Top 10 Stain Removal Tips

My family is notorious for making stains, myself included and I believe that my household must be destined to make any stain that is humanly and non-humanly possible. I am constantly trying to clean up and remove stains, trying to make things look good and meditating that no more stains will be drawn into our family aura.

Okay, maybe stains are not drawn into our family aura but it sure feels like it sometimes. I have cleaned stains so often, that along the way I have picked up some really good stain removal tips. Some stain removal tips are so important that I at times even refer to them as stain removal rules because they are essential to successful stain removal.

I do try to maintain a consistent stain removal schedule but my favorite time to do really heavy stain removal is during Spring cleaning. It is a time when we move all the big pieces of furniture and really do a major stain removal process on carpeting, floors, furniture and anything else that may need stain removal.

Here you will find my top 10 stain removal tips and stain removal rules:

Stain Removal Tip #1: Be Speedy Fast

This is probably the first stain removal rule on every cleaners list; the quicker you are at removing the stain the better chance you will be successful at removing the stain.

Stain Removal Tip #2: Dab and Be Gentle

Most of the time when there is a stain, my frustration level rises and I want to rub the heck out of the stain but the best way to remove a stain is to dab gently and try to soak up as much moisture as possible.

Stain Removal Tip #3: Pick or Scrape Blobs and Globs

If there are 3D pieces of the stain, make sure to pick to up or scrape it off before you attend to the stain. One of my most memorable learning experiences with a stain was when I was in a hurry to clean up chocolate that spilled on my carpet and I decided to immediately rub at the chocolate only to see it make quite a creative looking design in the carpet.

Stain Removal Tip #4: Use a White Cloth to Clean Stain

This was another memorable experience I had dealing with a stain: I had a typical food stain on my light yellow colored shirt and I grabbed a hot pink washcloth out of our linen closet, made it a little damp and proceeded to rub at the stain. The hot pink color of the washcloth made a unique smear over the stain. I have also had an experience of using a paper toweling that had a colored design on it and that also left a colored smear mark on my shirt.

Stain Removal Tip #5: Do Product Testing in an Inconspicuous Place

Most of us are in a hurry but it is so important to test the product on the material in a place that will not be seen or noticed before applying the stain removal directly on the stain.

Stain Removal Tip #6: Try to Determine What Type of Stain You are Dealing With

It is helpful to know what type of stain it is that you are dealing with so that you can best figure out how to treat it and what products to use. Take the time to investigate the stain, the more information you have, the easier it will be to remove the stain.

Stain Removal Tip #7: Do Not Mix Stain Remover Products

This is a big no-no as this can be a health hazard. One time I remember I mixed bleach with some type of stain remover and I was going to put it in the washing machine, immediately when the products came in contact with each other there was a type of smoky gas and the smell was horrible. Luckily I was mixing the products in an open space and I was able to dispose of my concoction immediately but had I been in a confined space, it could have possibly been a big problem.

Stain Removal Tip #8: Follow Directions on Product Application

The directions are on the stain removal product for a reason and most of the time the directions are pretty relevant. Although reading the application directions take a little more time, the results are worth it.

Stain Removal Tip #9: Assume Multiple Attempts May be Necessary

Most of the time I have to attempt removing a stain multiple times and it is also a great time for me to practice my patience. Rarely have I been able to remove a stain in just one attempt, when it has taken one attempt I consider it a bonus! So be patient and know removing a stain takes time.

Stain Removal Tip #10: Make Stain Removal a Family Affair

You may feel the need to want to do everything yourself so that you are sure it is done correctly. Stain removal is timely and time is precious so get the family involved and you will be done with the stain removal process that much quicker.