Basic Principles of Stain Removal
No matter how cautious you are, at some time in your life, you're likely to be faced with a stain. You stand a much better chance of success if you know what the stain is. Remove many stains with the right formula that can dissolve or fade whatever caused it. Does this Spark an idea?
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Timing
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As soon as you are aware of a stain or the potential of a stain, start working on getting rid of it immediately. The sooner you react the better your chances are. Completely eradicate many spots if you blot and clean them with water and a mild detergent within just a few minutes. Older stains tend to be more stubborn.
Protect Materials
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Know the fabric, wood or other surface that you are trying to clean. Some types of solvents can destroy certain fabrics or make the stain worse. The College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences Department at the University of New Mexico recommends testing a solvent on fabric at the hem or hidden seam before applying it to the stain. If you are trying to get rid of a stain on a piece of furniture, test the stain removal method on the least visible surface.
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Products
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Have some of the most common stain removal products on hand to save time. Some items to keep in your stain removal kit include white cleaning cloths or paper towels, sponges, detergent, dry-cleaning spot removers, nail polish remover, salt, cornstarch, baking soda, laundry presoak sticks, sprays or powders, rubbing alcohol, peroxide, toothbrush and a container for soaking.
List
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Make a list of what type of product to use with each type of stain. Remove water-based ink with water and a light detergent. Permanent ink is much more difficult to remove, but if you catch it quickly enough, you may be able to dissolve it with alcohol or nail polish remover. For oil stains, try sprinkling cornstarch or baking soda on the spot. After you wait a few minutes for the product to absorb the oil, brush it off. If that doesn't work, use a degreasing detergent or alcohol. Remove some stains caused by lotion, sauce, chocolate or makeup can by applying liquid laundry detergent directly to the spot before laundering. If you don't know what caused the stain, use cold water because hot water may set some stains.
Precautions
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Some stain removers are toxic alone or when mixed with others. Wear rubber gloves and avoid contact with skin when treating stained surfaces. If you try one stain remover that does not work, rinse the item thoroughly before applying another stain remover. Apply chemical stain removers in a well-ventilated area. Store all chemicals in an out-of-reach area from children.
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References
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