No matter how careful we are, stains are an inevitable part of life. Whether it’s a splash of red wine, a dab of grease, or a mysterious mystery stain, dealing with tough stains can be a real hassle. But don’t worry, we’re here to help!
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover the 21 toughest stains to remove and share our best tips and tricks to banish them for good. From age-old remedies to the latest stain-fighting products, we’ve got you covered. Get ready to say goodbye to stubborn stains and hello to sparkling clean fabrics, carpets, and surfaces.
Let’s dive in!
1. Red Wine Stains
Red wine is notorious for leaving behind stubborn, unsightly stains. The key is to treat the stain as soon as possible, before it has a chance to set. Blot the area with a clean, absorbent cloth to soak up as much of the wine as possible. Then, mix a solution of equal parts water and white vinegar and blot the stain. You can also try using a stain remover specifically formulated for wine stains, like Wine Away Red Wine Stain Remover. Avoid rubbing, as this can spread the stain.
2. Grease Stains
Grease stains can be a real pain to remove, especially from fabrics. Start by blotting the stain with a clean cloth to absorb as much of the grease as possible. Then, sprinkle some baking soda or corn starch over the affected area and let it sit for a few minutes to absorb the remaining grease. Finally, wash the item in the hottest water safe for the fabric, using a heavy-duty detergent or degreasing agent like Persil ProClean Stain Fighter.
3. Ink Stains
Ink stains can be tricky to remove, but with the right approach, you can get them out. First, blot the stain with a clean, absorbent cloth to soak up as much of the ink as possible. Then, use a mild solvent like rubbing alcohol or hairspray to break down the ink. Avoid using hot water, as this can set the stain. Once the stain is loosened, launder the item as usual. You can also try using an ink stain remover like Shout Advanced Stain Remover.
4. Chocolate Stains
Chocolate stains can be a real challenge, but with a little elbow grease, you can get them out. Start by scraping off any excess chocolate with a dull knife or spoon. Then, soak the stained area in cold water for 30 minutes to an hour. This will help loosen the stain. Next, apply a small amount of dish soap or laundry detergent directly to the stain and gently rub it in. Rinse and repeat until the stain is gone. You can also try using a specialty chocolate stain remover like Clorox Chocolate, Cocoa & Tea Stain Remover.
5. Grass Stains
Grass stains can be a real headache, especially on light-colored fabrics. The key is to treat the stain as soon as possible. Start by blotting the area with a clean cloth to remove any excess moisture or dirt. Then, mix a solution of warm water and a few drops of dish soap or laundry detergent. Use a soft-bristled brush to gently scrub the stain, then rinse and repeat until the stain is gone. You can also try using a pre-treatment like Shout Triple Acting Stain Remover.
6. Makeup Stains
Makeup stains can be a real pain, especially on clothing or upholstery. The best way to tackle them is to start by blotting the area with a clean, dry cloth to absorb as much of the stain as possible. Then, use a small amount of micellar water or gentle face wash to break down the makeup. Avoid rubbing, as this can spread the stain. Rinse the area and repeat as needed. You can also try using a makeup stain remover like Oxi Clean Laundry Stain Remover Gel.
7. Lipstick Stains
Lipstick stains can be tricky, but with the right approach, you can get them out. Start by blotting the stain with a clean cloth to absorb as much of the lipstick as possible. Then, use a small amount of rubbing alcohol or nail polish remover (acetone-free) to break down the stain. Rinse the area and repeat as needed. Avoid using hot water, as this can set the stain. You can also try using a lipstick stain remover like Persil ProClean Laundry Stain Remover.
8. Coffee Stains
Coffee stains can be a real headache, but there are a few tricks to get them out. First, blot the stain with a clean, absorbent cloth to soak up as much of the coffee as possible. Then, mix a solution of warm water and a few drops of dish soap or laundry detergent. Use a soft-bristled brush to gently scrub the stain, then rinse and repeat until it’s gone. You can also try using a coffee stain remover like Carbona Stain Devils #5 – Coffee, Tea, Juice.
9. Tea Stains
Tea stains can be tricky, but with a little elbow grease, you can get them out. Start by blotting the stain with a clean, absorbent cloth to soak up as much of the tea as possible. Then, mix a solution of warm water and a few drops of dish soap or laundry detergent. Use a soft-bristled brush to gently scrub the stain, then rinse and repeat until it’s gone. You can also try using a tea stain remover like Puracy Natural Stain Remover.
10. Tomato Sauce Stains
Tomato sauce stains can be a real pain, but with the right approach, you can get them out. Start by blotting the stain with a clean, absorbent cloth to soak up as much of the sauce as possible. Then, mix a solution of warm water and a few drops of dish soap or laundry detergent. Use a soft-bristled brush to gently scrub the stain, then rinse and repeat until it’s gone. You can also try using a tomato sauce stain remover like Puracy Natural Laundry Stain Remover.
11. Blood Stains
Blood stains can be a real challenge, but with the right approach, you can get them out. Start by running the stained area under cold water to remove any excess blood. Then, use a small amount of hydrogen peroxide or meat tenderizer to break down the stain. Avoid using hot water, as this can set the stain. Rinse and repeat as needed. You can also try using a blood stain remover like Biz Enzyme Laundry Booster.
12. Mustard Stains
Mustard stains can be tricky, but with a little elbow grease, you can get them out. Start by blotting the stain with a clean, absorbent cloth to soak up as much of the mustard as possible. Then, use a small amount of white vinegar or lemon juice to break down the stain. Rinse and repeat as needed. You can also try using a mustard stain remover like Zout Laundry Stain Remover.
13. Sweat Stains
Sweat stains can be a real pain, especially on white or light-colored fabrics. The key is to treat the stain as soon as possible. Start by blotting the area with a clean, absorbent cloth to soak up any excess moisture. Then, mix a solution of warm water and a few drops of dish soap or laundry detergent. Use a soft-bristled brush to gently scrub the stain, then rinse and repeat until it’s gone. You can also try using a sweat stain remover like Persil ProClean Stain Fighter.
14. Rust Stains
Rust stains can be a real challenge, but with the right approach, you can get them out. Start by blotting the stain with a clean, absorbent cloth to soak up any excess moisture. Then, use a small amount of lemon juice or white vinegar to break down the stain. Rinse and repeat as needed. You can also try using a rust stain remover like Barkeeper’s Friend Powdered Cleanser.
15. Chewing Gum Stains
Chewing gum stains can be a real pain, especially on fabrics. The key is to act quickly before the gum sets. Start by using a dull knife or spoon to gently scrape off any excess gum. Then, place the stained item in the freezer for 30 minutes to an hour to harden the gum. Once it’s hardened, use a clean cloth to blot the stain and remove any remaining gum. You can also try using a gum remover like Goo Gone Spray Gel.
16. Crayon Stains
Crayon stains can be a real headache, especially on walls or fabrics. The key is to treat the stain as soon as possible. Start by scraping off any excess crayon with a dull knife or spoon. Then, use a small amount of rubbing alcohol or nail polish remover (acetone-free) to break down the stain. Rinse and repeat as needed. You can also try using a crayon stain remover like Carbona Stain Devils #4 – Grease, Oil, Crayon.
17. Nail Polish Stains
Nail polish stains can be a real pain, especially on fabrics or carpets. The key is to act quickly before the stain sets. Start by blotting the area with a clean, absorbent cloth to soak up as much of the nail polish as possible. Then, use a small amount of rubbing alcohol or nail polish remover (acetone-free) to break down the stain. Rinse and repeat as needed. You can also try using a nail polish stain remover like Zout Laundry Stain Remover.
18. Fruit Juice Stains
Fruit juice stains can be a real headache, especially on light-colored fabrics. The key is to treat the stain as soon as possible. Start by blotting the area with a clean, absorbent cloth to soak up as much of the juice as possible. Then, mix a solution of warm water and a few drops of dish soap or laundry detergent. Use a soft-bristled brush to gently scrub the stain, then rinse and repeat until it’s gone. You can also try using a fruit juice stain remover like Puracy Natural Laundry Stain Remover.
19. Turmeric Stains
Turmeric stains can be a real challenge, especially on fabrics or surfaces. The key is to act quickly before the stain sets. Start by blotting the area with a clean, absorbent cloth to soak up as much of the turmeric as possible. Then, use a small amount of lemon juice or white vinegar to break down the stain. Rinse and repeat as needed. You can also try using a turmeric stain remover like Carbona Stain Devils #2 – Protein, Grease, Lipstick.
20. Permanent Marker Stains
Permanent marker stains can be a real pain, especially on fabrics or walls. The key is to use a solvent-based cleaner to break down the stain. Start by blotting the area with a clean, absorbent cloth to soak up as much of the marker as possible. Then, use a small amount of rubbing alcohol or nail polish remover (acetone-free) to break down the stain. Rinse and repeat as needed. You can also try using a permanent marker stain remover like Goo Gone Grease and Stain Remover.
21. Candle Wax Stains
Candle wax stains can be a real headache, especially on fabrics or surfaces. The key is to act quickly before the wax sets. Start by placing the stained item in the freezer for 30 minutes to an hour to harden the wax. Once it’s hardened, use a dull knife or spoon to gently scrape off the excess wax. Then, use a small amount of rubbing alcohol or nail polish remover (acetone-free) to break down the remaining stain. Rinse and repeat as needed. You can also try using a wax stain remover like Goo Gone Candle Wax Remover.
Remember, the key to tackling tough stains is to act quickly and use the right cleaning techniques. With a little elbow grease and the right products, you can get rid of even the toughest stains and keep your fabrics, carpets, and surfaces looking their best.
