Stain Removal


Accidents and spillages don't have to become stains. The sooner you treat a spill, the more easily the dirt will come out. However, there are a number of tips and tricks that could help you finally remove that stubborn stain and stop you discarding or replacing a cushion or carpet that you thought was ruined, but can be rescued!

Adhesive tape -

This can be removed by sponging or soaking the dry upholstery or fabric with a laundry pre-soak or spot stain remover. Even soaking it in kerosene or a grease solvent will work, however it will require a second clean with soapy warm water following this.

Alcohol -

Alcohol stains must be cleaned as soon as possible, as they are often colourless initially, but will brown if left to stand or following a later wash.

As soon as it has been spilt, sponge it clean with warm water. To remove any remaining marks, pour some glycerine on the stain and rub gently, and then rinse with warm water using a spray bottle if it is a carpet stain.

For stubborn and dried stains, use a solution with equal measures of methylated spirits and ammonia. First test the solution on an unseen patch, and if successful, sponge it on the dry fabric and then clean again with warm water. If the material is white, laundry bleach can also be used.

Baby oil -

Use dishwashing liquid and rub it into the stain. Leave it for 10-15 minutes and then wash with hot water and laundry detergent or a similar solution if it is a carpet stain. Repeat the process if necessary.

Ball point pen -

To remove ball point pen marks from leather sofas, use hairspray on the mark and then wipe off.

Candle wax and Chewing gum -

If you find these on a moveable fabric, put the stained article into a freezer until the wax or gum hardens. Once it has become brittle, you should be able to scrape and chop at it until it comes off.

To remove the wax or gum residue, place a clean white blotter over the stain and press with a warm iron. You can then sponge it with a stain remover. If there is still stain from coloured candle wax, this can be removed with an equal solution of methylated spirits to water.

Crayons -

First, scrape off any excess with a butter knife. Wash the stain with hot water and ½ cup of baking soda for about 10 minutes, perhaps longer if it is a carpet stain. If it is still being stubborn, rub soap paste into the stain and rinse off after 5 minutes. To remove any remaining colour, use a beach or colour remover that is safe for the fabric.

Hair dye -

Dabbing the stain with a cotton wool ball doused in hydrogen peroxide can remove these dye stains.

Egg -

Scrape off as much as you can straight away and sponge with slightly warm water. Hot water will only set the albumin in the egg. If you need something more, cover the stain with a paste consisting of water, cream of tartar, and a crushed aspirin and leave for about half an hour before rinsing.

Faeces -

Glue -

Make up -

To begin, blot or scrape off as much of the make up stain as possible. Then, using a white cloth, paper towel or cotton ball, blot a deep stain with isopropyl rubbing alcohol. If the stain is only on the surface, rub it in one direction. Using a circular motion can destroy the texture of carpeting.

If that does not work, apply a solution of:

Blot the stain until it is removed, and rinse with a spray bottle, dabbing up any excess moisture.

Motor grease and oil -

Scrape off any excess to start.

Washable materials: Use a spot stain remover, or rub lard or Vaseline onto the dry stain. Wash it in a quality washing detergent.

Unwashable materials: This may prove difficult. Repeatedly blot the area with dry cleaning fluid (you will need to change your pad or cloth frequently). Sponge off with lukewarm water and detergent, and then finally clean warm water alone.

Nicotine and tobacco -

First pour some glycerine over the stain and rub gently between the fingers or with a cloth. A spot stain remover can also be used. Leave this for half an hour and then wash or rinse off. If this is unsuccessful, try thiosulphate or trisodium phosphate to wash and rinse.

Rust -

There are 3 combinations that can be tried. All are safe for white materials, but for coloured fabrics you should test on an unseen area first.

Shoe polish -

Sponge and blot the stain with a little bit of dry cleaning solvent, then mix a teaspoon of mild pH balanced detergent with a cup of lukewarm water. Blot and sponge the stain with clean water.

Unknown -

If you encounter a stain of unknown origin, first try to clean it with cool water and sponge it with a liquid detergent.

If this has no effect, try a solution with equal measures of methylated spirits and ammonia. Always test it first, and if the colour is affected leave out the ammonia. As a last resort, try a mild bleach.

Urine -

As urine differs in composition, so do the stains and the solutions to clear them. Normally urine is acidic, and so the fabric should be soaked or sponged with a sanitizer containing sodium percarbonate, or with a solution of ammonia and ½ cup of warm water.

If this is unsuccessful, try a solution containing equal measures of vinegar and warm water to see if the stain is alkaline. Stubborn stains may require sponging with diluted hydrogen peroxide.

Vomit -

Once you have scraped off as much as possible, sponge the stains with warm water and some ammonia. If the vomiting is extensive, dampen the area and sprinkle on pepsin powder, leaving it for 30 minutes.

Wine -

The key to removing wine stains is to clean them as soon as possible starting with the mildest solutions. Combat red wine stains by pouring white wine over the top and soaking it up. Wash with cold water and ammonia and then rinse thoroughly. For white wine, use cold water and ammonia, or go onto other treatments seen under Alcohol.