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![How to tackle the toughest stains](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_660d0dca3fede.jpg)
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See Also
See Again
© Shutterstock
0 / 31 Fotos
Blood stain
- Blood is one of the most stubborn stains to deal with. Its organic and oxidizing properties bond it to fabric and even furniture.
© Shutterstock
1 / 31 Fotos
White vinegar
- Speed is of the essence when removing a blood stain. Soak the affected item in cold water as soon as possible (dried blood is harder to remove). Then spray down the area with white vinegar.
© Shutterstock
2 / 31 Fotos
Perspiration stain
- How unsightly is a yellow armpit stain? Body sweat is mostly composed of water, salt, and a little body oil. Oh, and it doesn't smell too good, either!
© Shutterstock
3 / 31 Fotos
Baking soda/hydrogen peroxide/laundry soap
- Baking soda is an effective and gentle stain remover, and works well on mild sweat stains. First dampen the area and then apply the baking soda. Leave for 30 minutes before rinsing. Tougher stains will require a mix of hydrogen peroxide and a bit of laundry soap. Let the mixture sit for the same time and rinse and repeat as needed.
© Shutterstock
4 / 31 Fotos
Coffee/tea stain
- A common cause of stains is spilled coffee or tea. Both contain tannins, which quickly stain.
© Shutterstock
5 / 31 Fotos
White vinegar/baking soda
- Dealing with coffee and tea stains requires a quick rinse with cold water before blotting the area with neat white vinegar. Then add baking soda. Let the mix work for 30 minutes, after which brush or vacuum way.
© Shutterstock
6 / 31 Fotos
Grass stain
- Grass stains can be an occupational hazard for playful kids and sporty types alike. And they can be really difficult to get out!
© Shutterstock
7 / 31 Fotos
Fels-Naptha bar/laundry soap
- Best to bring out the big guns to tackle grass stains. Any powerful prestain laundry soap should work, but, if it's available, use a Fels-Naptha laundry soap bar. Wet it first, then rub it over the stain. Wait an hour or so, then wash as normal.
© Getty Images
8 / 31 Fotos
Grease stain
- No one likes grease stains on their clothes. These types of stains aren't water-soluble, so rather than rinsing the affected area it needs to be thoroughly soaked instead.
© Shutterstock
9 / 31 Fotos
Dish soap/baking soda
- You'll first need to scrape off as much grease as possible before rubbing dish soap and baking soda over the stain. Allow the mixture to sit for half an hour before removing any excess and then rinsing.
© Shutterstock
10 / 31 Fotos
Chocolate stain
- We are almost guaranteed to suffer a chocolate stain at least once in our lifetime, such is the deliciously decadent allure of this sweet treat.
© Shutterstock
11 / 31 Fotos
Heavy-duty detergent/oxygen bleach
- To begin with, apply heavy-duty detergent to the stain. Work it in with your fingers or use a bristled toothbrush to spread the detergent effectively. Wait 15 minutes before rinsing. If it's still visible, blot the stain with oxygen bleach.
© Shutterstock
12 / 31 Fotos
Turmeric and mustard stains
- Turmeric is a traditional Indian spice. It's also an effective dye. Mustard, meanwhile, is a pungent condiment that contains turmeric. Stains caused by both set quickly and firmly.
© Shutterstock
13 / 31 Fotos
Laundry detergent/hydrogen peroxide/dish soap
- Dealing with turmeric and mustard stains requires prompt handiwork. First rinse the stain with cold water. Then add laundry detergent and work it into the affected area. Blot down before adding equal parts hydrogen peroxide and dish soap. Let the mixture sit for 15 minutes, then rinse.
© Shutterstock
14 / 31 Fotos
Red wine stain
- Who hasn't knocked over a glass of red wine? It's basically a dye, and a notoriously difficult liquid to remove once it's stained a carpet, shirt, tablecloth, or suchlike.
© Shutterstock
15 / 31 Fotos
White wine/baking powder
- Interestingly, red wine stains can be treated using white wine! First blot the stained area with a paper towel to soak up any excess. Pour white wine over the area and add baking soda to draw up color. Rinse and repeat if necessary. And if you don't want to crack open another bottle of wine, enzymatic laundry detergent is a good substitute.
© Shutterstock
16 / 31 Fotos
Tomato sauce stain
- A ketchup hiccup is difficult to treat, as are all red stains. Spaghetti sauce is another notorious condiment known for its ability to blemish.
© Shutterstock
17 / 31 Fotos
Hydrogen peroxide/white vinegar/laundry detergent
- Stains of this type are vivid and concentrated. Your first responder is hydrogen peroxide. Apply it liberally to the stain. White vinegar is also useful. Next, add laundry detergent and let it all sit for 15 minutes before blotting.
© Shutterstock
18 / 31 Fotos
Paint stain
- Stains caused by water-based paints are easy to remove. Just use water. Oil-based paint stains, however, require more thought.
© Shutterstock
19 / 31 Fotos
Rubbing alcohol/heavy-duty laundry detergent
- Paint stains are far easier to treat when still wet. For oil-based paint stains, use rubbing alcohol as a pretreatment, rub the spot to dissolve the pigment, and rinse with cold water. Repeat a couple of times, then pretreat and wash immediately with a heavy-duty laundry detergent in warm or cold water.
© Shutterstock
20 / 31 Fotos
Ink stain
- Stains caused by leaked ink are annoying, and sometimes embarrassing. And without prompt treatment, a quality shirt, jacket, or a pair of trousers can be ruined, for example.
© Shutterstock
21 / 31 Fotos
Rubbing alcohol/hairspray/sunscreen
- Ink stains on clothing can be removed in a number of ingenious ways. Applying rubbing alcohol to the area is one effective method. Using a hairspray is another. And if the ink has stained an interior wall or similar surface, apply sunscreen.
© Shutterstock
22 / 31 Fotos
Lipstick stain
- Lipstick doesn't always find its mark! And because it's greasy and pigmented, a lipstick stain can really mess up your wardrobe.
© Shutterstock
23 / 31 Fotos
Dish soap
- To treat a lipstick stain, first scrape off as much of the errant substance as you can. Apply dish soap, rub it in your fingers, and leave it for 15 minutes. Any remaining stains should be met with a little rubbing alcohol on a cotton swab. Rinse thoroughly and repeat if necessary.
© Shutterstock
24 / 31 Fotos
Nail polish stain
- Nail polish is another makeup accessory that's notoriously hard to remove. A lacquer loaded with pigment, nail polish that's been spilled needs to be wiped up quickly.
© Shutterstock
25 / 31 Fotos
Rubbing alcohol
- Nail polish remover will do the trick, but if this isn't at hand use rubbing alcohol and apply vigorously to the stain. Blot the area and follow up with dish soap and water to combat any lingering stains.
© Shutterstock
26 / 31 Fotos
Salt stain
- Salt stains are unsightly and can deface all sorts of household items, including carpets, clothes, and shoes, especially during the winter months.
© Shutterstock
27 / 31 Fotos
White vinegar
- To get rid of those ugly and crusty white rings, mix a cup of cold water and a drop of white vinegar. Dab the area with a cloth and let it soak overnight. Work off the excess using a bristle brush or vacuum.
© Shutterstock
28 / 31 Fotos
Pee stain
- A pee stain is seriously unattractive, and the odor just as unpleasant. Plus, its acidic properties mean it can quickly damage textiles.
© Shutterstock
29 / 31 Fotos
Baking soda/dish soap
- To combat a urine stain, dampen the area with water and dish soap. Next, apply baking soda and let it sit as long as possible before vacuuming the residue. Sources: (Apartment Therapy) (Persil) See also: The power of pee—odd uses for urine
© Shutterstock
30 / 31 Fotos
© Shutterstock
0 / 31 Fotos
Blood stain
- Blood is one of the most stubborn stains to deal with. Its organic and oxidizing properties bond it to fabric and even furniture.
© Shutterstock
1 / 31 Fotos
White vinegar
- Speed is of the essence when removing a blood stain. Soak the affected item in cold water as soon as possible (dried blood is harder to remove). Then spray down the area with white vinegar.
© Shutterstock
2 / 31 Fotos
Perspiration stain
- How unsightly is a yellow armpit stain? Body sweat is mostly composed of water, salt, and a little body oil. Oh, and it doesn't smell too good, either!
© Shutterstock
3 / 31 Fotos
Baking soda/hydrogen peroxide/laundry soap
- Baking soda is an effective and gentle stain remover, and works well on mild sweat stains. First dampen the area and then apply the baking soda. Leave for 30 minutes before rinsing. Tougher stains will require a mix of hydrogen peroxide and a bit of laundry soap. Let the mixture sit for the same time and rinse and repeat as needed.
© Shutterstock
4 / 31 Fotos
Coffee/tea stain
- A common cause of stains is spilled coffee or tea. Both contain tannins, which quickly stain.
© Shutterstock
5 / 31 Fotos
White vinegar/baking soda
- Dealing with coffee and tea stains requires a quick rinse with cold water before blotting the area with neat white vinegar. Then add baking soda. Let the mix work for 30 minutes, after which brush or vacuum way.
© Shutterstock
6 / 31 Fotos
Grass stain
- Grass stains can be an occupational hazard for playful kids and sporty types alike. And they can be really difficult to get out!
© Shutterstock
7 / 31 Fotos
Fels-Naptha bar/laundry soap
- Best to bring out the big guns to tackle grass stains. Any powerful prestain laundry soap should work, but, if it's available, use a Fels-Naptha laundry soap bar. Wet it first, then rub it over the stain. Wait an hour or so, then wash as normal.
© Getty Images
8 / 31 Fotos
Grease stain
- No one likes grease stains on their clothes. These types of stains aren't water-soluble, so rather than rinsing the affected area it needs to be thoroughly soaked instead.
© Shutterstock
9 / 31 Fotos
Dish soap/baking soda
- You'll first need to scrape off as much grease as possible before rubbing dish soap and baking soda over the stain. Allow the mixture to sit for half an hour before removing any excess and then rinsing.
© Shutterstock
10 / 31 Fotos
Chocolate stain
- We are almost guaranteed to suffer a chocolate stain at least once in our lifetime, such is the deliciously decadent allure of this sweet treat.
© Shutterstock
11 / 31 Fotos
Heavy-duty detergent/oxygen bleach
- To begin with, apply heavy-duty detergent to the stain. Work it in with your fingers or use a bristled toothbrush to spread the detergent effectively. Wait 15 minutes before rinsing. If it's still visible, blot the stain with oxygen bleach.
© Shutterstock
12 / 31 Fotos
Turmeric and mustard stains
- Turmeric is a traditional Indian spice. It's also an effective dye. Mustard, meanwhile, is a pungent condiment that contains turmeric. Stains caused by both set quickly and firmly.
© Shutterstock
13 / 31 Fotos
Laundry detergent/hydrogen peroxide/dish soap
- Dealing with turmeric and mustard stains requires prompt handiwork. First rinse the stain with cold water. Then add laundry detergent and work it into the affected area. Blot down before adding equal parts hydrogen peroxide and dish soap. Let the mixture sit for 15 minutes, then rinse.
© Shutterstock
14 / 31 Fotos
Red wine stain
- Who hasn't knocked over a glass of red wine? It's basically a dye, and a notoriously difficult liquid to remove once it's stained a carpet, shirt, tablecloth, or suchlike.
© Shutterstock
15 / 31 Fotos
White wine/baking powder
- Interestingly, red wine stains can be treated using white wine! First blot the stained area with a paper towel to soak up any excess. Pour white wine over the area and add baking soda to draw up color. Rinse and repeat if necessary. And if you don't want to crack open another bottle of wine, enzymatic laundry detergent is a good substitute.
© Shutterstock
16 / 31 Fotos
Tomato sauce stain
- A ketchup hiccup is difficult to treat, as are all red stains. Spaghetti sauce is another notorious condiment known for its ability to blemish.
© Shutterstock
17 / 31 Fotos
Hydrogen peroxide/white vinegar/laundry detergent
- Stains of this type are vivid and concentrated. Your first responder is hydrogen peroxide. Apply it liberally to the stain. White vinegar is also useful. Next, add laundry detergent and let it all sit for 15 minutes before blotting.
© Shutterstock
18 / 31 Fotos
Paint stain
- Stains caused by water-based paints are easy to remove. Just use water. Oil-based paint stains, however, require more thought.
© Shutterstock
19 / 31 Fotos
Rubbing alcohol/heavy-duty laundry detergent
- Paint stains are far easier to treat when still wet. For oil-based paint stains, use rubbing alcohol as a pretreatment, rub the spot to dissolve the pigment, and rinse with cold water. Repeat a couple of times, then pretreat and wash immediately with a heavy-duty laundry detergent in warm or cold water.
© Shutterstock
20 / 31 Fotos
Ink stain
- Stains caused by leaked ink are annoying, and sometimes embarrassing. And without prompt treatment, a quality shirt, jacket, or a pair of trousers can be ruined, for example.
© Shutterstock
21 / 31 Fotos
Rubbing alcohol/hairspray/sunscreen
- Ink stains on clothing can be removed in a number of ingenious ways. Applying rubbing alcohol to the area is one effective method. Using a hairspray is another. And if the ink has stained an interior wall or similar surface, apply sunscreen.
© Shutterstock
22 / 31 Fotos
Lipstick stain
- Lipstick doesn't always find its mark! And because it's greasy and pigmented, a lipstick stain can really mess up your wardrobe.
© Shutterstock
23 / 31 Fotos
Dish soap
- To treat a lipstick stain, first scrape off as much of the errant substance as you can. Apply dish soap, rub it in your fingers, and leave it for 15 minutes. Any remaining stains should be met with a little rubbing alcohol on a cotton swab. Rinse thoroughly and repeat if necessary.
© Shutterstock
24 / 31 Fotos
Nail polish stain
- Nail polish is another makeup accessory that's notoriously hard to remove. A lacquer loaded with pigment, nail polish that's been spilled needs to be wiped up quickly.
© Shutterstock
25 / 31 Fotos
Rubbing alcohol
- Nail polish remover will do the trick, but if this isn't at hand use rubbing alcohol and apply vigorously to the stain. Blot the area and follow up with dish soap and water to combat any lingering stains.
© Shutterstock
26 / 31 Fotos
Salt stain
- Salt stains are unsightly and can deface all sorts of household items, including carpets, clothes, and shoes, especially during the winter months.
© Shutterstock
27 / 31 Fotos
White vinegar
- To get rid of those ugly and crusty white rings, mix a cup of cold water and a drop of white vinegar. Dab the area with a cloth and let it soak overnight. Work off the excess using a bristle brush or vacuum.
© Shutterstock
28 / 31 Fotos
Pee stain
- A pee stain is seriously unattractive, and the odor just as unpleasant. Plus, its acidic properties mean it can quickly damage textiles.
© Shutterstock
29 / 31 Fotos
Baking soda/dish soap
- To combat a urine stain, dampen the area with water and dish soap. Next, apply baking soda and let it sit as long as possible before vacuuming the residue. Sources: (Apartment Therapy) (Persil) See also: The power of pee—odd uses for urine
© Shutterstock
30 / 31 Fotos
How to tackle the toughest stains
How to get rid of the most stubborn of marks and blemishes
© Shutterstock
Getting rid of a stubborn stain can be notoriously difficult, especially if you don't have the proper cleaning materials at hand. And the longer you leave something like blood, tomato sauce, or chocolate on your clothing, the greater the nightmare it is trying to remove it. Fortunately, there are a number of shortcuts available using ordinary, everyday products that can wipe out even the most unsightly and resilient of marks and blemishes. But what are these clever cleaning items, and how are they used?
Click through this list of the worst stains and find out the best ways to treat them.
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