Common Stains. How To Remove Them

Ballpoint Ink Stain

Soak stained spot in rubbing alcohol. Place absorbent cloth underneath the stain. Wash in soapy suds with some three to four drops of ammonia. Rinse well.

Chewing Gum Stain

Apply ice cubes to the harden gum. Scrape off the gum with a dull knife. Wash with soap or detergent and lukewarm water.

Chocolate Stain

Dip stained area in hot water. Wash in warm, soapy water. Rinse well.

Fruit Stain

Soak the stained spot immediately in cold water for about two hours. Wash with detergent or laundry soap. If the stain remains, soak the stained spot in basin of soapy water with one teaspoon of ammonia or chlorox. Rinse well in cold water.

Grass or Seaweed Stain

If the stain is still fresh, wash the spot with white vinegar and a heavy-duty detergent. Rinse well.

Grease/Oil - These stains usually caused by oil, margarine, butter, mayonnaise, or crayons.

Dub on the stain some talcum powder or cornstarch. Leave it on for about half an hour. Brush or shake off the powder or cornstarch. Wash in warm suds. Then, rinse thoroughly.

Ink

Soak the stained part in milk for about twelve hours. Squeeze the milk out. Then, apply lemon juice or rubbing alcohol on the stain. Wash in warm suds. Rinse thoroughly with cool water.

Mud

Allow mud to dry. Brush the mud off or scrape off the mud with dull knife. Wash with soapy water. Rinse well with clean water.

Paint

Find out whether the paint is water-based or oil-based by reading the label on the paint can. If the paint is water-based and still wet, wash the stained part in warm soapy water. Then, rinse thoroughly. If the paint is oil-based, sponge the stain with paint thinner. Wash in warm suds. Rinse thoroughly.

Protein Stain - This includes blood, egg, meat juices, perspiration and urine stain.

Apply heavy-duty detergent. Wash the stained part, using bleach and hot water. Rinse thoroughly.