How to Get Rid of Mattress Stains

Mattress stains such as ones resulting from feeding yourself or your baby on your bed occur all the time. Pet urination is another very common mattress stain source.

The problem with these soil or dirt spots is more than just about appearance. Sometimes the food or urine spots leave behind an odor.

Therefore, it is highly likely that you are looking for a way to deal with the issue as soon as possible. Otherwise, the odor could become even more stubborn and thus could be harder and harder to remove.

It is possible to have a clean mattress once again without having to purchase a new one (at least not yet anyway).

If your mattress still has some years on it you can use one or more of these ideas and methods to help remove the stains:

•  One suggestion is to use an enzyme cleaner. These will break down both odor and appearance of a stain. It especially works on dried urine but it also can work on food stains. It helps break down the proteins that cause some stains to persist, and it is especially recommended for use on urine stains.

 

• Try recommended brands of mattress cleaners. For example, Bane-Clene or Nature’s Miracle could really do the trick. The Bane-Clean specifically is highly recommended because it can protect you from allergies. ProKlean also seems to do wonders in many cases.
• Try a homemade mixture. Dry suds with warm water along with ¼ cup of mild powdered detergent would be very helpful.

You can beat an egg into this cleaning mixture for extra measure. When suds form apply this foamy mixture with a sponge, then wipe with a sponge dipped in warm water.

• Try a hydrogen peroxide solution. First, blot the stain using a white towel until bubbles begin to form. Keep doing this until blood no longer seeps onto your white towel. This works better for fresher blood stains versus ones that have set for awhile.
• Try an upholstery shampoo. A higher-quality product is recommended for this purpose. For best results, when you use this substance it should be applied as soon as possible after the spill has occurred. When used promptly, it helps remove stains and odor very effectively.

This is not an exhaustive list of methods used to clean out mattress stains. However, this list should sure get you started as far as giving you ideas on how to deal with this situation, which of course more than one option is presented above.

More than one solution is provided as well, and this is just to give you a peace of mind that you can choose. If one method does not seem right to you or does not work out very well you can try a different one.

Whatever solution you try first, take care to remember to test the solution or method of choice. You can try it on a hidden area before going “live” on dealing with a stain using one certain method. This will save quite a bit of chances of damage.

How to Get Rid of Bleach Stains

Bleach can be a very useful chemical. However, it is a strong substance that sometimes creates light spots on darker fabrics.

Usually color-safe bleaches are best for these darker clothes and surfaces. On the other hand, regular chlorine bleach used on fabrics and surfaces could cause white spotting.

You should be careful and prevention is best. However, accidents sometimes happen. Whether you are in the prevention stage or treatment stage of removing bleach stains the info you read in the next few sections should be very helpful.

Ideas for Prevention

Of course, you will not have to get rid of bleach stains if you watch what you use it on to begin with. One way to prevent whitening of items that should not be white is to remember to clean out the bleach dispenser before you watch colored clothes.

Using color-safe safe bleaches is also recommended. This is further explained as you read more prevention and treatment tips found in this article.

Other preventative tips are shown below:

1.  You should wash the colored clothes that would not bleed first. Save the ones that could bleed for last.
2. Another way to protect colored clothing is to put your washer on a rinse cycle before you do your next laundry batch.
3. When performing the rinse cycle step you are advised to put in white clothing only. You could also try just running the washing machine without any clothing in it at all.
4. Realize that removing bleach stains is not actually possible. All you can do is cover them up. You could try natural bleach alternatives such as sodium hydrosulfite or hydrogen peroxide and Borax to take care of the problem.

Treatment Options

Of course, prevention of bleach stains is not always possible. The good news is some colored clothing can be repaired if you can use a substance such as sodium thiosulfate. This ingredient can help neutralize bleaching effects and thus restore the natural color where color has been taken out of a fabric.

However, you should beware that sodium hydrosulfate and oxygen bleaches are used for bleaching only. Neither of these two substances will cause bleaching problems but they are very useful for cleaning your clothing.

Of course, if you can find the right color dye you could just restore a clothing item by dying it the same color. Another option would be to bleach the garment completely and then dye it a different color, depending how worth it to you it is to do so.

Precautionary Advice

If you are not sure how a clothing material will react to a bleach or bleach alternative you should test it. Perhaps you can work a hidden spot of a fabric by hand just to see what happens when you use a particular chemical or substance.

This is one of the best ways to avoid ruining fabrics. Another precautionary measure to consider is simply only using a bleaching product as directed.

For instance, any time you use a strong substance such as this the room should be properly ventilated. Otherwise, the fumes could cause you or one of your children or pets to get sick. Just be very careful.

How to Get Rid of Tomato Sauce Stains

Tomato cause is a substance that easily stains almost any surface on which it is spilled. It has ruined many rugs, clothing, flooring, and other surfaces.

However, it is highly possible to salvage your surfaces and fabrics affected by tomato stains. All you need to do is read and learn.

Some points to remember about removing tomato sauce stains are presented below:

1. Wipe or rinse the tomato sauce as soon as you notice the stain. If it is a non-porous surface all you need to do is wipe. However, wiping is not recommended if you are wiping a surface that is more porous (i.e. clothing or carpet).

To clean off more porous purposes you should either rinse the affected spot in cold water or blot the stain out. These tips work best when the stain is still fresh.

2. If the stain has dried onto a surface you should first remove the tomato bits. A butter knife or other flat non-sharp scraping surface can remove this dried-on tomato substance.

3. While blotting or rinsing a tomato sauce stain some mild dish or laundry detergent and water can further help remove the stain. A stain-removal product could also help.

More cleaning advice is presented below, based on cleaning product or remedy:

• Boiling water-Just pour this substance right on the stained surface, The purpose of doing this is to cause the tomato particles to become dispersed from the surface where it sits. The other purpose is to help prevent spread of the stain.

• The sun-This is a natural bleach that works well for helping remove tomato stains. If item is easily transportable, just place the affected fabric outdoors in an area that receives quite a bit of sunshine.

Another major benefit of placing your fabric in the sun is the fact that it acts as a natural disinfectant. Thus, bacteria and other pathogens are wiped away.

• Vinegar-A little bit of this substance helps remove stains quite well. All you need is a tablespoon or two mixed with approximately a half gallon of water. This solution helps chip off the remaining tomato substance
• Lemon juice-This is a substance that is highly acidic. It works very similar to vinegar for removing stains.

All you need to do is squeeze the lemon juice over the stain and use the lemon rind to wipe that stain. Then, using the rind still you should scrub vigorously over the stain.

•  Sponge-This scrubbing device can be used along with a stain remover. The absorbent material of the sponge is what helps collect tomato chunks. You can usually use a sponge along with a few drops of mild dish soap.

You would vigorously scrub and/or dab out a tomato sauce stain with the soap and sponge. Just beware of the fact that using a sponge would cause the sauce stain to spread. Using very short, brisk strokes is best versus slower or longer ones.

• Brake cleaner-This is yet one more way to get rid of a tomato juice stain. Just place a small amount of this solution on the stain and allow it to sit for a few minutes. After just this short amount of time the stain should be easily removed.

The above solutions are not the only ways to remove tomato sauce stains. You should test one of the above solutions of your choice on a hidden area before you try it outright.

How to Get Rid of Crayon Stains

Crayon stains are a part of life if you have little kids. It is inevitable that one of them will write on the walls, table or other surface even though you try to stop them.

Intro

Crayons are made from waxy material and require special methods of removal. However, you need not worry because you can use common products or household ingredients to correct the problem. You would be surprised at what substances you have in your home or garage would actually help you remove crayon.

One common home and auto substance that has successfully removed crayons from a variety of surfaces in people’s homes. That substance is none other than WD-40 that is used to lubricate nuts, bolts, gears, and so on. This mixed with a little bit of dish detergent does wonders.

Here is your guide for removing crayon stains from clothing using WD-40:

1. Get a white cloth or paper towel and lay it down. Then, lay the stained clothing over the top of the towel with the stain side up.
2.  Spray some WD-40 on the stain and let it sit for awhile. Then after a few minutes turn the garment over and spray the side where the stain is not present.

Spray some dish washing detergent on both sides. Blot this dish soap on both sides with a slight pressing action. As you press the detergent on the piece of clothing you will notice some bubbling action. This is how you know its working.

1. After a few minutes of good hard pressing with your hands, or if your arms get tired whichever comes first, place the item in the wash machine. Add a small capful or so of hydrogen bleach and wash the clothing material in hot water.

(Of course, there is one exception. You should not wash in hot water if the garment would be damaged at this heat.) Chlorine bleach is not recommended for this project because it is too harsh and could damage your clothes.

5. Remember when cleaning your clothing not to mix unstained clothes with the stained ones. Otherwise, the stain could transfer from one garment to another.

The directions for removing crayon from wood is a bit different:

1. Spray some WD-40 on the wood surface and let it sit for a minute or two. Do not let it sit too long or it could soak into the pores of the wood.
2. Rub the WD-40 but be careful not to rub it too much. This could create quite a mess. Just wipe it as you would if you were dusting the wood or using a wood polish.
3. If you still notice wax on the wood use a small amount of dish washing detergent with water on a rag. Be careful not to saturate the wood with water, especially if it is not treated. You can wipe the wood dry after application if you want to be sure the mess is fully cleaned.

Crayon stains on heavy fabrics would require these steps:

1. If the crayon is on upholstery, rugs, or other heavy fabric it can be scraped off. However, if some of the crayon does not come off you can spray some WD-40.

Spray it on the affected spot and then wipe with a small cloth. Spray on a generous amount and let it sit before wiping or scraping.

How to Get Rid of Pee Stains

Dogs, cats and other household pets are lovable creatures. However, sometimes they urinate in places they should not.

These pee (urine) stains emit some of the most pungent odors, not to mention the fact that an unsightly spot appears. Therefore, it is best if you treat these affected areas of clothing, furniture, rug, or curtain fabrics as soon as possible. In fact, correcting this issue as soon as possible would be in your best interest.

Introductory Advice

One mistake people often make when cleaning pee stains is not attacking the problem from the root. The end result is a lingering odor and remaining stain.

Therefore, you are advised to do whatever you can to more thoroughly eliminate the source of the stain. This will help provide you with longer-lasting results. You may even still be able to once again fully enjoy whatever clothing, rug, or furniture piece.

Learning how to clean off pee stains is not difficult once you know exactly what to do. That is the purpose of the advice you are given in the next few sections.
Here are some ideas for saving your precious pee-stained clothing or upholstery:

• Wash out the pee stain as soon as you notice it. This will increase the chance that it has not yet set into the carpet, furniture, rug, clothing, or other soft surface
•  One easy way to rescue a urine-stained fabric is to run lukewarm water on the cloth for a couple of minutes. This will help remove both the stain and the putrid odor.
• If it is a non-porous material you are treating you should just wipe the area with a moist cloth and water. You could also use a enzymatic spray cleaner or vinegar to help kill the odor, but not ammonia or ammonia-based product.
• Again, you are reminded never to use ammonia-based product on a pee spot or it could cause your pet to want to wet the same area. The reason why is the scent of the pee is similar to the scent of the ammonia as urine has this sub stance naturally in it.

Warning

Before you choose a specific cleaning remedy test that solution or product in an inconspicuous area of the fabric. This will avoid possible discoloration or damage.

You should also read the instructions of whatever solution you use to make sure you are using the right substance. This will further prevent damage to you as well as your pet or children. Only mix the amount of concentration that is recommended on any commercial product you use.

Closing Thoughts

If you are tired of your pets emitting urine you could train the animal to go in only a specific spot either inside or outside. This is easier to do when you fully remove the odor of the pee if it is present on carpet.

You could also buy some special spray that leaves off a scent that animals can smell. This will help indicate where they should make deposits, and some of these sprays can even be used outdoors.

How to Get Rid of Graffiti

Graffiti is a form of art that involves the spraying on of letter, symbols, and messages. Usually this is a art work that is painted on the side of city buildings especially in what is considered to be ghetto or lower-class neighborhoods.

Usually the marking on walls in this fashion is considered vandalism. The exception being that there are actually areas designated for legal graffiti art.

No matter why the graffiti occurs it sometimes needs to be removed. Therefore, effort needs to be made to get rid of it.

Short Removal Guide

A variety of removal methods are used to help get rid of graffiti. The use of paint thinners is one way to get rid of the problem.

Usually you can find these paint thinners at a local hardware shop or department store. The purpose of the thinner is to soften the paint to make it easier to remove from the walls. You need a generous amount it though and then you need to wash the affected area with water afterward.

Of course, sometimes paint thinners do not work as well as you would like. Therefore, it may be necessary to re-paint the area that has been covered with graffiti.

If you want to re-paint keep in mind that the mixing of the graffiti colors with the pain thinner could make reverting to the original color difficult. Therefore, you may have to get creative in the process and come up with a new color for the outside walls.
Preventative Advice

Of course, if you want to prevent future graffiti attacks you may have to put fences up in the area you do not want vandalized. You could also report the vandalism to the police in order to come to a faster resolution as far as catching the culprits.

The same applies to city property vandalism. You can help your neighborhood and your community if you tell the police of occurrences on city property that should not take place. You could even start a neighborhood watch and report any suspicious activity that you see.

You might also want to advocate the allotment of designated areas where graffiti is allowed. This may take some effort on your part but with the right community support it can be done. It could even lead to the launching of mural art careers for young people who otherwise have no direction in life.

Warning

Keep in mind if you are a person who has been guilty of painting graffiti on city property or even private property you could be in serious trouble. In some cases, this is considered at least a misdemeanor but it could also be considered a federal offense if government property is affected.

At the very least you can get a fine. However, in some cities and towns you could be put in jail or be required to do community service time which may include removal efforts.

There are so many artistic outlets out there. You do not need to damage public or private business or residential homes. Besides, if you live in a huge city chances are there are designated spray paint art and graffiti walls you can work on.

How to Get Rid of Beer Stains

Having a few beers is very helpful at times as long as you do not drink too much of it. It can relax you and even help you fall asleep. However, consuming does have its inconveniences, not to mention its consequences.

The lesser consequences of drinking beer occur when you spill it on your shirt or pants. When this happens, removing it can be quite a challenge to remove, and it can leave behind an awful stench.

Worse yet if you worse one of your mom’s, dad’s, boyfriend’s girlfriend’s, sister’s, or brother’s shirts you are going to be in serious trouble! Either that or if you are visiting someone’s house you may be embarrassed if you spill it on someone’s couch, chair, or other fabric-upholstered furniture.

In any case, you are probably looking for some fast solutions that can easily remedy the problem. Better yet, you are looking for a way to clean out that beer stain so that you can return the borrowed item looking the way it did before the spill.

Here are some tips for removing beer stains:

• The best time to remove a beer stain is when it is still fresh. All you need is a highly absorbent paper towel or an equally as absorbent dry cloth. Wipe or blot gently, and in fact blotting is preferred over wiping because it will prevent spread of stain.

If you need extra help getting out the stain you can use a laundry detergent and water solution. Just mix a average amount of soap (maybe a half a capful to a capful) to a gallon of water. Swish the soap around until the water is bubbly.

• Use vinegar on the stain. This is a substance that acts like a natural bleach. You can also use a household chlorine or hydrogen peroxide bleach if you have no vinegar on hand. The goal here is to get the odor and stain out of the fabric especially if it is already dried in more than you thought.

Alternative Solutions and Warnings

Sometimes you can use more than one of the methods as described above to get rid of stains. Just be careful what solutions you mix together as to not cause a dangerous chemical reaction.

Furthermore, if you choose to use any bleaching agent on the fabric or upholstery beware of possible discoloration or damage. You should test whatever chemical you use in an inconspicuous area of the fabric before trying it. This will ensure you do not damage furniture or clothing when cleaning it.

Aside from that, another option for stain removal is to put the affected clothing or upholstery in the machine washer if possible. This especially works (as in any case) if the stain has not yet set in.

Using a stain stick or spray remover also could help. This especially is beneficial if you are going to launder the item in question as it further prevents the beer stain from soaking too far into the material fibers where the stain is present.

How to Get Rid of Tarnish on Silver

Tarnish of silver is caused by a certain chemical reaction that causes your flatware, dishware, and vases to become discolored. The blackening of the items is caused by the presence of silver sulfide formed on the surface of each metal item.

If you are experiencing this problem with your dishes, flatware, or décor, you might be looking for a way to renew it. It is possible to make each piece look as if you just bought it by just using a simple cleaning guide.

Some practical tips and solutions for removing tarnish from silver are shown below:

• Create a homemade tarnish removal paste. This can be done using just baking soda, boiling water, and aluminum foil. The first step would be to line the bottom of a pan with aluminum foil and then the silver pieces should be set on the foil.
• Once the pieces you want to treat are touching the aluminum foil you should pour the boiling water into the dish or pan. Each object you want to remove the tarnish from should be covered completely in the hot water and then baking soda should be added.

It is the transfer of the aluminum to the metal spoons, forks, or other dishes that removes the tarnish. The baking soda helps speed up this very helpful cleaning process.

• After the initial tarnish removal process, you will want to immediately wash the silver. The patina (outer surface of the silverware) is enhanced with regular cleaning by hand.
• This usually just requires a small amount of mild dish soap and water. Use a soft dish towel for this purpose and attend to each piece you wipe very carefully.

Alternative Method

If you would rather purchase a specialized silver cleaner you can do that. Commercial products are designed for this purpose that work in a similar way as the methods shown above.

If you wish to purchase a commercial product for the removal of stains on your dish and flatware read the labels. It helps to choose as non-toxic of a remedy as possible.

Preventative Tips

Prevention of tarnish build-up is just as important as removal of tarnish. One way to stop these stains from growing on your precious flatware and dishware is to keep them away from rubber.

For instance, you should not let the silver come in contact with rubber bands or certain types of place mats or dish mats. Some silverware holders are also not recommended for use because they could cause tarnishing.

Other preventative tips are shown below:

• Never mix stainless steel flatware with silver-plated flatware. You should also not mix either of these with fine silver. Otherwise, a reaction between these variations of metal could occur.
• Never keep your flatware or dishware exposed to food for long periods. You are advised to wash each piece as soon as you are finished with it. You should especially not leave mustard, mayonnaise, or eggs on your serving dishes and eating flatware or utensils.
• Use of your silverware on a regular basis can prevent tarnishing. Therefore, as pretty as they look you may not want to just have them only for decoration.

How to Get Rid of Deodorant Stains

When your shirt is stained with deodorant it can be a source of discouragement. It especially is an inconvenience if you have only worn it once and cannot seem to wash the substance out.

These spots can seem quite a bit stubborn. Worse yet, they can be unpleasant smelling if the deodorant smell mixes with the sweat from your body. However, you need not worry as this problem can be corrected.

Deodorant Stain Removal Guide

If you need a solution that is more practical than throwing your stained shirt away there is some good news. There is hope for you if you are looking for a way to salvage your garment.

Here are some deodorant treatment ideas:

• If the shirt is white, you could try using a chlorine bleach to take care of the problem. You should use this solution right after working out at a gym. This is a solution that could also be done right when you get home from work.

• When bleaching white shirts, all you need to do is dab a small mount of the chlorine on the spot. Let this chemical sit on the affected area for a few minutes and then rinse with water. Remember, this works best with fabrics that are originally bright white.
• Boric acid (Borax) is another wise choice for removal of deodorant stains. It acts as both a cleanser and abrasive. You can make a thick paste with it that is just moist enough to scrub on the affected spot. Then, let the scrubbed area sit for about a half hour and rinse it off.
• Hydrogen peroxide-This is a substance that acts as a sanitizer as well as a bleach. It can break down many different substances on which it is applied. Deodorant stains are no exception. Just place a small capful or two of this substance on the stain and then rub it in slightly
•  Sometimes an enzymatic cleaner really helps. This is a substance that helps break down not only sweat left behind on your shirt but also deodorant. Usually it comes in a spray format that you can apply to an affected area. A similar product to use is a spray or stick stain remover.

Preventative Advice

Of course, one action that would be better than having to clean deodorant stains is prevent them from occurring in the first place. One of the simple preventative tips is to just apply less of it where you need it (your armpits).

It also helps to make sure the deodorant you have put on has already dried into your skin. This further prevents transfer from your skin to your shirt. Of course, you can also rinse or wash your shirt right away after you are done wearing it for the day.

Other Important Info

The simple washing of the deodorant stains will not do much good. Usually some amount of soaking and scrubbing action is needed. It also requires the use of a solution that breaks down the nutritional compounds that make up both sweat and deodorant.

How to Get Rid of Soy Sauce Stains

Soy sauce is not the toughest stain to eliminate. However, sometimes this substance when spilled on clothing leaves behind a sightly unbearable smell and unsightly appearance.

This can be especially inconvenient when you drop some of this substance on a piece of white clothing or other light surface. If this has happened to you, relax. There is still hope. You can just use the tips you see below to remove the stains for good.

Steps to remove soy sauce stains:

1. Attend to the stain while it is still fresh. Simply put, the sooner you blot out a soy sauce stain the better off you are. If you are able to rinse out or blot out the soy sauce while it is still wet you stand a better chance of being able to remove it completely. It is highly advised that you complete the rinsing step right away at least and if you are home machine wash your shirt right away.

2. If place water does not work, try a mild detergent or homemade cleaning solution. Usually dish washing detergent such as Dawn that cuts grease or regular laundry soap would help in a situation like this. A non-toxic stain remover also would help.

These materials are usually found at local laundry or grocery stores. All you need to do is mix a small amount of detergent with water. If you need more specific instructions you should look at the instructions printed on the ingredient labels.

Otherwise, a standard mixture can be applied. Usually about one teaspoon of mild dish soap with a cup of water is all you need. You first would pour this mixture on the stained area and then let it sit a minute or two. After that you would blot the stain dry.

3. Another alternative method has been used for many generations. That is, ice is placed on the stain. All you need to do is rub ice over the stained area.

Then run cold water over the soy sauce while you rub the affected spot with your hands. This may not always work but it should work in most cases. It is a method that is definitely worth of try if you are at wits end with trying other approaches.

More Advice

Remember, the key to successful soy sauce stain removal is in making sure you remove the stain as soon as you notice it. If necessary, you could even leave the dinner table while you are out if that is what it takes.

If it is a formal occasion you are attending I am sure that the people at your table would be more than understanding. They may think you just need to relieve yourself in the restroom anyway, and they may not have even noticed the soy sauce spill.

Of course, your last resort may be kind of expensive. You may be able to send your items to a dry cleaner if you want to ensure that the stains are removed as thoroughly as possible.

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