Simple Ways to Remove Stains
Treat Stubborn Stains and Dirt with Vinegar, Salt or Lemon Juice.
Dec 16, 2008
Vinegar, salt or lemon juice can be used on fabric and a variety of other surfaces to remove stubborn stains and dirt. When removing a stain on any surface, act as quickly as you can before the stain gets a chance to ‘set in’, as this makes it more difficult to treat.
Never use any product without first testing for color fastness. You’ll have to find a hidden spot to apply the product to check for a reaction. Some fabrics and dyes react adversely when they come into contact with certain agents, so test before you try to remove the stain!
Vinegar
- Mix a half cup of vinegar with three to four litres of water for an effective cleaner for toilets and baths.
- Vinegar can be used to remove lime deposits around taps. Soak a few paper towels in vinegar and wrap around taps. Leave in place for an hour before cleaning.
- Lime buildup in your kettle can be removed by mixing equal parts of vinegar with water. Add the solution to your kettle, making sure the element and affected sides are covered. Bring to the boil. Allow to stand for twelve hours before rinsing. Add clean water and boil again before use.
- Remove dried glue from fabric by dabbing neat vinegar on the spot. Allow 20 minutes for the vinegar to soften the glue, then scrape off with a butter knife. If possible, wash the item on the hottest wash cycle safe for the fabric type to move the excess residue.
- Use a cloth dampened in neat vinegar to remove sticky labels from glass bars or wipe down chrome taps to remove watermarks.
- Vinegar softens hardened paintbrush bristles. Stand the brush in neat vinegar for a few minutes, then rinse with soap and water.
- Tired of a greasy oven? After cleaning, wipe down the inside and grill racks with a cloth dampened with vinegar. This will help to slow down the build up.
- De-clog a blocked showerhead overnight in a bowl of vinegar.
Did you know? If your car stays outdoors during the winter months, wipe down the windscreen every evevning with a solution of three parts vinegar to one part water to keep it frost-free.
Salt
- Salt is a natural antiseptic and can be used to wipe down kitchen surfaces or clean wounds.
- Perspiration stains from gym clothing can be removed by sponging the fabric with a salt mixture (three tablespoons in 500ml of water).
- Blood on fabric can also be removed by soaking the item in salt water before washing in your machine.
- Soak new garments in salt water to prevent colours from running. Always check care labels first before using a new product.
- Salt can be used as an abrasive for cleaning pots and pans. Add vinegar to remove any burn marks.
- Soak your broom in salt water before first use to increase its longevity.
Did you know? Salt can be used to remove sticky residue from the base of your iron. Pour a teaspoon of salt on to a piece of paper. Blot with a hot iron to remove sticky areas.
Lemon juice
- Lemon juice can be used as a disinfectant, deodoriser and bleach. Add about a cup of lemon juice to the soap powder when you wash white or lightly colored garments for a natural lightner. It also helps to cut down on the amount of lint in your drier.
- Iodine stains can be removed from linen by rubbing the fresh stain with a slice of lemon. Lemon juice will also remove mildew from clothing. Pour the juice over the area, then rub lightly with salt. Allow the item to sun dry, then launder as per usual.
- Lemon juice mixed in equal parts to vinegar can be used to clean copper and brass.
- Apply a lemon juice and bicarbonate of sodium paste to any stubborn stain on fabric and machine was per usual.
Did you know: New leather shoes sometimes don’t polish easily. Rub them over with a half a lemon, leave to dry and polish and shine as usual.
So next time you're heading to the supermarket. Don't forget to add these three amazing, environmentally-friendly stain busters to your shopping list!
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