How to Remove Five Stubborn Stains

Whether you’ve spilled a glass a red wine on your sofa, your ink pen bled through your pants at work or you’re dealing with other stains, you might be inclined to think your stained items are ruined.

While some stains are more difficult to remove than others, there are effective solutions for some of the most stubborn stains that you might encounter. Let’s look at how to remove red wine, grease and oil, ink, blood and coffee stains.

Why Some Stains Are Harder to Remove

Removing some stains is as simple as tossing the stained item in the washing machine or using a scrub brush and a bit of soap and water. Unfortunately, these easy stain removal methods don’t work for everything.

Some of the harder-to-remove stains are challenging because they have tannins in them. Tannins bind to proteins, making stains difficult to remove. Tannins are found in coffee and red wine. Blood also binds to proteins in a similar way, and blood naturally clots with air exposure. In addition, blood contains iron, which enables the substance to stick tightly to fabric fibers.

Oil-based stains are problematic for a different reason. You may have heard the phrase, “Oil and water don’t mix.” Oil, which is a lipid, isn’t removed by water or many water-based cleaning agents.

In addition, fabric fibers tend to lock in oil, and heat can cause them to set into the fabric. Ink stains are also common. Ink, by nature, is designed to adhere to surfaces. Many types of ink are hydrophobic like oil.

The Importance of Acting Quickly and Using the Right Method

When it comes to removing stubborn stains, time is working against you. These substances set into fabric and other material over time. When you delay trying to remove a stain, it will be harder to do so.

In addition, using the wrong methods to remove a stain can cause it to set in as well. For example, a natural inclination to remove blood from fabric is to use hot water. However, heat causes blood to set while cold makes it easier to remove. Before attempting to remove a stain, spend a minute researching the right method.

Different Stains Need Different Approaches

While some products are marketed as catch-all stain removal products, the reality is that different stains need different approaches. So, how do you remove stubborn stains?

Red Wine Stains

If you’re dealing with a red wine stain, mix a 1:1 solution of Dawn dish soap and hydrogen peroxide. Dampen a clean cloth with the liquid. Gently dab at the stain until it is gone. This also works for tomato-based stains and fruit punch.

Grease and Oil Stains

Whether you’re dealing with oil and vinegar dressing, French fry grease or something similar, water won’t work. Instead, use a paper towel to blot away as much grease as possible. Then, apply a healthy amount of cornstarch, baby powder or baking soda to the stain. The powder will lift the oil and grease.

Let the powder remain for at least an hour. If the stain lingers after this amount of time, repeat this step until the stain is gone.

Blood Stains

Blood is easily removed using diluted white vinegar. Mix a cup of distilled vinegar with two cups of water at room temperature. Use a cloth or cotton swab moistened with the solution to dab at the stain until it is lifted.

Ink Stains

There are several methods available to remove ink stains. For example, you can dab rubbing alcohol on a cotton swab and blot away the ink.

An alternative is to apply white toothpaste to the stain. Rub the stain and toothpaste until the stain is gone.

Coffee Stains

Brown coffee stains could ruin your morning if you don’t know how to remove them. Luckily, these stains can be removed with a solution made with dish soap, white vinegar and warm water. Dip a cloth in the solution, and lightly rub at the stain until it’s no longer visible.

FAQs

Can I use bleach for tough stains?

Bleach is effective at whitening whites, but it is not the best option for stain removal. One reason for this is that bleach is a harsh chemical that can cause permanent damage to some surfaces and materials. If you attempt to use bleach, only use it on white garments.

What if the stain doesn’t come out after one try?

Many stubborn stains are not fully removed with a first attempt. Rather than giving up, however, continue working at the stain until it is gone. Leaving the stain or attempting the wrong method can cause the stain to set.

Is hot or cold water better for stain removal?

Hot water might seem like the best option for stain removal, but it often isn’t. In fact, heat can cause some stains to set in, making the stains harder to remove. Lukewarm or room temperature water is typically best for stain removal.

Can I remove old or set-in stains?

Some old or set-in stains are unfortunately permanent. However, many can still be removed using the right technique and more effort.

You might think some of your stained belongings are ruined, but that might not actually be the case. At Cleanzen, our cleaning experts know how to remove the toughest stains from a variety of fabrics and materials. For first-rate service from a professional cleaner, contact Cleanzen today.