Homemade Remedies for Cleaning Stains

Easy Homemade Remedies for Cleaning the Most Common Stains

April 15, 2024

Let's imagine you've just spilled coffee on your white carpet. In addition to being annoying and probably quite hot, you'll also want to clean it up immediately. If you don't have the right cleaning supplies, don't worry! There are plenty of home remedies that work as quality stain removers. Let's take a look at a few of the most popular.

Cleaning Coffee Stains

Coffee contains an organic compound called tannin, which binds to surfaces easily and is difficult to remove, especially the longer they sit. This is why removing the stain before it sets in is vital.

Blot the stain gently with some cold water. Then, mix equal parts water and vinegar and pour it onto the stain before blotting again. Finally, rinse with cold water and the stain should be removed.

Tackling Tea Stains

Tea also contains tannins that can lead to deep stains but in even higher quantities. These can permanently dye fabric if it sets.

Rinse with cold water first, then make a paste out of baking soda and water and apply to the stain. After a few minutes (or longer), gently rub it off and rinse with cold water.

Red Wine Stain Removal

Wine can create highly pigmented stains that can be extremely difficult to remove from fabrics. They also have high levels of tannins that can permanently dye fabric if the stain is allowed to set.

Using a clean cloth, dab the stain to absorb the spilled wine, followed by a sprinkle of salt to pick up the rest. A mixture of hydrogen peroxide and dish soap followed by a cold water rinse will then remove the stain and prevent it from becoming permanent.

Grease Stain Cleaning

Oily grease stains can leave dark spots on fabrics because they bond with fabrics and other materials at a molecular level, which makes them among the most stubborn stains to remove.

First, sprinkle the stain with baking soda, as this will absorb the excess grease. Then rub some dish soap directly into the stain and let it sit for a few minutes. Finally, rinse with hot water and, if possible, put it in the washing machine set to the highest possible heat.

Blood Stain Removal

Blood contains a protein called hemoglobin, which turns brown as it is exposed to air in a process called oxidization. Once it works its way into the fabric, these stains become notoriously difficult to remove.

You'll want to rinse it with water but it's important to use cold water instead of hot because the heat will make the blood coagulate, making it more difficult to remove. Then, apply either hydrogen peroxide or a paste made out of salt and cold water and let it sit for a few minutes. After rinsing thoroughly with cold water, it can be put into the laundry if possible.

Cleaning Grass Stains

Grass gets its green colour from the chlorophyll it contains, which is structurally similar to many dyes. It can deeply penetrate the fibres of a fabric and make the stain permanent.

To stop the stain from setting in, pre-treat with some cold water. After that, mix white vinegar and water, then rub the mixture into the stain. After a cold water rinse, the item can be placed into the laundry as normal.

Clean Up Chocolate Stains

Many people don't think of chocolate as a major source of stains but it contains oil, sugar, and food coloring. These can make them difficult to remove without a good stain remover.

First, gently scrape off the excess chocolate and then treat the stain with a mixture of cold water and dish soap, which will help remove the oil before it can set in. Finally, rinse thoroughly and wash with laundry detergent.

Solution for Mustard Stains

Mustard can be a tasty condiment, especially on hot dogs, but it can also leave tough marks on clothing. This is because it contains turmeric, a spice used as a dye that can leave bright yellow stains.

First, use a knife or other object to scrape off the excess mustard without spreading it around. Then, mix some water and vinegar and put it on the stain. After a few minutes, rinse with cold water and those mustard stains will be history.

Clean Berry Stains

The staying power of berry juice is so great that it has been traditionally used to dye fabric and create ink. These stains are very quick to set in, leaving vivid marks on clothing or other fabrics.

First, make sure to rinse the area with cold water as soon as possible to stop it from setting. Then, treat the stain with either lemon juice or white vinegar and rinse thoroughly with cold water. It can then be washed as normal.

Rust Stain Removal

Everyone who's seen an older car is familiar with the trademark orange-brown marks caused by rust when the iron oxidizes and creates an unsightly mark. However, they can also affect fabrics and destroy them over time, making it important to clean them as soon as they're noticed.

Avoid using hot water, which can cause the stain to set. Instead, apply a paste of salt and lemon juice, then let it sit in the sunlight for a while. Afterward, rinse with cold water.

Get Rid of Mould Stains

Mould is a type of fungus that not only leaves ugly stains but also a powerful and disgusting musty odour. Like rust, it can degrade fabric by digesting it for food.

First, brush off any surface mould to avoid spreading spores. Then you'll want to let it soak. For coloured fabrics, mix hot water with vinegar. For whites, use hot water with bleach. Ideally, you'll want to air dry in the sun but if that's not possible, it can air dry indoors.

Wax Stains and Wax Removal

Wax stains can be tricky to remove once they harden and embed into the fibres of the fabric.

Using a blunt knife, carefully scrape off the excess wax without damaging the fabric. Then, place a brown paper bag over the stain and gently iron it to absorb the wax. It can also be frozen and broken up. If there's anything left over, treat it with a solvent like rubbing alcohol and then wash.

Mud Stain Cleaning

Mud stains are a combination of dirt and water that contain both organic and inorganic compounds. They can leave light or dark stains, depending on the colour of the mud itself.

This is one of the few stains where it's better to let them dry first because the excess dirt will be easier to brush off. Mix laundry detergent and water and apply to the stain, then rinse thoroughly with water.

Remove Permanent Marker Stains

Permanent markers can result in stains on clothes or other fabrics. They're also resistant to water and most cleaning methods.

Before it sets in, dab with rubbing alcohol or hand sanitizer to break down the ink, then blot until the stain fades away.

Ink Stain Cleaning

Ink can be made with water, oil, or alcohol, which can make cleaning difficult depending on the specific type of ink involved.

Apply rubbing alcohol and blot (don't rub!) to avoid smearing. Alternatively, milk has proteins and fatty acids that can dissolve ink. Rinse with cold water afterward and the stain should disappear.

Conclusion

If you accidentally spill something and you don't have fancy cleaners nearby to get the stain out before it sets, don't worry! It's easy to make homemade stain remover using common household items. Remember to take care of the stain as soon as possible for the best chance of avoiding unsightly marks on your clothes. We hope you'll find these remedies helpful in the future!

Get Expert Solutions for a Stain-Free Home

Looking for professional cleaning to tackle tough stains with ease? Consider trying Luxoclean's cleaning services for spotless results every time. At Luxoclean, we see accidents happen all the time and know that stains are an inevitable part of life. We're all too familiar with dealing with stubborn stains, so whether you need stains cleaned in your home or just require a thorough deep cleaning, we can help.