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Overview
Step-by-step stain removal

Step-by-step stain removal

Last reviewed: November 2009
  1. Act quickly. Blot, don't scrub, with a white cloth or towel until dry.
  2. Follow all care labels for the garments, linens, or rugs you're treating.
  3. Test a cleaning solution by applying several drops to an inconspicuous area and holding a wet white cloth on the area for 1 minute.
  4. Check cloth for color transfer and fabric or carpet for color change or damage. If there is none, proceed.
  5. Apply a small amount of the first recommended solution to a white cloth. Gently work it into the outer edges of the stain and then toward the center.
  6. Repeat with clean white cloths until you can't transfer any more stain to the cloth. If the stain remains, try the next recommended solution.
  7. Flush with water once the stain is gone to remove the cleaning solution. Then blot.

Recipes for disaster

You can create your own recipes for remedying home messes instead of shelling out for several commercial cleaning products.

Detergent solution

Mix 1 teaspoon of a mild clear or white dishwashing liquid—no bleach—in 1 cup of warm water.

Vinegar solution

Mix one-third cup of white vinegar with two-thirds cup of water.