Stain Removal Guide for Apartment Dwellers

Stain removal is best facilitated when you catch a stain while it’s still new. However, even if you don’t manage to nab the stain at that point, you can eradicate it if you are patient and use the right solvents.

Blood Stains

Sponge a blood stain with cold water. If the stain persists, add a wet spotter, or 1 part glycerin and 1 part white dishwashing liquid to 8 parts water along with a couple drops of ammonia. Cover with an absorbent pad moistened with the wet spotter and ammonia. Change the pad and replace it with another moistened pad as the stain starts to lift. Flush with water, using an eyedropper so you can control the flow of water and keep the stain from spreading. If the stain is still present, moisten the stained area with 1/2 teaspoon of an enzyme pre-soak mixed in 1/2 cup of warm water. Cover the stain with an absorbent pad that has been dampened with the enzyme solution and allow it to stand for about a half hour. Do not use this method on silk or wool.

Butter Stains

For a greasy stain, such as butter, scrape as much of the residue as you can, being careful not to press any of the grease further into the fibers of the fabric. Apply an absorbent, such as fuller’s earth for dark materials and cornmeal for lighter-hued fabrics, also being meticulous about not driving the substance into the fabric. If any type of staining still appears, use a spot remover on the area.

Chocolate Stains

To eradicate a chocolate stain, blot up any excess from the stained surface. Flush the stain with an eyedropper containing club soda to prevent it from setting if it’s new. Sponge the stain with a dry cleaning solvent. Apply a dry spotter made of 1 part coconut oil (which can be obtained at many health food stores) with the dry cleaning solvent. Cover with an absorbent pad moistened with the dry spotter. Replace the damp pad with a new one as you continue to lift the stain from the area. Flush with an eyedropper of dry cleaning solvent. If the stain persists, apply several drops of dishwashing detergent and a couple drops of ammonia to the staining. Flush with water and allow to dry.

Coffee Stains

For coffee stains, blot up any excess with a clean, white cloth towel. Apply a wet spotter and a few drops of white wine vinegar to the stain. Cover with an absorbent pad moistened with the wet spotter. Change the pad with a new moistened pad as you lift out the stain. Flush with water and repeat the process until the stain is eliminated. If it’s a particularly stubborn stain, apply a solution of 1 cup warm water with 1 teaspoon of an enzyme pre-soak. Cover with a clean pad lightly moistened with the solution. Let is stand for around 30 minutes and flush with water.

Vomit Stains

For vomit, immediately scrape up any solids. Soak the stain in a combination of 1 quart warm water, 1/2 teaspoon liquid detergent and 1 tablespoon ammonia. Scrape to loosen the stain and blot with an absorbent pad. Rinse well. If the stain persists, add an enzyme pre-soak to a quart of warm water and allow to stand it for 30 minutes before rinsing.