150) with ½ cup warm water.
6 Sponge the stain with the ammonia solution.
7 Blot until the liquid is absorbed.
8 Sponge with cold water and blot dry.
BUTTER
FABRIC
1 Scrape off excess butter.
2 Pretreat with a prewash stain remover.
3 Launder, using the hottest water safe for the fabric.
UPHOLSTERY
1 Scrape off excess butter.
2 Sprinkle baking soda, cornstarch, or other absorbent on the stain. Let stand for 10 to 15 minutes and then vacuum.
3 Using a clean white cloth, sponge the stain with a degreaser/adhesive remover.
4 Blot until the solvent is absorbed.
5 Repeat Steps 3 and 4 until the stain disappears.
6 Sponge with a mix of 1 tablespoon hand-dishwashing liquid and 2 cups cool water.
7 Sponge with cold water and blot dry.
CARPET
1 Scrape off excess butter.
2 Sprinkle baking soda, cornstarch, or other absorbent on the stain. Let stand for 10 to 15 minutes and then vacuum.
3 Using a clean white cloth, sponge the stain with a degreaser/adhesive remover.
4 Blot until the solvent is absorbed.
5 Repeat Steps 3 and 4 until the stain disappears or is no longer absorbed into the cloth.
6 If the stain remains, mix 1 tablespoon hand-dishwashing liquid and 1 tablespoon white vinegar with 2 cups warm water.
7 Sponge the stain with the detergent/vinegar solution.
8 Blot until the liquid is absorbed.
9 Sponge with cold water and blot dry.
C
CHEWING GUM
FABRIC
1 If the gum is still soft, freeze the item to harden the gum and then gently scrape off the excess.
2 Sponge with a degreaser/adhesive remover.
3 Pretreat with a prewash stain remover.
4 Launder.
UPHOLSTERY
1 If the gum is still soft, freeze it by directly applying an ice cube wrapped in a small plastic bag, then gently scrape off the excess.
2 Using a clean white cloth, sponge the stain with a degreaser/adhesive remover.
3 Blot until the solvent is absorbed.
4 Repeat Steps 2 and 3 until the stain disappears.
5 Sponge with a mix of 1 tablespoon hand-dishwashing liquid with 2 cups cool water.
6 Sponge with cold water and blot dry.
CARPET
1 If the gum is still soft, freeze it by directly applying an ice cube wrapped in a small plastic bag; gently scrape off excess gum.
2 Using a clean white cloth, sponge the stain with a degreaser/adhesive remover.
3 Blot until the solvent is absorbed.
4 Repeat Steps 2 and 3 until the stain disappears.
5 Sponge with a mix of 1 tablespoon hand-dishwashing liquid and 1 tablespoon of white vinegar with 2 cups warm water.
6 Blot until the liquid is absorbed.
7 Sponge with cold water and blot dry.
FABRIC
1 If the wax is still soft, freeze the item to harden the wax and then scrape off the excess.
2 Sponge with a degreaser/adhesive remover.
3 Place the stain between clean paper towels and press with a warm iron to transfer the wax to the paper towels. Replace the paper towels frequently to absorb more wax and prevent the stain from transferring to other places on the fabric.
4 Pretreat with a prewash stain remover.
5 Launder with a fabric-safe bleach.
UPHOLSTERY
1 If the wax is still soft, freeze it by applying an ice cube wrapped in a small plastic bag and then gently scrape off the hardened excess.
2 Using a clean white cloth, sponge the stain with a degreaser/ adhesive remover.
3 Blot until the solvent is absorbed.
4 Repeat Steps 2 and 3 until the stain disappears.
5 Sponge with a mix of 1 tablespoon hand-dishwashing liquid with 2 cups cool water.
6 Sponge with cold water and blot dry.
CARPET
1 If the wax is still soft, freeze it by applying an ice cube wrapped in a small plastic bag and then gently scrape off the hardened excess.
2 Sponge with a degreaser/adhesive remover.
3 Cover the stain with a clean white cloth and press with a warm iron, transferring the wax to the cloth. Repeat, using a clean portion of the cloth, until all the wax is transferred.
4 Sponge with a mix of 1 tablespoon hand-dishwashing liquid with 2 cups cool water.
5 Rinse with a cloth dipped in clear water; blot.
FABRIC
1 Scrape off excess chocolate.
2 Pretreat with a prewash stain remover.
3 Launder.
4 If the stain remains, launder again using fabric-safe bleach.
UPHOLSTERY
method 1
1 Scrape off excess chocolate.
2 Mix 1 tablespoon hand-dishwashing liquid with 2 cups cool water.
3 Using a clean white cloth, sponge the stain with the detergent solution.
4 Blot until the liquid is absorbed.
5 Repeat Steps 3 and 4 until the stain disappears.
6 Sponge with cold water and blot dry.
method 2
1 Using a clean white cloth, sponge the stain with a degreaser/adhesive remover.
2 Blot until the solvent is absorbed.
3 Repeat Steps 1 and 2 until the stain disappears.
4 Sponge with a mix of 1 tablespoon hand-dishwashing liquid with 2 cups cool water.
5 Sponge with cold water and blot dry.
CARPET
1 Scrape off excess chocolate.
2 Mix 1 tablespoon hand-dishwashing liquid with 2 cups warm water.
3 Using a clean white cloth, sponge the stain with the detergent solution.
4 Blot until the liquid is absorbed.
5 Repeat Steps 3 and 4 until the stain disappears or is no longer absorbed into the cloth.
6 If the stain remains, mix 1 tablespoon ammonia (caution, see page 150) with 2 cups warm water.
7 Sponge the stain with the ammonia solution.
8 Blot until the liquid is absorbed.
9 Sponge with cold water and blot dry.
COFFEE
FABRIC
1 Sponge the stain with cool water, or soak the item for about 30 minutes in cool water.
2 Pretreat with a prewash stain remover.
3 Launder. If it’s safe for the fabric, add chlorine bleach to the wash.
UPHOLSTERY
1 Mix 1 tablespoon hand-dishwashing liquid with 2 cups cool water.
2 Using a clean white cloth, sponge the stain with the detergent solution.
3 Blot until the liquid is absorbed.
4 Repeat Steps 2 and 3 until the stain disappears.
5 Sponge with cold water and blot dry.
CARPET
1 Blot up as much of the spilled coffee as possible.
2 Use plain water, or mix 1 tablespoon hand-dishwashing liquid and 1 tablespoon white vinegar with 2 cups warm water.
3 Using a clean white cloth, sponge the stain with the water or detergent/vinegar solution. Apply a little bit at a time, blotting frequently with a dry cloth until the stain disappears.
4 If using detergent/vinegar solution, sponge with cold water to remove the solution and blot dry.
COOKING OIL
FABRIC
1 Blot up excess oil.
2 Pretreat with a prewash stain remover.
3 Launder using the hottest water safe for the fabric.
UPHOLSTERY
1 Blot up excess oil.
2 Using a clean white cloth, sponge the stain with a degreaser/adhesive remover.
3 Blot until the solvent is absorbed.
4 Repeat Steps 2 and 3 until the stain disappears.
5 Sponge with a mix of 1 tablespoon hand-dishwashing liquid with 2 cups cool water.
6 Sponge with cold water and blot dry.
CARPET
1 Blot up excess oil.
2 Sprinkle baking soda, cornstarch, or other absorbent on the stain. Let stand for 10 to 15 minutes and then vacuum.
3 Using a clean white cloth, sponge the stain with a degreaser/adhesive remover.
4 Blot until the solvent is absorbed.
5 Repeat Steps 3 and 4 until the stain disappears or is no longer absorbed into the cloth.
6 Mix 1 tablespoon hand-dishwashing liquid with 2 cups warm water. Sponge the stain with this solution. Blot until the liquid is absorbed.
7 Sponge with cold water and blot dry.
CRANBERRY SAUCE
See Berries, page 160
CRAYON
FABRIC
1 If the crayon is soft, freeze the fabric to harden it and then scrape off the excess.
2 Place the stain between clean paper towels and press with a warm iron to transfer the stain to the paper towels. Replace the paper towels frequently to absorb more crayon and prevent the stain from transferring to other places on the fabric.
3 Pretreat with a prewash stain remover.
4 Launder with bleach that’s appropriate for the fabric. If any color remains, rewash with bleach.
UPHOLSTERY
1 If the crayon is soft, freeze it by applying an ice cube wrapped in a small plastic bag and then scrape off the excess.
2 Using a clean white cloth, sponge the stain with a degreaser/adhesive remover.
3 Blot until the solvent is absorbed.
4 Repeat Steps 2 and 3 until the stain disappears.
5 Sponge with a mix of 1 tablespoon hand-dishwashing liquid with 2 cups cool water.
6 Sponge with cold water and blot dry.
CARPET
1 If the crayon is soft, freeze it by applying an ice cube wrapped in a small plastic bag and then scrape off the excess.
2 Cover the stain with a clean white cloth and press, using the tip of a warm iron. Repeat, using a clean portion of the cloth until all the wax is transferred from the carpet to the cloth.
3 If a color stain remains, sponge the stain with a degreaser/adhesive remover.
4 Sponge with a mix of 1 tablespoon hand-dishwashing liquid with 2 cups cool water.
5 Sponge with cold water and blot dry.
D
DIRT
FABRIC
1 Let dry if wet.
2 Brush off as much as possible.
3 Pretreat with a prewash stain remover.
4 Launder.
UPHOLSTERY
1 Let dry if wet.
2 Vacuum up as much as possible.
3 Mix 1 tablespoon hand-dishwashing liquid with 2 cups cool water.
4 Using a clean white cloth, sponge the stain with the detergent solution.
5 Blot until the liquid is absorbed.
6 Repeat Steps 4 and 5 until the stain disappears.
7 Sponge with cold water and blot dry.
CARPET
1 Let dry, if wet.
2 Vacuum up as much as possible.
3 Mix 1 tablespoon hand-dishwashing liquid with 2 cups warm water.
4 Using a clean white cloth, sponge the stain with the detergent solution.
5 Blot until the liquid is absorbed.
6 Repeat Steps 4 and 5 until the stain disappears.
7 Sponge with cold water and blot dry.
E
EGG
FABRIC
1 Scrape off excess egg.
2 Treat the stain with a prewash stain remover containing enzymes, or soak for at least 30 minutes using an enzyme laundry detergent.
3 Launder.
4 If the stain remains, let the item air-dry and then treat again with a prewash stain remover.
5 Launder, using chlorine or oxygen bleach, if safe for the fabric.
UPHOLSTERY
1 Scrape off excess egg.
2 Mix 1 tablespoon hand-dishwashing liquid with 2 cups cool water.
3 Using a clean white cloth, sponge the stain with the detergent solution.
4 Blot until the liquid is absorbed.
5 Repeat Steps 3 and 4 until the stain disappears.
6 Sponge with cold water and blot dry.
1 Scrape off excess egg.
2 Mix 1 tablespoon hand-dishwashing liquid with 2 cups warm water.
3 Using a clean white cloth, sponge the stain with the detergent solution.
4 Blot until the liquid is absorbed.
5 Repeat Steps 3 and 4 until the stain disappears or is no longer absorbed into the cloth.
6 If the stain remains, mix 1 tablespoon ammonia (caution, see page 150) with 2 cups warm water.
7 Sponge the stain with the ammonia solution.
8 Blot until the liquid is absorbed.
9 Sponge with cold water and blot dry.
F
FECES
FABRIC
1 Pretreat or soak in warm water with a laundry product containing enzymes.
2 Launder, using chlorine or oxygen bleach, if safe for the fabric.
UPHOLSTERY
1 Mix 1 tablespoon hand-dishwashing liquid with 2 cups cool water.
2 Using a clean white cloth, sponge the stain with the detergent solution.
3 Blot until the liquid is absorbed.
4 Repeat Steps 2 and 3 until the stain disappears or is no longer absorbed into the cloth.
5 If the stain remains, use an eyedropper to apply hydrogen peroxide, then a drop or two of ammonia (caution, see page 150).
6 Sponge with cold water and blot dry.
CARPET
1 Mix 1 tablespoon hand-dishwashing liquid and 1 tablespoon white vinegar with 2 cups warm water.
2 Using a clean white cloth, sponge the stain with the detergent/vinegar solution.
3 Blot until the liquid is absorbed.
4 Repeat Steps 2 and 3 until the stain disappears or is no longer absorbed into the cloth.
5 If the stain remains, use an eyedropper to apply hydrogen peroxide, then a drop or two of ammonia (caution, see page 150).
6 Sponge with cold water and blot dry.
FELT-TIP MARKER
FABRIC
1 Place the stain facedown on clean paper towels.
2 Sponge rubbing alcohol into the area around the stain, and then apply it directly to the stain.
3 Continue sponging the stain with the alcohol, frequently changing the paper towels underneath, transferring as much ink as possible to the paper towels.
4 Or soak in mix of 1 gallon warm water, ¼ cup liquid laundry detergent, and ½ cup ammonia for several hours or overnight. Scrub the stain several times.
5 Rinse thoroughly.
6 Launder with fabric-safe bleach.
UPHOLSTERY
1 Mix 1 tablespoon hand-dishwashing liquid and 1 tablespoon white vinegar with 2 cups cool water.
2 Using a clean white cloth, sponge the stain with the detergent/vinegar solution. Leave it on the stain for at least 30 minutes, blotting every 5 minutes with a clean white cloth and more solution.
3 Flush with cool water.
4 Blot until the liquid is absorbed.
5 Sponge the stain with rubbing alcohol. Blot to remove the stain.
6 Sponge with cold water.
7 Blot until the liquid is absorbed.
8 If the stain remains, mix 1 teaspoon hand-dishwashing liquid and 1 tablespoon ammonia (caution, see page 150) with 2 cups cool water. Sponge the stain with this solution. Leave it on the stain for at least 30 minutes, blotting every 5 minutes with a clean white cloth and more solution.
9 Sponge with cold water and blot dry.
CARPET
1 Mix 1 tablespoon hand-dishwashing liquid and 1 tablespoon white vinegar with 2 cups warm water.
2 Using a clean white cloth, sponge the stain with the detergent/vinegar solution, blotting frequently with a dry cloth until the stain disappears.
3 Sponge with clear water.
4 Blot until the liquid is absorbed.
5 If the stain remains, sponge the stain with rubbing alcohol. Blot to remove the stain.
6 Sponge with cold water.
7 Blot until the liquid is absorbed.
8 Mix 1 teaspoon hand-dishwashing liquid and 1 tablespoon ammonia (caution, see page 150) with 2 cups warm water. Sponge the stain with this solution. Leave it on the stain for at least 30 minutes, blotting every 5 minutes with a clean white cloth and more solution.
9 Sponge with cold water and blot dry.
FOUNDATION
See Makeup (Liquid), page 176
FRUIT PUNCH
FABRIC
1 Rinse thoroughly with cool water.
2 Pretreat with a heavy-duty laundry detergent.
3 Launder with fabric-safe bleach.
UPHOLSTERY
1 Mix 1 tablespoon hand-dishwashing liquid and 1 tablespoon white vinegar with 2 cups cool water.
2 Using a clean white cloth, sponge the stain with the detergent/vinegar solution. Leave it on the stain for at least 30 minutes, blotting every 5 minutes with a clean white cloth and more solution.
3 Sponge with cool water.
4 Blot until the liquid is absorbed.
5 Sponge the stain with rubbing alcohol. Blot to remove the stain.
6 Sponge with cold water.
7 If the stain remains, mix 1 teaspoon liquid hand-dishwashing detergent and 1 tablespoon ammonia (caution, see page 150) with 2 cups cool water. Sponge the stain with this solution. Leave it on the stain for at least 30 minutes, blotting every 5 minutes with a clean white cloth and more solution.
8 Sponge with cold water and blot dry.
1 Mix 1 tablespoon hand-dishwashing liquid and 1 tablespoon white vinegar with 2 cups warm water.
2 Using a clean white cloth, sponge the stain with the detergent/vinegar solution. Leave it on the stain for at least 30 minutes, blotting every 5 minutes with a clean white cloth and more solution.
3 Sponge with warm water.
4 Blot until the liquid is absorbed.
5 Sponge the stain with rubbing alcohol. Blot to remove the stain.
6 Sponge with cold water.
7 If the stain remains, mix 1 teaspoon hand-dishwashing liquid and 1 tablespoon ammonia (caution, see page 150) with 2 cups warm water. Sponge the stain with this solution. Leave it on the stain for at least 30 minutes, blotting every 5 minutes with a clean white cloth and more solution.
8 Sponge with cold water and blot dry.
G
GRAPE JUICE
FABRIC
1 Flush the stain with cool water.
2 Mix 1 tablespoon white vinegar and ½ teaspoon liquid laundry detergent with 1 quart warm water. Soak in this solution for 15 minutes.
3 Rinse with water.
4 If the stain remains, sponge with rubbing alcohol and rinse thoroughly.
5 Launder with fabric-safe bleach.
UPHOLSTERY
1 Mix 1 tablespoon white vinegar with ⅔ cup rubbing alcohol.
2 Using a clean white cloth, sponge the stain with the vinegar/alcohol solution.
3 Blot until the liquid is absorbed.
4 Repeat Steps 2 and 3 until the stain disappears.
5 Sponge with cold water and blot dry.
CARPET
1 Mix 1 tablespoon liquid hand-dishwashing detergent with 2 cups warm water.
2 Using a clean white cloth, sponge the stain with the detergent solution.
3 Blot until the liquid is absorbed.
4 Repeat Steps 2 and 3 until the stain disappears or is no longer absorbed into the cloth.
5 If the stain remains, mix 1 tablespoon ammonia (caution, see page 150) with 2 cups warm water.
6 Sponge the stain with the ammonia solution.
7 Blot until the liquid is absorbed.
8 Sponge with cold water and blot dry.
GRAVY
FABRIC
1 Scrape off excess.
2 Pretreat with a prewash stain remover.
3 Launder using the hottest water safe for the fabric.
UPHOLSTERY
1 Scrape off excess.
2 Sprinkle baking soda, cornstarch, or other absorbent on the stain. Let stand for 10 to 15 minutes, then vacuum.
3 Using with a clean white cloth, sponge the stain with degreaser/adhesive remover.
4 Blot until the solvent is absorbed.
5 Repeat Steps 3 and 4 until the stain disappears.
CARPET
1 Scrape off excess.
2 Sprinkle baking soda, cornstarch, or other absorbent on the stain. Let stand for 10 to 15 minutes, then vacuum.
3 Using a clean white cloth, sponge the stain with a degreaser/adhesive remover.
4 Blot until the solvent is absorbed.
5 Repeat Steps 3 and 4 until the stain disappears or is no longer absorbed into the cloth.
6 If the stain remains, mix 1 tablespoon hand-dishwashing liquid and 1 tablespoon white vinegar with 2 cups warm water. Sponge the stain with this solution. Blot until the liquid is absorbed.
7 Sponge with cold water to remove the detergent/vinegar solution and blot dry.
FABRIC
1 Pretreat with a prewash stain remover, or rub liquid laundry detergent with enzymes into the stain.
2 Launder with fabric-safe bleach, using the hottest water safe for the fabric.
UPHOLSTERY
1 Using a clean white cloth, sponge the stain with acetone (caution, see page 150), if safe for the fabric.
2 If the stain remains, mix 1 tablespoon hand-dishwashing liquid with 2 cups cool water.
3 Sponge the stain with the detergent solution.
4 Blot until the liquid is absorbed.
5 Mix 1 tablespoon ammonia (caution, see page 150) with 2 cups cool water.
6 Sponge the stain with the ammonia solution.
7 Blot until the liquid is absorbed.
8 Sponge with cold water and blot dry.
CARPET
1 Using a clean white cloth, sponge the stain with acetone (caution, see page 150).
2 If the stain remains, mix 1 tablespoon hand-dishwashing liquid with 2 cups warm water.
3 Sponge the stain with the detergent solution.
4 Blot until the liquid is absorbed.
5 Mix 1 tablespoon ammonia (caution, see page 150) with 2 cups warm water.
6 Sponge the stain with the ammonia solution.
7 Blot until the liquid is absorbed.
8 Sponge with cold water and blot dry.
GREASE
FABRIC
1 Pretreat with a prewash stain remover or degreaser/ adhesive remover.
2 Launder using the hottest water safe for the fabric.
UPHOLSTERY
1 Scrape off excess.
2 Sprinkle baking soda, cornstarch, or other absorbent on the stain. Let stand for 10 to 15 minutes, then vacuum.
3 Using a clean white cloth, sponge the stain with a degreaser/adhesive remover.
4 Blot until the solvent is absorbed.
5 Repeat Steps 3 and 4 until the stain disappears.
6 Sponge with a mix of 1 tablespoon hand-dishwashing liquid and 2 cups cool water.
7 Rinse and blot dry.
CARPET
1 Scrape off excess.
2 Sprinkle baking soda, cornstarch, or other absorbent on the stain. Let stand 10 to 15 minutes, then vacuum.
3 Using a clean white cloth, sponge the stain with a degreaser/adhesive remover.
4 Blot until the solvent is absorbed.
5 Mix 1 tablespoon liquid hand-dishwashing detergent and 1 tablespoon white vinegar with 2 cups warm water. Sponge the stain with this solution. Blot until the liquid is absorbed.
6 Sponge with cold water to remove the detergent/vinegar solution and blot dry.
I
ICE CREAM
FABRIC
1 Pretreat or soak using an enzyme laundry product. Soak for at least 30 minutes or several hours for older stains.
2 Launder.
UPHOLSTERY
1 Mix 1 tablespoon hand-dishwashing liquid with 2 cups cool water.
2 Using a clean white cloth, sponge the stain with the detergent solution.
3 Blot until the liquid is absorbed.
4 Repeat Steps 2 and 3 until the stain disappears.
5 Sponge with cold water and blot dry.
CARPET
1 Mix 1 tablespoon hand-dishwashing liquid with 2 cups warm water.
2 Using a clean white cloth, sponge the stain with the detergent solution.
3 Blot until the liquid is absorbed.
4 Repeat Steps 2 and 3 until the stain disappears or is no longer absorbed into the cloth.
5 If the stain remains, mix 1 tablespoon ammonia (caution, see page 150) with 2 cups warm water.
6 Sponge the stain with the ammonia solution.
7 Blot until the liquid is absorbed.
8 Sponge with cold water and blot dry.
INK, BALLPOINT
FABRIC
1 Sponge with rubbing alcohol until the ink stops bleeding.
2 Rinse thoroughly.
3 If the stain remains, rub liquid laundry detergent into the stain.
4 Launder with fabric-safe bleach.
UPHOLSTERY
1 Using a clean white cloth, sponge the stain with rubbing alcohol.
2 Blot until the ink and alcohol are absorbed.
3 Repeat Steps 1 and 2 until the stain disappears.
4 Sponge with a mix of 1 tablespoon liquid hand-dishwashing detergent with 2 cups cool water.
5 Rinse and blot dry.
CARPET
1 Using a clean white cloth, sponge the stain with rubbing alcohol.
2 Blot until the ink and alcohol is absorbed.
3 Mix 1 tablespoon hand-dishwashing liquid and 1 tablespoon white vinegar with 2 cups warm water.
4 Sponge the stain with the detergent/vinegar solution.
5 Blot until the liquid is absorbed.
6 Repeat Steps 1 through 5 until the stain disappears.
7 Sponge with cold water and blot dry.
J
JELLY
FABRIC
1 Flush stain with cool water.
2 Mix 1 tablespoon white vinegar and ½ teaspoon liquid laundry detergent with 1 quart warm water. Soak in this solution for 15 minutes.
3 Rinse with water.
4 If the stain remains, sponge with rubbing alcohol and rinse thoroughly.
5 Launder, using fabric-safe bleach.
UPHOLSTERY
1 Mix 1 tablespoon white vinegar with ⅔ cup rubbing alcohol.
2 Using a clean white cloth, sponge the stain with the vinegar/alcohol solution.
3 Blot until the liquid is absorbed.
4 Repeat Steps 2 and 3 until the stain disappears.
5 Sponge with cold water and blot dry.
CARPET
1 Mix 1 tablespoon hand-dishwashing liquid with 2 cups warm water.
2 Using a clean white cloth, sponge the stain with the detergent solution.
3 Blot until the liquid is absorbed.
4 Repeat Steps 2 and 3 until the stain disappears or is no longer absorbed into the cloth.
5 If the stain remains, mix 1 tablespoon ammonia (caution, see page 150) with 2 cups warm water.
6 Sponge the stain with the ammonia solution.
7 Blot until the liquid is absorbed.
8 Sponge with cold water and blot dry.
K
KETCHUP
FABRIC
1 Working from the back of the stain, flush with cold water.
2 Pretreat with a liquid laundry detergent, then tamp the stain. Let stand for several minutes.
3 Rinse well.
4 Sponge with white vinegar.
5 Rinse well.
6 Repeat Steps 2 through 5 until you have removed as much of the stain as possible.
7 Pretreat with a prewash stain remover and then launder.
8 If the stain remains, rub with a liquid laundry detergent and then soak in warm water for up to 30 minutes.
9 Launder again, with fabric-safe bleach, if necessary.
UPHOLSTERY
1 Sponge with cool water.
2 Mix 1 tablespoon hand-dishwashing liquid with 2 cups cool water.
3 Using a clean white cloth, sponge the stain with the detergent solution.
4 Blot until the liquid is absorbed.
5 Repeat Steps 3 and 4 until the stain disappears.
6 Sponge with cold water and blot dry.
CARPET
1 Sponge with cool water.
2 Mix 1 tablespoon hand-dishwashing liquid with 2 cups warm water.
3 Using a clean white cloth, sponge the stain with the detergent solution.
4 Blot until the liquid is absorbed.
5 Repeat Steps 3 and 4 until the stain disappears or is no longer absorbed into the cloth.
6 If the stain remains, mix 1 tablespoon ammonia (caution, see page 150) with ½ cup warm water.
7 Sponge the stain with the ammonia solution.
8 Blot until the liquid is absorbed.
9 Sponge with cold water and blot dry.
L
LIPSTICK
FABRIC
1 Scrape off excess lipstick.
2 Pretreat with a prewash stain remover or a degreaser/adhesive remover.
3 Launder with fabric-safe bleach.
UPHOLSTERY
1 Scrape off excess lipstick.
2 Using a clean white cloth, sponge the stain with a degreaser/adhesive remover.
3 Blot until the solvent is absorbed.
4 Repeat Steps 2 and 3 until the stain disappears.
5 Sponge with a mix of 1 tablespoon liquid hand-dishwashing detergent with 2 cups cool water.
6 Sponge with cold water and blot dry.
CARPET
1 Scrape off excess lipstick.
2 Using a clean white cloth, sponge the stain with a degreaser/adhesive remover.
3 Blot until the solvent is absorbed.
4 Repeat Steps 2 and 3 until the stain disappears or is no longer absorbed into the cloth.
5 If the stain remains, mix 1 tablespoon hand-dishwashing liquid and 1 tablespoon white vinegar with 2 cups warm water.
6 Sponge the stain with the detergent/vinegar solution.
7 Blot until the liquid is absorbed.
8 Sponge with cold water and blot dry.
LIQUID MAKEUP
See Makeup (Liquid), below
LOTION (HAND, FACIAL, OR BODY)
FABRIC
1 Scrape off excess lotion.
2 Pretreat with a prewash stain remover.
3 Launder using the hottest water safe for the fabric.
UPHOLSTERY
1 Scrape off excess lotion.
2 Sprinkle baking soda, cornstarch, or other absorbent on the stain. Let stand for 10 to 15 minutes, then vacuum.
3 Using a clean white cloth, sponge the stain with a degreaser/adhesive remover.
4 Blot until the solvent is absorbed.
5 Repeat Steps 3 and 4 until the stain disappears.
6 Sponge with a mix of 1 tablespoon liquid hand-dishwashing detergent and 2 cups cool water.
7 Sponge with cold water and blot dry.
CARPET
1 Scrape off excess lotion.
2 Sprinkle baking soda, cornstarch, or other absorbent on the stain. Let stand for 10 to 15 minutes, then vacuum.
3 Using a clean white cloth, sponge the stain with a degreaser/adhesive remover.
4 Blot until the solvent is absorbed.
5 Repeat Steps 3 and 4 until the stain disappears or is no longer absorbed into the cloth.
6 Mix 1 tablespoon liquid hand-dishwashing detergent and 1 tablespoon white vinegar with 2 cups warm water. Sponge the stain with this solution. Blot until the liquid is absorbed.
7 Sponge with cold water and blot dry.
M
MAKEUP (LIQUID)
FABRIC
1 Sponge the stain with a degreaser/adhesive remover.
2 Pretreat with a prewash stain remover.
3 Launder with fabric-safe bleach.
1 Sponge the stain with a degreaser/adhesive remover.
2 Mix 1 tablespoon liquid hand-dishwashing detergent with 2 cups cool water.
3 Using a clean white cloth, sponge the stain with the detergent solution.
4 Blot until the liquid is absorbed.
5 Repeat Steps 1 through 3 until the stain disappears.
6 Sponge with cold water to rinse and blot dry.
CARPET
1 Sponge the stain with a degreaser/adhesive remover.
2 Mix 1 tablespoon hand-dishwashing liquid with 2 cups warm water.
3 Sponge the stain with the detergent solution.
4 Blot until the liquid is absorbed.
5 Mix 1 tablespoon ammonia (caution, see page 150) with ½ cup water.
6 Sponge the stain with the ammonia solution.
7 Blot until the liquid is absorbed.
8 If the stain remains, use a makeup-remover wipe or mix 1 teaspoon white vinegar with 1 cup warm water. Sponge the stain with this solution. Blot until the liquid is absorbed.
9 Sponge with cold water to rinse and blot dry.
MASCARA
FABRIC
1 Pretreat with a prewash stain remover.
2 Launder with fabric-safe bleach.
UPHOLSTERY
1 Mix 1 tablespoon liquid hand-dishwashing detergent with 2 cups cool water.
2 Using a clean white cloth, sponge the stain with the detergent solution.
3 Blot until the liquid is absorbed.
4 Repeat Steps 2 and 3 until the stain disappears.
5 Sponge with cold water and blot dry.
CARPET
1 Mix 1 tablespoon hand-dishwashing liquid with 2 cups warm water.
2 Sponge the stain with the detergent solution.
3 Blot until the liquid is absorbed.
4 Mix 1 tablespoon ammonia (caution, see page 150) with ½ cup water.
5 Sponge the stain with the ammonia solution.
6 Blot until the liquid is absorbed.
7 If the stain remains, use a makeup-remover wipe or mix 1 teaspoon white vinegar with 1 cup warm water. Sponge the stain with this solution. Blot until the liquid is absorbed.
8 Sponge with cold water and blot dry.
MILK
FABRIC
1 Pretreat or soak using an enzyme laundry product. Soak for at least 30 minutes; soak several hours for older stains.
2 Launder.
UPHOLSTERY
1 Mix 1 tablespoon hand-dishwashing liquid with 2 cups cool water.
2 Using a clean white cloth, sponge the stain with the detergent solution.
3 Blot until the liquid is absorbed.
4 Repeat Steps 2 and 3 until the stain disappears.
5 Sponge with cold water and blot dry.
CARPET
1 Mix 1 tablespoon hand-dishwashing liquid with 2 cups warm water.
2 Using a clean white cloth, sponge the stain with the detergent solution.
3 Blot until the liquid is absorbed.
4 Repeat Steps 2 and 3 until the stain disappears or is no longer absorbed into the cloth.
5 If the stain remains, mix 1 tablespoon ammonia (caution, see page 150) with 2 cups warm water.
6 Sponge the stain with the ammonia solution.
7 Blot until the liquid is absorbed.
8 Sponge with cold water and blot dry.
FABRIC
method 1
1 Scrape off excess mustard.
2 Rub glycerin into the stain with your fingertips and let sit for a few minutes.
3 Rinse with cool water.
4 Launder using the hottest water and type of bleach safe for the fabric.
method 2
1 Scrape off excess mustard.
2 Flush under cold running water to loo sen the stain.
3 Pretreat with a prewash stain remover.
4 Launder, using the hottest water and type of bleach safe for the fabric.
UPHOLSTERY
1 Scrape off excess mustard.
2 Mix 1 tablespoon liquid hand-dishwashing detergent with 2 cups cool water.
3 Using a clean white cloth, sponge the stain with the detergent solution.
4 Blot until the liquid is absorbed.
5 Repeat Steps 3 and 4 until the stain disappears.
6 Sponge with cold water to remove the detergent solution and blot dry.
CARPET
1 Scrape off excess mustard.
2 Mix 1 tablespoon hand-dishwashing liquid with 2 cups warm water.
3 Using a clean white cloth, sponge the stain with the detergent solution.
4 Blot until the liquid is absorbed.
5 Repeat Steps 3 and 4 until the stain disappears.
6 If the stain remains, mix 1 tablespoon ammonia (caution, see page 150) with 2 cups warm water.
7 Sponge the stain with the ammonia solution.
8 Blot until the liquid is absorbed.
9 Sponge with cold water to remove the ammonia solution and blot dry.
MUD
FABRIC
1 Let the mud dry, then brush off as much as possible.
2 Pretreat with a prewash stain remover.
3 Launder.
UPHOLSTERY
1 Let the mud dry, then vacuum up as much as possible.
2 Mix 1 tablespoon hand-dishwashing liquid with 2 cups cool water.
3 Sponge the stain with a clean white cloth and the detergent solution.
4 Blot until the liquid is absorbed.
5 Repeat Steps 3 and 4 until the stain disappears.
6 Sponge with cold water and blot dry.
CARPET
1 Let the mud dry, then vacuum up as much as possible.
2 Mix 1 tablespoon hand-dishwashing liquid with 2 cups warm water.
3 Sponge the stain with a clean white cloth and the detergent solution.
4 Blot until the liquid is absorbed.
5 Repeat Steps 3 and 4 until the stain disappears.
6 Sponge with cold water and blot dry.
N
NAIL POLISH
FABRIC
1 Place the fabric facedown on a clean white cloth or paper towels, and blot with acetone (caution, see page 150).
2 Rinse with water.
3 Repeat Steps 1 and 2 until blotting no longer transfers the stain to the cloth or paper towels.
4 Apply a prewash stain remover.
5 Launder with fabric-safe bleach.
UPHOLSTERY
1 Carefully blot up excess polish.
2 Using an eyedropper, apply a small amount of acetone (caution, see page 150) to the stain.
3 Blot immediately.
4 Repeat Steps 2 and 3 until no more stain is removed.
5 If the stain remains, apply hydrogen peroxide. Use an eyedropper to apply the peroxide directly on the stain. Blot with a clean cloth.
6 Repeat step 5 until no more stain is removed.
7 Sponge with cold water to remove the hydrogen peroxide and blot dry.
CARPET
1 Carefully blot up excess polish.
2 Using an eyedropper, apply a small amount of acetone (caution, see page 150) to the stain.
3 Blot immediately.
4 Repeat Steps 2 and 3 until no more stain is removed.
5 If the stain remains, apply hydrogen peroxide. Use an eyedropper to apply the peroxide directly on the stain. Blot with a clean cloth.
6 Sponge with cold water and blot dry to remove the hydrogen peroxide.
O
ORANGE/JUICE
FABRIC
1 Scrape off or blot excess.
2 Flush under cold running water.
3 Launder, using the warmest water and type of bleach safe for the fabric.
UPHOLSTERY
1 Scrape off excess.
2 Mix 1 tablespoon hand-dishwashing liquid with 2 cups cool water.
3 Using a clean white cloth, sponge the stain with the detergent solution.
4 Blot until the liquid is absorbed.
5 Repeat Steps 3 and 4 until the stain disappears.
6 Sponge with cold water and blot dry.
CARPET
1 Scrape off or blot excess.
2 Mix 1 tablespoon hand-dishwashing liquid with 2 cups warm water.
3 Using a clean white cloth, sponge the stain with the detergent solution.
4 Blot until the liquid is absorbed.
5 Repeat Steps 3 and 4 until the stain disappears or is no longer absorbed into the cloth.
6 If the stain remains, mix 1 tablespoon ammonia (caution, see page 150) with 2 cups warm water.
7 Sponge the stain with the ammonia solution.
8 Blot until the liquid is absorbed.
9 Sponge with cold water and blot dry.
P
PAINT, LATEX (ACRYLIC/WATER-BASED)
FABRIC
1 Scrape off excess.
2 Working from the back of the fabric, flush the stain under warm running water.
3 Mix a solution of 1 part hand-dishwashing liquid to 1 part warm water.
4 Sponge the stain with the detergent solution, tamping it vigorously.
5 Rinse.
6 Repeat Steps 4 and 5 until no more paint is removed.
7 If the stain remains, try blotting with acetone (caution, see page 150).
8 Launder with fabric-safe bleach.
UPHOLSTERY
1 Scrape off excess.
2 Mix a solution of 1 part hand-dishwashing liquid to 1 part cool water.
3 Sponge the stain with the detergent solution, tamping it vigorously.
4 Rinse.
5 Repeat Steps 3 and 4 until no more paint is removed.
6 If the stain remains, try blotting with acetone (caution, see page 150).
7 Sponge with a mix of 1 tablespoon hand-dishwashing liquid with 2 cups cool water.
8 Sponge with cold water and blot dry.
CARPET
1 Scrape off excess paint.
2 Starting at the outer edge of the stain, apply acrylic paint and varnish remover (available at hardware and paint stores). Gently scrape away the paint as it softens. Repeat, using the remover sparingly, until you have removed as much paint as possible.
3 Sponge the stain with a mild solution of hand-dishwashing liquid and water. Tamp vigorously to break up the stain and allow the detergent to penetrate.
4 Blot until the liquid is absorbed.
5 Sponge with a solution of 1 part white vinegar to ten parts water.
6 Blot until the liquid is absorbed.
7 Sponge with cold water and blot dry.
PAINT, OIL-BASED
FABRIC
For fresh stains
1 Scrape off excess.
2 Using a clean white cloth, blot up as much paint as possible.
3 Rinse. DO NOT let the fabric dry.
4 Place the stain facedown on a stack of white paper towels or cloths. Blot with turpentine or paint thinner. Tamp the stain. Repeat, replacing the paper towels or cloth until no more paint can be removed.
5 Treat the remaining stain with hand-dishwashing liquid and soak overnight.
6 Rinse well.
7 Treat with a prewash stain remover and launder with fabric-safe bleach.
For old stains
1 Soften the stain by treating it with turpentine or paint thinner.
2 Once the paint has softened, treat as for fresh stains (Steps 4 through 7 above).
UPHOLSTERY AND CARPET
For fresh stains
1 Scrape off excess.
2 Using a clean white cloth, blot up as much paint as possible.
3 Using a clean white cloth, blot the stain with turpentine. Tamp the stain.
4 Keep applying turpentine to the stain, tamping and blotting until the paint is removed.
5 Mix 1 tablespoon hand-dishwashing liquid with 2 cups cool water.
6 Using a clean white cloth, sponge the stain with the detergent solution.
7 Blot until the liquid is absorbed.
8 Repeat Steps 6 and 7 until the stain disappears.
9 Sponge with cold water to remove the detergent solution and blot dry.
For old stains
1 Soften the stain by treating it with turpentine or paint thinner.
2 Once the paint has softened, treat as for fresh stains, Steps 3 through 9 above.
PENCIL LEAD
FABRIC
1 Use a soft eraser to remove the excess.
2 Pretreat with a prewash stain remover.
3 Launder with fabric-safe bleach.
UPHOLSTERY
1 Use a soft eraser to remove the excess.
2 Mix 1 tablespoon hand-dishwashing liquid with 2 cups cool water.
3 Using a clean white cloth, sponge the stain with the detergent solution.
4 Blot until the liquid is absorbed.
5 Sponge the stain with ammonia (caution, see page 150). Blot until the liquid is absorbed.
6 Repeat Steps 3 through 5 until the stain disappears.
7 Sponge with cold water and blot dry.
CARPET
1 Use a soft eraser to remove the excess.
2 Mix 1 tablespoon hand-dishwashing liquid with 2 cups warm water.
3 Using a clean white cloth, sponge the stain with the detergent solution.
4 Blot until the liquid is absorbed.
5 Sponge the stain with ammonia (caution, see page 150). Blot until the liquid is absorbed.
6 Repeat Steps 3 through 5 until the stain disappears.
7 Sponge with cold water and blot dry.
PERFUME
FABRIC
1 Pretreat with a prewash stain remover.
2 Launder.
UPHOLSTERY
1 Blot up excess perfume.
2 Using a clean white cloth, sponge the stain with a degreaser/adhesive remover.
3 Blot until the solvent is absorbed.
4 Repeat Steps 2 and 3 until the stain disappears.
5 Sponge with a mix of 1 tablespoon hand-dishwashing liquid with 2 cups cool water.
6 Sponge with cold water and blot dry.
CARPET
1 Blot up excess perfume.
2 Mix 1 tablespoon hand-dishwashing liquid and 1 tablespoon white vinegar with 2 cups warm water.
3 Using a clean white cloth, sponge the stain with the detergent/vinegar solution.
4 Blot until the liquid is absorbed.
5 Sponge with cold water and blot dry.
PERSPIRATION
FABRIC
1 Check to see if the stain has changed the color of the fabric. If so, apply ammonia (caution, see page 150) to fresh stains; apply white vinegar to old ones. Rinse.
2 Pretreat with a prewash stain remover, or rub liquid enzyme detergent into the stain.
3 Launder using the hottest water safe for the fabric. Stubborn stains may also respond to chlorine or oxygen bleach in the hottest water safe for the fabric.
UPHOLSTERY
1 Mix 1 teaspoon liquid hand-dishwashing detergent and 1 tablespoon ammonia (caution, see page 150) with 2 cups cool water.
2 Using a clean white cloth, sponge the stain with the detergent/ammonia solution.
3 Blot until the liquid is absorbed.
4 Mix 1 tablespoon liquid hand-dishwashing detergent and 1 tablespoon white vinegar with 2 cups cool water.
5 Sponge the stain with the detergent/vinegar solution.
6 Sponge with cold water and blot dry.
Although perspiration stains may appear on the back and arms of upholstered furniture, the chances of these stains occurring on your carpet are very slim. In the unlikely event that this happens, use the same method as for upholstery.
PET STAINS
See Urine, page 191
See Feces, page 169
PINE RESIN
FABRIC
1 Sponge the stained area with or soak it in degreaser/adhesive remover; let it air-dry.
2 Soak the stain in a solution of 1 cup liquid laundry detergent and a few drops of ammonia (caution, see page 150) for at least 30 minutes.
3 Launder in the hottest water safe for the fabric with fabric-safe bleach.
UPHOLSTERY
1 Using a clean white cloth, sponge the stain with a degreaser/adhesive remover.
2 Tamp the stain to break it up and allow the stain remover to penetrate.
3 Blot until the liquid is absorbed.
4 If the stain remains, sponge with turpentine.
5 Mix 1 tablespoon hand-dishwashing liquid with 2 cups cool water.
6 Sponge the stain with the detergent solution.
7 Blot until the liquid is absorbed.
8 Repeat, alternating applications of turpentine and detergent solution, until the stain disappears.
9 Sponge with cold water and blot dry.
CARPET
1 Using a clean white cloth, sponge the stain with a degreaser/adhesive remover.
2 Tamp the stain.
3 Blot until the liquid is absorbed.
4 If the stain remains, sponge with turpentine.
5 Mix 1 tablespoon hand-dishwashing liquid with 2 cups warm water.
6 Sponge the stain with the detergent solution.
7 Blot until the liquid is absorbed.
8 Repeat, alternating applications of turpentine and detergent solution, until the stain disappears.
9 Sponge with cold water and blot dry.
POLLEN
FABRIC
1 Gently shake the garment to remove as much pollen as you can.
2 Use the sticky side of a piece of tape to carefully lift off the remaining particles, or vacuum lightly to pull particles out of the fabric. Avoid rubbing particles in.
3 Pretreat with a prewash stain remover.
4 Launder with fabric-safe bleach.
UPHOLSTERY
1 Vacuum up the pollen particles.
2 Use the sticky side of a piece of tape to carefully lift off the remaining particles.
3 Using a clean white cloth, sponge the stain with a degreaser/adhesive remover.
4 Blot until the solvent is absorbed.
5 Repeat Steps 3 and 4 until the stain disappears.
6 Sponge with a mix of 1 tablespoon hand-dishwashing liquid and 2 cups cool water.
7 Sponge with cold water and blot dry.
CARPET
1 Vacuum up the pollen particles.
2 Use the sticky side of a piece of tape to carefully lift off the remaining particles.
3 Using a clean white cloth, sponge the stain with a degreaser/adhesive remover.
4 Blot until the solvent is absorbed.
5 Repeat Steps 3 and 4 until the stain disappears.
6 Sponge with a mix of 1 tablespoon hand-dishwashing liquid and 2 cups cool water.
7 Sponge with cold water and blot dry.
R
RASPBERRIES
See Berries, page 160
RUST
FABRIC
A commercial rust remover (available in supermarkets and hardware stores) is the best way to remove rust. Because these products contain strong acids, caution is required. Be sure to read and follow the label directions carefully.
UPHOLSTERY AND CARPET
For small spots, try a commercial rust remover. For large or stubborn spots, call in a professional cleaner.
S
SAP
See Pine Resin, page 184
SHOE POLISH
FABRIC
method 1
1 Pretreat with a prewash stain remover.
2 Apply liquid enzyme laundry detergent and tamp the stain.
3 Launder in the hottest water safe for the fabric.
method 2
1 Using a clean white cloth, sponge the stain with a degreaser/adhesive remover.
2 Blot until the solvent is absorbed.
3 Repeat Steps 1 and 2 until the stain disappears.
4 Pretreat or rub in liquid laundry detergent.
5 Launder in the hottest water safe for the fabric with fabric-safe bleach.
UPHOLSTERY
1 Scrape off as much polish as possible.
2 Using a clean white cloth, sponge the stain with a degreaser/adhesive remover.
3 Blot until the solvent is absorbed.
4 Repeat Steps 2 and 3 until the stain disappears.
5 Sponge with a mix of 1 tablespoon liquid hand-dishwashing detergent and 2 cups cool water.
6 Sponge with cold water and blot dry.
SALAD DRESSING (CREAMY OR VINAIGRETTE)
FABRIC
1 Pretreat with a prewash stain remover.
2 Launder using the hottest water safe for the fabric.
UPHOLSTERY
1 Scrape off excess salad dressing.
2 Sprinkle baking soda, cornstarch, or other absorbent on the stain. Let stand for 10 to 15 minutes, then vacuum.
3 Using a clean white cloth, sponge the stain with a degreaser/adhesive remover.
4 Blot until the solvent is absorbed.
5 Repeat Steps 3 and 4 until the stain disappears.
6 Sponge with a mix of 1 tablespoon hand-dishwashing liquid with 2 cups cool water.
7 Sponge with cold water and blot dry.
CARPET
1 Scrape off excess salad dressing.
2 Sprinkle baking soda, cornstarch, or other absorbent on the stain. Let stand for 10 to 15 minutes, then vacuum.
3 Using a clean white cloth, sponge the stain with a degreaser/adhesive remover.
4 Blot until the solvent is absorbed.
5 If the stain remains, mix 1 tablespoon hand-dishwashing liquid and 1 tablespoon white vinegar with 2 cups warm water.
6 Using a white cloth, sponge the stain with the detergent/vinegar solution.
7 Blot until the liquid is absorbed.
8 Sponge with cold water and blot dry.
CARPET
1 Scrape off as much polish as possible.
2 Sponge the stain with a degreaser/adhesive remover.
3 Blot until the liquid is absorbed.
4 Mix 1 tablespoon hand-dishwashing liquid and 1 tablespoon ammonia (caution, see page 150) with 2 cups warm water.
5 Using a clean white cloth, sponge the stain with the detergent/ammonia solution.
6 Blot until the liquid is absorbed.
7 Sponge with cold water and blot dry.
SOFT DRINKS
FABRIC
1 Sponge the spot with cool water, or soak for about 30 minutes in a basin of cool water.
2 Pretreat with a prewash stain remover.
3 Launder with fabric-safe bleach.
UPHOLSTERY
1 Blot up as much of the spilled drink as possible.
2 Mix 1 tablespoon hand-dishwashing liquid with 2 cups cool water.
3 Using a clean white cloth, sponge the stain with the detergent solution.
4 Blot until the liquid is absorbed.
5 Repeat Steps 3 and 4 until the stain disappears.
6 Sponge with cold water and blot dry.
CARPET
1 Blot up as much of the spilled drink as possible.
2 Use plain water or mix 1 tablespoon hand-dishwashing liquid and 1 tablespoon white vinegar with 2 cups warm water.
3 Using a clean white cloth, sponge the stain with plain water or the detergent/vinegar solution. Apply a little bit at a time, blotting frequently with a dry cloth until the stain disappears.
4 Sponge with cold water and blot dry.
SOY SAUCE
FABRIC
1 Flush the stain with cold running water.
2 Sponge with ammonia (caution, see page 150) and rinse until you have removed as much stain as possible.
3 Pretreat with a prewash stain remover.
4 Launder with fabric-safe bleach.
UPHOLSTERY
1 Mix 1 tablespoon hand-dishwashing liquid with 2 cups cool water.
2 Sponge the stain with a clean white cloth and the detergent solution.
3 Blot until the liquid is absorbed.
4 Repeat Steps 2 and 3 until the stain disappears.
5 Sponge with cold water and blot dry.
1 Mix 1 tablespoon hand-dishwashing liquid with 2 cups warm water.
2 Sponge the stain with a clean white cloth and the detergent solution.
3 Blot until the liquid is absorbed.
4 If the stain remains, mix 1 tablespoon ammonia (caution, see page 150) with ½ cup water.
5 Sponge the stain with the ammonia solution.
6 Blot until the liquid is absorbed.
7 Sponge with cold water and blot dry.
SPAGHETTI SAUCE
FABRIC
1 Working from the back of the stain, flush with cool water.
2 Pretreat with a liquid laundry detergent; tamp the stain and let stand for several minutes.
3 Rinse well.
4 Sponge with white vinegar.
5 Rinse well.
6 Repeat steps 2 through 5 until you have removed as much stain as possible.
7 Pretreat with a prewash stain remover.
8 Launder with fabric-safe bleach.
UPHOLSTERY
1 Using a clean white cloth, apply a degreaser/adhesive remover to the stained area.
2 Blot until the liquid is absorbed.
3 Repeat, applying and blotting the solution until the stain disappears or is no longer absorbed onto the cloth.
4 If the stain remains, mix 1 tablespoon hand-dishwashing liquid with 2 cups cool water.
5 Using a clean white cloth, sponge the stain with the detergent solution.
6 Blot until the liquid is absorbed.
7 Repeat Steps 5 and 6 until the stain disappears.
8 Sponge with cold water and blot dry.
CARPET
1 Mix 1 tablespoon hand-dishwashing liquid with 2 cups cool water.
2 Using a clean white cloth, sponge the stain with the detergent solution.
3 Blot until the liquid is absorbed.
4 If the stain remains, mix 1 tablespoon ammonia (caution, see page 150) with ½ cup cool water.
5 Sponge the stain with the ammonia solution.
6 Blot until the liquid is absorbed.
7 Sponge with cold water to remove the ammonia solution and blot dry.
STRAWBERRIES
FABRIC
1 Flush the stain with cool water.
2 Mix 1 tablespoon white vinegar and ½ teaspoon liquid laundry detergent with 1 quart cool water. Soak in this solution for 15 minutes.
3 Rinse with water.
4 If the stain remains, sponge with rubbing alcohol and rinse thoroughly.
5 Launder with fabric-safe bleach.
UPHOLSTERY
1 Mix 1 tablespoon white vinegar with ⅔ cup rubbing alcohol.
2 Using a clean white cloth, sponge the stain with the vinegar/alcohol solution.
3 Blot until the liquid is absorbed.
4 Repeat Steps 2 and 3 until the stain disappears.
5 Sponge with a mix of 1 tablespoon liquid hand-dishwashing detergent with 2 cups cool water.
6 Sponge with cold water and blot dry.
CARPET
1 Mix 1 tablespoon hand-dishwashing liquid with 2 cups cool water.
2 Using a clean white cloth, sponge the stain with the detergent solution.
3 Blot until the liquid is absorbed.
4 Repeat Steps 2 and 3 until the stain disappears or is no longer absorbed into the cloth.
5 If the stain remains, mix 1 tablespoon ammonia (caution, see page 150) with 2 cups cold water.
6 Sponge the stain with the ammonia solution.
7 Blot until the liquid is absorbed.
8 Sponge with cold water and blot dry.
SUNTAN LOTION
FABRIC
1 Scrape off excess lotion.
2 Pretreat with a prewash stain remover.
3 Launder, using the hottest water safe for the fabric.
UPHOLSTERY
1 Scrape off excess lotion.
2 Sprinkle baking soda, cornstarch, or other absorbent on the stain. Let stand for 10 to 15 minutes, then vacuum.
3 Using a clean white cloth, sponge the stain with a degreaser/adhesive remover.
4 Blot until the solvent is absorbed.
5 Repeat Steps 3 and 4 until the stain disappears.
6 Sponge with a mix of 1 tablespoon hand-dishwashing liquid with 2 cups cool water.
7 Sponge with cold water and blot dry.
CARPET
1 Scrape off excess lotion.
2 Sprinkle baking soda, cornstarch, or other absorbent on the stain. Let stand for 10 to 15 minutes, then vacuum.
3 Using a clean white cloth, sponge the stain with a degreaser/adhesive remover.
4 Blot until the solvent is absorbed.
5 If the stain remains, mix 1 tablespoon hand-dishwashing liquid and 1 tablespoon white vinegar with 2 cups warm water.
6 Using a clean white cloth, sponge the stain with the detergent/vinegar solution.
7 Blot until the liquid is absorbed.
8 Sponge with cold water and blot dry.
T
TAPE (ADHESIVE RESIDUE)
FABRIC
1 Scrape off excess residue.
2 If some sticky residue remains, rub waterless hand cleaner into the stain and then gently roll off the bits of adhesive, or work in a degreaser/adhesive remover until the residue dissolves.
3 Pretreat with a prewash stain remover.
4 Launder in the hottest water safe for the fabric.
UPHOLSTERY
1 Scrape off excess residue.
2 Using a clean white cloth, sponge the stain with a degreaser/adhesive remover.
3 Blot until the solvent is absorbed.
4 Repeat Steps 2 and 3 until the stain disappears.
5 Sponge with a mix of 1 tablespoon hand-dishwashing liquid with 2 cups cool water.
6 Sponge with cold water and blot dry.
CARPET
1 Scrape off excess residue.
2 Using a clean white cloth, sponge the stain with a degreaser/adhesive remover.
3 Blot until the solvent is absorbed.
4 Mix 1 tablespoon hand-dishwashing liquid and 1 tablespoon white vinegar with 2 cups warm water.
5 Sponge the stain with the detergent/vinegar solution.
6 Blot until the liquid is absorbed.
7 Sponge with cold water and blot dry.
TEA
FABRIC
1 Sponge the spot with cool water, or soak for about 30 minutes in a basin of cool water.
2 Pretreat with prewash stain remover.
3 Launder with fabric-safe bleach.
UPHOLSTERY
1 Sponge the stain with cool water.
2 Mix 1 tablespoon hand-dishwashing liquid with 2 cups cool water.
3 Using a clean white cloth, sponge the stain with the detergent solution.
4 Blot until the liquid is absorbed.
5 Repeat Steps 2 and 3 until the stain disappears.
6 Sponge with cold water and blot dry.
CARPET
1 Blot up the spilled tea and sponge the stain with cool water.
2 Mix 1 tablespoon hand-dishwashing liquid and 1 tablespoon white vinegar with 2 cups warm water.
3 Using a clean white cloth, sponge with plain water or the detergent/vinegar solution. Apply a little bit at a time, blotting frequently with a dry cloth until the stain disappears.
4 Sponge with cold water and blot dry.
TOMATO JUICE/ PASTE/SAUCE
FABRIC
1 Working from the back of the stain, flush with cold water.
2 Pretreat with a liquid laundry detergent, tamp the stain, and let stand for several minutes.
3 Rinse well.
4 Sponge with white vinegar.
5 Rinse well.
6 Repeat Steps 2 through 5 until you have removed as much stain as possible.
7 Pretreat with prewash stain remover.
8 Launder with fabric-safe bleach.
UPHOLSTERY
1 Mix 1 tablespoon hand-dishwashing liquid with 2 cups cool water.
2 Using a clean white cloth, sponge the stain with the detergent solution.
3 Blot until the liquid is absorbed.
4 Repeat Steps 2 and 3 until the stain disappears.
5 Sponge with cold water and blot dry.
CARPET
1 Mix 1 tablespoon hand-dishwashing liquid with 2 cups cool water.
2 Using a clean white cloth, sponge the stain with the detergent solution.
3 Blot until the liquid is absorbed.
4 Repeat Steps 2 and 3 until the stain disappears or is no longer absorbed into the cloth.
5 If the stain remains, mix 1 tablespoon ammonia (caution, see page 150) with ½ cup cool water.
6 Sponge the stain with the ammonia solution.
7 Blot until the liquid is absorbed.
8 Sponge with cold water and blot dry.
U
URINE
FABRIC
1 Pretreat or soak in warm water with an enzyme laundry product or a liquid laundry detergent containing enzymes.
2 Launder with fabric-safe bleach.
UPHOLSTERY
1 Mix 1 tablespoon hand-dishwashing liquid and 2 cups cool water.
2 Using a clean white cloth, sponge the stain with the detergent solution.
3 Blot until the liquid is absorbed.
4 Repeat Steps 2 and 3 until the stain disappears.
5 If the stain remains, use an eye dropper to apply hydrogen peroxide, then add a drop or 2 of ammonia (caution, see page 150).
6 Sponge with cold water and blot dry.
1 Mix 1 tablespoon hand-dishwashing liquid and 1 tablespoon white vinegar with 2 cups warm water.
2 Using a clean white cloth, sponge the stain with the detergent/vinegar solution.
3 Blot until the liquid is absorbed.
4 If the stain remains, use an eyedropper to apply hydrogen peroxide, then add a drop or 2 of ammonia (caution, see page 150).
5 Sponge with cold water and blot dry.
V
VOMIT
FABRIC
1 Scrape off excess.
2 Pretreat with a prewash stain remover.
3 Launder using the hottest water safe for the fabric.
UPHOLSTERY
1 Scrape off excess.
2 Using a clean white cloth, sponge the stain with a degreaser/adhesive remover.
3 Blot until the solvent is absorbed.
4 Repeat Steps 2 and 3 until the stain disappears.
5 Sponge with a mix of 1 tablespoon hand-dishwashing liquid and 2 cups cool water.
6 Sponge with cold water and blot dry.
CARPET
1 Scrape off excess.
2 Using a clean white cloth, sponge the stain with a degreaser/adhesive remover.
3 Blot until the solvent is absorbed.
4 If the stain remains, mix 1 tablespoon hand-dishwashing liquid and 1 tablespoon white vinegar with 2 cups warm water. Sponge the stain with this solution. Blot until the liquid is absorbed.
5 Sponge with cold water and blot dry to remove the detergent/vinegar solution.
WINE, RED
FABRIC
1 Sponge the spot with cool water, or soak for about 30 minutes in a basin of cool water.
2 Pretreat with prewash stain remover.
3 Launder with fabric-safe bleach.
UPHOLSTERY
1 Blot up the spilled wine.
2 Sponge the stain with cold water.
3 Mix 1 tablespoon hand-dishwashing liquid and 1 tablespoon white vinegar with 2 cups cool water.
4 With a clean cloth, sponge the stain with the detergent/vinegar solution.
5 Blot until the liquid is absorbed.
6 Repeat Steps 3 and 4 until the stain disappears.
7 Sponge with cold water and blot dry.
CARPET
1 Blot up the spilled wine.
2 Sponge the stain with cold water.
3 Mix 1 tablespoon hand-dishwashing liquid and 1 tablespoon white vinegar with 2 cups warm water.
4 Using a clean white cloth, sponge the stain the detergent/vinegar solution. Apply a little bit at a time, blotting frequently with a dry cloth until the stain disappears.
5 Sponge with cold water and blot dry.
WINE, WHITE
FABRIC
1 Sponge the spot with cool water or soak for about 30 minutes in a basin of cool water.
2 Pretreat with prewash stain remover.
3 Launder with fabric-safe bleach.
UPHOLSTERY
1 Blot up as much of the spilled wine as possible.
2 Mix 1 tablespoon hand-dishwashing liquid and 1 tablespoon white vinegar with 2 cups cool water.
3 Using a clean white cloth, sponge the stain with the detergent/vinegar solution.
4 Blot until the liquid is absorbed.
5 Repeat Steps 3 and 4 until the stain disappears.
6 Sponge with cold water and blot dry.
CARPET
1 Blot up the spilled wine.
2 Mix 1 tablespoon hand-dishwashing liquid and 1 tablespoon white vinegar with 2 cups warm water.
3 Using a clean white cloth, sponge the stain with the detergent/vinegar solution. Apply a little bit at a time, blotting frequently with a dry cloth until the stain disappears.
4 Sponge with cold water and blot dry.