Cleaning expert shares hacks for removing stubborn stains
A cleaning expert has revealed how to get rid of common stains to make clean-up much easier.
With the chaos of celebrating comes the inevitable spills, splashes, and smudges some of which can be near-impossible to clean. Here are some go-to tips for eliminating wine, makeup, cooking oil, candle wax, and gravy marks as well as glitter on clothes, carpets, and tablecloths. The festive season brings a frantic rush which means spills, stains, and other mishaps are all the more likely to occur. No matter the stain, the key to success when treating it is acting fast - a quicker clean-up prevents the spread and set-in of the stain. Some stains, if not treated, can chemically react with fabrics or surfaces and cause irreversible discoloration or damage.
Oil stains
Getting stubborn oil stains on clothing is a common blunder but even the deepest spills can lift with the right method and it's better to act sooner rather than later. Dab the stain with washing detergent or fairy liquid and throw it in the machine on the hottest recommended setting for your clothing's fabric type. For spilled oil on carpet or other higher pile fabrics, pour baking soda to absorb residue then hoover the affected area after leaving to soak for five minutes. Rub dish soap or laundry detergent into the affected area and scrub before rinsing with water.
Candle wax splatters
Candles are popular festive decorations for tables however one knock can leave wax splatters on tablecloths, carpet, and wood. For clothing or tablecloths, scrape off excess wax and then use a low heat from a hair dryer over a paper towel to melt and absorb the wax followed by treating any remaining stain with oil stain remover or solvents like rubbing alcohol. For polyester or denim, use an ice cube to harden the wax, then scrape off and freeze the garment before applying heat or using an iron to remove any leftover residue. Wax spills on carpets can be trickier due to the wax sinking into the pile of the carpet. To remove wax from carpets, gently scrape off the surface wax with a butter knife, apply low heat with an iron and a cloth to loosen and absorb the wax, then use rubbing alcohol and a carpet stain remover to tackle the stain. For wood floors, soften the wax with a hairdryer then gently scrape it off with a dry cloth, cleaning the surface with a water and vinegar solution, and once removed, finish with a wood polishing spray.
Wine spills
Many people swear by using white wine to soak up red wine stains on clothing, carpets or tablecloths but sparkling water is much more effective. Rinse the area with sparkling water then blot dry. Apply a form of carpet cleaner or, if you're treating clothing, throw the item in the washer with a tough stain remover applied. Sparkling water is much preferred to white wine due to the carbonation helps to lift the stain and prevents it from settling into the fibers or carpet and fabric.
Gravy drips and drops
With everyone spending the next few days finishing up festive dinner leftovers, gravy spills are a high probability - and it's best to act fast. Two pantry staples work best for gravy stains - table salt or cornflour. If you're mid-meal and spot a gravy stain, cover the stain with cornflour or table salt to soak up oils in the gravy and prevent a stain from setting in. Scrape the now-gravy paste with a knife and then proceed by blotting the stain with dishwashing soap. After pre-treating it, wash the tablecloth in the washing machine at the highest possible temperature to effectively banish the stain.
Makeup smudges
During this party season, clothing can fall victim to makeup marks, especially when getting undressed after a few champagnes. Makeup on clothing is treatable if found quickly but getting spilled cosmetics out of carpet can be more of a challenge. For carpet stains, dab at the area with a clean damp cloth then scrub with neat dishwashing liquid and a brush with hard bristles.
For clothing, micellar water is key - it's just as effective in breaking down oils on clothes as it is on faces. Quick action is crucial for liquid products like foundations that contain oil. Dab the stain with micellar water immediately, then use a stain-removing washing liquid for a thorough finish.
Glitter explosions
Glitter on decorations and wrapping can wreak havoc all over the house and homeowners can sometimes be finding traces of the sparkly speckles for months following. An unexpected yet effective hack for picking up glitter - using a balloon. For ease with glitter clean up, gather glitter particles in one area for ease of clean up. Use a vacuum extension to suck up the gathered pile.
For the remaining glitter, grab a balloon smaller specks with a balloon: inflate it, create static by rubbing it on the carpet or hair, then roll it over the residual glitter, creating a sparkly sphere.
For other persistent flecks, grab a lint roller and collect the remaining stubborn glitter.
Cranberry sauce accidents
To handle cranberry sauce stains, gently blot the area using a clean white cloth or paper towel, absorbing as much moisture as possible with an up-and-down motion. Do not rub the stain as it would spread the sauce wider and create a bigger mark. Apply white wine vinegar to the affected area, ensuring thorough coverage by working it into the stain using your fingers. Let the vinegar sit for at least five minutes before throwing it in the washing machine.
Adapted from: Daily Mail
Comments