Stains and spills are unavoidable even if you’re the most careful person in the world. And if you have kids and pets, then the probability of unsightly marks on your clothes and fabrics is 1000%. Whether it’s spills from coffee or tea on your carpet, greasy fingerprints, paint or crayons, you need to learn how to remove stains from fabrics. Otherwise, you’ll have to replace your wardrobe and floor coverings every couple of weeks and who wants to do that, right? So let’s begin.
Before attempting to remove a stain, it’s important to identify what type of stain you’re dealing with. Unfortunately, there is no one size fits-all-solution. Different stains need different approaches so you must know what you’re up against.
Here are the most common types of stains you’re likely to face at home:
Those are the most common stains you’re going to encounter at home. You need to identify the type of stain immediately. Speed is of the essence. The longer a stain sits, the harder it will be to remove or damage the fabric.
The moment you notice a stain, try to blot up as much of the excess liquid as possible and rinse the area with cold water. This will help to dilute the stain and prevent it from setting in for good.
Alright, we’ve taken care of identification. The thinking part of the exercise is over. Time to spring into action. I’ll give you a cleaning method to use for every type of stain.
Note: Make sure to check the labels of your clothes or fabrics before using a treatment. Some of these methods may not be suitable for every type of fabric.
Side note: Always test potential solutions on a small, inconspicuous area to make sure they won’t damage the fabric.
With the caveats out of the way, here are a few tips for removing common types of stains from clothes and fabrics:
It’s important to keep in mind that some fabrics are more prone to staining than others. Harsh cleaning chemicals can easily damage delicate fabrics such as silk and wool. It’s important to be extra careful when treating stains on these fabrics.
The good news is that sturdy fabrics, such as denim and cotton, can withstand more aggressive cleaning methods. However, this is not an invitation to go wild – you still need to handle them with care.
Prevention, as they say, is the best cure. There are a few preventive measures you can take to reduce the risk of staining on your clothes and fabrics.
One thing you can do is use stain-repellent sprays on upholstery and clothing to make them more resistant to stains. This is not a be-all, end-all solution, but it helps, especially if you have kids or pets.
You can also invest in protective covers for your furniture, such as slipcovers and throws. This will help prevent stains from occurring in the first place.
While stains can be frustrating, all is not lost. With the right tools and methods, you can oftentimes remove them and restore your clothes and fabrics to (close to) their original condition. Simply act quickly and follow the process I’ve outlined above and you’ll be fine. And remember – if you need professional help, we’re never more than a phone call away.
Hi, I’m Atanas - brand consultant and writer. I’m helping Samyx Cleaning create the best cleaning company blog on the Internet. Join us on our journey and learn how to live a cleaner, healthier, happier life in the process.
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