Accidents will always happen – just accept it. Laugh about it. If the stain doesn’t come out the world won’t end.
Stain removal
You need to act quickly. Blot a spillage with an absorbent cloth immediately. Do a test in a hidden area first to make sure that it will not make another stain, then use a little stain-remover or water, according to the type of stain. Keep an old toothbrush handy and pour the stain remover onto the brush before treating the stain. Be patient.
Have a stain-removal kit in your laundry room with the following items: acetone, automatic dishwasher liquid, bicarbonate of soda, bleach, colour remover, enzyme pre-soak, glycerine (available from the chemist), hydrogen peroxide 3%, pre-wash stain remover, rubbing alcohol and white vinegar.
The following remedies are for washable items only. If the item needs to be dry-cleaned take it to the cleaner’s as soon as possible.
Alcoholic beverages
Soak the stained item in a solution of cold water and 30ml glycerine. Add 240ml white vinegar to a sink filled with cold water to rinse the soaked item.
Blood
If the stain is fresh use salt or hydrogen peroxide; if it has set, use an enzyme-based stain remover and cold water.
Fruit stains
Mix equal parts of vinegar, water and dishwashing soap. Pour onto the stain. Allow to stand, then rinse with cold water.
Grass
Dab the stain with an enzyme-based stain remover or apply rubbing alcohol, then rinse with cold water.
Grease
Sprinkle talcum powder onto the stain and allow to dry. Brush the powder off, then launder the item as usual.
Gum
Put the item in the freezer until the gum is hard. Scrape off the gum and let the item come to room temperature. Add lighter fluid to a damp cloth and rub into the gum stain. Launder as usual.
Ink
Apply rubbing alcohol with a clean cloth.
Lipstick/make-up
Dab a non-oily make-up remover onto the stain, then launder as usual.
Marker pen
Run cold water over the stain until most of the ink is removed. Put the fabric on a paper towel and pour rubbing alcohol on the stain.
Wine
Use a generous amount of soda water.
Carpets and rugs
Time is of the essence with carpet stains, as the longer the stain remains, the more difficult it is to remove. Blot liquid stains with a soft, white absorbent material such as a towel. If you need some help cleaning your carpet, we recommend Novasteam Carpet & Air Duct Cleaning.
If solid materials have fallen onto the carpet, scrape them away using a blunt object (such as a spatula) to avoid damaging the fibres and try doing some steam cleaning for carpets. Never scrub or brush a stain as this can cause it to set. If you worry about ruining your carpet, you can call for a professional carpet cleaning service like Chem-dry Deluxe Sydney, their services are great but very affordable. Find out more on how to get professional help with your carpet cleaning.
Keep to hand several types of carpet cleaners. Always check for colour-fastness by applying a few drops to each colour in the carpet. Then press a clean white towel or serviette to the area and check that no colour has been transferred to the towel. If it has, try another cleaning agent.
Always start from the outside of the stain and work inwards to prevent the stain from getting larger. Apply the removal agent to the towel and gently dab onto the stain. Keep adding the agent to the towel and continue with the process as long as the stain remains. Be patient. It can be a long process.
If the first agent doesn’t remove the stain, try another. When the stain has gone, remove the agent from the carpet using the same procedure but with fresh water.
Gently blot the area until it is dry, using a clean white towel. As one towel becomes saturated, place another over the affected area until it is dry.
