Did you ever have to deal with a spill or a stain on your clothes just as you were about to leave? That is a common and very frustrating situation. Luckily, not every stain requires a special product or a cycle in the washing machine. There may be a much simpler way to resolve the issue. These household items can be found in every home, and they are surprisingly effective at removing stains.
One of the most important steps of treating a stain is stopping it from spreading. That’s where a slice of bread could really come in handy. It could be white or whole wheat - any type of bread will do. Simply grab a slice and use it to blot the stain. The bread will act like a sponge - it will absorb the stain and prevent it from spreading or moving deeper into the fibers of the fabric.
This method can even be effective at lifting old grease stains on suede or leather. Place the slice of bread on the stain for an hour or so to absorb the oil and proceed cleaning the item as usual.
If you’re dealing with a particularly stubborn ink stain, grab a bottle of vodka. Saturate a clean white cloth or a cotton swab with vodka. Then, blot away the ink, working from the outside edge of the stain towards the center. Only use a clean area of the cloth, rotating it from time to time, or replace the cotton swab with clean ones until all the ink is gone. Finally, blot the area with a cloth dipped in plain water.
Another trick is to use vodka as a DIY fabric freshener. Many commercial refreshers are high in alcohol. To make your own, simply mix half a cup of vodka with 1 cup of cool water in a spray bottle and spritz any stale-smelling clothes.
Related: Cleaning Guide: How to Get Rid of Any Fabric Stain
Shaving cream is a great stain remover because it's essentially whipped soap. For a spill on a clothing item, dampen the stain with water and rub in just a dab of shaving cream with your fingers. Then, wipe it with a white cloth or paper towel dipped in cold water. This is important to prevent color transfer from one fabric to another. Finish by blotting the area with a dry white cloth or paper towel, or use a blow dryer on low heat.
The basic variety of shaving cream is the best one for stain removal. Avoid gels or products with added moisturizers and colors.
Yes, we know that sounds rather counterproductive. After all, permanent markers are usually the cause of a stain and not the solution. So you might be surprised to learn that permanent markers can be used as stain removers. If you accidentally splash bleach on your shirt, you will be able to save it by filling in the bleached areas with a permanent marker.
Black markers work best with black fabric, blue ones with blue clothes, and so on. Try to match the color of the permanent marker with the color of your fabric as closely as possible. The idea is to get a match that will not be noticeable unless you know exactly where to look.
Related: Get Rid of Turmeric Stains For Good With These Tips!
Cream of tartar is a mild acid that helps baked goods maintain a fluffy texture and stability. It also works well at removing berry or red wine stains from white fabrics.
Make a paste of hot water and cream of tartar, then apply the paste onto the stain and let it sit for at least 15 minutes. Rinse and repeat, if necessary. For rust stains, you can boost your solution by mixing the cream of tartar with a bit of lemon juice. The added citric acid from the lemon will help remove the stains. Note that this method should be used carefully on colored fabrics. Test the mixture on the inside seam of the garment first to make sure that the fabric is colorfast, and only then proceed to remove the actual stain.
Please share these tips with others!
10 Unexpected Handy Uses for a Hairdryer
The hairdryer is one of the more useful appliances we have - here are 10 unexpected and super handy uses for a hairdryer.
Psst! Here Are Some Clothes' Tips Few Know About
These tips will allow you to keep your clothes in as good a condition as new!
You Don’t Need Fancy Gadgets For Cooking or Cleaning!
Once you learn these clever hacks, you will never have to buy another cooking or cleaning gadget.
10 Creative Ways to Sneak More Walking Into Your Day
Finding a designated time for walking and exercise can be difficult. Luckily, there are many creative and fun ways to sneak extra steps into your routine!
Psst! Here Are Some Clothes' Tips Few Know About...
These tips will allow you to keep your clothes in as good a condition as new!
Who Knew Coke Could Be So Helpful Around the House?
Coca-Cola needs no introduction, but did you know this popular fizzy drink could have a myriad of uses around the house?
Bacteria Time Bomb! 10 Household Items That Need Changing
You wouldn't believe the amount of harmful bacteria these common household items store, and what what a short lifespan they actually have!
These 10 Phrases Will Make People Like You a Lot More!
Your choice of words can leave a long after the particulars have been forgotten. Here are 10 phrases you should add to your daily speech.
WATCH: I Had No Idea Coconut Oil Was THIS Useful!
Coconut oil is a substance you need both in your kitchen and in your medicine cabinet, as you're about to see with these 10 unexpected uses.
7 Basic Winter Travel Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
These are the missteps you want to avoid when traveling in the winter.
10 Poisonous Flowers Every Gardener Should Know About
Flowers add an array of color to your garden, but some of these are actually quite toxic. Here are 10 of that you should be aware of.
People Really Have No Idea What These English Words Mean!
A lot of people think they know how to use English words correctly, but they really don't! Here are 21 most misused words in the English language
14 Surprising Uses for Binder Clips You've Never Thought Of
Binder clip – most people wouldn’t think this handy little clip can do more than just bind paper, but, as you’ll see below, it has many other uses.
Learn How to Grow Your Favorite Fruit and Veggies Indoors
All these plants are delicious, packed full of healthy nutrients and easy-to-grow even if you don’t have a yard or garden
Woah! Who Knew Baby Powder Was This Useful in the Garden?
If you have excess baby powder lying around your house, you'll be pleased to know that it has plenty of uses in the garden.
14 Useful Charts and Guides You’ll Want to Save!
We prepared a list of 14 visual guides and charts that will come in handy at home, outdoors, and even when you’re searching for something online!
Fake Olive Oil: Here's How You Can Spot It!
If you want to know whether the olive oil you have bought is real or an imposter, here's how you can tell!
I Use Grandma's Old Trick for Cleaning Copper Pots
This is how to easily clean your copper pots.
Exploring the Fascinating History of Popcorn!
exploring the history and evolution of this irresistible snack - popcorn!
Remove Blackheads From Your Skin Using These Sure Methods
Blackheads make our skin look terrible when it can easily look nice. Here are 6 efficient ways to rid yourself of those black dots right at home!
Women's Fashion Has Changed Quite a Bit Over the Century
Women's fashion has changed a great deal over the century. Take a look:
Eye-Relaxing Tips: Simple and Fast Exercises for Your Eyes
Do your eyes feel strained at the end of the day? These useful exercises will provide some relief.
These Easy Fruit Arrangements Are So Refreshing...
A collection of 13 summery delights that will both please the eyes as well as the pallet.
9 Ways to Keep Your House Clean Using Just a Simple Lime
Limes are just as good as lemons when it comes to cleaning. Here are 9 great ways to clean with them.
What an Amazing Laundry Whitening Solution This Is!
It's always hard to get stains from white fabrics, isn't it? Not any more! Check out this brilliant whitening solution for your laundry you can make at home!
How to Use Your Iron to Get Crisp Shirts, Pants, and Sheets
Your ironing skills make a much bigger difference in the appearance of your clothes than you think!
The 7 Best and 7 Worst Foods to Buy Canned
Not all canned foods are made equal, and in this article, we'll discuss those you should invest in, as well as those to definitely avoid.
7 Items You Should Never Clean with Paper Towels
As useful as they are, paper towels are not fit for any task. Here are 7 items you should never clean with paper towels.
Cucumbers Are Incredibly Versatile: 7 Ways to Use Them
Cucumbers may be nutritious, but they are incredibly versatile too! Here's how you can use cucumbers outside of your salad.
Discover the Most Spoken Languages in One Incredible Map!
This map is simply amazing, both informative and a work of art!
How to Revive Your Plants to Shiny Green Again
To help you out, we've put together a comprehensive guide that covers eight signs of plant sickness and provides solutions to restore their health and beauty.
14 Common Plants That Are Toxic for Your Pets
Did you realize that many of the plants in our environment are toxic for your pets? Find out which here. If you noticed that your pet has consumed any of these plants, contact your local veterinarian or Animal Poison Control center immediately.
6 Home Ingredients You Can Use to Clean Your Carpet
Got a carpet stain? Forget the dry-cleaners, try one of these methods instead.
9 Foods that Directly Affect Our Body Odor
In this article, you can find details about six ingredients that can make your body odor unpleasant, and three more that bring out a nice scent.
These Winter Skincare Solutions Are Utterly Genius
The winter can take its toll on your skin, but that doesn't mean that you can't rectify problems quickly and easily. Find out about these 10 genius solutions.
Make Your Life Easier With 20 Brilliant Tips!
A collection of brilliant tips that you can find use for every single day.
How Many Times You Can Wear Clothes Before Washing Them
Are you re-wearing your clothes more often than you should? Follow this guide.
Shoe Discomfort? 10 Ways to Tie Your Shoes that Offer Relief
By lacing your shoes correctly, you can reduce pressure on certain areas of your feet and enjoy a more comfortable run in any pair of shoes
6 Common Mistakes You're Likely Making When Cracking Eggs
These are the biggest mistakes people make when cracking eggs.
Maintain Your Brain: 15 Methods to Improve Brain Function
Like our muscles, the brain can also be strengthened and maintained in excellent condition, with proper practice. Learn 15 simple ways to train your brain today!
Who Knew Bananas Could Have SO Many Uses?
Appearantly, bananas can be used in many more ways than we all thought. Check out these 28 cool household hacks and tricks.
Solve Common Issues With Your Clothes Using These 20 Tips
Keep your clothes in perfect condition with these nifty tricks!
Maintain Your Credibility By Avoiding the Following Words
There are certain words that many of us tend to use habitually. Unfortunately we use them to our detriment, as they harm our credibility. Find out more.
The 7 Biggest Mistakes People Make With Their Wills
Make sure your heirs get what you want them to get by not making these mistakes.
10 Features to Look For When Buying a New Washing Machine
If you’re buying a new washing machine, you should keep these tips in mind first.
31 Genius Uses for Lemon That Are Worth Knowing
Did you know that lemons could help you clean, cultivate, and even give first aid? Discover 31 brilliant uses of lemon....
I Never Knew I Was Doing All These Things Wrong!
28 things we all do daily but somehow still get it wrong