How to Prevent or Remove Common Stains
No matter where you live or what you wear, there's a good chance
you may at some point experience a spill that could leave a
stain on your carpet, your furniture, or your clothing. It might
happen at the office, as well, which can create a negative
impression for clients or coworkers. For this reason, it is a
good idea for all of us to have some idea of how to prevent or
clean common stains. Keep in mind that those with small
children, pets, or elderly and disabled houseguests may be more
prone to dealing with spills and possible stain-making products.
First, set up a routine that everyone can follow to reduce the
likelihood of spills. Insist that family members eat at the
table. Tell them to pour beverages over the sink or at the
kitchen counter rather than in mid-air at the refrigerator. Have
them open canned goods by holding them over the table or counter
workspace. Then, if the container is jarred and some of the
product falls out, it won't end up on your clothes or the floor
and create a stain that might be difficult to clean.
Inform everyone in your household what they should do in case a
basic stain starts to form. For example, for pet accidents, keep
a handy cleaner available for use in a spray bottle, but first
make sure the accident is absorbed with paper towels or an old
rag. Read all instructions carefully and remind family members
to do the same. Never mix chemicals in hopes of making a
stronger solution, as this can cause potentially dangerous
fumes. If someone is injured and drips blood on the carpet,
explain how to use a cold-water spray or absorption technique to
remove the stain while it is still fresh. Find or make a list of
stain cleaning tips and hang it in the utility closet or the
back of a cupboard door for easy access.
Keep stain-cleaning supplies readily available, and tell
everyone where to find them. If necessary, mark product
containers with a marker or a hand-made label so that everyone
knows which products should be used for certain stains. Always
keep cleaning supplies out of the reach of toddlers and pets,
however. Wash stained cleaning rags immediately, or at least put
them to soak to remove the stain before it sets.
Treat clothing stains with commercial stain removers before
washing them in the laundry. You may need to pre-treat them a
couple of times to remove all evidence of discoloration. After
laundering the clothing, whatever stain remains will be harder
to get rid of, especially after it goes through the dryer.
There are many ways to eliminate stains on skin, fabric, wood,
and other household substances, so find the safest products and
keep them on hand for those little emergencies that can leave a
permanent impact in your home.