Accidental spillages and stains on furniture, fabric, carpets and clothes are an inevitable part of life. To help you in your clean-up mission, we’ve compiled a list of at stain-removal solutions for you to use as alternatives to the harsh chemicals typically found in shop-bought products…
Baking soda
Baking soda is a staple ingredient for breads and cakes, but it also doubles as an effective stain remover. Form a paste by mixing it with water and apply directly onto the stain prior to washing.
White vinegar
White vinegar is a great brightening agent. Target yellow stains by soaking the affected area in undiluted vinegar for 20-30 minutes before washing. Or, to whiten a piece of clothing, dilute vinegar with equal parts water and leave the item to soak in the mixture prior to laundering.
Water
Water might seem like an inadequate solution to stain removal. But by soaking a fresh stain in water, you reduce the chance of it setting in the fabric. Always ensure that you use cold water when dealing with delicate fabrics such as lace.
Petroleum jelly
To banish cup or mug marks from wooden surfaces, rub the area with an oily substance such as petroleum jelly or a little toothpaste applied to a wet cloth. This will help to break down the residue left behind by the cup. Once it is free of marks, the wooden surface should be waxed to protect it from further damage.
And a few things to avoid
For best results, do not: keep rubbing the stain, mix stain removers, use excessive amounts of stain remover, or allow the stain to sit for any longer than necessary.
