7 Stain Removers That Will Surprise You

It’s Sunday night, and the youngest child has stained the white kimono that she has to wear tomorrow to her karate competition? You’ve run out of detergent, your washing machine has broken down, or you only notice all this on Monday morning when you’re leaving? We have all experienced these moments of great tension, but don’t panic!

The reflex in this case: open your refrigerator and your pantry! You’ll be surprised to find foodstuffs that can save the day!

Milk

Unless you are vegan, chances are you have a bottle of milk in the fridge.

Milk has stain-removing properties: when boiled, it clings to dirt and makes it easier to remove it from its surface.

The treated garment is immediately cleaned, the milk leaves no trace, and it has another advantage: it does not damage the fabric, which remains soft. Also, it allows for detaching of fragile supports which do not support the application of other detergents like:

• nubuck;
• velvet;
• wool.

Soda

Cola contains citric acid, which disinfects and removes stains. It is effective for:

• cleaning one’s toilet (mixed with lemon juice);
• removing blood;
• washing dishes (it is effective against grease and greasy stains);
• fight against corrosion;
• shine coins, windshields, or engines.

Please note: once the soda is applied, rinse the treated surface with water. As it dries, the sugar can crystallize and leave behind traces.

Eye Makeup Remover

Eye makeup remover is used to dissolve makeup without damaging the skin and eyes. It acts in the same way on any fragile support. A practical and handy solution to remove:

• makeup;
• excrement on a delicate surface like nubuck (by mixing it with ammonia);
• tomato on leather (also mixed with ammonia);
• water stag on leather.

Note: if used on colored fabrics, makeup remover can bleed!

Soda water

Unlike soda, carbonated water does not leave any traces when drying. However, it is recommended to dry the treated surface thoroughly to avoid moisture marks.

You can:

• clean a stainless steel sink;
• clean a refrigerator (with salt);
• remove black stains from porcelain;
• gently remove red wine from suede, nubuck, or leather;
• removing urine stains from wood, floors, or walls.

Shaving Foam

There is nothing like shaving cream to remove greasy stains! Grease penetrates deep into the fabric, but shaving foam replaces carpet shampoo: it loosens fatty substances and holds them in place. Then brush it off.

This trick works for:

• tea and salad dressing stains;
• chewing gum.

Sugar cubes

Do you have satin or silk clothes? Drying is the trickiest part.

Read our handy sheet on how to clean a stain on satin, then concoct a little bath with:

• white vinegar;
• water;
• sugar.

This technique works perfectly to remove superficial water-based paint stains. 

Breadcrumbs

A stain on non-washable wallpaper does not necessarily mean it’s ruined. While You should avoid most detergents containing water, there are solutions even if the wallpaper is severely marked! Try gently rubbing the stain with:

• an eraser;
• a bread crumb;
• a soft, clean, and dry cloth.

After discovering these everyday objects used as cleaning products, don’t forget to share your experience in the comments below.

Read more:

– How to Clean Food Stains on Marble;

– Removing Feces Stain;

– 3 Professional Steps for Cleaning a Window;

– Superb Tips for Removing Grease Stain;

– Descaling of Toilets;

– How to Strip Carpet Glue;

– How to Clean a Cast Iron Barbecue;

– Great Tips to Remove a Vomit Stain.