Posted by Stephanie Webb on Mon, Jan 04, 2010 @ 09:59 AM
The holiday season is time for food, family, fun and all sorts of stains on clothing. Here are a few tips on removing some of the most common stains you'll find this season.
Alcohol and Wine - Soak in a mixture of 1 quart cool water and 1 tablespoon vinegar. If stain remains, sponge with rubbing alcohol or detergent. Launder in hottest water safe for the fabric. If the fabric is dry-cleanable, be sure to tell the professional dry cleaner the stain contains alcohol so the proper cleaning methods are used.
Chocolate/Hot Chocolate- Rinse the fresh stain with cool water. Treat the stain with a laundry pre-treating product (such as Shout®). Wait at least 30 minutes then wash as usual. Rinse with the hottest water safe for the fabric.
Coffee and Tea - Soak in cool water, work in 1 teaspoon of liquid detergent and 1 tablespoon of vinegar. Do not use soap; it could make the stain permanent.
Cranberries - Soak in cool water for 30 minutes or overnight. Work in a detergent. Then force extremely hot water through the stain by putting the stain over a bowl in the sink and pouring water through it. Launder in hottest water safe for the fabric.
Eggs and Eggnog - Rinse the fresh stain in cold water. Apply oxygen bleach and soak for 30 minutes in warm water. Launder in warm water. Do not use hot water; it can set the stain.
Turkey Fat - Rinse fresh stains in cool water. Saturate the area with an aerosol pretreatment laundry stain remover. Wait for a minute and launder with detergent. Wash in the hottest water safe for fabric.
Posted by Stephanie Webb on Tue, Aug 18, 2009 @ 09:27 AM
Oil stains can ruin your driveway or garage floor, and even detract from the value of your home. If you act quickly on fresh spills, you can clean up the mess before it becomes problematic. However, if you wait too long, you may need to call in a professional to give the surface an intense power wash.
- Oil Stain Solution #1: Kitty Litter
Kitty litter works wonders on oil stains. (It's also a good idea to keep a small jug of kitty litter in your trunk in the winter. You can use it to give your tires traction if you get stuck in an icy parking lot.) Simply spread the litter on the oil, wait until it discolors, then sweep it away. Continue to add litter and sweep it away until the oil disappears.
- Oil Stain Solution #2: Portland Cement
As Portland Cement is brushed over the stain, the powdery cement will ball up as it gathers oil. When this happens, simply sweep the debris away and repeat the process with fresh powder. You can find Portland Cement at your local hardware store.