A pesky stain doesn’t need to be the end of the world. At Why Bother we don’t mind sharing our cleaning expertise to help our visitors and clients, so check out our quick cleaning guide to removing the top five stains and you’ll never cry over spilled milk (or red wine!) ever again.
1. Blackcurrant Juice
Carpets: dab the stain with a kitchen towel immediately until you’ve absorbed as much of the liquid as possible, then use a stain removing bar to work the stain and shampoo your carpet.
Fabric: Rinse the fabric immediately then pre-soak it in washing liquid then wash the fabric at the hottest possible temperature.
Upholstery: Use a clean cloth and cold water to gently dab the stain and blot dry with kitchen paper or a towel. If the stain is persistent it may be treatable with a hydrogen peroxide solution but test first in an inconspicuous area.
2. Red Wine
Carpets: The best way to remove a red wine stain from a carpet is with a powerful steam cleaner or good quality carpet shampoo.
From Fabric: Blot with a towel to remove excess liquid then gently dab with cold water. Wash as normal and if the stain remains try a specialist stain remover in your wash.
3. Curry
Carpets: apply stain removing foam immediately and shampoo your carpet within a couple of hours of the stain occurring.
Fabric: Pour neat liquid detergent onto the stain and leave for a few minutes then wash the time as normal.
Upholstery: Seek professional help to remove a curry stain on upholstery. Curry is one of the most stubborn stains and in most cases only a powerful professional upholstery cleaner will do the job.
4. Oil, Fat and Grease
Carpets: Place a paper towel over the stain and run over a cool iron to draw up the grease then shampoo the carpet.
Fabric: rub liquid detergent or use a stain treatment on the mark and then wash in as hot a temperature as possible.
Upholstery: Cover the mark in talcum powder, allow it to dry and then vacuum. Try dabbing persistent stains with methylated spirits but test first.
5. Ketchup
Carpets: Use a blunt knife to scrape off as much sauce as possible the make a solution of half glycerine half water, apply to a clean cloth and gently blot the stain. Use soda water or baking powder to dab clean and then shampoo your carpet.
Fabric: Pre-soak the fabric in biological detergent and then wash as normal.
Upholstery: Lightly dab the affected area with cold water without allowing the fabric to become too wet. Dab with a dry cloth to remove any excess water and treat the area with a specialist stain remover.
Bonus Tip
Struggling to remove a stain is never much fun and if you try the wrong tack you could end up permanently damaging your fabric, carpets or upholstery. If you’re in any doubt as to the best way to remove a stain then seek professional help and hire Why Bother Cleaning who have all the knowledge, expertise and equipment necessary to successfully remove your stain. If you would like to request our services, call us today for more information.