Stain Removal TipsOPH Good Housekeeping on Facebook Download our FREE Cleaning E-book Now!!Why not watch our stain removal and cleaning tips videos? ACCIDENTS WILL HAPPEN. When they do, be prepared with OPH handy stain removal tips: Unlike dirt and grime that can be removed fairly easily, stains actually bond with the fabric making removal more difficult to remove once set. The sooner we act the easier and more effective our stain removing efforts will be. Visit our general stain removal techniques to make the most of our individual stain removal tips.
Immediate action is needed. Hold affected area in the stream of running cold water. to restore colour faded by acid sponge with a weak solution of ammonia and water, followed by chloroform. For alkali stains hold affected area in cold running water then neurtralise any traces by dabbing with white vinegar.
WashablesWhenever possible use the highest temperature washing method. if stain persists, sponge with a white vinegar and water solution.(except for acetate fabrics) (1 part vinegar to 5 parts water). Rinse in cold water and if necessary soak in a biological washing detergent then re-rinse. If the stain is still visible, treat with hydrogen peroxide and water solution. (1 part HP to 6 parts water).Test fabric prior to the HP treatment. Unwashables Sponge with methylated spirit then rub a small amount of hardened soap into the mark. Allow to dry then brush with a soft nail brush. Washables Sponge with cold water then soak in cold water preferably overnight. For persistent stains soak in a biological detergent, alternatively stretch the stained area over a bowl or other recepicle, sprinkle with borax, then pour boiling water over. Unwashables Dab with cold water. If staining persists have professionally cleaned. Furnishings Spray with soda water or cold water then sponge. repeat as necessary. Carpets Treatment as furnishings. Washables Scrape off as much as possible then sponge the area with salt water. soak overnight in a biological detergent. Wash as usual. Unwashables Scrape off as much as possible then sponge with a solution of ammonia and water ( 60mls ammonia to 2 litres water) Flollow up by dabbing on white vinegar then sponge off with cold water.. Furnishings Use dry cleaning fliud. Carpets Use dry cleaning fluid. Flush repeatedly with methylated spirits. Biro marks can be removed from suede by rubbing with a fine sandpaper. To remove biro from walls brush will a soft nail brush Washables Steep in 1 tablespoon of salt to 1200ml cold water. Follow with a short soak in a biological washing powder or bleach for white fabrics. Alternatively siks may be soaked in a borax and water solution ( 56grams to 0.5 litres of water). Rinse well and wash in the usual way. Unwashables First sponge the stain with cold water then apply a thick layer of a paste of starch mixed with cold water to affected area. leave it to dry and absorb the stain then brush of lightly with a soft brush. Furnishing Same procedure as unwashables but replace the starch/ water paste with a cornflour paste. Carpets sponge with cold water as soon as possible and allow to dry. Repeat until stain fades. Never use hot water as this will cause blood to harden and make removal more difficult. Washables Scrape off as much as possible then put article in a plastic bag and place in freezer to allow the gum to harden and be easier to remove. Any remaining gum can be removed with methylated spirits.
Unwashables Furnishings Place ice cubes on the gum to harden it then pick off. Remove any remaining gum with methylated spirits. Carpets Treatment as furnishings. Washables Cool the affected area then scrape off as much as possible.Treat with a biological detergent applied to the back of the stain on a pad of tisses. Wash in the usual way. Unwashables Cool and scrape off as much of the chocolate as possible. Use a tetrachloride based stain remover to remove remains (remember to test on an unnoticeable area first) Furnishings Allow to cool and harden then scrape off as much as possible. treat any remaining stain with a carbon tetrachloride pre mixed solution. Carpets Treatment as furnishings. NB liquid chocolate can be removed by spraying soda water on mthe affected part then sponging with warm water. Washables Fresh stains can be removed wih a soak in warm water and biological detergent. A mix of hydrogen peroxide and water (1:6) should remove any remaining stains. As an alternative stretch the stained area over a bowl, sprinkle on a small amount of borax and pour over boiling water from a height of about 3 feet. Rinse well then wash in the usual way. Unwashables Sponge with a grease solvent. If stain persists, dry clean. Furnishings Squirt the affected area with soda water then treat with a carpet shampoo. Carpets Treat as furnishings. Washables markings are usually caused by body oils therefore the most effective treatment is rubbing hair shampoo into the stain then washing in the usual way. Washables Dab with a solvent and flush any remaining colour with methylated spirits. Do not attempt to remove any stubborn traces on coloured fabric because of the risk of removing the original colour as well. Unwashables Dry clean only. Furnishings Dab with methylated spirits. Carpets Vacuum to remove any crushed crayon first, then dab with methylated spirits. washables Rinse affected area with warm water then rub in petroleum jelly. Rinse once more before soaking an d washing in detergent. If the fabric is colourfast persistent stains may be removed with a solution of hydrogen peroxide and water (1:6) unwashables Sponge with a solution of borax dissolved in warm water. If stain persists, dry clean. furnishings & carpets Sponge with a solution of borax dissolved in warm water. Deodorant Washables Treat the stain as soon as possible. Try rubbing affected area with pantyhose to remove the stain Alternatively dab affected area with detergent and water or apply white vinegar direct to stain then leave overnight in a white vinegar and water solution. If machine washable, wash garment inside out. Persistent stains may benefit from a poltice of baking soda and water applied to affected area and left overnight. This method of stain removal is not suitable for dark fabrics Unwashables Dry cleaning is advisable. Remember to point out deodorant stain.Dye WashablesImmediate treatment is required using cold water to rinse affected area. Follow up with a soak in cold water and detergent preferably overnight. for persistent stains, providing the fabric is not delicate, sponge with a mix of hydrogen peroxide and water (1:6) Unwashables Dry clean as soon as possible Furnishings Dab with white spirit or dry cleaning fluid. if this fails to remove the stain, professional cleaning is necessary. Carpets Treat as furnishings Washables Soak the stain overnight in a biological detergent and cold water solution. wash in the usual way. Unwashables remove any excess then sponge with salt water. Allow to dry then follow by sponging with detergent and water lather. Furnishings Treat as unwashable fabrics. Carpets Shampoo affected area. Washables Try wetting the fabric then applying a small amount of liquid detergent. If stain persists apply oil og eucalyptus followed bt a few drops of ammonia which can be dabbed on with a dry cloth. Rinse with warm water and wash in the usual way. Unwashables Treat with a dry cleaning solvent Furnishings Treat as unwashables Carpets Treat as Unwashables Washables Gently work methylated spirit into the stain (working from the back of the stain) then wash as normal. do not use this method on acetate. For persistent stains, dry clean. Unwashables Dry clean. Furnishings Try using a commercial stain remover followed by a shampoo. For persistent stains dry cleaning is necessary. Carpets Treat as furnishings.
Washables Fresh stains may be removed by stretching affected area over a recepticle and pouring boiling water through it from a height of two feet. Follow up by washing at the highest permissible temperature for the fabric. old stains may be treated with glycerine. Leave for approximately one hour before pouting boiling water through the stain, then wash in the usual way.. Unwashables Dry clean Furnishings Sponge with dry cleaning fluid, then shampoo. Carpets Try blotting the stain then shampoo. Any remaining stain may be removed with white spirit.
WashablesSponge with water, then with rubbing alcohol( 3 parts water to 1 part alcohol) and allow to dry. NB Do not use rubbing alcohol on silk or wool. Dilute in the ratio 6:1 for acetate. Follow up by sponging with lukewarm water and detergent directly into the stain. Rinse and allow to dry. For persistent stains soak in a mixture of water and stain remover for an hour or so then launder in the usual way.
Washables Blot fresh stains with tissue or other absorbent paper, sprinkle with talcum powder or cornflour then allow to dry. Gently brush off any excess grease then work liquid detergent into the stain. Hold affected area in the stream of the hot water tap then wash on the highest temperature for the fabric. Unwashables Dry clean Furnishings Mop up any excess with tissue paper then sprinkle on talcum powder or cornflour. Leave to dry then gently brush away any excess. Shampoo as necesssary. Carpets Treat as furnishings
Washables Vegetable dyes such as henna may be washed out with liquid detergent then rinsed thoroughly. any residue can be treated with household ammonia. Other dyes should be treated immediately with liquid detergent then white vinegar and wash in the usual way.once left, stains are virtually impossible to remove. Unwashables Rinse with warm water immediately. Furnishings Sponge with white vinegar Carpets Treat as furnishings.http://build18.sitesell.com/cgi-bin/sbi/buildpage.pl Washables Unwashables Ink, once dried requires an acid to remove. For white fabrics wet thoroughly with cold water then sponge with a solution of oxalic acid and warm water. Rinse well then wash in the usual way. Furnishings Fresh stains can be covered with a layer of Fullers earth and water mixed into a paste. leave to dry then brush out, repeating as necessary. Carpets Treat as furnishings.
Washables Fresh stains should be treated by scraping off as much as possible then soaking in a biological powder prior to washing in the normal way. Once dry stains are more difficult to remove therefore soak over night in a biological powder then wash in the normal way. Unwashables Remove as much as possible before it is allowed to dry then dry clean. Furnishings Scrape off as much as possible then clean with upholstery shampoo. Carpets Scrape off as much as possible then shampoo. Carefully remove as much as possible from the article. Do not allow the stain to dry, soak in a biological detergent for as long as possible. Wash as normal. Non Washable Fabrics Remove as much as possible from the article, then dry clean. Carpets and Furnishings Carefully remove excess, sponge with biological detergent in warm water. Finish off with carpet or upholstery shampoo.
Washables Gently scrape off any excess then hold in the stream of cold running water. Follow up by sponging with warm water and washing up liquid. For persistent stains dab methylated spirits onto the stain. wash as normal. Unwashables Gently scrape off any excess then carefully sponge with cold water and blot with tissue paper. Persistent stains require dry cleaning. Furnishings Remove any excess, sponge with cold water before applying upholstery shampoo. Carpets Treat as furnishings substituting upholsery shampoo for carpet shampoo. Washables Scrape off a s much as possible with a blunt instrument, then wash at the highest allowable temperature. Do not add detergent. For more persistent stains rub in glycerine, oil of eucalyptus or vaseline prior to washing.Unwashables Sponge affected area with turpentine then pat dry with a cloth. remember to air thoroughly.
Washables For fresh stains soak and agitate in cold water then wash in the usual way. For stale stains, carefully remove any crusting then soak in cold water and pre-wash detergent before washing in the usual way. For persistent stains repeat the soaking in cold water and pre- wash detergent. Whites may require bleaching. Washables For fresh stains soak and agitate in cold water then wash in the usual way. For stale stains, carefully remove any crusting then soak in cold water and pre-wash detergent before washing in the usual way. For persistent stains repeat the soaking in cold water and pre- wash detergent. Whites may require bleaching. WashablesAllow to dry then carefully remove any crusting with a nail brush or toothbrush. . For stale stains, carefully remove any crusting then soak in cold water and pre-wash detergent before washing in the usual way. For persistent stains repeat the soaking in cold water and pre- wash detergent. Whites may require bleaching. Washables Sponge with cold water then dab with moistened salt from the back of the stain. Wash at the highest temperature for the fabric. For persistent stains repeat this procedure. Unwashables Dab with moistened salt from the back of the stain. Dry clean if necessary. WashablesTreat with heavy duty detergent or powdered detergent and warm water mixed to a runny paste and applied directly on to the stain. Follow this up with a wash at the highest temperature for the fabric Acrylic Paint Washables Do not allow to dry. Dab with cold water then gently work soap into the stain, repeating until stain disappears. Wash as normal. Unwashables Dab with cold water until stain has disappeared then dry clean as soon as possible. Furnishings Dab with a solution of cold water and upholstery shampoo. Carpets Dab with a solution of cold water and carpet shampoo. Emulsion Washables Treat immediately. Dab with cold water then wash as normal. Unwashables Dab with cold water until stain has disappeared then dry clean. Furnishings Dab with cold water until stain disappears. Treat persistent stains with upholstery shampoo. Carpets Dab with cold water until stain disappears. Treat persistent stains with carpet shampoo. Oil Based Washables Treat immediately. Dab with white spirit then wash as normal. Unwashables Dab with white spirit until stain has disappeared then dry clean. Furnishings Dab withwhite spirit then clean with upholstery shampoo. Carpets Dab with white spirit then wash with carpet shampoo. Washables Rub salt and lemon juice into the stain then leave for approximately one hour. Wash in the usual way. Dry cleaning is necessary for persistent stains. Unwashables Dry clean Place scorched area in the stream of cold running water, rub gently. Follow up by soaking in warm water and borax ( 1 teaspoon per half litre of water) for approximately 2 hours then wash as normal. Bleaching may be required to remove scorch marks from whites. Unwashables Dry clean only Furnishings Seek professional help Carpets Try rubbing gently with a dampened scouring pad. Remember to test first in an inconspicuous area. For persistent marks seek professional help WashablesFresh stains should be treated by washing in detergent ) on the highest temperature for the fabric. Do not use soap or detergents that contain soap as this may make the stain permanent. Old stains may require bleaching. Washables Soak then agitate in cold water before washing on the normal cycle for the fabric. For persistent stains soak in detergent then repeat the washing cycle. Washables Not pleasant but don't panic. Remove as much as possible then soak overtnight in biological washing powder. Rinse in cold water then wash in the usual way. Unwashables Remove as much as possible then sponge with dry cleaning fluid Furnishings Remove as much as possible then sponge with warm water and detergent solution. Carpets Remove as much as possible then spong with soda water. Repeat as necessary. Washables Cover the stain with salt then leave to absorb. For more persistant stains, rub with lemon juice or soak in a solution of hot water and borax (28 grammes to 0.5 litres).Remember to rinse well then wash in the usual way. Unwashables Sponge the stain with borax solution, repeating as necessary then rub with a dry cloth. Furnishings Cover the stain with salt then rinse with warm water. Carpets Cover with talcum powder then vacuum. Repeat as necessary. Hold affected area in the steam of a boiling kettle or pan. shake frequently then dry with a warm iron. Be very careful when using this method to avoid scalding. Washables First set the wax by placing the article in the freezer, then break off as much wax as possible. Use blotting paper to absorb the grease; place one sheet over and one sheet under the stain, then press with a warm iron, changing the paper as necessary. For silks and delicate fabrics repeat the procedure as above substituting blotting paper for tissue paper and using a cooler iron. Stubborn marks may be removed with dry cleaning fluid.. Unwashables. Same procedure as washables Thanks for checking out our stain removal tips. We are adding more good housekeeping stain removal tips and techniques all the time, so don't forget to click on to check them out. Spring Cleaning ArticlesHow to clean granite countertops
|
