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!
Save Yourself Time and Money with These Cleaning Tips
These great cleaning tips have saved me so much time and money. They're so clever and simple you'll wonder why you haven't used them before.
16 Expensive Things That Will Actually Help You Save Money
16 items that are worth investing money in, to avoid spending more in the future
SAFETY TIPS: What To Do When You Encounter A Wolf
In this important video, an expert breaks down wolf behavior and explains what you should do in the event of a wolf encounter in the wild.
Easy Tips to Fit in EXTRA Crops in Your Vegetable Garden
Garden filling up? Follow these practical tips to grow more crops even in a small garden.
When To Replace 9 Household Items You Use Daily
It's easy to forget to replace these items on time. But if you don't do so, they become hotbeds for germs...
6 Things You Should NEVER Leave In a Freezing Cold Car
If you live in an area with sub-zero temperatures and snowy winters, there are a few items you should never leave in a freezing car for too long.
Do This to Revive a Drying Houseplant
Whenever one of your houseplants suddenly looks ill, do this trick.
What Causes Large Pores, And What Can You Do About It?
Do you have large pores? This guide will tell you what you need to do to diminish them.
5 Incredible Secrets 5-Star Hotels Use to Do the Laundry
Achieve outstanding results with these incredible laundry tips
Stunning! The Evolution of Beauty From 1952 to Today
Our definition of beauty may change as years go by but these pictures prove that true beauty is timeless.
Baking is Now a Breeze Thanks to These Terrific Tips!
Never flop a cake again. These handy charts can help you with any baking problem you might find yourself facing.
Why You Shouldn’t Keep a Bar Soap for More Than 2 Years
The following 10 personal hygiene products all expire sooner than you’d think and you must replace them regularly
The Smart Weight-Loss Tips No One Ever Told You
These simple daily changes can bring an avalanche of goodness to your body. I'm sure you've never heard at least half of these tips, but each and every one of them will have a small and meaningful effect on your weight loss.
How Observant Are You? Can You Spot What's Wrong Here?
So how's your observational skills and eye for detail? Can you identify what's wrong with this picture? See if you can spot all 21 mistakes.
15 Great Tips for Cleaning Those Hard-to-Reach Spots
Have you ever skipped cleaning places and things around the house that were just too difficult to clean? Well, we have just the tips to help you with these spots!
Four Ways to Tie Your Shoes for Foot Pain Relief
This helpful guide will teach you how to tie your laces based on the specific issue you're experiencing.
Kitchen Tips: How Long You Can Keep Leftovers?
It’s crucial to know how long different leftover foods can last in your fridge, and when it’s time to part ways with them for your own safety and health
A Simple, Easy Guide for Writing Your Living Will
It's not something you want to think about, but writing your will is sure to lift a huge burden from your shoulders. Here's a simple guide.
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!
11 Superb Solutions to Turn an Old Looking Item into New
With these secrets, your old-looking items will look brand new once again!
Here Are 10 Foods You Should Never Keep in the Pantry!
Are you the type of person who stores most of your food in the pantry? If so, you really must read this as there are foods that should never be stowed there!
Choose the Healthiest Breakfast Cereal With These Tips
Choose the healthiest breakfast cereal with these tips.
WARNING: If You Love Dogs, This Information is Vital
If you're a dog lover, you should spread this information around. Don't feed dogs these common foods!
8 Hypoallergenic Indoor Plants for Easy Breathing
We have discovered eight plant varieties that are recommended for growing and will keep allergies at bay!
10 Simple Solutions to Removing Paint Stains From Clothes
Got paint stains on your clothes but not sure how to remove them? Here's what to do.
You May Have Been Washing Your Hair Wrong Your Whole Life!
This simple guide will explain why you haven't been washing your hair properly and how to do the right way to make sure your hair is healthy and strong!
7 Basic Winter Travel Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
These are the missteps you want to avoid when traveling in the winter.
8 Things You Need to Do With Your A/C to Save on Money
Not looking after your AC properly will decreases the efficiency of your system, meaning you’re losing a lot of money.
15 Cleaning Tips to Keep Your Home Spotless With Ease
Tips and tricks that'll help you keep your home clean with speed and ease.
Here's What You Do With Your Leftover Plastic Spoons!
I never thought there was so much to do with this simple single-use utensil.
Mouthwash Can Do So Much More Than Freshen Your Breath
Did you know mouthwash is the number 1 household product you should keep at hand? Discover its fantastic multiple uses to see why.
7 Common Missteps That Couples Over 50 Should Avoid
For couples, the 50s can be the best years of their relationship. Just avoid making these mistakes.
Do You Know When to Go to Bed? Just Follow Our Tips
A great way to boost your health is to make sure you are getting enough sleep. Here are 10 bedtime rituals that are sure to get you in the mood to sleep.
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.
These Tips Will Help You Keep Your Car In Order
These hacks will help you get shinier headlights, organize your interior, and provide a nifty hack to help you remove a small car dent and lots more.
Fold a Napkin Into a Rose for a Unique Table Setting
Learn to set a table with napkin folding, giving a unique touch to your dinner table.
How to Become Wiser in 6 Simple Steps
Intelligence is something, some say, we are born with. On the other hand, wisdom, which is far more useful, is definitely something one can accumulate over a lifetime. Many search for ways to become wise, but few feel they have really achieved it. Ch
Don't Throw Out Old Makeup! Here's What You Can Do...
12 helpful uses you can put your expired or unsuitable makeup items
50 Culinary Tips That'll Make You a Kitchen Master!
50 great little culinary tips and tricks you can print and hang in the kitchen!
DO NOT Make These Mistakes When Frying an Egg
For a quick lesson in frying an egg, just watch this vidoe guide.
8 Crucial Car Tips Everyone Should Know About
Learn 8 great car tips that are useful even after years of sitting behind a steering wheel!
GUIDE: How to Turn a Towel into a Monkey, Swan or Snake!
If you think you know how to fold towels, you're wrong! This is how you do it. Now you'll see what an art form it really is. These towel animals are ace!
9 Ultimate Methods for Stain Removal around the House
Things we;ve had for a long time tend to lose their fresh-out-the-box look but this can be remedied! These methods will help you remove those stubborn stains!
6 Simple and Practical Tips To Organize Your Kitchen
A well organized kitchen is the first step to a gratifying cooking experience
Tutorial: How to Grow Roses Using the Stem Cuttings
This tutorial is only a few minutes long, but it gives you a very simple, straight-forward and practical way of growing your own rose bush from stem cuttings.
Tips For a Happier Life: How Much Free Time Is Optimal?
People love fantasizing about a world with unlimited free time. But is having a lot of free time always the best option for one's well-being and happiness?
10 Amazing Beauty Uses for Banana Peels
Everyone knows that bananas are great for your health, but not many people know that the peel can be beneficial too and should be added to your beauty regime.