Stain Removal

Stains, like it or not, are a part of life. No matter how careful you are, they will happen. Nobody wants to use harmful chemicals to get things clean and they might not even do the trick. There are simple every day things you can use to remove stains from carpet and upholstery. The name of the game is to blot and not rub when you attempt to remove a stain.

For ballpoint ink, use rubbing alcohol.

For beer. Mix one teaspoon of a neutral detergent (a mild detergent containing no alkalies or bleaches) with a cup of lukewarm water and blot. Mix one-third cup of white household vinegar with two-thirds cup of water and blot. Sponge with clean water and blot.

For blood. Mix one teaspoon of a neutral detergent (a mild detergent containing no alkalies or bleaches) to a cup of lukewarm water and blot. Mix one tablespoon of household ammonia with a half-cup of water and blot. Sponge with clean water and blot. (All cleaning ingredients must be COLD.)

For butter. Sponge with a small amount of dry-cleaning solvent and blot. (Use small amounts to prevent any possible damage to sizings, backings or stuffing materials — don’t use gasoline, lighter fluid or carbon tetrachloride). Mix one teaspoon of a neutral detergent (a mild detergent containing no alkalies or bleaches) with a cup of lukewarm water and blot.

For candle wax. Remove with heated iron into absorbent paper towel or napkin. Sponge with a small amount of dry-cleaning solvent and blot. (Use small amounts to prevent any possible damage to sizings, backings or stuffing materials — don’t use gasoline, lighter fluid, or carbon tetrachloride). Mix one teaspoon of a neutral detergent (a mild detergent containing no alkalies or bleaches) with a cup of lukewarm water and blot.

For candy (sugar). Mix one teaspoon of a neutral detergent (a mild detergent containing no alkalies or bleaches) with a cup of lukewarm water and blot. Mix one-third cup of white household vinegar with two-thirds cup of water and blot. Repeat step one with the neutral detergent. Sponge with clean water and blot.

For cheese. Mix one teaspoon of a neutral detergent (a mild detergent containing no alkalies or bleaches with a cup of lukewarm water and blot. Mix one tablespoon of household ammonia with a half cup of water and blot. Repeat step one with the neutral detergent. Sponge with clean water and blot.

For chewing gum. Sponge with a small amount of dry-cleaning solvent and blot. (Use small amounts to prevent any possible damage to sizings, backings, or stuffing materials — don’t use gasoline, lighter fluid or carbon tetrachloride). Mix one teaspoon of a neutral detergent (a mild detergent containing no alkalies or bleaches) with a cup of lukewarm water and blot.

For chocolate. Mix one teaspoon of a neutral detergent (a mild detergent containing no alkalies or bleaches) with a cup of lukewarm water and blot. Mix one tablespoon of household ammonia with a half-cup of water and blot. Repeat step one. Sponge with clean water and blot.

For coffee. Mix one teaspoon of a neutral detergent (a mild detergent containing no alkalies or bleaches) with a cup of lukewarm water and blot. Mix one-third cup of white household vinegar with two-thirds cup of water and blot. Sponge with clean water and blot.

For cola-type soft drinks. Mix one teaspoon of a neutral detergent (a mild detergent containing no alkalies or bleaches) with a cup of lukewarm water and blot. Mix one-third cup of white household vinegar with two-thirds cup of water and blot.

For mascara. Sponge with a small amount of dry-cleaning solvent and blot. (Use small amounts to prevent any possible damage to sizings, backings, or stuffing materials — don’t use gasoline, lighter fluid, or carbon tetrachloride). Mix one teaspoon of a neutral detergent (a mild detergent containing no alkalies or bleaches) with a cup of lukewarm water and blot. Sponge with clean water and blot.

For crayon. Sponge with a small amount of dry-cleaning solvent and blot. (Use small amounts to prevent any possible damage to sizings, backings or stuffing materials — don’t use gasoline, lighter fluid, or carbon tetrachloride). Mix one teaspoon of a neutral detergent (a mild detergent containing no alkalies or bleaches) with a cup of lukewarm water and blot. Sponge with clean water and blot.

For ketchup. Mix one teaspoon of a neutral detergent (a mild detergent containing no alkalies or bleaches) with a cup of lukewarm water and blot. Mix one tablespoon of household ammonia with a half cup of water and blot. Repeat step one. Sponge with clean water and blot.