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.
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