Here at Budget Maids we’ve seen our fair share of stubborn stains over the years while doing a spot of house cleaning in Arlington or engaged in our maids service in Vienna and other areas around the state.
As a result we’ve developed lots of fool-proof ways to get rid of a whole number of unwelcome substances that can cling to chairs, cushion covers, carpets etc. And we’re going to share a few of those stain removing solutions with you right here:
Chocolate
First off, scape any lumpy pieces of chocolate still clinging to the fabric with a knife (but make sure you don’t spread it). Rinse the underside of the stain with cold water ie if it’s a cushion then turn it inside out. Next rub some liquid detergent into the actual stained side. Once you’ve left it for five minutes for the detergent to do its work, plunge the fabric into cold water and leave for around 15 minutes, every now and again rubbing the stain then rinse thoroughly. If there’s still an oily mark on the stain rub it with soap before washing (if not dry clean).
Candlewax
Candle light may be pretty at the time but dripping wax can be a nightmare to remove. The best way to do so is by first hardening the wax with an ice cube. Next, get a blunt knife and try to scrape off as much of the wax as possible. There’ll still be some remaining so at this point cover the wax on the fabric with a piece of kitchen paper and iron over it using a cool iron while trying to prevent the iron touching the carpet/cushion etc.
Cooking/vegetable oil
Try and remove as much of the oil as you can using a spoon before rubbing the stain with liquid detergent and leaving the fabric for five minutes to allow the detergent time to permeate and break down the oil. Wash the fabric if possible, in the hottest temperature it’ll stand and repeat until the stain is no longer visible.
Tomato sauce
This is a particularly messy stain to clean off. Like the other methods, try and get as much of the sauce off the fabric as you can, using a spoon or blunt knife, before you start cleaning. Turn the fabric inside out if possible and soak the back of the stain with cold water. Next go to the front of the stain and rub liquid detergent into it. If the colors won’t run you can apply a little bleach or white vinegar with a sponge. Rub with detergent again then use a stain remover. Allow to sit for 10 minutes before washing.
If you’ve any other great stain removing suggestions we’d love to hear them right here on the Budget Maids blog. Meanwhile if you’re ever in need of any house cleaning in Columbia or a cleaning service in Reston or elsewhere in VA then here at Budget Maids we’d be happy to lend a hand.
image via Videojug.com
