Simple Ways to Get Rid of Household Stains

by Dianne Drinkwater 09/22/2019

Finding a stain on a cherished piece of household furniture can be infuriating. Removing stains can become difficult when not treated properly and promptly. Keep your furniture always looking as good as new with these helpful stain eliminating tips.

Food stains on furniture

Every once in a while dinner is eaten on the comfort of your couch. While this can be a relaxing evening habit, it also puts your furnishings at risk for unwanted stains. Every kind of fabric will require different treatment for blemishes, but here are a few common ones.

Untreated Leather- Cover the stain with a few spoonfuls of baking soda. Use your fingers to blot it into the affected area. Once baking soda is applied, let it sit for 15 minutes and then use your vacuum to remove the powder. Be sure to utilize the brush attachment on your vacuum head to brush off most of the residue.
Cotton or Linen- Mix together one tablespoon of white vinegar and two-thirds cup of rubbing alcohol in a bowl. Dip a sponge into the liquid and blot it onto the affected area. Let the treatment sit for a few minutes then wipe clean with a cloth until mixture is absorbed.
Microfiber- To clean this material, you'll only need a bottle of Windex and a clean rag. Spray the Windex onto the affected area and scrub the fabric with a brush or sponge. Let it sit for a few brief minutes and then wipe it dry with a clean rag.

Water rings on wood

When a guest comes over, it can be challenging to monitor if they are using a coaster on your wooden furniture. Placing glasses with moisture can result in an unattractive white ring leaving evidence where the beverage once sat. Remove this stain with this simple solution. Place a dry rag over the affected area. Then, place a hot iron (with no steam) over the cloth and let it sit there for one minute. Once you remove the iron and rag, your wood should be as good as new.

Carpet Stains

Removing stains from your carpet or rug may seem like a day’s work, but with three simple ingredients, you’ll have a fresh looking floor in no time. For this task, you’ll need an empty plastic spray bottle. Mix together two ounces of hydrogen peroxide, one ounce of dawn dish soap, and two tablespoons of baking soda. Add the contents to the spray bottle and shake to combine the ingredients. Spray the stained surface and let sit until the area is completely dry. Lastly, run your vacuum over the treated area for a finished result.

Getting rid of most household stains does not require expensive products or services. Most of the solutions can be found right in your kitchen cabinet. Share these helpful tips with friends and family during your next dinner party accident.

Cleaning Tips

Removing Stains

How To

About the Author

Dianne Drinkwater

Dianne is a full time, full service, state licensed Realtor®, member of Northeast Florida Regional Association of Realtors® (NEFAR), St. Augustine/ St.Johns County Board of Realtors, National Association of Realtors® (NAR), Florida Association of Realtors® (FAR), and Northeast Florida Regional Multiple Listing Service And St. Augustine/St. Johns (MLS), Shearwater Certified, and Military on the Move Designation.

She provides a unique blend of leadership, sales acumen, project management, technology, and world class customer relation skills to enhance Watson Realty Corporation's values in the real estate sales and mortgage marketplace. She is a decisive take action solution-oriented professional with 25+ years of progressive business experience who efficiently utilizes technology to improve results. She has lived in the St. Augustine/Jacksonville area since 2005 and has seen the area continue to flourish and stays well informed of future growth plans within Northeast Florida.

Let's take a look at the lighter side of Dianne. She loves life is artistic loves music, the arts, yoga and genealogy! She loves to explore and hates to be bored. She loves the outdoors, especially plant life and wildlife. She has been a Master Gardener in Florida and Maine; as a photography enthusiast she has the eye to spot the perfect shot, which spills over to the photos she makes of the properties she markets AND frequently hires the best specialized real estate photographers/drone and videographers who make the difference in the sale. And, she loves to share her knowledge of the local real estate market and all aspects of the process to guide you through each step as a coach rather than a salesperson.

So, let's sum it up. Buying or selling your home is an important life decision. Reasons can vary greatly from change of lifestyle, to relocation or life challenges. You need someone you can trust, count on, respect and help shoulder the stress, anxiety and time commitment involved. Doesn't this sound like someone you want working for you?

So, what's the next step? Contacting Dianne of course. It is all about YOUR needs, goals, timeline and DREAMS! She's here to help you achieve them and she looks forward to hearing from you.

What are you looking for in a Realtor? - Someone who will really listen to your wants and needs? Someone who will expertly market your home until the SOLD sign adorns your front lawn or if you are a buyer tirelessly researches your wish list to find that perfect home? - How about someone who will always be honest, holds ethics in high regard as a realtor, who works aggressively to get you the best price for your home and someone who knows the market?

Selling or buying a home is a partnership with your trusted advisor- Dianne Drinkwater