Removing Chap Stick Stains from Clothing

I have fought chap stick stains for years. When there are two young girls in the house, you find tubes of Chapstick almost everywhere – furniture, broken on the floor and the laundry – to just name a few places.

When a tube of chap stick goes through a load of laundry, it can get over every article of clothing in that load. If you’re not sure how to tackle a chap stick stain, it can get costly replacing clothes and I was getting tired of fighting the stain and the crowds at the mall.

So how do you treat a chap stick stain? Much the same way you would remove a candle wax stain.

What to Do

Just like removing a candle wax stain, Chapstick stains are not impossible to remove, it just takes time.

• If there are some clumps of semi-solid chap stick, remove it with a dull knife or spoon.
• If necessary, you can put the item in the freezer, let the wax harden, then remove more.
• If the stain is small, try using a dishwashing liquid like Dawn. Wet the area then carefully use an old toothbrush to clean.
• If the stain is larger and covers more surface area, try using the iron method.

The Iron Method for Removing Waxy Residue

After removing as much of the Chapstick as possible, you’ll most likely be left with a greasy/oily stain from the wax.

• First get a clean towel and place under the area you will be ironing.
• Then tear a brown paper bag or use a couple layers of paper towel and completely cover the area.
• Set the iron to a low/medium heat and run it over the paper. Keep the iron moving so it doesn’t overheat the paper.
• This process will help lift and transfer the residue onto the paper.
• Repeat as needed. Move to a clean piece of paper or replace as needed.

Removing Colored Chap Stick Dye Stains

If the chap stick had color to it and there is a bit of a stain remaining, try the following:

• Dishwashing liquid may help remove left over dye stains.
• Rubbing alcohol may also help remove any remaining dye stains.

Apply liquid to the stain, gently rub or blot until stain is gone.

Using Un-Du Wax Remover

At some point I contacted the chap stick manufacturer directly to ask what their opinion was on getting chap stick stains out of clothes. They recommended Un-Du wax remover. I was very pleasantly surprised to find that it works really well for getting chap stick stains out of clothing.

Un-Du Wax Remover works like a charm, and is available in grocery and big box stores. If you think about it, it makes sense as the primary component of chap stick is a form of wax.

Once you discover the stain, add a few drops of un-du and carefully rub over the area. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Let sit for about 30 minutes. Wash again with your regular detergent and the warmest setting recommended for the fabric.

If necessary, I would put a clean cloth behind the area you’re working on. That way if there is any color from the chap stick it won’t transfer to a clean area of the item.

Cleaning Residue from the Washer and Dryer

It’s possible after a tube of chap stick has gone through the washer and/or dryer there may be some of the waxy residue left on the walls of the drum. To err on the side of caution, you can clean them easily.

Cleaning the Washer Drum

Get a clean rag, wet it and apply liquid laundry detergent. Wipe down the sides, bottom and under the top lip of the drum. Run a hot water cycle.

Cleaning the Dryer Drum

Run a few damp cleaning rags in the dryer for about 10 minutes to heat the drum. Pour some white vinegar on one of the cleaning rags you had in the dryer and wipe down the drum. The vinegar smell will dissipate after a short period of time so there is no need to wipe down further but if you want, take another one of the cleaning rags and wet it with plain water and wipe down the drum with that.

We don’t always remember, but try and check the pockets before doing laundry to prevent these kinds of stains.

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How to Remove Stains from Clothing.

Removing a Variety of Stains from Washable Clothing

Are you a thrifty DIYer looking for ways to remove stains from clothing? In this article, we’ll review some quick tips for removing clothing stains using items you most likely have in the house already.

Although, some stains are tougher than others to remove, all may not be lost. It’s worth it to try and remove the stain before tossing the item in the trash. At least that’s what I do!

Below are some of my stain removal solutions.

Removing Grease Stains from Clothing

A grease stain includes anything that makes a greasy spot on your clothing such as mayonnaise, grease splatters, oil, greasy food, etc. Greasy spots are a very common occurrence that can cause the demise of your clothing.

Here’s what you can do to get these types of greasy spots out:

Note: Put something like a doubled-up dish towel or piece of cardboard under the stain before blotting so the grease doesn’t transfer to a clean section of fabric. When blotting use absorbent material like a paper towel.

1. Begin by blotting up as much of the grease/oil as possible.
2. If it appears there is oil in the fabric but you’re not getting much up with the paper towel, generously sprinkle talcum powder, cornstarch or baking soda (whichever you have on hand) over the stain. Work it in with your fingers or a toothbrush. You will notice as the oil is lifting, the powder substance you are using will start to clump. Brush it off when you are finished.
3. Now work in some liquid dish soap, again you can use a toothbrush. If you’re using the same toothbrush make sure you’ve cleaned it well. The dish soap will help dissolve the grease much like it does when you are using it to wash dishes. You don’t need to go crazy with dish soap, use your best judgement for the size stain you have.
4. Rinse with hot water then launder as usual. Remember to check the garment before putting in the dryer.

If it’s a small fresh stain, dish soap may work on its own. Just put undiluted liquid dish washing soap on the stain and work in. Launder as usual.

Shampoo has also been successfully used on many different kinds of grease stains. It removes grease from your hair and can remove it from your clothing as well. The key is to try and use the treatment that is easiest for you. There is usually more than one option but you’ll find the ones that are right for you and your stain.

Using WD-40 to Rehydrate an Old Greasy Oil Stain

You’re probably thinking there is no way WD40 can be used as a stain remover? But it can be a miracle worker on grease, crayon and even removing lipstick stains from clothing. WD-40 works on most fabrics except silk.

Today, we’ll be using WD40 to rehydrate that old greasy oily stain. For this, I would place a piece of cardboard or even a dish (something that isn’t going to absorb quickly) behind the stain you’re working on.

1. Spray the old stain with the WD40 and let sit for a few minutes. You will notice the WD40 has spread a little. Depending on the fabric you’re working on it may spread more than others. You can always spray WD40 in a cup first and use a cotton ball to blot over the old stain, this might give you better control on how much it spreads.
2. Follow all steps above under Removing Grease Stains from Clothing.

Getting Ink Stains Out of Clothes

Getting out ink stains is possible, but before you even attempt it, you need to know what kind of pen left the mark. There are 3 common types of ink: water based, permanent ink (like a sharpie), or ballpoint pen.

Remember – before putting the item in the dryer, make sure the ink stain is completely gone or you risk it permanently staining the item.

Removing Water Based Ink Stain

If you have a water based ink stain, they are generally easier to remove than permanent ink because if you get to them in time, cleaning with water can do the trick.

Water based inks are usually found in ink stamps, calligraphy ink, highlighters, magic markers, many kids markers, and erasable ink.

1. Place the stained section of clothing on a clean towel.
2. Pour a little water over the stain.
3. Blot the stain with a clean white towel or paper towel. Do not rub and risk spreading the ink.
4. Repeating the steps above may remove the ink altogether.

If there is still some ink left, put a small amount of liquid laundry detergent on the ink stain and let sit for 3 to 5 minutes.

Wash the item using the hottest water it can stand.

Removing Permanent Ink/Ball Point Ink Stains

Permanent ink is harder to remove from clothing. This ink can be found in standard ink pens, permanent markers, ballpoint ink pens, and sharpies.

1. Again, lay the ink stained portion of the garment on a towel then wet a cotton swab with rubbing alcohol.
2. Blot the ink stain, don’t rub or you’ll spread the ink. Be sure to move to the other side of the swab as the ink is lifting. You may go through a few cotton swabs.
3. Now dampen a clean piece of towel with plain water and blot the stain.
4. Repeat above steps as necessary.

If you’ve got some stubborn ink, you might want to switch and try nail polish remover. Before doing this make sure to thoroughly rinse out the rubbing alcohol first.

Using Fels Naptha Bar Soap to Remove Mildew and Mold Stains from Clothing

This brown soap has been used for centuries for everything from washing clothes to washing the body. It also works surprisingly well at removing mold and mildew stains.

Mold and mildew can be hard to remove from fabric, so much so that most people don’t even try to remove it, they just move the clothes to the trash. But, if you’re up to it and want to attempt to salvage the item, then give this a try:

• First, take the item outside and use a soft bristle brush to gently remove any mold/mildew as best you can.
• You can use a bucket filled with water, a sink, the washer as it’s filling with water or whatever works best for the item you’re removing the stain from.
• When the clothing item is wet, rub the Fels Naptha soap over the stained areas and work it into the stain and then launder as usual.
• Depending on how much mold or mildew is on the garment, you may need to repeat the process of using the Fels Naptha soap and laundering. Just remember to check the garment before placing in the dryer.

This is by no means an exhaustive list. There are stain removers that are available on the grocery shelves that work on many different stains. These items are the items that are not usually thought of as being used to remove stains from clothes.

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How to Clean Up Stains After a Thanksgiving Dinner.

Cleaning Up After the Thanksgiving Holiday

You know any time you get family and friends together for the Thanksgiving holiday, spills and stains are bound to happen. Cleaning up spills and stains after the Thanksgiving holiday will happen in my house and with just about every gathering we have.

Below are the most common foods and drinks shared for Thanksgiving dinner and how you can clean them – should they get spilled.

Stain Cleaning Tips

• When cleaning carpet stains, do not rub at the stain or you risk spreading the stain further.
• After cleaning carpets, cover the area until it is completely dry to avoid further staining.
• After stain removal treatments, make sure you avoid putting an item in the dryer until you are sure the stain is gone.

Removing Red Wine Stains with Club Soda

Wine is one of those things that is bound to get spilled. When you’re walking around having a good time talking with others, an arm is bound to get bumped, and – out slops the wine.

Cleaning Red Wine Stains From Carpets

Club soda is an item many of us have on hand around the holidays for cocktails and is something you can make use of if a red wine spill happens.

1. If possible, act quickly and blot up as much of the wine spill as possible with a clean cloth or paper towels. Make sure to change to a clean section of towel and replace when necessary.
2. Pour a small amount of club soda directly onto the red wine stain. The carbonation in the club soda can help lift the stain from the carpet fibers. Do not over wet the area as this can cause the stain to reappear later.
3. Once again, using a clean cloth or paper towels, gently blot the stain. Press down firmly on the stain, absorbing as much liquid as possible.
4. Repeat the rinsing and blotting process (changing absorbent material as needed) until no more of the stain comes up. Hopefully this will remove the stain.

If there is still some staining remaining:

1. Mix a solution of hydrogen peroxide with dish washing liquid, a 3:1 ratio.
2. Apply a small amount to the stain, cover, let sit for 20 minutes.
3. Rinse the area and blot up as much liquid as possible.
4. Cover until dry.

Check this mix in an inconspicuous spot prior to fully cleaning.

Removing Red Wine Stains from Clothing

If the red wine stain is on your clothing again, pour club soda on a clean rag and blot at the stain. Continue until the stain is gone. If the stain is a large one, see if you have something for your guest to put on while you tackle the stain.

If the garment can take it, rinse with the hottest water possible. Just be careful when rinsing you don’t get your hands in the way of the hot water.

Believe it or not but hot water is one of the best ways to remove fruit juice stains and it works on wine too.

How to Remove Cranberry Sauce Stains

One of the most likely places stains will happen is on the tablecloth. Just as hot water can remove a wine stain, it can also work on a stain such as this and I know for some of you, this cleaning method may go against everything you’ve heard and been taught – but this is the recommended method for cleaning a cranberry sauce stain.

Cleaning Cranberry Stains from a Tablecloth

After the sink is cleared and dishes put away, put some water on to boil and bring the tablecloth to the sink. And be careful, this water is hot!

1. Pre-rinse the table cloth with the hottest tap water possible to remove any remaining solids.
2. Then hold the table cloth over the sink and pour the hot water slowly and gently over the stained fabric.
3. Cover every bit of the cranberry stain and please watch your hands with the hot water.

If any stain is left over, leave the table cloth to soak in a bowl of hot water with 1 teaspoon of liquid dish washing detergent for 60 minutes. Rinse with clean water. Launder as usual when the stain is gone. Avoid the dryer until you’re sure the stain is out.

Removing Cranberry Sauce from the Carpet

There’s also a good chance one of the kiddos, sitting at the little table, will drop some of their food on the carpet during the dinner hour.

1. First, clean up any solids from the cranberry sauce.
2. Using a clean cloth, paper towel or other absorbent, blot up the liquid until it has been absorbed.
3. In a bowl, add 1 cup of warm water and into that mix 1 teaspoon liquid detergent. Stir to mix the detergent in the water.
4. Pour a little of this mixture over the stain. Use a clean toothbrush or your fingers to gently work into the carpet.
5. Repeat if necessary.
6. Blot and get it as dry as you can with a clean towel. If it’s in an out of the way spot where no one will trip on the towel, leave it covering the area until completely dry.

Removing Tough Cranberry Stains

If you didn’t notice the cranberry stain until later or you thought you had the stain out earlier, it’s still possible to remove the stain with hydrogen peroxide.

You may want to test this in an inconspicuous place on the carpet first. Although hydrogen peroxide should not damage the carpet, prevention is your friend here.

1. Pour some 3 percent grade hydrogen peroxide over the stained area. You don’t need to over saturate the carpet.
2. With a clean towel, place it on top of the stain.
3. Depending on the severity of the stain, leave the stain covered for 1 hour or more.
4. Periodically check to see how the stain removal process is going.
5. Repeat if necessary.

Hydrogen peroxide will turn to water when exposed to light so be sure to keep this covered.

Cleaning up Gravy and Butter Spills on Clothing

Gravy is like a grease stain. Its part grease, and part meat or milk solids that easily binds to fabric.

1. To begin, use a clean paper towel on both sides of the fabric and dab up as much of the gravy as you can.
2. Apply a small amount of dishwashing liquid or laundry detergent directly to the stain. Gently rub the fabric together to work the detergent into the stain.
3. Let the item sit in cold water up to 30 minutes.
4. Repeat if the stain is still visible.
5. Wash as usual.
6. Do not put item in the dryer until you are sure the stain is gone.

If you happen to be one of the guests for dinner and you’re worried about staining, you can pre-treat the stain with a little Dawn dish washing detergent and wash as usual when you get home.

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How to Remove Rust Stains

Rust stains can appear both inside and outside your home.

Inside, they take the form of hard water stains in your sinks, bathtub or toilet. While they’re unsightly, indoor rust stains will not usually cause any damage to porcelain or ceramic fixtures.

Outside, however, rust stains need to be dealt with quickly because they will damage cement and brick. Rust stains can also be transferred to fabric if you brush up against a rusty or corroding surface.

How to remove rust stains will depend on the type of surface the stain is on.

How to Remove Rust Stains from Bathroom or Kitchen Fixtures:

Some people believe that rust stains on bathroom or kitchen fixtures are the result of lead or metal pipes that flake and leave deposits on ceramic or porcelain surfaces. But rust stains form regardless of the material the pipes are made of.

They form because the high mineral (calcium and magnesium) and iron content in hard water oxidizes. Even if you had no air in your bathroom, you’d still get rust stains on your fixtures because water contains oxygen.

If you have hard water, the only way to permanently stop rust stains is to get a water softener. If you can’t do that, then follow these easy steps to remove rust stains:

• Use a commercial cleaner like Whink, Zud, Comet or Lime-Away.
• Use distilled white vinegar or lemon juice at full strength
• For heavy rust stains, make a paste of 1-cup vinegar (or lemon juice) and 1/2 to 3/4 cup of borax or baking soda

If using a commercial cleaner, follow the instructions exactly to avoid injury and damage to the fixtures.

If making your own acidic paste with vinegar or lemon juice, test it on an inconspicuous area first to make sure it won’t damage the finish.

Let stand for 10 minutes, scrub and rinse.

Removing Rust Stains from Cement and Brick:

Rust stains can form outside as a result of hard water, too. Or, they can form when water continuously washes over an iron object. For example, rivers of rust may flow when an outdoor iron plant holder remains in the rain for too long.

To remove rust stains from sidewalks or driveways you’ll need:

• White vinegar or lemon juice
• Water
• A stiff-bristled, outdoor brush

Sweep and wash the affected area. Pour a generous amount of vinegar or lemon juice on the stain and let stand for 15 minutes. Scrub with the stiff-bristled brush and rinse.

Depending on how long the stain has been allowed to set, you may have to repeat these steps a few times.

Getting Rust Stains Out of Fabric:

For rust stains on garments made from cotton or linen that are machine or hand washable:

• Squeeze the juice of one lemon directly on the stain
• Do not rub the stain – simply let the lemon juice absorb into the fabric
• Apply a small amount of laundry detergent to the area
• Rinse with cool water
• Wash as directed on the label

Heavy Duty Rust Stain Removal:

If the stain does not come out with the lemon, vinegar or scrubbing you’ll need to purchase commercial rust stain remover. Whink is a good brand.

These rust removal products are highly toxic and you must not get on your skin, eyes or breath the vapors. You must use gloves and protect your eyes when using this product.

For rust stains on fabric, clothing, carpeting, fixtures, tubs and toilets:

• Slightly damped the area to be treated with water
• Apply 2-3 drops of the rust stain remover product to the stain.
• Rinse with cool water
• Wash as directed on the label if removed from fabric.

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How To Clean Up Mold

Deciding on the best way to clean mold depends on the surface the mold has taken over.

For example, you’ll clean mold from patio furniture a little differently than you’ll clean shower tiles because the cushions can’t take abrasive cleaners like tiles can.

How to Clean Patio Furniture:

If you live in a humid or overly damp part of the country, you more than likely have to clean your patio furniture regularly to reduce mold growth. Following these steps will show you how to clean mold from outdoor furniture and cushions.

Mold Removal Solution:

In a spray bottle, mix a solution of:

• 1 teaspoon dishwashing liquid
• 1 teaspoon borax
• 1 quart warm water

Spray both sides of the cushions with a liberal amount of the mixture; be sure to spray along any decorative edging.

Let this sit on the cushions for 15 to 20 minutes. While you’re waiting, spray the table and chairs with the same solution and wipe them down with a cloth.

When time’s up, scrub and rinse both sides of the cushions with a soft-bristled brush. Add the spray attachment to the hose set to full force and spray the cushions then let them air dry.

You’re Not Alone in the Shower:

Mold can be black, white, gray, or green. Mold needs three things to thrive: Moisture, humidity and food. While moisture and humidity are a given in any shower, you may not think your shower provides food.

But it does for mold. Mold eats anything organic. By organic, I don’t mean food that is produced without chemicals. I mean organic as in carbon.

To rid your shower of your colony of visitors, you’ll need an acidic cleaner like vinegar. If you haven’t cleaned your shower in awhile and the colony has progressed to a city, you’ll need something a little stronger.

Shower Cleaning Solution:

• Mix one part white distilled vinegar to one part water
• Add to a spray bottle and thoroughly spray the shower
• Let stand for 10 minutes and scrub with a sponge or scrub brush

For added scrubbing power, add ½ to ¾ cup of baking soda to make a paste. Apply to the moldiest areas, let stand for 15 minutes then scrub.

Cleaning Tough Mold:

Open the windows to properly ventilate the room. Use an equal mixture of chlorine bleach and water then spray on the moldy areas. This should immediately remove those tough mold stains.

If the mold is really bad and the bleach does not work, there are commercial cleaners specifically made to remove the toughest mold stains that get stuck in tile grout. Follow the instructions and be sure to wear rubber gloves and protective eye wear when working with corrosive chemicals.

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Tips and Tricks on Chocolate Stain Removal

If you’re unfortunate enough to get a little dose of chocolate on your clothes or carpet, Mrs Clean has the cleaning tips to help you remove it fast.

The major stain producer in chocolate is fat, so chocolate stain removal follows the same procedures as any other grease stain.

The softer chocolates like milk chocolate and truffles have more cocoa butter fats and dark chocolate has a little less, so dark chocolate stains are generally a little easier to remove.

Stains on Clothing:

Caution: Check the clothing label first. If the label on the garment reads “Dry Clean Only”, these tips won’t help and you need to have a dry cleaner take a look at the stain. If the clothing can be washed by hand or if it can be machine washed, follow these steps:

1. Hang the garment up and let the chocolate harden.
2. Put the clothing in the freezer if needed to solidify the stain.
3. Gently scrape as much of the chocolate off as you can.
4. Apply a drop of laundry detergent, dish washing detergent such as dawn or laundry stain remover and gently rub into the fabric.
5. Wash according to the directions on the label.
6. Do not put in the dryer if any stain remains.

Milk chocolate will normally produce a larger stain and will take longer to harden. You may have to repeat the steps above in order to remove all of the chocolate.

Stains on Carpeting:

1. Cordon off the area around the stain and allow it to harden.
2. Use ice cubes if necessary to solidify the chocolate.
3. Scrape off as much of the chocolate solids as possible, being careful not to make the stain area larger.
4. Mix several drops of laundry detergent with 3 cups of water.
5. Gently blot the stain with the mixture.
6. Don’t enlarge the stain by wetting a large area with the cleaning mixture. Stay on target and work from the outside of the stain, inwards.
7. Use paper towels to blot dry and remove as much as the stain as possible.
8. Make sure to rinse the area thoroughly with clear water.
9. The detergent will leave a residue and attract further staining if it is not removed completely.

If that doesn’t remove the stain fully, allow the area to dry and try to remove the stain by heating the chocolate:

1. Place paper towels, paper grocery bags or napkins over the stain.
2. Using an iron on the lowest possible setting, gently iron the area over the paper towels.

The heat from the iron should draw the stain up into the paper towels or napkins.

Move the paper drawing up the grease and oil frequently to keep a clean section next to the stain when you heat the area. And, as with fabric, you may have to repeat the above steps to remove milk chocolate completely.

Tough Stain Removers:

Stains that are resistant to to the home remedies I have provided will need a stronger product. Two heavy duty stain removers for tough stains are Oxyclean and Motsenbocker’s Lift Off. I keep these products on hand for removing stains that are resistant to the usual cleaning methods.

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How to Clean Dry Blood Stains.

Removing Dry Blood Stains

Just a quick look down at my thumb while I’m writing this is a reminder to me that cuts are a part of life. The other day, I cut my thumb while cutting a tomato, it wasn’t too bad and I cleaned it right away but it doesn’t always work out this way for everyone.

Cleaning a fresh blood stain is always preferable to a dried one. Usually, a quick rinse or soak with cold water will do the trick before the stain sets in. But many times, blood will set long before you even know there is a stain.

Sometimes, children will try to hide blood stains from minor cuts from parents for fear of getting into trouble. Or a cut you thought was protected by a bandage actually bled through the cotton. And ladies, we all know the frustration when our feminine protection shifts without realizing it.

So on the occasions where you’re dealing with a set-in stain, here are a few methods to remove dry blood stains. It may take a bit more time and a little more effort but it can be done.

Using White Vinegar to Remove Dry Blood

Vinegar has amazing cleaning powers, and is an incredibly inexpensive way of dealing with many household messes.

• Pour some vinegar in a bowl and submerge the stained area for about 30 minutes, then gently scrub (start from the outside of stain and work towards the middle) the stain using your fingernail, clean toothbrush, or soft bristled brush.
• Rinse and if necessary, repeat.
• If any color remains, pre-treat then wash as usual but don’t put in the dryer until you are positive the stain is gone.

Using Hydrogen Peroxide for Blood Stain Removal

Another product for cleaning dried blood stains is hydrogen peroxide. Place a towel under the stain and simply pour the hydrogen peroxide directly onto the stain, cover it with another clean cloth, then let sit for a about 5 to 10 minutes.

Take a peek and see how the progress is going. If necessary repeat the process. If there is any discoloration left, apply a stain removal product and wash in cool water.

Although it works great on whites, for colors, make sure you start with a drop in an inconspicuous part of the clothing first to make sure that it won’t ruin the color.

Using Ammonia to Clean Blood Stains

Ammonia has a very strong smell and should be used in a well ventilated area and should not be used with other chemicals. You may want to wear a mask and gloves while using it. With whites, ammonia can be an easy solution but you may want to try something different for colored items.

Wet the stain under cool water to see if some of the dried blood will be removed. Place a towel under the stained area you’re working on. Apply the ammonia to a damp sponge then blot the stained area. Rinse sponge and reapply the ammonia as needed so the sponge is clean while you are blotting the stain. You only need a few drops of ammonia.

More Tips for Treating a Dry Blood Stain

• As a first option, soak item in cold water overnight.
• Don’t leave a clean section of clothing under the blood stain you are working on so it does not transfer to a clean are of the clothing.
• If you’re not sure how a stain remover will react with your clothing, test in an inconspicuous spot first for colorfastness.

There are commercial products with enzymes that help remove blood stains, and many non-chlorine bleach products work as well. But it’s just as easy to use a household product and save the money and your clothes.

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Tips for Removing Greasy Stains.

How to Remove Grease Stains from Clothes

The faster you get to treating a grease stain the easier it will be to get it out. Grease stains; both food grease or motor oil grease, clings to the fibers of fabric and can sometimes make it more difficult to just wash the stain out in a laundry cycle but taking steps prior to washing can remove many greasy stains successfully.

Using a dull edged tool, like a butter knife or similar, and blotting with paper towels can help draw out the grease. What stain is left you can pretreat to help break up the stain further.

Removing Leftover Stain

After blotting up the initial grease stain you will now need to remove the rest of the leftover staining. Below are some suggestions you can try for getting rid of a these stains.

You will have better results working on fresh stains, and be sure after washing you don’t put any item in the dryer until you are sure the stain has been removed as the heat from the dryer can permanently set the stain.

Using Powders/Absorbents for Removing Grease Stains

Sprinkle talcum powder, baking soda, cornstarch, or cornmeal on the entire stain to soak up as much grease as possible. Let it sit on the stain until it has absorbed much of the grease. You can gently use a clean toothbrush or fingernail to move the absorbent around every so often. When finished, brush powder off.

Dish Detergent (Degreaser)

Pour a small amount of dish detergent on the stained area. Dawn Dish Detergent is an effective grease remover. Gently rub into the stain and let it sit a few minutes. Rinse under warm water to remove detergent. If any stain remains, treat again, leave on item, then wash as usual.

Baking Soda and Dish Detergent

Make a paste of baking soda and dish detergent. Apply it to both sides of the fabric. When you’re done, rinse the area with clean water.

Ammonia

Ammonia is strong and if you use this option for removing grease, be sure to use in well ventilated area or outside. Wear a pair of heavy cleaning gloves, mask and eye protection as well.

And never mix ammonia with other cleaning agents or bleach as it can create dangerous fumes. Do not use ammonia on wool or silk items as it could eat through the fabric.

Mix together equal parts clear ammonia and bleach free dish soap (about 3/4 cups), 2 1/2 cups of warm water and a quarter cup baking soda. Using a clean sponge or rag, generously apply to stained area and blot. Let this sit for about 30 minutes and then rinse. If necessary, repeat prior to washing.

Lestoil

Apply full strength Lestoil to the greasy stain and let it sit for about 20 minutes. Rinse and repeat until the stain is gone before washing.

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How to Remove Pen Ink Stains

I hope I’m not the only one who hates ink stains. It always seems like my pens leak all over the most expensive or beloved things I own at the worst possible time.

The first ink stain I remember had just randomly appeared on one of my absolute favorite silk blouses. Well, it probably wasn’t so random; I was carrying a notepad with a pen attached to it, so I probably inked myself.

I asked for some advice and most people told me to throw the shirt out and buy a new one. That it was a hopeless cause. Was I going to stand for that? No!

That made me even more determined to find a removal method to get my shirt looking new again. After doing some research, I found the answer.

Now, with owning a cleaning business, I’m happy to say I have a lot of practice at removing ink stains and I know the most effective tips to get an ink stain out ASAP.

You’ll probably be surprised to learn (I know I was) that pen stains can be removed from most surfaces. So, before you toss it – try my ink stain removal tips.

The sooner you go after the stain, the more luck you’ll have in the long run.

Water-based vs. Permanent Ink

Now, before we get started, it’s important to realize that there are typically two types of ink: water-based and permanent.

Fortunately, I know how to remove both water-based and permanent ink. Just an FYI: water-based inks are easier to remove because plain water is generally sufficient in washing the stain away. Some examples of water-based inks include:

• Most highlighters
• Magic markers
• Calligraphy ink
• Ink stamps

Permanent ink stains are much harder to remove, which is why I always recommend acting quickly when you are dealing with permanent ink.

Permanent ink is permanent because it can be made with gelatin, shellac and other binding agents that make it much more difficult to remove.

Your only chance at completely salvaging an item with a permanent ink stain is to make sure the stain doesn’t dry, otherwise you’re looking at quite a bit of effort and elbow grease to get the item looking brand new. Some examples of permanent ink:

• Standard ink pens
• Sharpies
• Permanent markers

Removing Ink Stains from Non-Washable Fabric

I’ll start with the items you might think are surely doomed – non-washable items. Silk, wool, furniture upholstery and carpet would fall into this category.

A pen leaking all over your carpet sounds like a bad day waiting to happen. Well, if this is your reality – don’t despair.

Recipe

• Paper towels
• Clean terry cloth
• Alcohol-based hairspray

Yep, that’s it!

Carpet/Upholstery Cleaning Process

1. Saturate the ink stained area with hairspray (any kind is fine, I use the cheapest possible and it works perfectly), hairspray works as a solvent and will loosen and dissolve the ink. Do not allow the hairspray to dry.
2. Using clean paper towels or a clean terry cloth – dab, blot, dab, blot. Don’t rub, this could cause the ink to set further into the fibers and spread making a bigger mess.
3. Continue with step 3 and 4 until the stain is lifted and has been removed.

Silk/Wool Cleaning Process

1. Take a piece of absorbent, clean paper towel and place directly under the stain.
2. Saturate the ink stain with the hair spray. Do not let the hair spray dry.
3. Use the dab, blot, dab, blot method using another piece of paper towel.
4. Repeat steps 2 and 3 if necessary until the stain is gone.

Removing Ink Stains from Washable Fabric

Even the fabrics that most of us would consider “easy to wash” (think cotton, linen and nylon) still require a little bit of extra love and attention to get the ink out.

This is my go-to method on washable items because it truly does work.

Recipe

• Hairspray
• 1 cup warm water
• 1 tablespoon teaspoon dish washing liquid
• 2 teaspoons white vinegar

The Cleaning Process

1. Spray a bit of hairspray on the stained area. Allow to dry.
2. Soak the stained part of the fabric in the mixture listed above for thirty minutes to an hour.
3. When the fabric has finished soaking, rinse with water and let it air dry.
4. Repeat as needed.
5. Wash as usual when the stain has been removed.

Do not put the fabric in the dryer unless you’re absolutely positive the ink stain has been removed. The heat from the dryer will set an ink stain and make it permanent.

I’ve actually made this mistake before and ended up with a shirt that had a permanent stain. Lesson learned: if in doubt, repeat the stain removal process!

Removing Ink from Hard Surfaces

It’s obvious that there are many surfaces that can become stained by ink.

Ink stains on hard surfaces like brick, concrete and grout can be removed with water and baking soda.

The Cleaning Process

Option one: for removing ink stains involves water and baking soda.

1. Mix a one-to-one solution of water and baking soda. Make sure it has a goopy texture.
2. Use a soft bristled brush to get deep in the surface as this is what will remove the stain.
3. Let sit for a couple minutes and then rinse the area thoroughly with water.
4. Let dry.

Option two: for removing ink stains involves water and dish washing soap.

1. Mix 1 cup of warm water with a few squirts of dish washing soap.
2. Wipe the area down with the sudsy mixture.
3. If the stain is stubborn, dip an old toothbrush into the sudsy mixture and gently scrub the ink stain.
4. Rinse with clean water and let dry.

Tough Ink Stains

I’ve come across a few stains that seem like they’d never be removed.

I actually had permanent marker ink stain my carpet recently and it appeared to be set in. It wouldn’t lift, even with all my tried-and-true home remedies.

My Dad owned a printing shop and he had cases of products like Lift Off and Goop for removing ink from skin and various other items. These seemed to be the choice of many others I’d asked as well.

After trying them myself, I have to say that I’m a believer too! These cleaning products work well on other kinds of stains, like nail polish, permanent marker, correction fluid, etc.

These are not the only cleaning methods you can use to remove ink stains. I’ve listed some of the most common stain removal methods.

Give it a try before you decide to toss your ink stained item out or cover the stain on the carpet with a piece of furniture.

The post How to Remove Water-Based and Permanent Ink Stains appeared first on House Cleaning Central.

How to Remove Set In Ink Stains

Learning how to remove set in ink stains means the worst has happened.

Not only did a pen explode or leak on your clothing, table cloth or other material, but it was forgotten about or even not noticed. The clothing may have even made it through the washer and dryer, really setting it in.

Of course, you must have missed checking that pocket. It may be randomly in the washer…even causing the ink to spread to the inside of the washing machine. What a mess!

Removing Set In Stains:

Unfortunately, one of the most important rules for learning how to remove set in ink stains is that you should remove the stain as soon as possible and don’t use heat on a stain.

If clothing that is stained is run through the dryer, the heat from the hot water or the clothes dryer sets the stain even harder and home remedies may not help. In that case a commercial product will be your only option before giving up on the stain.

Try these methods for how to remove set in ink stains.

1. Most products made for removing ink stains work really well, even on stains that have gone through the dryer. I like Lift Off the best out of all that I’ve used. It’s water based and biodegradable which is good for those of us trying to avoid harmful chemicals, not to mention not polluting the earth. It removes all kinds of ink stains including indelible ballpoint, permanent marker, highlighter and stamp pad ink.

2. Hairspray can help. This is a great way of removing any ink stain because you may just have a bottle of hairspray with you. Spray the stained area with hairspray. Then, allow it to sit for about a minute, but do not let it dry completely.

Use a paper towel to blot the spot. The ink should lift off in this manner. You can try again as well.

3. Nail polish remover is another option but should be your last resort since it can damage some fabrics. When you dab a bit of this on the spot, it will loosen up the pigment in the ink. This helps to make the ink soluble.

Once you have applied the nail polish remover, add a drop of liquid dish detergent next. Rub between your fingers. Then, rinse off the product well. You can then launder it as you normally would.

Finding the right method to remove ink stains can be tricky. If the material is a silk or other delicate type, have the garment professionally dry-cleaned.

You can also use these methods of how to remove set in ink stains from other fabrics, such as your drapery, upholstery and carpeting.

However, you do want to test out the cleaning agent on a hidden spot before using it on a larger area. Some fabrics will bleed and others should not be treated with these products at all. The good news is that these methods do work for most set in ink stains.

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