Put these tips to work to get rid of stains out of rugs, clothing, drapes, upholstery…just about anything!  Years in the biz, college studies and having a family with a lot of pets have taught me some super solutions to pesky stains.  I hope this helps you, too!

For every stain:  First try and absorb/pull out as much of the stain as possible by blotting with paper or clean cotton towels.  Replace the towels until no more of the stain is transferring to the towels, so you are actually removing the stain and not rubbing it in.  Be patient and give the towels some time.  Let them do the work for you.  It may be helpful to put heavy items on the towels such as books or canned goods to press the towels deeper in to the fibers.  Once you have removed all that you can with the towels, use the cleaning solutions/mixtures listed below specific to each stain.  Cool water is recommended unless otherwise specified.  Work the cleaner through gently with fingers or a soft brush and repeat the towel technique until your stain is gone.  I used my technique on my mother’s rug with a stain over six months old. It took me several days, by letting the towels do the work, but I got it out.  All of it!  Super Woman.

If you are working with a rug, upholstery with a cover that can be removed, clothing, etc., try and “push” the stain out by running the item under water from the BACK, to hopefully, remove more of the stain by sending it out the way it came in.

Where bleach is mentioned, never use full strength, as it may damage the item.  Test any cleaner in an area first to be sure the fibers will be able to tolerate the cleaner.

Rugs are a gem to clean with a power washer!   Check the fiber content to be sure it is a safe method for your rug and wash from the back first then the front.  Again, pushing the stain by sending the stain out the way it came in.  Hang the rug on a fence, door, wall, outdoor furniture, etc. before you start to allow the water to move through the item and also dry faster. Often, a little stain remover or soap and water is all it takes.  I think most cleaners out there aren’t ever really needed.

White vinegar is another natural and wonderful stain remover.  Mixing it with baking soda can be a power house of a stain remover.  Repeating a scrub of that power duo can take the yellow out of under arm stains!  If other cleaners aren’t working, give them a try.

Mud, dirt, pet accidents:  Another big tip is to use your vacuum before you touch the stain!  A shop vac can do wonders when moisture is present.  Pulling the culprit out and away from the fibers is the key.  Dirt?  Let is dry and then vacuum it up before you try anything else.  You will save yourself so much work and have much greater success.  Then, use the steps listed above. Pretreat, use a mild liquid detergent or powder detergent mixed with water to create a paste and gently rub into the stain.  We love Quick N Brite as it is powerful and a biodegradable cleaner that clobbers stains.  Rinse with water and blot as listed above until the stain is removed.  Bleach if the item can tolerate it, per the manufacturer’s instructions.

Paint and nail polish:   Let is dry!  Polish on a rug?  I would likely cut it out after it is dry.  By letting it dry, hopefully the stain stayed small.  You may need to do the same with oil based paints.  Water based paints:  use the steps listed above. Pretreat, use a mild liquid detergent or powder detergent mixed with water to create a paste and gently rub into the stain.  We love Quick N Brite as it is powerful and a biodegradable cleaner that clobbers stains.  Rinse with water and blot as listed above until the stain is removed.  Bleach if the item can tolerate it, per the manufacturer’s instructions.

Butter, oil, grease, greasy foods:  Start with the first step as listed above.  Then use a dish detergent, as it is meant to break down grease and oil.  Hot water will also “melt” the stain, too and make it easier to remove.

Chocolate and adhesives:  Start with the steps listed above.  It may help to chill the area with a cold pack first to make the chocolate or adhesive more brittle.  That will help to allow you to remove any larger pieces before treating.  Pretreat, use a mild liquid detergent or powder detergent mixed with water to create a paste and gently rub into the stain.  We love Quick N Brite as it is powerful and a biodegradable cleaner that clobbers stains.  Rinse with water and blot as listed above until the stain is removed.  Bleach if the item can tolerate it, per the manufacturer’s instructions.

Wax: Start with the steps listed above.  It may help to chill the area with a cold pack first to make the chocolate more brittle.  That will help to allow you to remove any larger pieces before treating.  Use a warm, dry iron and continue with clean towels between the wax and the iron until no more wax can be absorbed by the towels.  Pretreat, use a mild liquid detergent or powder detergent mixed with water to create a paste and gently rub into the stain.  We love Quick N Brite as it is powerful and a biodegradable cleaner that clobbers stains.  Rinse with water and blot as listed above until the stain is removed.  Bleach if the item can tolerate it, per the manufacturer’s instructions.

Beverages, fruits, wine, body fluids:  Start with the first step as listed above.  Pretreat, use a mild liquid detergent or powder detergent mixed with water to create a paste and gently rub into the stain.  We love Quick N Brite as it is powerful and a biodegradable cleaner that clobbers stains. Rinse with water and blot as listed above until the stain is removed.  Bleach if the item can tolerate it, per the manufacturer’s instructions.

Blood: Start with the first step as listed above.  Clean with cold water.  Do not use hot water, as it can set the stain.  Pretreat, use a mild liquid detergent or powder detergent mixed with water to create a paste and gently rub into the stain.  We love Quick N Brite as it is powerful and a biodegradable cleaner that clobbers stains.  Rinse with water and blot as listed above until the stain is removed.  Bleach if the item can tolerate it, per the manufacturer’s instructions.

Rust:  Start with the first step as listed above.  Pretreat, use a mild liquid detergent or powder detergent mixed with water to create a paste and gently rub into the stain.  We love Quick N Brite as it is powerful and a biodegradable cleaner that clobbers stains. Rinse with water and blot as listed above until the stain is removed.  Do not use bleach as it will intensify the stain’s color.

Permanent marker:  The good news?  They aren’t permanent.  Rubbing alcohol is the hero for this stain.  Use it as you would water and cleaner and blot for as long as the stain comes up.

Good luck and be patient! It will pay off. –  Jill Tran