Remove Common Stains With Stuff Around Your House

Stains happen. None of us can avoid them, and only a select few of us are good at removing them. We have all turned to fancy cleaning supplies with fantastical claims to fame only to be let down and frustrated by the wasted time and money. Most of us have also sought professional help at one point or another, and the results can sometimes be favorable, but you know it’s going to cost you in the end. Before you go out and purchase a special spray to remove that wine stain from your shirt, and before you resort to calling in the pros to get rid of a rust stain, you may want to try out some natural cleaning methods with stuff you probably already have around the house.

Continue reading for step-by-step instructions on cleaning common stains with stuff you have at home already. Before you buy anything from the store, or place an order online, try the tips below to remove blood stains, red wine stains, rust stains, ink stains and regular dirt with things you can find in your house.

Club Soda For a Red Wine Stain

This can be pretty awful looking when it happens. When you spill red wine on a piece of clothing, the carpet, or your couch, the deep red stain will look impossible to remove. Many harsh cleaners with bleach and other chemicals will claim to be the answer, but if you’ve ever tried them you know that they can discolor or deteriorate the surface you’re cleaning, and they’re not always able to complete the job to your satisfaction. This is one stain that club soda soda can be very effective on.

Red wine is very acidic due to the high levels of tannic acid in it. This is why something like club soda is able to remove it. Use club soda alone or dilute some baking soda into water to create a basic solution to clean any red wine stain. As we all know, opposites attract, so the acid in the wine will cling to the carbon dioxide in the club soda, so it will sort of lift off the stained surface to make red pigment easy to remove.

Simply saturate the stain with your club soda, and then blot the stain out to remove most of the coloration. Continue with another dose of the baking soda solution or club soda to clean the remaining stain. Once it’s almost gone, it’ll be a matter of flushing the area clean with plain old water.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Removing a Red Wine Stain with Club Soda

Materials Needed:

• Club soda
• Clean white cloths or paper towels
• A bowl or small bucket
• Mild dish soap (optional)
• Baking soda (optional)

Instructions:

1. Act Quickly: As soon as the red wine spill occurs, blot the stain with a clean white cloth or paper towel to remove as much liquid as possible. Do not rub, as this can push the stain deeper into the fabric.
2. Apply Club Soda: Pour club soda directly onto the stain. Club soda is carbonated water that can help lift the stain from the fabric.
3. Blot the Stain: Use a clean cloth or paper towel to blot the area. Again, avoid rubbing. The carbonation in the club soda will help to loosen and lift the wine from the fibers of the fabric.
4. Repeat as Necessary: Continue applying club soda and blotting until the stain begins to fade. This may take several applications, so be patient.
5. Optional – Use Dish Soap: If the stain is still visible, you can mix a few drops of mild dish soap with water and apply it to the stain. Gently blot with a clean cloth.
6. Optional – Use Baking Soda: For stubborn stains, sprinkle baking soda over the damp stained area after applying club soda. Let it sit for a few minutes, then blot it with a clean cloth. The baking soda can help to lift the stain by absorbing it.
7. Rinse and Dry: Once the stain has been removed, rinse the area with cold water to remove any remaining club soda, soap, or baking soda. Blot with a dry cloth and allow the fabric to air dry.

Why Club Soda Works

Club soda is effective for removing red wine stains primarily due to its carbonation and slight acidity. The carbonated bubbles help to lift and break down the wine particles, making it easier to blot them away. Additionally, the acidity can help to neutralize some of the pigment in the red wine.

Upsides of Using Club Soda

• Gentle on Fabrics: Club soda is less likely to damage delicate fabrics compared to harsher chemical stain removers.
• Non-Toxic: Club soda is a safe and non-toxic option for stain removal, making it a good choice for households with children and pets.
• Easily Accessible: Club soda is readily available and inexpensive, making it a convenient solution for unexpected spills.

Downsides of Using Club Soda

• Effectiveness Varies: While club soda can be effective for many fresh red wine stains, it may not work as well on older or set-in stains.
• Multiple Applications Needed: It often requires repeated applications and patience, which can be time-consuming.
• Limited to Fresh Stains: Club soda works best on fresh stains. For older or dried stains, additional methods or products may be needed.

Conclusion

Using club soda to remove red wine stains is a gentle and non-toxic method that can be effective, especially when the stain is fresh. It works by utilizing the carbonation to lift the wine from the fabric fibers. However, it may require multiple applications and may not be as effective on older stains. For best results, act quickly and be patient during the blotting process.

This technique will do the trick in many cases, but for more severe staining try something a little more powerful like Quick N Brite. It’s a natural cleaner, so it’s safe to use on any type of surface, and it’s perfect for organic staining like this. When all else fails, this stuff will always do the trick.

Lemon Juice For a Dirt or Rust Stain

Regular old dirt can be pretty easy to remove, but some of it is kind of stubborn. Rust on the other hand, is one of those stains that can be nearly impossible to remove from certain surfaces. Because the two are alkaline or basic, you’ll want to approach them in a similar manner. The same opposites attract style method that was used with the wine will be used here, but in this case you’ll use something acidic to remove these two alkaline stains. Vinegar can work great for this, and lemon juice is another highly acidic tool that can be quite effective as well. If you are going the vinegar route, always choose a distilled white vinegar, as it has proven to work the best.

Rust is an iron oxide, and it’s not soluble in water, so most regular washing techniques will be useless to clean it. As soon as you add something acidic to the rust stain, it’ll begin to break apart, to make it easy to remove. For a rust stain in the bath, spray on some lemon juice and let it sit for a few minutes. Give it a quick scrub to further loosen the stain, and then rinse clean with water.

For rust on clothing, a pre-treat method works well. Saturate the rustiness with your acidic solution and let it sit until you do a load of laundry. In most cases the stain will be gone or greatly diminished once the clothes come out of the dryer. For regular dirt, use the vinegar, and clean like you are using any other type of cleanser. Simply spray on, and then wipe the dirt away. You can also use it on laundry stains prior to washing in much the same way as described above with the lemon juice.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Removing Dirt and Rust Stains with Lemon Juice

Materials Needed:

• Fresh lemon or bottled lemon juice
• Salt (for rust stains)
• Clean white cloths or paper towels
• Soft brush or sponge
• Water
• Mild dish soap (optional)

Instructions for Dirt Stains:

1. Prepare the Area: Start by gently brushing off any loose dirt from the stained area using a soft brush or cloth.
2. Apply Lemon Juice: Squeeze fresh lemon juice directly onto the dirt stain. Ensure the stain is thoroughly soaked.
3. Blot the Stain: Use a clean white cloth or paper towel to blot the stain. This helps to lift the dirt particles from the fabric or surface.
4. Let it Sit: Allow the lemon juice to sit on the stain for about 5-10 minutes. The natural acids in the lemon juice will help to break down the dirt particles.
5. Rinse and Repeat: Rinse the area with water and check if the stain is gone. If the stain persists, repeat the process.
6. Wash with Mild Soap (Optional): If necessary, apply a small amount of mild dish soap to the area, scrub gently, and rinse thoroughly.
7. Dry the Area: Blot the area with a clean, dry cloth to remove excess moisture and allow it to air dry.

Instructions for Rust Stains:

1. Prepare the Area: Remove any loose rust particles by gently brushing the surface with a soft brush or cloth.
2. Apply Lemon Juice and Salt: Sprinkle salt over the rust stain and then squeeze fresh lemon juice on top. The salt acts as a mild abrasive, and the lemon juice provides the acidity needed to break down the rust.
3. Let it Sit: Allow the lemon juice and salt mixture to sit on the stain for 30 minutes to an hour. For tougher stains, you can leave it on for longer.
4. Scrub the Stain: Use a soft brush or sponge to gently scrub the area. The combination of salt and lemon juice will help to lift the rust from the surface.
5. Rinse Thoroughly: Rinse the area with clean water to remove any remaining lemon juice and salt. Check if the stain is gone.
6. Repeat if Necessary: For stubborn stains, you may need to repeat the process.
7. Dry the Area: Blot with a clean, dry cloth and allow the area to air dry.

Why Lemon Juice Works

Lemon juice is effective for removing both dirt and rust stains due to its natural acidity and mild bleaching properties. The citric acid in lemon juice helps to break down and dissolve dirt and rust particles, making them easier to remove. When combined with salt, the abrasive action of the salt enhances the cleaning power of the lemon juice, particularly for rust stains.

Upsides of Using Lemon Juice

• Natural and Non-Toxic: Lemon juice is a natural, non-toxic cleaning agent, making it safe for use around children and pets.
• Environmentally Friendly: Using lemon juice reduces the need for harsh chemical cleaners, which can be harmful to the environment.
• Easily Accessible: Lemons and lemon juice are readily available and inexpensive.

Downsides of Using Lemon Juice

• Effectiveness on Tough Stains: Lemon juice may not be as effective on very old or deeply set stains, requiring multiple applications or additional cleaning methods.
• Potential Fabric Damage: The acidity in lemon juice can potentially weaken or discolor delicate fabrics if left on for too long or used excessively.
• Time-Consuming: The process can be time-consuming, particularly for stubborn stains that require repeated treatments.

Conclusion

Using lemon juice to remove dirt and rust stains is a natural, safe, and environmentally friendly method. Its effectiveness comes from the natural acids that break down stains, making them easier to clean. However, it may require patience and repeated applications for tougher stains. Always test lemon juice on an inconspicuous area first to ensure it does not damage the fabric or surface.

More on Cleaning Naturally With Vinegar

Rubbing Alcohol For an Ink Stain

Stains from ink are pretty easy to come by. We have all done it before, and many just toss the clothing, or surrender in defeat. Don’t let your furniture sit ruined, or your hard earned money go to waste by throwing out clothing. It is possible to remove an ink stain with stuff you have around the house.

For this type of stain, try hairspray or rubbing alcohol. They’ll do the trick if used properly, but they also run the risk of ruining stuff, so be careful! Both of these contain ethyl alcohol which is a surfactant. In technical terms, this means that one side of the molecule is hydrophilic and loves water, while the other side is not, and it’s more attracted to organic molecules like the carbon that gives ink it’s color. In more simple terms, these things are able to float the color off the surface so that you can remove it. The stain is lifted up and it’s able to mix with the water or attach to another surface, in order to exit the surface you’re cleaning.

Simply spray on the alcohol, and work it in. Then buff the stain with a clean dry towel, or flush the area with water. Some more permanent inks will be impossible to remove all the way, but many are able to clean easily. Ball point pen ink is the most simple, and something like a fat black marker would be much more difficult in comparison. Rubbing alcohol has proven to work fairly well at removing ink stains from a wide range of materials and surfaces, and you probably have some at your house right now.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Removing an Ink Stain with Rubbing Alcohol

Materials Needed:

• Rubbing alcohol (isopropyl alcohol)
• Clean white cloths or paper towels
• Cotton balls or swabs (optional)
• Mild dish soap (optional)
• Water

Instructions:

1. Blot the Stain: As soon as you notice the ink stain, blot the area with a clean white cloth or paper towel to absorb as much of the ink as possible. Avoid rubbing, as this can spread the stain further.
2. Test in an Inconspicuous Area: Before applying rubbing alcohol to the stained area, test it on a small, hidden part of the fabric to ensure it does not cause any damage or discoloration.
3. Apply Rubbing Alcohol: Pour a small amount of rubbing alcohol onto a cotton ball, cotton swab, or directly onto a clean white cloth. Dab the rubbing alcohol onto the ink stain, starting from the outside edges and working your way toward the center. This helps to prevent the stain from spreading.
4. Blot the Stain: Use a clean cloth or paper towel to blot the area again. You should see the ink transferring from the fabric to the cloth. Continue dabbing and blotting until the ink stain is no longer visible or significantly reduced.
5. Rinse the Area: Rinse the treated area with cold water to remove any residual rubbing alcohol. This helps to ensure that the fabric does not get damaged over time.
6. Wash with Mild Soap (Optional): If any ink remains, apply a small amount of mild dish soap to the area, gently scrub with a soft brush or cloth, and rinse thoroughly.
7. Dry the Area: Blot the area with a clean, dry cloth to remove excess moisture and allow the fabric to air dry.

Why Rubbing Alcohol Works

Rubbing alcohol is effective at removing ink stains because it acts as a solvent. It helps to dissolve the ink, breaking it down so that it can be blotted away from the fabric. The alcohol penetrates the stain and lifts the ink particles, making them easier to remove.

Upsides of Using Rubbing Alcohol

• Effective on Various Inks: Rubbing alcohol works well on many types of ink, including ballpoint, felt-tip, and gel pens.
• Widely Available and Inexpensive: Rubbing alcohol is commonly found in most households and is relatively cheap.
• Quick Action: Rubbing alcohol works quickly to dissolve ink stains, making the cleaning process faster.

Downsides of Using Rubbing Alcohol

• Potential Fabric Damage: Rubbing alcohol can potentially damage or discolor delicate fabrics, especially if not tested beforehand.
• Strong Odor: Rubbing alcohol has a strong smell, which some people might find unpleasant.
• Flammability: Rubbing alcohol is flammable, so it should be used with caution and kept away from open flames or heat sources.

Conclusion

Using rubbing alcohol to remove ink stains is a highly effective method due to its solvent properties. It quickly dissolves and lifts ink from fabrics, making it a go-to solution for many types of ink stains. However, it is important to test the fabric first to avoid damage and to use the product in a well-ventilated area due to its strong odor and flammability. By following these steps, you can effectively remove ink stains and keep your fabrics looking clean and fresh.

If you’ve tried rubbing alcohol without success, or you just want something a little more fool-proof, again, we would suggest you check out what Quick n Brite has to offer in the way of stain fighting power, and all-around cleaning ability.

Salt Water For a Blood Stain

You don’t have to be a criminal to come across a blood stain. Many parents are very familiar with this one, and it can be pretty tough to remove. Salt water can work quite well on a blood stain, and there probably is not a house in the US that would have trouble coming up with some to give it a try.

The reason why blood is red, is due to the iron content. This is also what is most responsible for any stain that might result. If you clean with a salt water solution, the salt is able to displace the iron in the blood, which will cause the deep red color to fade as the stain is removed. If left to set in, a blood stain can become bonded with the fabric, making it very difficult to clean. For this reason, attacking the stain quickly will make the job easier, and also ensure better results. If you get to work right away, the water will keep the blood wet and prevent this bonding from taking place.

To clean a blood stain on clothing, simply spray the area with salt water, and begin to blot and work the stain out. You’ll want to completely clean the area without stopping for best results. For this type of stain, a pre-treat method is not recommended because the blood will dry and make itself harder to clean.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Removing a Blood Stain with Salt Water

Materials Needed:

• Cold water
• Salt
• Clean white cloths or paper towels
• Soft brush or sponge (optional)

Instructions:

1. Act Quickly: The sooner you treat the blood stain, the better the chances of complete removal. Fresh stains are easier to remove than dried ones.
2. Rinse with Cold Water: Rinse the stained area under cold running water to remove as much blood as possible. Avoid using warm or hot water, as this can set the stain.
3. Prepare Salt Solution: In a bowl, mix a tablespoon of salt with two cups of cold water. Stir until the salt is completely dissolved.
4. Soak the Stain: Submerge the stained fabric in the salt water solution. If the stain is on a non-immersible surface, use a clean white cloth to apply the salt solution to the stain.
5. Blot the Stain: For fabrics that cannot be soaked, dip a clean white cloth or sponge into the salt water solution and blot the stain. Work from the outside edges toward the center to prevent spreading.
6. Let it Sit: Allow the fabric to soak in the salt solution for 10-30 minutes. For more stubborn stains, you may need to let it soak longer.
7. Rinse Again: After soaking, rinse the area thoroughly with cold water to remove the salt and any remaining blood particles.
8. Check the Stain: Inspect the fabric to see if the stain is gone. If any stain remains, repeat the process or use additional cleaning methods if necessary.
9. Wash with Mild Soap (Optional): If needed, wash the fabric with mild dish soap and cold water to ensure all residues are removed.
10. Dry the Area: Blot the area with a clean, dry cloth to remove excess moisture and allow the fabric to air dry.

Why Salt Water Works

Salt water works to remove blood stains because salt has dehydrating properties that help to draw moisture, including blood, out of fabrics. The saline solution helps to break down and dissolve the blood proteins, making it easier to lift the stain from the material. Cold water prevents the blood from setting and becoming more difficult to remove.

Upsides of Using Salt Water

• Natural and Non-Toxic: Salt and water are natural, non-toxic substances, making this method safe for most fabrics and surfaces.
• Cost-Effective: Both salt and water are inexpensive and commonly available in households.
• Effective on Fresh Stains: This method is particularly effective on fresh blood stains, making it a quick and efficient solution.

Downsides of Using Salt Water

• Less Effective on Old Stains: Salt water is less effective on dried or old blood stains, which may require additional cleaning agents or methods.
• Repeated Applications: Stubborn stains may require multiple applications or longer soaking times.
• Fabric Sensitivity: While generally safe, some delicate fabrics may be sensitive to prolonged exposure to salt water.

Conclusion

Using salt water to remove blood stains is a natural, safe, and cost-effective method that works well on fresh stains. The dehydrating and protein-dissolving properties of salt help to lift blood from fabrics and surfaces. However, this method may require repeated applications for stubborn stains and is less effective on dried blood. Always rinse thoroughly and test on a small, inconspicuous area first to ensure the fabric is not damaged.

Blood stains are another one that Quick N Brite can easily remove, so if you have tried the salt water method and have not had success, you may want to give it a try. It’ll even remove left over stains that you’ve tried other stuff on previously.

For many stains that we encounter, everyday household supplies can be quite effective at cleaning. So before you take that shirt to the cleaners, and before you buy some expensive stain fighter that may or may not work, give some of the above methods a try. You most likely already have the supplies you need, and with any of the above techniques you run very little risk of further damage. If you have tried some of these without any luck, or you just want to have a safe and proven method of removing practically every stain you will ever encounter, try Quick N Brite.