From our laundry room
The Stain Library
Tell us the stain. We’ll show you what to try.
363 stains and growing
Or search by what you have at home: try “vinegar” or “dish soap”.
Start here
- Coming soonStain Removal Basics
25 stains. Pick yours.
Drinks
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Coffee and carpet spills
2 ways to remove it
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Coffee and tea on clothes
3 ways to remove it
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Red wine and other alcohol
6 ways to remove it
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Soda and soft drinks
4 ways to remove it
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Sports drinks on clothes
1 way to remove it
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Alcohol
6 ways to remove it
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Beer
6 ways to remove it
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Champagne
6 ways to remove it
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Coffee
3 ways to remove it
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Kool-Aid
4 ways to remove it
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Liquor
6 ways to remove it
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Matcha
3 ways to remove it
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Tannin
3 ways to remove it
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Tea
3 ways to remove it
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White wine
6 ways to remove it
Food
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Barbecue sauce
2 ways to remove it
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Berries, fruit and juice
3 ways to remove it
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Butter, mayonnaise and cooking oil
5 ways to remove it
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Chocolate
2 ways to remove it
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Curry and turmeric
3 ways to remove it
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Egg, milk and dairy
3 ways to remove it
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Gravy, soup and soy sauce
3 ways to remove it
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Ice cream
2 ways to remove it
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Ketchup and tomato sauce
4 ways to remove it
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Marshmallow, s’mores and sorbet
2 ways to remove it
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Meat, chicken, fish and seafood
3 ways to remove it
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Mustard
4 ways to remove it
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Pesto and green sauces
2 ways to remove it
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Syrup and candy
4 ways to remove it
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Vegetable stains
2 ways to remove it
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Apple
3 ways to remove it
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Apple juice
3 ways to remove it
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Artichoke
2 ways to remove it
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Avocado
2 ways to remove it
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Bacon
3 ways to remove it
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Baked beans
4 ways to remove it
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Banana
3 ways to remove it
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Beef
3 ways to remove it
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Beet
2 ways to remove it
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Blackberry
3 ways to remove it
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Blueberry
3 ways to remove it
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Butter
5 ways to remove it
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Cake and frosting
3 ways to remove it
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Canola oil
5 ways to remove it
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Caramel
4 ways to remove it
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Carrot
2 ways to remove it
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Celery
2 ways to remove it
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Cheese sauce
3 ways to remove it
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Cherries
3 ways to remove it
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Chicken
3 ways to remove it
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Cocoa
2 ways to remove it
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Corn
2 ways to remove it
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Cottage cheese
3 ways to remove it
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Cranberry
3 ways to remove it
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Cream cheese
3 ways to remove it
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Dip
3 ways to remove it
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Duck
3 ways to remove it
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Eggplant
2 ways to remove it
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Fish
3 ways to remove it
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Fried chicken
3 ways to remove it
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Fruit
3 ways to remove it
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Fruit juice
3 ways to remove it
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Grape juice
3 ways to remove it
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Grapefruit
3 ways to remove it
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Gravy
5 ways to remove it
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Hamburger
3 ways to remove it
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Honey
4 ways to remove it
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Hot sauce
4 ways to remove it
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Jam and jelly
3 ways to remove it
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Jello
3 ways to remove it
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Kiwi
3 ways to remove it
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Lamb
3 ways to remove it
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Lemon and lime juice
3 ways to remove it
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Mango
3 ways to remove it
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Maple syrup
4 ways to remove it
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Margarine
5 ways to remove it
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Mashed potatoes
2 ways to remove it
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Mayonnaise
5 ways to remove it
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Meat
3 ways to remove it
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Milk
3 ways to remove it
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Nectarine
3 ways to remove it
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Oil
5 ways to remove it
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Olive oil
5 ways to remove it
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Onion
2 ways to remove it
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Orange juice
3 ways to remove it
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Oyster
3 ways to remove it
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Papaya
3 ways to remove it
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Peach
3 ways to remove it
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Peanut butter
5 ways to remove it
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Pear
3 ways to remove it
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Pickles
2 ways to remove it
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Pineapple
3 ways to remove it
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Pomegranate
3 ways to remove it
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Pork
3 ways to remove it
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Poultry
3 ways to remove it
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Prune juice
3 ways to remove it
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Pudding
3 ways to remove it
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Pumpkin
3 ways to remove it
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Raspberry
3 ways to remove it
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Salad dressing
5 ways to remove it
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Salsa
4 ways to remove it
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Shrimp and seafood
3 ways to remove it
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Sour cream
3 ways to remove it
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Soy sauce
4 ways to remove it
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Spaghetti sauce
4 ways to remove it
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Spinach
2 ways to remove it
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Sriracha
4 ways to remove it
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Steak
3 ways to remove it
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Strawberry
3 ways to remove it
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Sushi
3 ways to remove it
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Sweet potato
2 ways to remove it
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Tabasco
4 ways to remove it
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Tomato
4 ways to remove it
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Vanilla extract
4 ways to remove it
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Vegetable oil
5 ways to remove it
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Watermelon
3 ways to remove it
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Worcestershire sauce
4 ways to remove it
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Yogurt
3 ways to remove it
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Zucchini
2 ways to remove it
Everyday spills
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Bicycle chain grease
1 way to remove it
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Gasoline and diesel on clothes
2 ways to remove it
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Glitter glue and craft glue with glitter
2 ways to remove it
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Glitter glue on hard plastic
1 way to remove it
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Glow stick liquid
2 ways to remove it
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Grease and oil
4 ways to remove it
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Gum and sticky residue on clothes
2 ways to remove it
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Gum in the dryer
2 ways to remove it
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Marker on vinyl placemats and plastic
1 way to remove it
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Motor oil and automotive grease
3 ways to remove it
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Newsprint
1 way to remove it
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Shoe polish
4 ways to remove it
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Slime and Silly Putty
2 ways to remove it
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Tobacco
2 ways to remove it
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Wood stain
2 ways to remove it
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Baby oil
4 ways to remove it
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Calamine lotion
4 ways to remove it
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Chapstick
4 ways to remove it
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Cigarette stains
2 ways to remove it
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Diesel fuel
2 ways to remove it
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Face cream
4 ways to remove it
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Furniture polish
4 ways to remove it
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Lotion
4 ways to remove it
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Nicotine
2 ways to remove it
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Ointment
4 ways to remove it
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Rubber cement
1 way to remove it
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Sticker glue
1 way to remove it
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Vaseline
4 ways to remove it
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Vitamin gel caps
4 ways to remove it
Makeup & beauty
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Clay or turmeric face masks on clothes
1 way to remove it
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Eyeliner, blush and mascara smudges
2 ways to remove it
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Hair dye and food coloring on clothes
3 ways to remove it
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Hair dye on skin
1 way to remove it
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Hair spray
1 way to remove it
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Henna
1 way to remove it
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Home perm solution on clothes
1 way to remove it
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Lipstick
4 ways to remove it
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Makeup and sunscreen
4 ways to remove it
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Nail polish
4 ways to remove it
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Sunscreen
3 ways to remove it
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Dye
3 ways to remove it
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Easter egg dye
3 ways to remove it
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Face powder
4 ways to remove it
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Food coloring
3 ways to remove it
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Make-up
4 ways to remove it
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Mascara
4 ways to remove it
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Saffron
3 ways to remove it
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Self-tanners
4 ways to remove it
Body & baby
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Baby clothes and formula
5 ways to remove it
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Blood
3 ways to remove it
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Collar and cuff rings
2 ways to remove it
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Deodorant and antiperspirant
5 ways to remove it
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Diaper accidents and pet messes
2 ways to remove it
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Gum in hair or on skin
2 ways to remove it
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Ink and marker on skin
2 ways to remove it
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Paint on skin
1 way to remove it
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Self-tanner streaks on hands and skin
1 way to remove it
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Sweat
3 ways to remove it
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Urine
3 ways to remove it
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Vomit and other body fluids
3 ways to remove it
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Baby food
5 ways to remove it
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Baby formula
5 ways to remove it
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Bird poop
2 ways to remove it
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Breast milk
5 ways to remove it
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Cat urine
3 ways to remove it
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Deodorant stripes
5 ways to remove it
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Diaper cream
5 ways to remove it
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Diaper stains
2 ways to remove it
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Dog urine
3 ways to remove it
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Feces
2 ways to remove it
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Formula
5 ways to remove it
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Insect droppings
2 ways to remove it
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Perspiration
3 ways to remove it
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Pet feces
2 ways to remove it
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Spit-up
5 ways to remove it
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Underarm stains
5 ways to remove it
Bathroom & medicine cabinet
Outdoors & office
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Black walnut
1 way to remove it
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Carbon paper
1 way to remove it
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Cement and concrete splashes on clothes
2 ways to remove it
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Correction fluid (White-Out)
2 ways to remove it
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Flowerpot rings and water marks
3 ways to remove it
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Grass
6 ways to remove it
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Ink
5 ways to remove it
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Lily pollen on clothes and fabric
2 ways to remove it
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Marker (washable)
1 way to remove it
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Mildew on patio cushions and outdoor fabric
2 ways to remove it
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Mud and dirt
3 ways to remove it
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Mulberry stains on clothes, patios and cars
2 ways to remove it
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Oil stains on a driveway or garage floor
2 ways to remove it
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Oily road splash on pants and coats
2 ways to remove it
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Paint and tree sap
1 way to remove it
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Pen and permanent marker
2 ways to remove it
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Pencil and graphite
2 ways to remove it
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Pesticides on work clothes
2 ways to remove it
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Plaster, drywall dust and joint compound on work clothes
1 way to remove it
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Poison ivy oil on clothes
2 ways to remove it
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Pollen
1 way to remove it
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Printer and copier toner
1 way to remove it
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Red clay and baseball dirt
2 ways to remove it
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Rust on garden furniture and tools
2 ways to remove it
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Skunk smell on clothes
1 way to remove it
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Tar and asphalt
1 way to remove it
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Tomato plant stains on hands
1 way to remove it
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Tree sap and bugs on a car
2 ways to remove it
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Tree sap and pine pitch
3 ways to remove it
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Wet leaf stains on concrete and patios
2 ways to remove it
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Chalk
2 ways to remove it
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Hog odor
1 way to remove it
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India ink
5 ways to remove it
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Pine resin
3 ways to remove it
Around the house
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Bird droppings on a car
2 ways to remove it
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Black heel scuffs on vinyl floors
2 ways to remove it
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Candle soot and smoke marks on walls
1 way to remove it
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Candle wax
3 ways to remove it
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Colored drinks on painted walls
1 way to remove it
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Crayon
1 way to remove it
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Crayon on clothes
3 ways to remove it
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Crayon on walls
1 way to remove it
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Floor wax and polish buildup on vinyl and tile
2 ways to remove it
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Glitter
1 way to remove it
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Mildew
3 ways to remove it
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Play dough and putty
1 way to remove it
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Rust on steel and chrome
1 way to remove it
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Scuffed leather and suede shoes
2 ways to remove it
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Smoke and soot
2 ways to remove it
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Sticker and label residue
4 ways to remove it
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Super glue
1 way to remove it
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Tarnish on silver
4 ways to remove it
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Washable marker on painted walls
1 way to remove it
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Wax drips on finished hard floors
1 way to remove it
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Wet paint on clothes
2 ways to remove it
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White school glue
2 ways to remove it
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White shoes and sneakers
1 way to remove it
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Winter salt stains on boots and carpet
3 ways to remove it
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Acrylic paint
2 ways to remove it
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Adhesive tape
4 ways to remove it
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Ashes
2 ways to remove it
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Charcoal
2 ways to remove it
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Cigarette odor
2 ways to remove it
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Finger paint
2 ways to remove it
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Glue
2 ways to remove it
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Jewelry tarnish
4 ways to remove it
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Livestock paint
2 ways to remove it
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Paint
2 ways to remove it
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Tempera paint
2 ways to remove it
Kitchen & bathroom
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Baked-on grease on baking sheets and pans
2 ways to remove it
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Baked-on grease on the stove top and oven door
2 ways to remove it
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Baked-on splatters in the microwave
2 ways to remove it
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Burnt food on stainless steel pans
3 ways to remove it
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Burnt-on pans
2 ways to remove it
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Coffee and tea stains in thermoses and water bottles
3 ways to remove it
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Coffee and tea stains on cups and counters
2 ways to remove it
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Dirty or smelly cutting boards
3 ways to remove it
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Hair dye and nail polish on countertops
2 ways to remove it
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Hard candy and sugar film on ceramic tile
1 way to remove it
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Hard water on faucets and sink fixtures
1 way to remove it
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Hard water on shower doors and glass
1 way to remove it
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Hard water rings in the toilet
1 way to remove it
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Hard water spots and cloudy glassware
2 ways to remove it
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Mildew on a shower curtain or liner
2 ways to remove it
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Mold and mildew on household things
5 ways to remove it
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Rust on a cast iron pan
1 way to remove it
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Rust stains in the bathtub
2 ways to remove it
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Soap scum
4 ways to remove it
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Stains on a porcelain sink or tub
3 ways to remove it
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Stains on granite and quartz countertops
3 ways to remove it
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Stains on tile grout
2 ways to remove it
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Tomato stains on plastic containers
3 ways to remove it
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Water spots and fingerprints on stainless steel
1 way to remove it
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White scale in a kettle or coffee maker
2 ways to remove it
Carpet & upholstery
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Blood on a mattress or sofa
2 ways to remove it
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Blood on carpet and furniture
3 ways to remove it
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Candle wax on carpet
2 ways to remove it
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Carpet stains and pet accidents
2 ways to remove it
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Coffee or grease on a sofa or chair
2 ways to remove it
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Dark traffic lanes in carpet
2 ways to remove it
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Finding old pet urine spots in carpet
2 ways to remove it
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Food spills on carpet (sauce, chocolate, juice)
2 ways to remove it
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Furniture dents in carpet
2 ways to remove it
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Furniture polish on carpet
1 way to remove it
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Gelatin dessert on carpet
1 way to remove it
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Grease on carpet
2 ways to remove it
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Gum on carpet
1 way to remove it
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Ink on carpet
1 way to remove it
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Ink on leather and vinyl
1 way to remove it
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Mud on carpet
1 way to remove it
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Nutella and hazelnut spread on carpet
2 ways to remove it
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Pet and baby messes on carpet
2 ways to remove it
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Pet urine on carpet
2 ways to remove it
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Red and blue drinks on carpet (Kool-Aid, Gatorade, Sunny D)
3 ways to remove it
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Red wine on a sofa or chair
2 ways to remove it
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Red wine on carpet
3 ways to remove it
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Sofa or chair: what do W, S, WS and X mean?
2 ways to remove it
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Toothpaste on carpet
1 way to remove it
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Urine and sweat stains on a mattress or pillow
3 ways to remove it
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Vomit and pet messes on a sofa, car seat or mattress
2 ways to remove it
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Vomit on carpet
2 ways to remove it
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Washable marker on a sofa or chair
2 ways to remove it
Hard surfaces & furniture
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Candle wax and grease on wood
2 ways to remove it
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Chewing gum on wood furniture
1 way to remove it
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Greasy kitchen cabinets and walls
4 ways to remove it
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Hair spray film on wood furniture
1 way to remove it
-
Ink and marker on wood furniture
2 ways to remove it
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Melted candy on finished wood
1 way to remove it
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Pet urine on wood floors
1 way to remove it
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Red wine on wood floors and furniture
1 way to remove it
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Silly Putty on finished wood
1 way to remove it
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Spills on concrete, brick and stone patios
1 way to remove it
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Spills on laminate counters, cabinets and enamel
3 ways to remove it
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Spills on leather furniture
1 way to remove it
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Spills on marble
2 ways to remove it
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Spills on painted walls and wallpaper
2 ways to remove it
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Spills on sofas and upholstered chairs
1 way to remove it
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Spills on wood floors and furniture
2 ways to remove it
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Tarnish on brass and copper
2 ways to remove it
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White rings and cloudy marks on wood furniture
3 ways to remove it
Laundry mishaps
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A pen, marker or lipstick that went through the wash or dryer
2 ways to remove it
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Brown or yellow marks after ironing (soap residue)
1 way to remove it
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Chlorine bleach spots
1 way to remove it
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Color run on white clothes
1 way to remove it
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Dingy or gray whites
2 ways to remove it
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Dye transfer (colors that ran)
3 ways to remove it
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Fabric softener spots
3 ways to remove it
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Greasy spots from dryer sheets
2 ways to remove it
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Musty smells in clothes and towels
2 ways to remove it
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Oil-based paint on clothes
2 ways to remove it
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Rust on clothes
4 ways to remove it
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Scorch marks
4 ways to remove it
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Sweaty gym clothes that still smell
2 ways to remove it
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Water spots on fabric
1 way to remove it
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Paper dye transfer
3 ways to remove it
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Yellowing
2 ways to remove it
Any stain
No stain like that yet
Try one word, like “ink”, or see them all. Not sure what it is? Try the all-purpose ways. You can also search the whole site.
Drinks
Coffee and carpet spills
Spilled coffee on the rug or couch? Blot it, do not rub.
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Try this first
Witch hazel and dish soap
Mix witch hazel with water and a few drops of mild dish soap, then blot the stain with a microfiber cloth. Do not rub.
Test a hidden spot first.
More: 20 Uses for Witch Hazel, From Bug Bites to Streak-Free Mirrors
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Then try
Dish soap and warm water
Mix a teaspoon of clear dish soap in a cup of warm water. Dab it on with a white cloth and blot until the stain lifts. Rinse with plain water and blot dry.
Test a hidden spot first.
More: Spot Clean Carpets
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
QT Bird · qtbird.com/stain-library/
Drinks
Coffee and tea on clothes
Rinse it in cool water right away. (Coffee on a rug or couch is under Coffee and carpet spills.)
-
Try this first
Cool water, then detergent
Rinse the stain promptly in cool water. Pretreat by soaking in an enzyme laundry detergent, or rub in liquid heavy-duty detergent or a paste of detergent powder and water. Launder with chlorine bleach if the fabric allows it, or an oxygen bleach if not.
Test any stain remover on a hidden seam or hem first, and check the care label.
-
Then try
Vinegar soak
Soak for 15 minutes in 1 quart warm water with 1/2 teaspoon liquid dish detergent and 1 tablespoon white vinegar. Rinse and launder. If a stain is left, use a bleach the fabric allows.
-
Then try
For an older stain, an enzyme soak
Sponge or soak in cool water, then pretreat with a pre-wash stain remover, liquid detergent or a paste of detergent powder and water. An older stain may respond better to an enzyme pretreatment or soak. Launder with chlorine bleach if the fabric allows it, or with oxygen bleach.
Check the care label and test a hidden spot first. Do not put the item in the dryer until the stain is gone.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
QT Bird · qtbird.com/stain-library/
Drinks
Red wine and other alcohol
Act fast and start with cool water. Heat sets stains.
-
Try this first
Salt, then cool water or club soda
While the stain is fresh, sprinkle it with table salt to soak up some of the wine. Sponge with cool water or club soda, blot well and let it dry.
-
Then try
Detergent, then a bleach the fabric allows
Sponge or rinse the stain in cool water. Rub in liquid laundry detergent, or a paste of detergent powder and water, then launder. Use chlorine bleach only if the fabric can take it, and an oxygen bleach if it cannot.
Test any stain remover on a hidden seam or hem first, and check the care label.
-
Then try
Vinegar soak
If a stain is left, soak it for 15 minutes in 1 quart warm water with 1/2 teaspoon detergent and 1 tablespoon white vinegar. Rinse well.
-
Then try
Rubbing alcohol, as a last try
Still there? Sponge it with rubbing alcohol, rinse thoroughly and launder with a bleach that is safe for the fabric.
Rubbing alcohol can take dye out of fabric. Treat right away and test a hidden spot first.
-
Then try
On a carpet
Blot up as much as you can. Pour on club soda, sponge it up, then sponge with cool water and blot. Blot with 1 teaspoon neutral detergent (no bleach) mixed in 1 cup lukewarm water, then with 1/3 cup white vinegar mixed with 2/3 cup water, and repeat the detergent. Sponge with clear water and blot as dry as you can.
Test a hidden spot of the carpet first.
-
Then try
Cool water, then a pre-wash remover
Sponge with cool water, or soak the garment about 30 minutes in cool water. Pretreat with a pre-wash stain remover, then launder, adding chlorine bleach if the fabric allows it.
Check the care label and test a hidden spot first. Do not put the item in the dryer until the stain is gone.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
QT Bird · qtbird.com/stain-library/
Drinks
Soda and soft drinks
Some drink stains are hard to see on busy fabric, so treat the whole spot.
-
Try this first
Cool water, then detergent
Sponge or rinse the stain promptly with cool water. Pretreat by rubbing in liquid laundry detergent, or a paste of detergent powder and water, then launder.
Test any stain remover on a hidden seam or hem first, and check the care label.
-
Then try
Vinegar soak
Soak for 15 minutes in 1 quart warm water with 1/2 teaspoon detergent and 1 tablespoon white vinegar. Rinse. If a stain is left, sponge with rubbing alcohol, rinse well and launder.
Rubbing alcohol can take dye out of fabric. Test a hidden spot first.
-
Then try
Detergent and an enzyme presoak
For flavored drinks, freely apply liquid detergent, work it in, rinse your hands and repeat. Wash with detergent plus a non-chlorine bleach with enzyme presoak. If it is still there, soak for a day or two, then wash again and air dry.
-
Then try
Cool water, then a pre-wash remover
Sponge with cool water, or soak the garment about 30 minutes in cool water. Pretreat with a pre-wash stain remover, then launder, adding chlorine bleach if the fabric allows it.
Check the care label and test a hidden spot first. Do not put the item in the dryer until the stain is gone.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
QT Bird · qtbird.com/stain-library/
Drinks
Sports drinks on clothes
The dye is the stain. Rinse a lot and air dry until it is gone.
-
Try this first
Rinse, treat, wash
Rinse from the back under running water for a good while to flush out the dye. Rub in liquid laundry detergent, leave about 5 minutes, then wash as the label allows. Air dry until you know the color is out.
No chlorine bleach on colored or athletic fabric unless the maker says it is allowed. Oxygen bleach on whites only, as the label says.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
QT Bird · qtbird.com/stain-library/
Drinks
Alcohol
Alcohol is a drink stain, so blot and rinse with cool water right away.
-
Try this first
Salt, then cool water or club soda
While the stain is fresh, sprinkle it with table salt to soak up some of the wine. Sponge with cool water or club soda, blot well and let it dry.
-
Then try
Detergent, then a bleach the fabric allows
Sponge or rinse the stain in cool water. Rub in liquid laundry detergent, or a paste of detergent powder and water, then launder. Use chlorine bleach only if the fabric can take it, and an oxygen bleach if it cannot.
Test any stain remover on a hidden seam or hem first, and check the care label.
-
Then try
Vinegar soak
If a stain is left, soak it for 15 minutes in 1 quart warm water with 1/2 teaspoon detergent and 1 tablespoon white vinegar. Rinse well.
-
Then try
Rubbing alcohol, as a last try
Still there? Sponge it with rubbing alcohol, rinse thoroughly and launder with a bleach that is safe for the fabric.
Rubbing alcohol can take dye out of fabric. Treat right away and test a hidden spot first.
-
Then try
On a carpet
Blot up as much as you can. Pour on club soda, sponge it up, then sponge with cool water and blot. Blot with 1 teaspoon neutral detergent (no bleach) mixed in 1 cup lukewarm water, then with 1/3 cup white vinegar mixed with 2/3 cup water, and repeat the detergent. Sponge with clear water and blot as dry as you can.
Test a hidden spot of the carpet first.
-
Then try
Cool water, then a pre-wash remover
Sponge with cool water, or soak the garment about 30 minutes in cool water. Pretreat with a pre-wash stain remover, then launder, adding chlorine bleach if the fabric allows it.
Check the care label and test a hidden spot first. Do not put the item in the dryer until the stain is gone.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
QT Bird · qtbird.com/stain-library/
Drinks
Beer
Beer is a drink stain, so blot and rinse with cool water right away.
-
Try this first
Salt, then cool water or club soda
While the stain is fresh, sprinkle it with table salt to soak up some of the wine. Sponge with cool water or club soda, blot well and let it dry.
-
Then try
Detergent, then a bleach the fabric allows
Sponge or rinse the stain in cool water. Rub in liquid laundry detergent, or a paste of detergent powder and water, then launder. Use chlorine bleach only if the fabric can take it, and an oxygen bleach if it cannot.
Test any stain remover on a hidden seam or hem first, and check the care label.
-
Then try
Vinegar soak
If a stain is left, soak it for 15 minutes in 1 quart warm water with 1/2 teaspoon detergent and 1 tablespoon white vinegar. Rinse well.
-
Then try
Rubbing alcohol, as a last try
Still there? Sponge it with rubbing alcohol, rinse thoroughly and launder with a bleach that is safe for the fabric.
Rubbing alcohol can take dye out of fabric. Treat right away and test a hidden spot first.
-
Then try
On a carpet
Blot up as much as you can. Pour on club soda, sponge it up, then sponge with cool water and blot. Blot with 1 teaspoon neutral detergent (no bleach) mixed in 1 cup lukewarm water, then with 1/3 cup white vinegar mixed with 2/3 cup water, and repeat the detergent. Sponge with clear water and blot as dry as you can.
Test a hidden spot of the carpet first.
-
Then try
Cool water, then a pre-wash remover
Sponge with cool water, or soak the garment about 30 minutes in cool water. Pretreat with a pre-wash stain remover, then launder, adding chlorine bleach if the fabric allows it.
Check the care label and test a hidden spot first. Do not put the item in the dryer until the stain is gone.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
QT Bird · qtbird.com/stain-library/
Drinks
Champagne
Champagne is a drink stain, so blot and rinse with cool water right away.
-
Try this first
Salt, then cool water or club soda
While the stain is fresh, sprinkle it with table salt to soak up some of the wine. Sponge with cool water or club soda, blot well and let it dry.
-
Then try
Detergent, then a bleach the fabric allows
Sponge or rinse the stain in cool water. Rub in liquid laundry detergent, or a paste of detergent powder and water, then launder. Use chlorine bleach only if the fabric can take it, and an oxygen bleach if it cannot.
Test any stain remover on a hidden seam or hem first, and check the care label.
-
Then try
Vinegar soak
If a stain is left, soak it for 15 minutes in 1 quart warm water with 1/2 teaspoon detergent and 1 tablespoon white vinegar. Rinse well.
-
Then try
Rubbing alcohol, as a last try
Still there? Sponge it with rubbing alcohol, rinse thoroughly and launder with a bleach that is safe for the fabric.
Rubbing alcohol can take dye out of fabric. Treat right away and test a hidden spot first.
-
Then try
On a carpet
Blot up as much as you can. Pour on club soda, sponge it up, then sponge with cool water and blot. Blot with 1 teaspoon neutral detergent (no bleach) mixed in 1 cup lukewarm water, then with 1/3 cup white vinegar mixed with 2/3 cup water, and repeat the detergent. Sponge with clear water and blot as dry as you can.
Test a hidden spot of the carpet first.
-
Then try
Cool water, then a pre-wash remover
Sponge with cool water, or soak the garment about 30 minutes in cool water. Pretreat with a pre-wash stain remover, then launder, adding chlorine bleach if the fabric allows it.
Check the care label and test a hidden spot first. Do not put the item in the dryer until the stain is gone.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
QT Bird · qtbird.com/stain-library/
Drinks
Coffee
Coffee is a tannin stain, so rinse with cool water, not hot.
-
Try this first
Cool water, then detergent
Rinse the stain promptly in cool water. Pretreat by soaking in an enzyme laundry detergent, or rub in liquid heavy-duty detergent or a paste of detergent powder and water. Launder with chlorine bleach if the fabric allows it, or an oxygen bleach if not.
Test any stain remover on a hidden seam or hem first, and check the care label.
-
Then try
Vinegar soak
Soak for 15 minutes in 1 quart warm water with 1/2 teaspoon liquid dish detergent and 1 tablespoon white vinegar. Rinse and launder. If a stain is left, use a bleach the fabric allows.
-
Then try
For an older stain, an enzyme soak
Sponge or soak in cool water, then pretreat with a pre-wash stain remover, liquid detergent or a paste of detergent powder and water. An older stain may respond better to an enzyme pretreatment or soak. Launder with chlorine bleach if the fabric allows it, or with oxygen bleach.
Check the care label and test a hidden spot first. Do not put the item in the dryer until the stain is gone.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
QT Bird · qtbird.com/stain-library/
Drinks
Kool-Aid
Kool-Aid is a soft-drink stain, so blot and rinse with cool water.
-
Try this first
Cool water, then detergent
Sponge or rinse the stain promptly with cool water. Pretreat by rubbing in liquid laundry detergent, or a paste of detergent powder and water, then launder.
Test any stain remover on a hidden seam or hem first, and check the care label.
-
Then try
Vinegar soak
Soak for 15 minutes in 1 quart warm water with 1/2 teaspoon detergent and 1 tablespoon white vinegar. Rinse. If a stain is left, sponge with rubbing alcohol, rinse well and launder.
Rubbing alcohol can take dye out of fabric. Test a hidden spot first.
-
Then try
Detergent and an enzyme presoak
For flavored drinks, freely apply liquid detergent, work it in, rinse your hands and repeat. Wash with detergent plus a non-chlorine bleach with enzyme presoak. If it is still there, soak for a day or two, then wash again and air dry.
-
Then try
Cool water, then a pre-wash remover
Sponge with cool water, or soak the garment about 30 minutes in cool water. Pretreat with a pre-wash stain remover, then launder, adding chlorine bleach if the fabric allows it.
Check the care label and test a hidden spot first. Do not put the item in the dryer until the stain is gone.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
QT Bird · qtbird.com/stain-library/
Drinks
Liquor
Liquor is a drink stain, so blot and rinse with cool water right away.
-
Try this first
Salt, then cool water or club soda
While the stain is fresh, sprinkle it with table salt to soak up some of the wine. Sponge with cool water or club soda, blot well and let it dry.
-
Then try
Detergent, then a bleach the fabric allows
Sponge or rinse the stain in cool water. Rub in liquid laundry detergent, or a paste of detergent powder and water, then launder. Use chlorine bleach only if the fabric can take it, and an oxygen bleach if it cannot.
Test any stain remover on a hidden seam or hem first, and check the care label.
-
Then try
Vinegar soak
If a stain is left, soak it for 15 minutes in 1 quart warm water with 1/2 teaspoon detergent and 1 tablespoon white vinegar. Rinse well.
-
Then try
Rubbing alcohol, as a last try
Still there? Sponge it with rubbing alcohol, rinse thoroughly and launder with a bleach that is safe for the fabric.
Rubbing alcohol can take dye out of fabric. Treat right away and test a hidden spot first.
-
Then try
On a carpet
Blot up as much as you can. Pour on club soda, sponge it up, then sponge with cool water and blot. Blot with 1 teaspoon neutral detergent (no bleach) mixed in 1 cup lukewarm water, then with 1/3 cup white vinegar mixed with 2/3 cup water, and repeat the detergent. Sponge with clear water and blot as dry as you can.
Test a hidden spot of the carpet first.
-
Then try
Cool water, then a pre-wash remover
Sponge with cool water, or soak the garment about 30 minutes in cool water. Pretreat with a pre-wash stain remover, then launder, adding chlorine bleach if the fabric allows it.
Check the care label and test a hidden spot first. Do not put the item in the dryer until the stain is gone.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
QT Bird · qtbird.com/stain-library/
Drinks
Matcha
Matcha is a tannin stain, so rinse with cool water, not hot.
-
Try this first
Cool water, then detergent
Rinse the stain promptly in cool water. Pretreat by soaking in an enzyme laundry detergent, or rub in liquid heavy-duty detergent or a paste of detergent powder and water. Launder with chlorine bleach if the fabric allows it, or an oxygen bleach if not.
Test any stain remover on a hidden seam or hem first, and check the care label.
-
Then try
Vinegar soak
Soak for 15 minutes in 1 quart warm water with 1/2 teaspoon liquid dish detergent and 1 tablespoon white vinegar. Rinse and launder. If a stain is left, use a bleach the fabric allows.
-
Then try
For an older stain, an enzyme soak
Sponge or soak in cool water, then pretreat with a pre-wash stain remover, liquid detergent or a paste of detergent powder and water. An older stain may respond better to an enzyme pretreatment or soak. Launder with chlorine bleach if the fabric allows it, or with oxygen bleach.
Check the care label and test a hidden spot first. Do not put the item in the dryer until the stain is gone.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
QT Bird · qtbird.com/stain-library/
Drinks
Tannin
Tannin is a tannin stain, so rinse with cool water, not hot.
-
Try this first
Cool water, then detergent
Rinse the stain promptly in cool water. Pretreat by soaking in an enzyme laundry detergent, or rub in liquid heavy-duty detergent or a paste of detergent powder and water. Launder with chlorine bleach if the fabric allows it, or an oxygen bleach if not.
Test any stain remover on a hidden seam or hem first, and check the care label.
-
Then try
Vinegar soak
Soak for 15 minutes in 1 quart warm water with 1/2 teaspoon liquid dish detergent and 1 tablespoon white vinegar. Rinse and launder. If a stain is left, use a bleach the fabric allows.
-
Then try
For an older stain, an enzyme soak
Sponge or soak in cool water, then pretreat with a pre-wash stain remover, liquid detergent or a paste of detergent powder and water. An older stain may respond better to an enzyme pretreatment or soak. Launder with chlorine bleach if the fabric allows it, or with oxygen bleach.
Check the care label and test a hidden spot first. Do not put the item in the dryer until the stain is gone.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
QT Bird · qtbird.com/stain-library/
Drinks
Tea
Tea is a tannin stain, so rinse with cool water, not hot.
-
Try this first
Cool water, then detergent
Rinse the stain promptly in cool water. Pretreat by soaking in an enzyme laundry detergent, or rub in liquid heavy-duty detergent or a paste of detergent powder and water. Launder with chlorine bleach if the fabric allows it, or an oxygen bleach if not.
Test any stain remover on a hidden seam or hem first, and check the care label.
-
Then try
Vinegar soak
Soak for 15 minutes in 1 quart warm water with 1/2 teaspoon liquid dish detergent and 1 tablespoon white vinegar. Rinse and launder. If a stain is left, use a bleach the fabric allows.
-
Then try
For an older stain, an enzyme soak
Sponge or soak in cool water, then pretreat with a pre-wash stain remover, liquid detergent or a paste of detergent powder and water. An older stain may respond better to an enzyme pretreatment or soak. Launder with chlorine bleach if the fabric allows it, or with oxygen bleach.
Check the care label and test a hidden spot first. Do not put the item in the dryer until the stain is gone.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
QT Bird · qtbird.com/stain-library/
Drinks
White wine
White wine is a drink stain, so blot and rinse with cool water right away.
-
Try this first
Salt, then cool water or club soda
While the stain is fresh, sprinkle it with table salt to soak up some of the wine. Sponge with cool water or club soda, blot well and let it dry.
-
Then try
Detergent, then a bleach the fabric allows
Sponge or rinse the stain in cool water. Rub in liquid laundry detergent, or a paste of detergent powder and water, then launder. Use chlorine bleach only if the fabric can take it, and an oxygen bleach if it cannot.
Test any stain remover on a hidden seam or hem first, and check the care label.
-
Then try
Vinegar soak
If a stain is left, soak it for 15 minutes in 1 quart warm water with 1/2 teaspoon detergent and 1 tablespoon white vinegar. Rinse well.
-
Then try
Rubbing alcohol, as a last try
Still there? Sponge it with rubbing alcohol, rinse thoroughly and launder with a bleach that is safe for the fabric.
Rubbing alcohol can take dye out of fabric. Treat right away and test a hidden spot first.
-
Then try
On a carpet
Blot up as much as you can. Pour on club soda, sponge it up, then sponge with cool water and blot. Blot with 1 teaspoon neutral detergent (no bleach) mixed in 1 cup lukewarm water, then with 1/3 cup white vinegar mixed with 2/3 cup water, and repeat the detergent. Sponge with clear water and blot as dry as you can.
Test a hidden spot of the carpet first.
-
Then try
Cool water, then a pre-wash remover
Sponge with cool water, or soak the garment about 30 minutes in cool water. Pretreat with a pre-wash stain remover, then launder, adding chlorine bleach if the fabric allows it.
Check the care label and test a hidden spot first. Do not put the item in the dryer until the stain is gone.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
QT Bird · qtbird.com/stain-library/
Food
Barbecue sauce
Flush it from the back, and alternate detergent with vinegar.
-
Try this first
Cold water from the back, then detergent and vinegar
Working from the back of the stain, flush it with cold water. Apply liquid laundry detergent and work it in with an up-and-down motion with a soft brush. Rinse well, sponge with white vinegar and rinse again. Repeat the detergent and vinegar until as much of the stain as possible is gone.
Test any stain remover on a hidden seam or hem first, and check the care label.
-
Then try
Pre-wash remover, then a safe bleach
Pretreat with a pre-wash stain remover and launder with a bleach that is safe for the fabric.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
QT Bird · qtbird.com/stain-library/
Food
Berries, fruit and juice
Rinse a fresh stain in cool water, and skip the soap: soap can set fruit stains.
-
Try this first
Cool water, then an oxygen bleach soak
Rinse the fresh stain promptly with cool water. Soak in warm water with an oxygen bleach (follow the label) for 15 to 30 minutes, then launder with heavy-duty detergent.
Test any stain remover on a hidden seam or hem first, and check the care label.
-
Then try
Vinegar soak, then rubbing alcohol
Soak for 15 minutes in 1 quart warm water with 1/2 teaspoon liquid dish detergent and 1 tablespoon white vinegar. Rinse, sponge with rubbing alcohol and wash. If a stain is left, soak 30 minutes in warm water with an oxygen bleach and wash again.
Rubbing alcohol can take dye out of fabric. Test a hidden spot first.
-
Then try
An enzyme soak
Pretreat or soak with an enzyme product: 30 minutes, or several hours for an older stain. Launder, and if the stain remains, use a bleach that is safe for the fabric.
Check the care label and test a hidden spot first. Do not put the item in the dryer until the stain is gone.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
QT Bird · qtbird.com/stain-library/
Food
Butter, mayonnaise and cooking oil
Oily food stains come out best with detergent worked in and the hottest wash the fabric allows.
-
Try this first
Liquid detergent worked in, then the hottest wash
Freely apply liquid detergent or a prewash stain remover, work it into the stained area, rinse your hands and repeat. Machine wash at the highest temperature the care label allows, with 1 cup of detergent.
Test any stain remover on a hidden seam or hem first, and check the care label.
-
Then try
Scrape and pretreat (butter, peanut butter)
Scrape off the extra. Pretreat with a spot remover and launder. For butter or margarine, rub detergent into the damp stain and wash in hot water with plenty of detergent and a bleach that is safe for the fabric.
-
Then try
Waterless hand cleaner (mayonnaise, peanut butter)
Sponge with a waterless hand cleaner and rinse. Let it air dry, apply detergent and launder.
-
Then try
Dish soap and a few drops of ammonia
If a stain stays, apply a few drops each of dish soap and ammonia and flush until every trace of ammonia is gone. Soak 30 minutes in 1 quart warm water with 1 tablespoon oxygen bleach, rinse and wash.
Never mix ammonia and chlorine bleach, and rinse well between one stain remover and the next.
-
Then try
Pre-wash remover and the hottest safe wash
Pretreat with a pre-wash stain remover, then launder in the hottest water that is safe for the fabric.
Check the care label and test a hidden spot first. Do not put the item in the dryer until the stain is gone.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
QT Bird · qtbird.com/stain-library/
Food
Chocolate
A chocolate smudge on clothes.
-
Try this first
Fels Naptha and borax
Rub the stain with Fels-Naptha soap and let it sit in your filled washer with 20 Mule Team Borax for 30 minutes. Launder as usual.
-
Then try
Scrape, cool soak, pretreat, hot wash
Gently scrape off the excess. Soak in cool water, pretreat with a pre-wash stain remover and launder in the hottest water safe for the fabric. If a stain remains, rewash with a bleach that is safe for the fabric.
Check the care label and test a hidden spot first. Do not put the item in the dryer until the stain is gone.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
QT Bird · qtbird.com/stain-library/
Food
Curry and turmeric
Turmeric is a strong yellow dye, so treat it right away. (It is the same yellow dye that is in mustard.)
-
Try this first
Scrape, then a pre-wash stain remover
Scrape off the extra. Sponge with a pre-wash soil and stain remover, then rinse.
Test any stain remover on a hidden seam or hem first, and check the care label.
-
Then try
Detergent and a few drops of vinegar
Work light-duty liquid detergent and a few drops of white vinegar into the stain. Rinse well.
-
Then try
3% hydrogen peroxide
If the stain is still there, apply 3% hydrogen peroxide, rinse and launder.
Hydrogen peroxide is a bleach and can lighten colors. Test any stain remover on a hidden seam or hem first, and check the care label.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
QT Bird · qtbird.com/stain-library/
Food
Egg, milk and dairy
Start with cold water. Heat sets stains.
-
Try this first
Cold soak, then detergent
Soak in cold water for about 30 minutes. Work a little liquid laundry detergent, shampoo or dish liquid into the stain and leave it about 30 minutes. Rinse.
-
Then try
Overnight pre-soak
Soak overnight in a laundry pre-soak such as Biz or Axion. It is very good for milk, egg, blood and perspiration. If you have no pre-soak powder, use any laundry detergent. Then wash in the hottest water that is safe for the fabric.
Test any stain remover on a hidden seam or hem first, and check the care label.
-
Then try
An enzyme soak
Pretreat or soak the stain in a product with enzymes for at least 30 minutes, or several hours for an aged stain. Then launder.
Check the care label and test a hidden spot first. Do not put the item in the dryer until the stain is gone.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
QT Bird · qtbird.com/stain-library/
Food
Gravy, soup and soy sauce
Meat-based and vegetable-based stains need slightly different treatment.
-
Try this first
Pre-wash stain remover, then launder
Treat the stain with a pre-wash spot and stain remover, then launder.
Test any stain remover on a hidden seam or hem first, and check the care label.
-
Then try
Oxygen bleach soak
Soak in warm water with an oxygen bleach for 15 to 30 minutes, then launder with heavy-duty detergent and a bleach that is safe for the fabric.
-
Then try
Dish soap and ammonia soak (meat-based soup)
Soak for 15 minutes in 1 quart warm water with 1/2 teaspoon dish detergent and 1 tablespoon ammonia, stirring or blotting now and then. Rinse until every trace of ammonia is gone. Then soak 30 minutes in 1 quart warm water with 1 tablespoon oxygen bleach and wash.
Never mix ammonia and chlorine bleach, and rinse well between one stain remover and the next.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
QT Bird · qtbird.com/stain-library/
Food
Ice cream
Milk and sugar: soak it first with an enzyme product. (Chocolate ice cream is under Chocolate.)
-
Try this first
Enzyme soak
Pretreat or soak the stain in a product with enzymes for at least 30 minutes, longer if it is old. Launder in the warmest water the fabric can safely handle.
Test any stain remover on a hidden seam or hem first, and check the care label.
-
Then try
Pre-wash remover, then dish soap and ammonia
Blot, pretreat with a pre-wash stain remover and launder. If a stain is left, apply a few drops each of dish soap and ammonia, flush out all the ammonia, soak 30 minutes in 1 quart warm water with 1 tablespoon oxygen bleach and wash.
Never mix ammonia and chlorine bleach, and rinse well between one stain remover and the next.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
QT Bird · qtbird.com/stain-library/
Food
Ketchup and tomato sauce
Tomato can stain for good, so treat it right away.
-
Try this first
Pre-wash stain remover, then heavy-duty liquid detergent
Treat the stain with a pre-wash spot and stain remover, following the label, then launder with heavy-duty liquid detergent.
Test any stain remover on a hidden seam or hem first, and check the care label.
-
Then try
Liquid detergent and an enzyme presoak
Freely apply liquid detergent, work it into the stain, rinse your hands and repeat. Wash with detergent plus a non-chlorine bleach with enzyme presoak. If the stain is still there, soak the item for a day or two, stirring the water now and then, then wash again and let it air dry.
-
Then try
On a carpet or couch
Sponge the stain with cool water. Spray a laundry pre-treater such as Spray ‘n Wash or Shout, agitate lightly with a toothbrush or your fingers and blot with a white folded cloth, turning it as it picks up stain. Sponge with cool water to rinse and blot. If a stain is left, sponge with 1 part white vinegar mixed with 1 part water, blot and rinse with clear water.
Do not over-wet a couch: the fabric finish can leave a ring. Test a hidden spot first.
-
Then try
Step by step: from the back, then detergent
Remove the excess with a spoon or knife without rubbing it in. Run cold water through the back of the stain right away: never rinse from the front, which pushes it deeper. Gently work liquid detergent in with small circles, from the outer edge in. On white or colorfast fabric, apply a mild bleaching agent such as hydrogen peroxide or white vinegar with a sponge (lemon juice works on white), and rinse well. Repeat until the stain is gone, holding it to the light to check. Apply a stain remover for at least 5 minutes, then wash. If it remains, work in more detergent, soak in warm water 30 minutes and wash again.
Do not dab at the stain: that spreads it. Check the care label and test a hidden spot first. Do not put the item in the dryer until the stain is gone.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
QT Bird · qtbird.com/stain-library/
Food
Marshmallow, s’mores and sorbet
These are mostly sugar, so water does the work. Heat sets sugar, so skip hot first.
-
Try this first
Scrape and warm-soak
Scrape off what you can. Soak the spot in warm water with a drop of dish soap for 15 to 30 minutes, then rub and rinse until the stickiness is gone.
-
Then try
Color or chocolate in it?
For colored sorbet or chocolate s’mores, treat the color as a fruit or chocolate stain next, then wash and check before drying.
Do not put sugar stains in the dryer: the heat bakes them in.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
QT Bird · qtbird.com/stain-library/
Food
Meat, chicken, fish and seafood
Meat juices are protein, so start with cool water, not hot. Fried and fatty foods are grease too: treat the grease first.
-
Try this first
Cool water, then an enzyme soak
Rinse in cool water. Pretreat or soak the stain in a product with enzymes for at least 30 minutes (several hours for an aged stain), or overnight in a laundry pre-soak such as Biz or Axion. Then launder.
Test any stain remover on a hidden seam or hem first, and check the care label. Enzyme products are not for silk or wool.
-
Then try
Dish soap and ammonia, then an oxygen bleach (meat-based sauces and soups)
Soak for 15 minutes in 1 quart warm water with 1/2 teaspoon dish detergent and 1 tablespoon ammonia, stirring or blotting now and then. Rinse until every trace of ammonia is gone. Then soak 30 minutes in 1 quart warm water with 1 tablespoon oxygen bleach and wash.
Never mix ammonia and chlorine bleach, and rinse well between one stain remover and the next.
-
Then try
Fried or greasy: the grease first
For fried chicken, bacon and other fatty foods, work liquid detergent or a pre-wash stain remover into the stain, rinse your hands and repeat, then wash at the highest temperature the care label allows.
Test any stain remover on a hidden seam or hem first, and check the care label.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
QT Bird · qtbird.com/stain-library/
Food
Mustard
Mustard has a yellow dye in it (turmeric), so treat it at once.
-
Try this first
Scrape, then a pre-wash stain remover
Scrape off the extra mustard. Sponge with a pre-wash soil and stain remover, then rinse.
-
Then try
Detergent and a few drops of vinegar
Work light-duty liquid detergent and a few drops of white vinegar into the stain. Rinse well.
-
Then try
3% hydrogen peroxide
If the stain is still there, apply 3% hydrogen peroxide, rinse and launder.
Hydrogen peroxide is a bleach and can lighten colors. Test any stain remover on a hidden seam or hem first, and check the care label.
-
Then try
Cold rinse, then a hot wash with bleach
Rinse under cold water to loosen the stain and pretreat with a pre-wash stain remover. Launder in the hottest water safe for the fabric, adding a bleach, preferably chlorine bleach if the fabric allows it.
Check the care label and test a hidden spot first. Do not put the item in the dryer until the stain is gone.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
QT Bird · qtbird.com/stain-library/
Food
Pesto and green sauces
Pesto is oil and green color. Treat the oil first.
-
Try this first
Oil first
Scrape off the extra, blot, and work liquid dish soap or detergent into the stain, leave 10 minutes and rinse.
-
Then try
Then the green
Pretreat with a laundry stain remover, wash in the warmest water the fabric allows, and look at the spot before drying. On whites, an oxygen bleach soak helps with what is left.
Test oxygen bleach on a hidden spot.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
QT Bird · qtbird.com/stain-library/
Food
Syrup and candy
Sticky sugar stains start with a cool-water soak.
-
Try this first
Cool water, then liquid detergent
Sponge the stain promptly with cool water, or soak it in cool water for 30 minutes or more. Work undiluted liquid detergent into the stain and rinse.
Test any stain remover on a hidden seam or hem first, and check the care label.
-
Then try
Vinegar soak, then rubbing alcohol
Soak for 15 minutes in 1 quart warm water with 1/2 teaspoon liquid dish detergent and 1 tablespoon white vinegar. Rinse with water. Sponge with rubbing alcohol and wash. If a stain stays, soak 30 minutes in 1 quart warm water with 1 tablespoon oxygen bleach and wash again.
Rubbing alcohol can take dye out of fabric. Test a hidden spot first.
-
Then try
Pre-wash stain remover and an oxygen bleach paste
Dampen the stain with a pre-wash spot and stain remover, following the label. Apply a paste of oxygen bleach and water and wash in warm to hot water with heavy-duty detergent.
-
Then try
Flush from the back
Remove the excess syrup with a blunt knife. Flush the back of the stain with cool to warm water. Pretreat with a stain remover or liquid detergent, leave it several minutes and rinse well. Wash according to the care label.
Check the care label and test a hidden spot first. Do not put the item in the dryer until the stain is gone.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
QT Bird · qtbird.com/stain-library/
Food
Vegetable stains
Vegetable stains come out with a vinegar soak and an oxygen bleach.
-
Try this first
Vinegar soak, then rubbing alcohol
Soak for 15 minutes in 1 quart warm water with 1/2 teaspoon liquid dish detergent and 1 tablespoon white vinegar. Rinse with water. Sponge with rubbing alcohol and wash.
Rubbing alcohol can take dye out of fabric. Test a hidden spot first.
-
Then try
Oxygen bleach soak, then a pre-wash remover
Soak 30 minutes in 1 quart warm water with 1 tablespoon oxygen bleach. Apply a pre-wash spot and stain remover and launder with heavy-duty detergent and oxygen bleach.
Test any stain remover on a hidden seam or hem first, and check the care label.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
QT Bird · qtbird.com/stain-library/
Food
Apple
Apple is a fruit stain, so treat it quickly with cool water before it dries.
-
Try this first
Cool water, then an oxygen bleach soak
Rinse the fresh stain promptly with cool water. Soak in warm water with an oxygen bleach (follow the label) for 15 to 30 minutes, then launder with heavy-duty detergent.
Test any stain remover on a hidden seam or hem first, and check the care label.
-
Then try
Vinegar soak, then rubbing alcohol
Soak for 15 minutes in 1 quart warm water with 1/2 teaspoon liquid dish detergent and 1 tablespoon white vinegar. Rinse, sponge with rubbing alcohol and wash. If a stain is left, soak 30 minutes in warm water with an oxygen bleach and wash again.
Rubbing alcohol can take dye out of fabric. Test a hidden spot first.
-
Then try
An enzyme soak
Pretreat or soak with an enzyme product: 30 minutes, or several hours for an older stain. Launder, and if the stain remains, use a bleach that is safe for the fabric.
Check the care label and test a hidden spot first. Do not put the item in the dryer until the stain is gone.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
QT Bird · qtbird.com/stain-library/
Food
Apple juice
Apple juice is a fruit stain, so treat it quickly with cool water before it dries.
-
Try this first
Cool water, then an oxygen bleach soak
Rinse the fresh stain promptly with cool water. Soak in warm water with an oxygen bleach (follow the label) for 15 to 30 minutes, then launder with heavy-duty detergent.
Test any stain remover on a hidden seam or hem first, and check the care label.
-
Then try
Vinegar soak, then rubbing alcohol
Soak for 15 minutes in 1 quart warm water with 1/2 teaspoon liquid dish detergent and 1 tablespoon white vinegar. Rinse, sponge with rubbing alcohol and wash. If a stain is left, soak 30 minutes in warm water with an oxygen bleach and wash again.
Rubbing alcohol can take dye out of fabric. Test a hidden spot first.
-
Then try
An enzyme soak
Pretreat or soak with an enzyme product: 30 minutes, or several hours for an older stain. Launder, and if the stain remains, use a bleach that is safe for the fabric.
Check the care label and test a hidden spot first. Do not put the item in the dryer until the stain is gone.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
QT Bird · qtbird.com/stain-library/
Food
Artichoke
Artichoke is a vegetable stain, so rinse it from the back with cool water first.
-
Try this first
Vinegar soak, then rubbing alcohol
Soak for 15 minutes in 1 quart warm water with 1/2 teaspoon liquid dish detergent and 1 tablespoon white vinegar. Rinse with water. Sponge with rubbing alcohol and wash.
Rubbing alcohol can take dye out of fabric. Test a hidden spot first.
-
Then try
Oxygen bleach soak, then a pre-wash remover
Soak 30 minutes in 1 quart warm water with 1 tablespoon oxygen bleach. Apply a pre-wash spot and stain remover and launder with heavy-duty detergent and oxygen bleach.
Test any stain remover on a hidden seam or hem first, and check the care label.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
QT Bird · qtbird.com/stain-library/
Food
Avocado
Avocado is a vegetable stain, so rinse it from the back with cool water first.
-
Try this first
Vinegar soak, then rubbing alcohol
Soak for 15 minutes in 1 quart warm water with 1/2 teaspoon liquid dish detergent and 1 tablespoon white vinegar. Rinse with water. Sponge with rubbing alcohol and wash.
Rubbing alcohol can take dye out of fabric. Test a hidden spot first.
-
Then try
Oxygen bleach soak, then a pre-wash remover
Soak 30 minutes in 1 quart warm water with 1 tablespoon oxygen bleach. Apply a pre-wash spot and stain remover and launder with heavy-duty detergent and oxygen bleach.
Test any stain remover on a hidden seam or hem first, and check the care label.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
QT Bird · qtbird.com/stain-library/
Food
Bacon
Bacon is a meat or fish stain: protein plus fat, so cool water first.
-
Try this first
Cool water, then an enzyme soak
Rinse in cool water. Pretreat or soak the stain in a product with enzymes for at least 30 minutes (several hours for an aged stain), or overnight in a laundry pre-soak such as Biz or Axion. Then launder.
Test any stain remover on a hidden seam or hem first, and check the care label. Enzyme products are not for silk or wool.
-
Then try
Dish soap and ammonia, then an oxygen bleach (meat-based sauces and soups)
Soak for 15 minutes in 1 quart warm water with 1/2 teaspoon dish detergent and 1 tablespoon ammonia, stirring or blotting now and then. Rinse until every trace of ammonia is gone. Then soak 30 minutes in 1 quart warm water with 1 tablespoon oxygen bleach and wash.
Never mix ammonia and chlorine bleach, and rinse well between one stain remover and the next.
-
Then try
Fried or greasy: the grease first
For fried chicken, bacon and other fatty foods, work liquid detergent or a pre-wash stain remover into the stain, rinse your hands and repeat, then wash at the highest temperature the care label allows.
Test any stain remover on a hidden seam or hem first, and check the care label.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
QT Bird · qtbird.com/stain-library/
Food
Baked beans
Baked beans is a sauce stain, so scrape off what you can and rinse from the back.
-
Try this first
Pre-wash stain remover, then heavy-duty liquid detergent
Treat the stain with a pre-wash spot and stain remover, following the label, then launder with heavy-duty liquid detergent.
Test any stain remover on a hidden seam or hem first, and check the care label.
-
Then try
Liquid detergent and an enzyme presoak
Freely apply liquid detergent, work it into the stain, rinse your hands and repeat. Wash with detergent plus a non-chlorine bleach with enzyme presoak. If the stain is still there, soak the item for a day or two, stirring the water now and then, then wash again and let it air dry.
-
Then try
On a carpet or couch
Sponge the stain with cool water. Spray a laundry pre-treater such as Spray ‘n Wash or Shout, agitate lightly with a toothbrush or your fingers and blot with a white folded cloth, turning it as it picks up stain. Sponge with cool water to rinse and blot. If a stain is left, sponge with 1 part white vinegar mixed with 1 part water, blot and rinse with clear water.
Do not over-wet a couch: the fabric finish can leave a ring. Test a hidden spot first.
-
Then try
Step by step: from the back, then detergent
Remove the excess with a spoon or knife without rubbing it in. Run cold water through the back of the stain right away: never rinse from the front, which pushes it deeper. Gently work liquid detergent in with small circles, from the outer edge in. On white or colorfast fabric, apply a mild bleaching agent such as hydrogen peroxide or white vinegar with a sponge (lemon juice works on white), and rinse well. Repeat until the stain is gone, holding it to the light to check. Apply a stain remover for at least 5 minutes, then wash. If it remains, work in more detergent, soak in warm water 30 minutes and wash again.
Do not dab at the stain: that spreads it. Check the care label and test a hidden spot first. Do not put the item in the dryer until the stain is gone.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
QT Bird · qtbird.com/stain-library/
Food
Banana
Banana is a fruit stain, so treat it quickly with cool water before it dries.
-
Try this first
Cool water, then an oxygen bleach soak
Rinse the fresh stain promptly with cool water. Soak in warm water with an oxygen bleach (follow the label) for 15 to 30 minutes, then launder with heavy-duty detergent.
Test any stain remover on a hidden seam or hem first, and check the care label.
-
Then try
Vinegar soak, then rubbing alcohol
Soak for 15 minutes in 1 quart warm water with 1/2 teaspoon liquid dish detergent and 1 tablespoon white vinegar. Rinse, sponge with rubbing alcohol and wash. If a stain is left, soak 30 minutes in warm water with an oxygen bleach and wash again.
Rubbing alcohol can take dye out of fabric. Test a hidden spot first.
-
Then try
An enzyme soak
Pretreat or soak with an enzyme product: 30 minutes, or several hours for an older stain. Launder, and if the stain remains, use a bleach that is safe for the fabric.
Check the care label and test a hidden spot first. Do not put the item in the dryer until the stain is gone.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
QT Bird · qtbird.com/stain-library/
Food
Beef
Beef is a meat or fish stain: protein plus fat, so cool water first.
-
Try this first
Cool water, then an enzyme soak
Rinse in cool water. Pretreat or soak the stain in a product with enzymes for at least 30 minutes (several hours for an aged stain), or overnight in a laundry pre-soak such as Biz or Axion. Then launder.
Test any stain remover on a hidden seam or hem first, and check the care label. Enzyme products are not for silk or wool.
-
Then try
Dish soap and ammonia, then an oxygen bleach (meat-based sauces and soups)
Soak for 15 minutes in 1 quart warm water with 1/2 teaspoon dish detergent and 1 tablespoon ammonia, stirring or blotting now and then. Rinse until every trace of ammonia is gone. Then soak 30 minutes in 1 quart warm water with 1 tablespoon oxygen bleach and wash.
Never mix ammonia and chlorine bleach, and rinse well between one stain remover and the next.
-
Then try
Fried or greasy: the grease first
For fried chicken, bacon and other fatty foods, work liquid detergent or a pre-wash stain remover into the stain, rinse your hands and repeat, then wash at the highest temperature the care label allows.
Test any stain remover on a hidden seam or hem first, and check the care label.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
QT Bird · qtbird.com/stain-library/
Food
Beet
Beet is a vegetable stain, so rinse it from the back with cool water first.
-
Try this first
Vinegar soak, then rubbing alcohol
Soak for 15 minutes in 1 quart warm water with 1/2 teaspoon liquid dish detergent and 1 tablespoon white vinegar. Rinse with water. Sponge with rubbing alcohol and wash.
Rubbing alcohol can take dye out of fabric. Test a hidden spot first.
-
Then try
Oxygen bleach soak, then a pre-wash remover
Soak 30 minutes in 1 quart warm water with 1 tablespoon oxygen bleach. Apply a pre-wash spot and stain remover and launder with heavy-duty detergent and oxygen bleach.
Test any stain remover on a hidden seam or hem first, and check the care label.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
QT Bird · qtbird.com/stain-library/
Food
Blackberry
Blackberry is a fruit stain, so treat it quickly with cool water before it dries.
-
Try this first
Cool water, then an oxygen bleach soak
Rinse the fresh stain promptly with cool water. Soak in warm water with an oxygen bleach (follow the label) for 15 to 30 minutes, then launder with heavy-duty detergent.
Test any stain remover on a hidden seam or hem first, and check the care label.
-
Then try
Vinegar soak, then rubbing alcohol
Soak for 15 minutes in 1 quart warm water with 1/2 teaspoon liquid dish detergent and 1 tablespoon white vinegar. Rinse, sponge with rubbing alcohol and wash. If a stain is left, soak 30 minutes in warm water with an oxygen bleach and wash again.
Rubbing alcohol can take dye out of fabric. Test a hidden spot first.
-
Then try
An enzyme soak
Pretreat or soak with an enzyme product: 30 minutes, or several hours for an older stain. Launder, and if the stain remains, use a bleach that is safe for the fabric.
Check the care label and test a hidden spot first. Do not put the item in the dryer until the stain is gone.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
QT Bird · qtbird.com/stain-library/
Food
Blueberry
Blueberry is a fruit stain, so treat it quickly with cool water before it dries.
-
Try this first
Cool water, then an oxygen bleach soak
Rinse the fresh stain promptly with cool water. Soak in warm water with an oxygen bleach (follow the label) for 15 to 30 minutes, then launder with heavy-duty detergent.
Test any stain remover on a hidden seam or hem first, and check the care label.
-
Then try
Vinegar soak, then rubbing alcohol
Soak for 15 minutes in 1 quart warm water with 1/2 teaspoon liquid dish detergent and 1 tablespoon white vinegar. Rinse, sponge with rubbing alcohol and wash. If a stain is left, soak 30 minutes in warm water with an oxygen bleach and wash again.
Rubbing alcohol can take dye out of fabric. Test a hidden spot first.
-
Then try
An enzyme soak
Pretreat or soak with an enzyme product: 30 minutes, or several hours for an older stain. Launder, and if the stain remains, use a bleach that is safe for the fabric.
Check the care label and test a hidden spot first. Do not put the item in the dryer until the stain is gone.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
QT Bird · qtbird.com/stain-library/
Food
Butter
Butter is an oily stain, so work in detergent or a grease cutter before washing.
-
Try this first
Liquid detergent worked in, then the hottest wash
Freely apply liquid detergent or a prewash stain remover, work it into the stained area, rinse your hands and repeat. Machine wash at the highest temperature the care label allows, with 1 cup of detergent.
Test any stain remover on a hidden seam or hem first, and check the care label.
-
Then try
Scrape and pretreat (butter, peanut butter)
Scrape off the extra. Pretreat with a spot remover and launder. For butter or margarine, rub detergent into the damp stain and wash in hot water with plenty of detergent and a bleach that is safe for the fabric.
-
Then try
Waterless hand cleaner (mayonnaise, peanut butter)
Sponge with a waterless hand cleaner and rinse. Let it air dry, apply detergent and launder.
-
Then try
Dish soap and a few drops of ammonia
If a stain stays, apply a few drops each of dish soap and ammonia and flush until every trace of ammonia is gone. Soak 30 minutes in 1 quart warm water with 1 tablespoon oxygen bleach, rinse and wash.
Never mix ammonia and chlorine bleach, and rinse well between one stain remover and the next.
-
Then try
Pre-wash remover and the hottest safe wash
Pretreat with a pre-wash stain remover, then launder in the hottest water that is safe for the fabric.
Check the care label and test a hidden spot first. Do not put the item in the dryer until the stain is gone.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
QT Bird · qtbird.com/stain-library/
Food
Cake and frosting
Cake and frosting is a protein stain (like egg, milk and blood), so start with cool water, never hot.
-
Try this first
Cold soak, then detergent
Soak in cold water for about 30 minutes. Work a little liquid laundry detergent, shampoo or dish liquid into the stain and leave it about 30 minutes. Rinse.
-
Then try
Overnight pre-soak
Soak overnight in a laundry pre-soak such as Biz or Axion. It is very good for milk, egg, blood and perspiration. If you have no pre-soak powder, use any laundry detergent. Then wash in the hottest water that is safe for the fabric.
Test any stain remover on a hidden seam or hem first, and check the care label.
-
Then try
An enzyme soak
Pretreat or soak the stain in a product with enzymes for at least 30 minutes, or several hours for an aged stain. Then launder.
Check the care label and test a hidden spot first. Do not put the item in the dryer until the stain is gone.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
QT Bird · qtbird.com/stain-library/
Food
Canola oil
Canola oil is an oily stain, so work in detergent or a grease cutter before washing.
-
Try this first
Liquid detergent worked in, then the hottest wash
Freely apply liquid detergent or a prewash stain remover, work it into the stained area, rinse your hands and repeat. Machine wash at the highest temperature the care label allows, with 1 cup of detergent.
Test any stain remover on a hidden seam or hem first, and check the care label.
-
Then try
Scrape and pretreat (butter, peanut butter)
Scrape off the extra. Pretreat with a spot remover and launder. For butter or margarine, rub detergent into the damp stain and wash in hot water with plenty of detergent and a bleach that is safe for the fabric.
-
Then try
Waterless hand cleaner (mayonnaise, peanut butter)
Sponge with a waterless hand cleaner and rinse. Let it air dry, apply detergent and launder.
-
Then try
Dish soap and a few drops of ammonia
If a stain stays, apply a few drops each of dish soap and ammonia and flush until every trace of ammonia is gone. Soak 30 minutes in 1 quart warm water with 1 tablespoon oxygen bleach, rinse and wash.
Never mix ammonia and chlorine bleach, and rinse well between one stain remover and the next.
-
Then try
Pre-wash remover and the hottest safe wash
Pretreat with a pre-wash stain remover, then launder in the hottest water that is safe for the fabric.
Check the care label and test a hidden spot first. Do not put the item in the dryer until the stain is gone.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
QT Bird · qtbird.com/stain-library/
Food
Caramel
Caramel is a sugary stain, so soak it in warm water to dissolve the sugar.
-
Try this first
Cool water, then liquid detergent
Sponge the stain promptly with cool water, or soak it in cool water for 30 minutes or more. Work undiluted liquid detergent into the stain and rinse.
Test any stain remover on a hidden seam or hem first, and check the care label.
-
Then try
Vinegar soak, then rubbing alcohol
Soak for 15 minutes in 1 quart warm water with 1/2 teaspoon liquid dish detergent and 1 tablespoon white vinegar. Rinse with water. Sponge with rubbing alcohol and wash. If a stain stays, soak 30 minutes in 1 quart warm water with 1 tablespoon oxygen bleach and wash again.
Rubbing alcohol can take dye out of fabric. Test a hidden spot first.
-
Then try
Pre-wash stain remover and an oxygen bleach paste
Dampen the stain with a pre-wash spot and stain remover, following the label. Apply a paste of oxygen bleach and water and wash in warm to hot water with heavy-duty detergent.
-
Then try
Flush from the back
Remove the excess syrup with a blunt knife. Flush the back of the stain with cool to warm water. Pretreat with a stain remover or liquid detergent, leave it several minutes and rinse well. Wash according to the care label.
Check the care label and test a hidden spot first. Do not put the item in the dryer until the stain is gone.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
QT Bird · qtbird.com/stain-library/
Food
Carrot
Carrot is a vegetable stain, so rinse it from the back with cool water first.
-
Try this first
Vinegar soak, then rubbing alcohol
Soak for 15 minutes in 1 quart warm water with 1/2 teaspoon liquid dish detergent and 1 tablespoon white vinegar. Rinse with water. Sponge with rubbing alcohol and wash.
Rubbing alcohol can take dye out of fabric. Test a hidden spot first.
-
Then try
Oxygen bleach soak, then a pre-wash remover
Soak 30 minutes in 1 quart warm water with 1 tablespoon oxygen bleach. Apply a pre-wash spot and stain remover and launder with heavy-duty detergent and oxygen bleach.
Test any stain remover on a hidden seam or hem first, and check the care label.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
QT Bird · qtbird.com/stain-library/
Food
Celery
Celery is a vegetable stain, so rinse it from the back with cool water first.
-
Try this first
Vinegar soak, then rubbing alcohol
Soak for 15 minutes in 1 quart warm water with 1/2 teaspoon liquid dish detergent and 1 tablespoon white vinegar. Rinse with water. Sponge with rubbing alcohol and wash.
Rubbing alcohol can take dye out of fabric. Test a hidden spot first.
-
Then try
Oxygen bleach soak, then a pre-wash remover
Soak 30 minutes in 1 quart warm water with 1 tablespoon oxygen bleach. Apply a pre-wash spot and stain remover and launder with heavy-duty detergent and oxygen bleach.
Test any stain remover on a hidden seam or hem first, and check the care label.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
QT Bird · qtbird.com/stain-library/
Food
Cheese sauce
Cheese sauce is a protein stain (like egg, milk and blood), so start with cool water, never hot.
-
Try this first
Cold soak, then detergent
Soak in cold water for about 30 minutes. Work a little liquid laundry detergent, shampoo or dish liquid into the stain and leave it about 30 minutes. Rinse.
-
Then try
Overnight pre-soak
Soak overnight in a laundry pre-soak such as Biz or Axion. It is very good for milk, egg, blood and perspiration. If you have no pre-soak powder, use any laundry detergent. Then wash in the hottest water that is safe for the fabric.
Test any stain remover on a hidden seam or hem first, and check the care label.
-
Then try
An enzyme soak
Pretreat or soak the stain in a product with enzymes for at least 30 minutes, or several hours for an aged stain. Then launder.
Check the care label and test a hidden spot first. Do not put the item in the dryer until the stain is gone.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
QT Bird · qtbird.com/stain-library/
Food
Cherries
Cherries is a fruit stain, so treat it quickly with cool water before it dries.
-
Try this first
Cool water, then an oxygen bleach soak
Rinse the fresh stain promptly with cool water. Soak in warm water with an oxygen bleach (follow the label) for 15 to 30 minutes, then launder with heavy-duty detergent.
Test any stain remover on a hidden seam or hem first, and check the care label.
-
Then try
Vinegar soak, then rubbing alcohol
Soak for 15 minutes in 1 quart warm water with 1/2 teaspoon liquid dish detergent and 1 tablespoon white vinegar. Rinse, sponge with rubbing alcohol and wash. If a stain is left, soak 30 minutes in warm water with an oxygen bleach and wash again.
Rubbing alcohol can take dye out of fabric. Test a hidden spot first.
-
Then try
An enzyme soak
Pretreat or soak with an enzyme product: 30 minutes, or several hours for an older stain. Launder, and if the stain remains, use a bleach that is safe for the fabric.
Check the care label and test a hidden spot first. Do not put the item in the dryer until the stain is gone.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
QT Bird · qtbird.com/stain-library/
Food
Chicken
Chicken is a meat or fish stain: protein plus fat, so cool water first.
-
Try this first
Cool water, then an enzyme soak
Rinse in cool water. Pretreat or soak the stain in a product with enzymes for at least 30 minutes (several hours for an aged stain), or overnight in a laundry pre-soak such as Biz or Axion. Then launder.
Test any stain remover on a hidden seam or hem first, and check the care label. Enzyme products are not for silk or wool.
-
Then try
Dish soap and ammonia, then an oxygen bleach (meat-based sauces and soups)
Soak for 15 minutes in 1 quart warm water with 1/2 teaspoon dish detergent and 1 tablespoon ammonia, stirring or blotting now and then. Rinse until every trace of ammonia is gone. Then soak 30 minutes in 1 quart warm water with 1 tablespoon oxygen bleach and wash.
Never mix ammonia and chlorine bleach, and rinse well between one stain remover and the next.
-
Then try
Fried or greasy: the grease first
For fried chicken, bacon and other fatty foods, work liquid detergent or a pre-wash stain remover into the stain, rinse your hands and repeat, then wash at the highest temperature the care label allows.
Test any stain remover on a hidden seam or hem first, and check the care label.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
QT Bird · qtbird.com/stain-library/
Food
Cocoa
Cocoa is a chocolate-type stain, so scrape off any solid bits first.
-
Try this first
Fels Naptha and borax
Rub the stain with Fels-Naptha soap and let it sit in your filled washer with 20 Mule Team Borax for 30 minutes. Launder as usual.
-
Then try
Scrape, cool soak, pretreat, hot wash
Gently scrape off the excess. Soak in cool water, pretreat with a pre-wash stain remover and launder in the hottest water safe for the fabric. If a stain remains, rewash with a bleach that is safe for the fabric.
Check the care label and test a hidden spot first. Do not put the item in the dryer until the stain is gone.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
QT Bird · qtbird.com/stain-library/
Food
Corn
Corn is a vegetable stain, so rinse it from the back with cool water first.
-
Try this first
Vinegar soak, then rubbing alcohol
Soak for 15 minutes in 1 quart warm water with 1/2 teaspoon liquid dish detergent and 1 tablespoon white vinegar. Rinse with water. Sponge with rubbing alcohol and wash.
Rubbing alcohol can take dye out of fabric. Test a hidden spot first.
-
Then try
Oxygen bleach soak, then a pre-wash remover
Soak 30 minutes in 1 quart warm water with 1 tablespoon oxygen bleach. Apply a pre-wash spot and stain remover and launder with heavy-duty detergent and oxygen bleach.
Test any stain remover on a hidden seam or hem first, and check the care label.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
QT Bird · qtbird.com/stain-library/
Food
Cottage cheese
Cottage cheese is a protein stain (like egg, milk and blood), so start with cool water, never hot.
-
Try this first
Cold soak, then detergent
Soak in cold water for about 30 minutes. Work a little liquid laundry detergent, shampoo or dish liquid into the stain and leave it about 30 minutes. Rinse.
-
Then try
Overnight pre-soak
Soak overnight in a laundry pre-soak such as Biz or Axion. It is very good for milk, egg, blood and perspiration. If you have no pre-soak powder, use any laundry detergent. Then wash in the hottest water that is safe for the fabric.
Test any stain remover on a hidden seam or hem first, and check the care label.
-
Then try
An enzyme soak
Pretreat or soak the stain in a product with enzymes for at least 30 minutes, or several hours for an aged stain. Then launder.
Check the care label and test a hidden spot first. Do not put the item in the dryer until the stain is gone.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
QT Bird · qtbird.com/stain-library/
Food
Cranberry
Cranberry is a fruit stain, so treat it quickly with cool water before it dries.
-
Try this first
Cool water, then an oxygen bleach soak
Rinse the fresh stain promptly with cool water. Soak in warm water with an oxygen bleach (follow the label) for 15 to 30 minutes, then launder with heavy-duty detergent.
Test any stain remover on a hidden seam or hem first, and check the care label.
-
Then try
Vinegar soak, then rubbing alcohol
Soak for 15 minutes in 1 quart warm water with 1/2 teaspoon liquid dish detergent and 1 tablespoon white vinegar. Rinse, sponge with rubbing alcohol and wash. If a stain is left, soak 30 minutes in warm water with an oxygen bleach and wash again.
Rubbing alcohol can take dye out of fabric. Test a hidden spot first.
-
Then try
An enzyme soak
Pretreat or soak with an enzyme product: 30 minutes, or several hours for an older stain. Launder, and if the stain remains, use a bleach that is safe for the fabric.
Check the care label and test a hidden spot first. Do not put the item in the dryer until the stain is gone.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
QT Bird · qtbird.com/stain-library/
Food
Cream cheese
Cream cheese is a protein stain (like egg, milk and blood), so start with cool water, never hot.
-
Try this first
Cold soak, then detergent
Soak in cold water for about 30 minutes. Work a little liquid laundry detergent, shampoo or dish liquid into the stain and leave it about 30 minutes. Rinse.
-
Then try
Overnight pre-soak
Soak overnight in a laundry pre-soak such as Biz or Axion. It is very good for milk, egg, blood and perspiration. If you have no pre-soak powder, use any laundry detergent. Then wash in the hottest water that is safe for the fabric.
Test any stain remover on a hidden seam or hem first, and check the care label.
-
Then try
An enzyme soak
Pretreat or soak the stain in a product with enzymes for at least 30 minutes, or several hours for an aged stain. Then launder.
Check the care label and test a hidden spot first. Do not put the item in the dryer until the stain is gone.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
QT Bird · qtbird.com/stain-library/
Food
Dip
Dip is a protein stain (like egg, milk and blood), so start with cool water, never hot.
-
Try this first
Cold soak, then detergent
Soak in cold water for about 30 minutes. Work a little liquid laundry detergent, shampoo or dish liquid into the stain and leave it about 30 minutes. Rinse.
-
Then try
Overnight pre-soak
Soak overnight in a laundry pre-soak such as Biz or Axion. It is very good for milk, egg, blood and perspiration. If you have no pre-soak powder, use any laundry detergent. Then wash in the hottest water that is safe for the fabric.
Test any stain remover on a hidden seam or hem first, and check the care label.
-
Then try
An enzyme soak
Pretreat or soak the stain in a product with enzymes for at least 30 minutes, or several hours for an aged stain. Then launder.
Check the care label and test a hidden spot first. Do not put the item in the dryer until the stain is gone.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
QT Bird · qtbird.com/stain-library/
Food
Duck
Duck is a meat or fish stain: protein plus fat, so cool water first.
-
Try this first
Cool water, then an enzyme soak
Rinse in cool water. Pretreat or soak the stain in a product with enzymes for at least 30 minutes (several hours for an aged stain), or overnight in a laundry pre-soak such as Biz or Axion. Then launder.
Test any stain remover on a hidden seam or hem first, and check the care label. Enzyme products are not for silk or wool.
-
Then try
Dish soap and ammonia, then an oxygen bleach (meat-based sauces and soups)
Soak for 15 minutes in 1 quart warm water with 1/2 teaspoon dish detergent and 1 tablespoon ammonia, stirring or blotting now and then. Rinse until every trace of ammonia is gone. Then soak 30 minutes in 1 quart warm water with 1 tablespoon oxygen bleach and wash.
Never mix ammonia and chlorine bleach, and rinse well between one stain remover and the next.
-
Then try
Fried or greasy: the grease first
For fried chicken, bacon and other fatty foods, work liquid detergent or a pre-wash stain remover into the stain, rinse your hands and repeat, then wash at the highest temperature the care label allows.
Test any stain remover on a hidden seam or hem first, and check the care label.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
QT Bird · qtbird.com/stain-library/
Food
Eggplant
Eggplant is a vegetable stain, so rinse it from the back with cool water first.
-
Try this first
Vinegar soak, then rubbing alcohol
Soak for 15 minutes in 1 quart warm water with 1/2 teaspoon liquid dish detergent and 1 tablespoon white vinegar. Rinse with water. Sponge with rubbing alcohol and wash.
Rubbing alcohol can take dye out of fabric. Test a hidden spot first.
-
Then try
Oxygen bleach soak, then a pre-wash remover
Soak 30 minutes in 1 quart warm water with 1 tablespoon oxygen bleach. Apply a pre-wash spot and stain remover and launder with heavy-duty detergent and oxygen bleach.
Test any stain remover on a hidden seam or hem first, and check the care label.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
QT Bird · qtbird.com/stain-library/
Food
Fish
Fish is a meat or fish stain: protein plus fat, so cool water first.
-
Try this first
Cool water, then an enzyme soak
Rinse in cool water. Pretreat or soak the stain in a product with enzymes for at least 30 minutes (several hours for an aged stain), or overnight in a laundry pre-soak such as Biz or Axion. Then launder.
Test any stain remover on a hidden seam or hem first, and check the care label. Enzyme products are not for silk or wool.
-
Then try
Dish soap and ammonia, then an oxygen bleach (meat-based sauces and soups)
Soak for 15 minutes in 1 quart warm water with 1/2 teaspoon dish detergent and 1 tablespoon ammonia, stirring or blotting now and then. Rinse until every trace of ammonia is gone. Then soak 30 minutes in 1 quart warm water with 1 tablespoon oxygen bleach and wash.
Never mix ammonia and chlorine bleach, and rinse well between one stain remover and the next.
-
Then try
Fried or greasy: the grease first
For fried chicken, bacon and other fatty foods, work liquid detergent or a pre-wash stain remover into the stain, rinse your hands and repeat, then wash at the highest temperature the care label allows.
Test any stain remover on a hidden seam or hem first, and check the care label.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
QT Bird · qtbird.com/stain-library/
Food
Fried chicken
Fried chicken is a meat or fish stain: protein plus fat, so cool water first.
-
Try this first
Cool water, then an enzyme soak
Rinse in cool water. Pretreat or soak the stain in a product with enzymes for at least 30 minutes (several hours for an aged stain), or overnight in a laundry pre-soak such as Biz or Axion. Then launder.
Test any stain remover on a hidden seam or hem first, and check the care label. Enzyme products are not for silk or wool.
-
Then try
Dish soap and ammonia, then an oxygen bleach (meat-based sauces and soups)
Soak for 15 minutes in 1 quart warm water with 1/2 teaspoon dish detergent and 1 tablespoon ammonia, stirring or blotting now and then. Rinse until every trace of ammonia is gone. Then soak 30 minutes in 1 quart warm water with 1 tablespoon oxygen bleach and wash.
Never mix ammonia and chlorine bleach, and rinse well between one stain remover and the next.
-
Then try
Fried or greasy: the grease first
For fried chicken, bacon and other fatty foods, work liquid detergent or a pre-wash stain remover into the stain, rinse your hands and repeat, then wash at the highest temperature the care label allows.
Test any stain remover on a hidden seam or hem first, and check the care label.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
QT Bird · qtbird.com/stain-library/
Food
Fruit
Fruit is a fruit stain, so treat it quickly with cool water before it dries.
-
Try this first
Cool water, then an oxygen bleach soak
Rinse the fresh stain promptly with cool water. Soak in warm water with an oxygen bleach (follow the label) for 15 to 30 minutes, then launder with heavy-duty detergent.
Test any stain remover on a hidden seam or hem first, and check the care label.
-
Then try
Vinegar soak, then rubbing alcohol
Soak for 15 minutes in 1 quart warm water with 1/2 teaspoon liquid dish detergent and 1 tablespoon white vinegar. Rinse, sponge with rubbing alcohol and wash. If a stain is left, soak 30 minutes in warm water with an oxygen bleach and wash again.
Rubbing alcohol can take dye out of fabric. Test a hidden spot first.
-
Then try
An enzyme soak
Pretreat or soak with an enzyme product: 30 minutes, or several hours for an older stain. Launder, and if the stain remains, use a bleach that is safe for the fabric.
Check the care label and test a hidden spot first. Do not put the item in the dryer until the stain is gone.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
QT Bird · qtbird.com/stain-library/
Food
Fruit juice
Fruit juice is a fruit stain, so treat it quickly with cool water before it dries.
-
Try this first
Cool water, then an oxygen bleach soak
Rinse the fresh stain promptly with cool water. Soak in warm water with an oxygen bleach (follow the label) for 15 to 30 minutes, then launder with heavy-duty detergent.
Test any stain remover on a hidden seam or hem first, and check the care label.
-
Then try
Vinegar soak, then rubbing alcohol
Soak for 15 minutes in 1 quart warm water with 1/2 teaspoon liquid dish detergent and 1 tablespoon white vinegar. Rinse, sponge with rubbing alcohol and wash. If a stain is left, soak 30 minutes in warm water with an oxygen bleach and wash again.
Rubbing alcohol can take dye out of fabric. Test a hidden spot first.
-
Then try
An enzyme soak
Pretreat or soak with an enzyme product: 30 minutes, or several hours for an older stain. Launder, and if the stain remains, use a bleach that is safe for the fabric.
Check the care label and test a hidden spot first. Do not put the item in the dryer until the stain is gone.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
QT Bird · qtbird.com/stain-library/
Food
Grape juice
Grape juice is a fruit stain, so treat it quickly with cool water before it dries.
-
Try this first
Cool water, then an oxygen bleach soak
Rinse the fresh stain promptly with cool water. Soak in warm water with an oxygen bleach (follow the label) for 15 to 30 minutes, then launder with heavy-duty detergent.
Test any stain remover on a hidden seam or hem first, and check the care label.
-
Then try
Vinegar soak, then rubbing alcohol
Soak for 15 minutes in 1 quart warm water with 1/2 teaspoon liquid dish detergent and 1 tablespoon white vinegar. Rinse, sponge with rubbing alcohol and wash. If a stain is left, soak 30 minutes in warm water with an oxygen bleach and wash again.
Rubbing alcohol can take dye out of fabric. Test a hidden spot first.
-
Then try
An enzyme soak
Pretreat or soak with an enzyme product: 30 minutes, or several hours for an older stain. Launder, and if the stain remains, use a bleach that is safe for the fabric.
Check the care label and test a hidden spot first. Do not put the item in the dryer until the stain is gone.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
QT Bird · qtbird.com/stain-library/
Food
Grapefruit
Grapefruit is a fruit stain, so treat it quickly with cool water before it dries.
-
Try this first
Cool water, then an oxygen bleach soak
Rinse the fresh stain promptly with cool water. Soak in warm water with an oxygen bleach (follow the label) for 15 to 30 minutes, then launder with heavy-duty detergent.
Test any stain remover on a hidden seam or hem first, and check the care label.
-
Then try
Vinegar soak, then rubbing alcohol
Soak for 15 minutes in 1 quart warm water with 1/2 teaspoon liquid dish detergent and 1 tablespoon white vinegar. Rinse, sponge with rubbing alcohol and wash. If a stain is left, soak 30 minutes in warm water with an oxygen bleach and wash again.
Rubbing alcohol can take dye out of fabric. Test a hidden spot first.
-
Then try
An enzyme soak
Pretreat or soak with an enzyme product: 30 minutes, or several hours for an older stain. Launder, and if the stain remains, use a bleach that is safe for the fabric.
Check the care label and test a hidden spot first. Do not put the item in the dryer until the stain is gone.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
QT Bird · qtbird.com/stain-library/
Food
Gravy
Gravy is a sauce stain, so scrape off what you can and rinse from the back.
-
Try this first
Cut the grease first
Gravy is part grease. Scrape off any extra, work a little liquid dish soap or heavy-duty liquid detergent into the stain, let it stand a few minutes and rinse with warm water. Then treat any color that is left as below.
-
Then try
Pre-wash stain remover, then heavy-duty liquid detergent
Treat the stain with a pre-wash spot and stain remover, following the label, then launder with heavy-duty liquid detergent.
Test any stain remover on a hidden seam or hem first, and check the care label.
-
Then try
Liquid detergent and an enzyme presoak
Freely apply liquid detergent, work it into the stain, rinse your hands and repeat. Wash with detergent plus a non-chlorine bleach with enzyme presoak. If the stain is still there, soak the item for a day or two, stirring the water now and then, then wash again and let it air dry.
-
Then try
On a carpet or couch
Sponge the stain with cool water. Spray a laundry pre-treater such as Spray ‘n Wash or Shout, agitate lightly with a toothbrush or your fingers and blot with a white folded cloth, turning it as it picks up stain. Sponge with cool water to rinse and blot. If a stain is left, sponge with 1 part white vinegar mixed with 1 part water, blot and rinse with clear water.
Do not over-wet a couch: the fabric finish can leave a ring. Test a hidden spot first.
-
Then try
Step by step: from the back, then detergent
Remove the excess with a spoon or knife without rubbing it in. Run cold water through the back of the stain right away: never rinse from the front, which pushes it deeper. Gently work liquid detergent in with small circles, from the outer edge in. On white or colorfast fabric, apply a mild bleaching agent such as hydrogen peroxide or white vinegar with a sponge (lemon juice works on white), and rinse well. Repeat until the stain is gone, holding it to the light to check. Apply a stain remover for at least 5 minutes, then wash. If it remains, work in more detergent, soak in warm water 30 minutes and wash again.
Do not dab at the stain: that spreads it. Check the care label and test a hidden spot first. Do not put the item in the dryer until the stain is gone.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
QT Bird · qtbird.com/stain-library/
Food
Hamburger
Hamburger is a meat or fish stain: protein plus fat, so cool water first.
-
Try this first
Cool water, then an enzyme soak
Rinse in cool water. Pretreat or soak the stain in a product with enzymes for at least 30 minutes (several hours for an aged stain), or overnight in a laundry pre-soak such as Biz or Axion. Then launder.
Test any stain remover on a hidden seam or hem first, and check the care label. Enzyme products are not for silk or wool.
-
Then try
Dish soap and ammonia, then an oxygen bleach (meat-based sauces and soups)
Soak for 15 minutes in 1 quart warm water with 1/2 teaspoon dish detergent and 1 tablespoon ammonia, stirring or blotting now and then. Rinse until every trace of ammonia is gone. Then soak 30 minutes in 1 quart warm water with 1 tablespoon oxygen bleach and wash.
Never mix ammonia and chlorine bleach, and rinse well between one stain remover and the next.
-
Then try
Fried or greasy: the grease first
For fried chicken, bacon and other fatty foods, work liquid detergent or a pre-wash stain remover into the stain, rinse your hands and repeat, then wash at the highest temperature the care label allows.
Test any stain remover on a hidden seam or hem first, and check the care label.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
QT Bird · qtbird.com/stain-library/
Food
Honey
Honey is a sugary stain, so soak it in warm water to dissolve the sugar.
-
Try this first
Cool water, then liquid detergent
Sponge the stain promptly with cool water, or soak it in cool water for 30 minutes or more. Work undiluted liquid detergent into the stain and rinse.
Test any stain remover on a hidden seam or hem first, and check the care label.
-
Then try
Vinegar soak, then rubbing alcohol
Soak for 15 minutes in 1 quart warm water with 1/2 teaspoon liquid dish detergent and 1 tablespoon white vinegar. Rinse with water. Sponge with rubbing alcohol and wash. If a stain stays, soak 30 minutes in 1 quart warm water with 1 tablespoon oxygen bleach and wash again.
Rubbing alcohol can take dye out of fabric. Test a hidden spot first.
-
Then try
Pre-wash stain remover and an oxygen bleach paste
Dampen the stain with a pre-wash spot and stain remover, following the label. Apply a paste of oxygen bleach and water and wash in warm to hot water with heavy-duty detergent.
-
Then try
Flush from the back
Remove the excess syrup with a blunt knife. Flush the back of the stain with cool to warm water. Pretreat with a stain remover or liquid detergent, leave it several minutes and rinse well. Wash according to the care label.
Check the care label and test a hidden spot first. Do not put the item in the dryer until the stain is gone.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
QT Bird · qtbird.com/stain-library/
Food
Hot sauce
Hot sauce is a sauce stain, so scrape off what you can and rinse from the back.
-
Try this first
Pre-wash stain remover, then heavy-duty liquid detergent
Treat the stain with a pre-wash spot and stain remover, following the label, then launder with heavy-duty liquid detergent.
Test any stain remover on a hidden seam or hem first, and check the care label.
-
Then try
Liquid detergent and an enzyme presoak
Freely apply liquid detergent, work it into the stain, rinse your hands and repeat. Wash with detergent plus a non-chlorine bleach with enzyme presoak. If the stain is still there, soak the item for a day or two, stirring the water now and then, then wash again and let it air dry.
-
Then try
On a carpet or couch
Sponge the stain with cool water. Spray a laundry pre-treater such as Spray ‘n Wash or Shout, agitate lightly with a toothbrush or your fingers and blot with a white folded cloth, turning it as it picks up stain. Sponge with cool water to rinse and blot. If a stain is left, sponge with 1 part white vinegar mixed with 1 part water, blot and rinse with clear water.
Do not over-wet a couch: the fabric finish can leave a ring. Test a hidden spot first.
-
Then try
Step by step: from the back, then detergent
Remove the excess with a spoon or knife without rubbing it in. Run cold water through the back of the stain right away: never rinse from the front, which pushes it deeper. Gently work liquid detergent in with small circles, from the outer edge in. On white or colorfast fabric, apply a mild bleaching agent such as hydrogen peroxide or white vinegar with a sponge (lemon juice works on white), and rinse well. Repeat until the stain is gone, holding it to the light to check. Apply a stain remover for at least 5 minutes, then wash. If it remains, work in more detergent, soak in warm water 30 minutes and wash again.
Do not dab at the stain: that spreads it. Check the care label and test a hidden spot first. Do not put the item in the dryer until the stain is gone.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
QT Bird · qtbird.com/stain-library/
Food
Jam and jelly
Jam and jelly is a fruit stain, so treat it quickly with cool water before it dries.
-
Try this first
Cool water, then an oxygen bleach soak
Rinse the fresh stain promptly with cool water. Soak in warm water with an oxygen bleach (follow the label) for 15 to 30 minutes, then launder with heavy-duty detergent.
Test any stain remover on a hidden seam or hem first, and check the care label.
-
Then try
Vinegar soak, then rubbing alcohol
Soak for 15 minutes in 1 quart warm water with 1/2 teaspoon liquid dish detergent and 1 tablespoon white vinegar. Rinse, sponge with rubbing alcohol and wash. If a stain is left, soak 30 minutes in warm water with an oxygen bleach and wash again.
Rubbing alcohol can take dye out of fabric. Test a hidden spot first.
-
Then try
An enzyme soak
Pretreat or soak with an enzyme product: 30 minutes, or several hours for an older stain. Launder, and if the stain remains, use a bleach that is safe for the fabric.
Check the care label and test a hidden spot first. Do not put the item in the dryer until the stain is gone.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
QT Bird · qtbird.com/stain-library/
Food
Jello
Jello is a fruit stain, so treat it quickly with cool water before it dries.
-
Try this first
Cool water, then an oxygen bleach soak
Rinse the fresh stain promptly with cool water. Soak in warm water with an oxygen bleach (follow the label) for 15 to 30 minutes, then launder with heavy-duty detergent.
Test any stain remover on a hidden seam or hem first, and check the care label.
-
Then try
Vinegar soak, then rubbing alcohol
Soak for 15 minutes in 1 quart warm water with 1/2 teaspoon liquid dish detergent and 1 tablespoon white vinegar. Rinse, sponge with rubbing alcohol and wash. If a stain is left, soak 30 minutes in warm water with an oxygen bleach and wash again.
Rubbing alcohol can take dye out of fabric. Test a hidden spot first.
-
Then try
An enzyme soak
Pretreat or soak with an enzyme product: 30 minutes, or several hours for an older stain. Launder, and if the stain remains, use a bleach that is safe for the fabric.
Check the care label and test a hidden spot first. Do not put the item in the dryer until the stain is gone.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
QT Bird · qtbird.com/stain-library/
Food
Kiwi
Kiwi is a fruit stain, so treat it quickly with cool water before it dries.
-
Try this first
Cool water, then an oxygen bleach soak
Rinse the fresh stain promptly with cool water. Soak in warm water with an oxygen bleach (follow the label) for 15 to 30 minutes, then launder with heavy-duty detergent.
Test any stain remover on a hidden seam or hem first, and check the care label.
-
Then try
Vinegar soak, then rubbing alcohol
Soak for 15 minutes in 1 quart warm water with 1/2 teaspoon liquid dish detergent and 1 tablespoon white vinegar. Rinse, sponge with rubbing alcohol and wash. If a stain is left, soak 30 minutes in warm water with an oxygen bleach and wash again.
Rubbing alcohol can take dye out of fabric. Test a hidden spot first.
-
Then try
An enzyme soak
Pretreat or soak with an enzyme product: 30 minutes, or several hours for an older stain. Launder, and if the stain remains, use a bleach that is safe for the fabric.
Check the care label and test a hidden spot first. Do not put the item in the dryer until the stain is gone.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
QT Bird · qtbird.com/stain-library/
Food
Lamb
Lamb is a meat or fish stain: protein plus fat, so cool water first.
-
Try this first
Cool water, then an enzyme soak
Rinse in cool water. Pretreat or soak the stain in a product with enzymes for at least 30 minutes (several hours for an aged stain), or overnight in a laundry pre-soak such as Biz or Axion. Then launder.
Test any stain remover on a hidden seam or hem first, and check the care label. Enzyme products are not for silk or wool.
-
Then try
Dish soap and ammonia, then an oxygen bleach (meat-based sauces and soups)
Soak for 15 minutes in 1 quart warm water with 1/2 teaspoon dish detergent and 1 tablespoon ammonia, stirring or blotting now and then. Rinse until every trace of ammonia is gone. Then soak 30 minutes in 1 quart warm water with 1 tablespoon oxygen bleach and wash.
Never mix ammonia and chlorine bleach, and rinse well between one stain remover and the next.
-
Then try
Fried or greasy: the grease first
For fried chicken, bacon and other fatty foods, work liquid detergent or a pre-wash stain remover into the stain, rinse your hands and repeat, then wash at the highest temperature the care label allows.
Test any stain remover on a hidden seam or hem first, and check the care label.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
QT Bird · qtbird.com/stain-library/
Food
Lemon and lime juice
Lemon and lime juice is a fruit stain, so treat it quickly with cool water before it dries.
-
Try this first
Cool water, then an oxygen bleach soak
Rinse the fresh stain promptly with cool water. Soak in warm water with an oxygen bleach (follow the label) for 15 to 30 minutes, then launder with heavy-duty detergent.
Test any stain remover on a hidden seam or hem first, and check the care label.
-
Then try
Vinegar soak, then rubbing alcohol
Soak for 15 minutes in 1 quart warm water with 1/2 teaspoon liquid dish detergent and 1 tablespoon white vinegar. Rinse, sponge with rubbing alcohol and wash. If a stain is left, soak 30 minutes in warm water with an oxygen bleach and wash again.
Rubbing alcohol can take dye out of fabric. Test a hidden spot first.
-
Then try
An enzyme soak
Pretreat or soak with an enzyme product: 30 minutes, or several hours for an older stain. Launder, and if the stain remains, use a bleach that is safe for the fabric.
Check the care label and test a hidden spot first. Do not put the item in the dryer until the stain is gone.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
QT Bird · qtbird.com/stain-library/
Food
Mango
Mango is a fruit stain, so treat it quickly with cool water before it dries.
-
Try this first
Cool water, then an oxygen bleach soak
Rinse the fresh stain promptly with cool water. Soak in warm water with an oxygen bleach (follow the label) for 15 to 30 minutes, then launder with heavy-duty detergent.
Test any stain remover on a hidden seam or hem first, and check the care label.
-
Then try
Vinegar soak, then rubbing alcohol
Soak for 15 minutes in 1 quart warm water with 1/2 teaspoon liquid dish detergent and 1 tablespoon white vinegar. Rinse, sponge with rubbing alcohol and wash. If a stain is left, soak 30 minutes in warm water with an oxygen bleach and wash again.
Rubbing alcohol can take dye out of fabric. Test a hidden spot first.
-
Then try
An enzyme soak
Pretreat or soak with an enzyme product: 30 minutes, or several hours for an older stain. Launder, and if the stain remains, use a bleach that is safe for the fabric.
Check the care label and test a hidden spot first. Do not put the item in the dryer until the stain is gone.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
QT Bird · qtbird.com/stain-library/
Food
Maple syrup
Maple syrup is a sugary stain, so soak it in warm water to dissolve the sugar.
-
Try this first
Cool water, then liquid detergent
Sponge the stain promptly with cool water, or soak it in cool water for 30 minutes or more. Work undiluted liquid detergent into the stain and rinse.
Test any stain remover on a hidden seam or hem first, and check the care label.
-
Then try
Vinegar soak, then rubbing alcohol
Soak for 15 minutes in 1 quart warm water with 1/2 teaspoon liquid dish detergent and 1 tablespoon white vinegar. Rinse with water. Sponge with rubbing alcohol and wash. If a stain stays, soak 30 minutes in 1 quart warm water with 1 tablespoon oxygen bleach and wash again.
Rubbing alcohol can take dye out of fabric. Test a hidden spot first.
-
Then try
Pre-wash stain remover and an oxygen bleach paste
Dampen the stain with a pre-wash spot and stain remover, following the label. Apply a paste of oxygen bleach and water and wash in warm to hot water with heavy-duty detergent.
-
Then try
Flush from the back
Remove the excess syrup with a blunt knife. Flush the back of the stain with cool to warm water. Pretreat with a stain remover or liquid detergent, leave it several minutes and rinse well. Wash according to the care label.
Check the care label and test a hidden spot first. Do not put the item in the dryer until the stain is gone.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
QT Bird · qtbird.com/stain-library/
Food
Margarine
Margarine is an oily stain, so work in detergent or a grease cutter before washing.
-
Try this first
Liquid detergent worked in, then the hottest wash
Freely apply liquid detergent or a prewash stain remover, work it into the stained area, rinse your hands and repeat. Machine wash at the highest temperature the care label allows, with 1 cup of detergent.
Test any stain remover on a hidden seam or hem first, and check the care label.
-
Then try
Scrape and pretreat (butter, peanut butter)
Scrape off the extra. Pretreat with a spot remover and launder. For butter or margarine, rub detergent into the damp stain and wash in hot water with plenty of detergent and a bleach that is safe for the fabric.
-
Then try
Waterless hand cleaner (mayonnaise, peanut butter)
Sponge with a waterless hand cleaner and rinse. Let it air dry, apply detergent and launder.
-
Then try
Dish soap and a few drops of ammonia
If a stain stays, apply a few drops each of dish soap and ammonia and flush until every trace of ammonia is gone. Soak 30 minutes in 1 quart warm water with 1 tablespoon oxygen bleach, rinse and wash.
Never mix ammonia and chlorine bleach, and rinse well between one stain remover and the next.
-
Then try
Pre-wash remover and the hottest safe wash
Pretreat with a pre-wash stain remover, then launder in the hottest water that is safe for the fabric.
Check the care label and test a hidden spot first. Do not put the item in the dryer until the stain is gone.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
QT Bird · qtbird.com/stain-library/
Food
Mashed potatoes
Mashed potatoes is a vegetable stain, so rinse it from the back with cool water first.
-
Try this first
Vinegar soak, then rubbing alcohol
Soak for 15 minutes in 1 quart warm water with 1/2 teaspoon liquid dish detergent and 1 tablespoon white vinegar. Rinse with water. Sponge with rubbing alcohol and wash.
Rubbing alcohol can take dye out of fabric. Test a hidden spot first.
-
Then try
Oxygen bleach soak, then a pre-wash remover
Soak 30 minutes in 1 quart warm water with 1 tablespoon oxygen bleach. Apply a pre-wash spot and stain remover and launder with heavy-duty detergent and oxygen bleach.
Test any stain remover on a hidden seam or hem first, and check the care label.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
QT Bird · qtbird.com/stain-library/
Food
Mayonnaise
Mayonnaise is an oily stain, so work in detergent or a grease cutter before washing.
-
Try this first
Liquid detergent worked in, then the hottest wash
Freely apply liquid detergent or a prewash stain remover, work it into the stained area, rinse your hands and repeat. Machine wash at the highest temperature the care label allows, with 1 cup of detergent.
Test any stain remover on a hidden seam or hem first, and check the care label.
-
Then try
Scrape and pretreat (butter, peanut butter)
Scrape off the extra. Pretreat with a spot remover and launder. For butter or margarine, rub detergent into the damp stain and wash in hot water with plenty of detergent and a bleach that is safe for the fabric.
-
Then try
Waterless hand cleaner (mayonnaise, peanut butter)
Sponge with a waterless hand cleaner and rinse. Let it air dry, apply detergent and launder.
-
Then try
Dish soap and a few drops of ammonia
If a stain stays, apply a few drops each of dish soap and ammonia and flush until every trace of ammonia is gone. Soak 30 minutes in 1 quart warm water with 1 tablespoon oxygen bleach, rinse and wash.
Never mix ammonia and chlorine bleach, and rinse well between one stain remover and the next.
-
Then try
Pre-wash remover and the hottest safe wash
Pretreat with a pre-wash stain remover, then launder in the hottest water that is safe for the fabric.
Check the care label and test a hidden spot first. Do not put the item in the dryer until the stain is gone.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
QT Bird · qtbird.com/stain-library/
Food
Meat
Meat is a meat or fish stain: protein plus fat, so cool water first.
-
Try this first
Cool water, then an enzyme soak
Rinse in cool water. Pretreat or soak the stain in a product with enzymes for at least 30 minutes (several hours for an aged stain), or overnight in a laundry pre-soak such as Biz or Axion. Then launder.
Test any stain remover on a hidden seam or hem first, and check the care label. Enzyme products are not for silk or wool.
-
Then try
Dish soap and ammonia, then an oxygen bleach (meat-based sauces and soups)
Soak for 15 minutes in 1 quart warm water with 1/2 teaspoon dish detergent and 1 tablespoon ammonia, stirring or blotting now and then. Rinse until every trace of ammonia is gone. Then soak 30 minutes in 1 quart warm water with 1 tablespoon oxygen bleach and wash.
Never mix ammonia and chlorine bleach, and rinse well between one stain remover and the next.
-
Then try
Fried or greasy: the grease first
For fried chicken, bacon and other fatty foods, work liquid detergent or a pre-wash stain remover into the stain, rinse your hands and repeat, then wash at the highest temperature the care label allows.
Test any stain remover on a hidden seam or hem first, and check the care label.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
QT Bird · qtbird.com/stain-library/
Food
Milk
Milk is a protein stain (like egg, milk and blood), so start with cool water, never hot.
-
Try this first
Cold soak, then detergent
Soak in cold water for about 30 minutes. Work a little liquid laundry detergent, shampoo or dish liquid into the stain and leave it about 30 minutes. Rinse.
-
Then try
Overnight pre-soak
Soak overnight in a laundry pre-soak such as Biz or Axion. It is very good for milk, egg, blood and perspiration. If you have no pre-soak powder, use any laundry detergent. Then wash in the hottest water that is safe for the fabric.
Test any stain remover on a hidden seam or hem first, and check the care label.
-
Then try
An enzyme soak
Pretreat or soak the stain in a product with enzymes for at least 30 minutes, or several hours for an aged stain. Then launder.
Check the care label and test a hidden spot first. Do not put the item in the dryer until the stain is gone.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
QT Bird · qtbird.com/stain-library/
Food
Nectarine
Nectarine is a fruit stain, so treat it quickly with cool water before it dries.
-
Try this first
Cool water, then an oxygen bleach soak
Rinse the fresh stain promptly with cool water. Soak in warm water with an oxygen bleach (follow the label) for 15 to 30 minutes, then launder with heavy-duty detergent.
Test any stain remover on a hidden seam or hem first, and check the care label.
-
Then try
Vinegar soak, then rubbing alcohol
Soak for 15 minutes in 1 quart warm water with 1/2 teaspoon liquid dish detergent and 1 tablespoon white vinegar. Rinse, sponge with rubbing alcohol and wash. If a stain is left, soak 30 minutes in warm water with an oxygen bleach and wash again.
Rubbing alcohol can take dye out of fabric. Test a hidden spot first.
-
Then try
An enzyme soak
Pretreat or soak with an enzyme product: 30 minutes, or several hours for an older stain. Launder, and if the stain remains, use a bleach that is safe for the fabric.
Check the care label and test a hidden spot first. Do not put the item in the dryer until the stain is gone.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
QT Bird · qtbird.com/stain-library/
Food
Oil
Oil is an oily stain, so work in detergent or a grease cutter before washing.
-
Try this first
Liquid detergent worked in, then the hottest wash
Freely apply liquid detergent or a prewash stain remover, work it into the stained area, rinse your hands and repeat. Machine wash at the highest temperature the care label allows, with 1 cup of detergent.
Test any stain remover on a hidden seam or hem first, and check the care label.
-
Then try
Scrape and pretreat (butter, peanut butter)
Scrape off the extra. Pretreat with a spot remover and launder. For butter or margarine, rub detergent into the damp stain and wash in hot water with plenty of detergent and a bleach that is safe for the fabric.
-
Then try
Waterless hand cleaner (mayonnaise, peanut butter)
Sponge with a waterless hand cleaner and rinse. Let it air dry, apply detergent and launder.
-
Then try
Dish soap and a few drops of ammonia
If a stain stays, apply a few drops each of dish soap and ammonia and flush until every trace of ammonia is gone. Soak 30 minutes in 1 quart warm water with 1 tablespoon oxygen bleach, rinse and wash.
Never mix ammonia and chlorine bleach, and rinse well between one stain remover and the next.
-
Then try
Pre-wash remover and the hottest safe wash
Pretreat with a pre-wash stain remover, then launder in the hottest water that is safe for the fabric.
Check the care label and test a hidden spot first. Do not put the item in the dryer until the stain is gone.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
QT Bird · qtbird.com/stain-library/
Food
Olive oil
Olive oil is an oily stain, so work in detergent or a grease cutter before washing.
-
Try this first
Liquid detergent worked in, then the hottest wash
Freely apply liquid detergent or a prewash stain remover, work it into the stained area, rinse your hands and repeat. Machine wash at the highest temperature the care label allows, with 1 cup of detergent.
Test any stain remover on a hidden seam or hem first, and check the care label.
-
Then try
Scrape and pretreat (butter, peanut butter)
Scrape off the extra. Pretreat with a spot remover and launder. For butter or margarine, rub detergent into the damp stain and wash in hot water with plenty of detergent and a bleach that is safe for the fabric.
-
Then try
Waterless hand cleaner (mayonnaise, peanut butter)
Sponge with a waterless hand cleaner and rinse. Let it air dry, apply detergent and launder.
-
Then try
Dish soap and a few drops of ammonia
If a stain stays, apply a few drops each of dish soap and ammonia and flush until every trace of ammonia is gone. Soak 30 minutes in 1 quart warm water with 1 tablespoon oxygen bleach, rinse and wash.
Never mix ammonia and chlorine bleach, and rinse well between one stain remover and the next.
-
Then try
Pre-wash remover and the hottest safe wash
Pretreat with a pre-wash stain remover, then launder in the hottest water that is safe for the fabric.
Check the care label and test a hidden spot first. Do not put the item in the dryer until the stain is gone.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
QT Bird · qtbird.com/stain-library/
Food
Onion
Onion is a vegetable stain, so rinse it from the back with cool water first.
-
Try this first
Vinegar soak, then rubbing alcohol
Soak for 15 minutes in 1 quart warm water with 1/2 teaspoon liquid dish detergent and 1 tablespoon white vinegar. Rinse with water. Sponge with rubbing alcohol and wash.
Rubbing alcohol can take dye out of fabric. Test a hidden spot first.
-
Then try
Oxygen bleach soak, then a pre-wash remover
Soak 30 minutes in 1 quart warm water with 1 tablespoon oxygen bleach. Apply a pre-wash spot and stain remover and launder with heavy-duty detergent and oxygen bleach.
Test any stain remover on a hidden seam or hem first, and check the care label.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
QT Bird · qtbird.com/stain-library/
Food
Orange juice
Orange juice is a fruit stain, so treat it quickly with cool water before it dries.
-
Try this first
Cool water, then an oxygen bleach soak
Rinse the fresh stain promptly with cool water. Soak in warm water with an oxygen bleach (follow the label) for 15 to 30 minutes, then launder with heavy-duty detergent.
Test any stain remover on a hidden seam or hem first, and check the care label.
-
Then try
Vinegar soak, then rubbing alcohol
Soak for 15 minutes in 1 quart warm water with 1/2 teaspoon liquid dish detergent and 1 tablespoon white vinegar. Rinse, sponge with rubbing alcohol and wash. If a stain is left, soak 30 minutes in warm water with an oxygen bleach and wash again.
Rubbing alcohol can take dye out of fabric. Test a hidden spot first.
-
Then try
An enzyme soak
Pretreat or soak with an enzyme product: 30 minutes, or several hours for an older stain. Launder, and if the stain remains, use a bleach that is safe for the fabric.
Check the care label and test a hidden spot first. Do not put the item in the dryer until the stain is gone.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
QT Bird · qtbird.com/stain-library/
Food
Oyster
Oyster is a meat or fish stain: protein plus fat, so cool water first.
-
Try this first
Cool water, then an enzyme soak
Rinse in cool water. Pretreat or soak the stain in a product with enzymes for at least 30 minutes (several hours for an aged stain), or overnight in a laundry pre-soak such as Biz or Axion. Then launder.
Test any stain remover on a hidden seam or hem first, and check the care label. Enzyme products are not for silk or wool.
-
Then try
Dish soap and ammonia, then an oxygen bleach (meat-based sauces and soups)
Soak for 15 minutes in 1 quart warm water with 1/2 teaspoon dish detergent and 1 tablespoon ammonia, stirring or blotting now and then. Rinse until every trace of ammonia is gone. Then soak 30 minutes in 1 quart warm water with 1 tablespoon oxygen bleach and wash.
Never mix ammonia and chlorine bleach, and rinse well between one stain remover and the next.
-
Then try
Fried or greasy: the grease first
For fried chicken, bacon and other fatty foods, work liquid detergent or a pre-wash stain remover into the stain, rinse your hands and repeat, then wash at the highest temperature the care label allows.
Test any stain remover on a hidden seam or hem first, and check the care label.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
QT Bird · qtbird.com/stain-library/
Food
Papaya
Papaya is a fruit stain, so treat it quickly with cool water before it dries.
-
Try this first
Cool water, then an oxygen bleach soak
Rinse the fresh stain promptly with cool water. Soak in warm water with an oxygen bleach (follow the label) for 15 to 30 minutes, then launder with heavy-duty detergent.
Test any stain remover on a hidden seam or hem first, and check the care label.
-
Then try
Vinegar soak, then rubbing alcohol
Soak for 15 minutes in 1 quart warm water with 1/2 teaspoon liquid dish detergent and 1 tablespoon white vinegar. Rinse, sponge with rubbing alcohol and wash. If a stain is left, soak 30 minutes in warm water with an oxygen bleach and wash again.
Rubbing alcohol can take dye out of fabric. Test a hidden spot first.
-
Then try
An enzyme soak
Pretreat or soak with an enzyme product: 30 minutes, or several hours for an older stain. Launder, and if the stain remains, use a bleach that is safe for the fabric.
Check the care label and test a hidden spot first. Do not put the item in the dryer until the stain is gone.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
QT Bird · qtbird.com/stain-library/
Food
Peach
Peach is a fruit stain, so treat it quickly with cool water before it dries.
-
Try this first
Cool water, then an oxygen bleach soak
Rinse the fresh stain promptly with cool water. Soak in warm water with an oxygen bleach (follow the label) for 15 to 30 minutes, then launder with heavy-duty detergent.
Test any stain remover on a hidden seam or hem first, and check the care label.
-
Then try
Vinegar soak, then rubbing alcohol
Soak for 15 minutes in 1 quart warm water with 1/2 teaspoon liquid dish detergent and 1 tablespoon white vinegar. Rinse, sponge with rubbing alcohol and wash. If a stain is left, soak 30 minutes in warm water with an oxygen bleach and wash again.
Rubbing alcohol can take dye out of fabric. Test a hidden spot first.
-
Then try
An enzyme soak
Pretreat or soak with an enzyme product: 30 minutes, or several hours for an older stain. Launder, and if the stain remains, use a bleach that is safe for the fabric.
Check the care label and test a hidden spot first. Do not put the item in the dryer until the stain is gone.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
QT Bird · qtbird.com/stain-library/
Food
Peanut butter
Peanut butter is an oily stain, so work in detergent or a grease cutter before washing.
-
Try this first
Liquid detergent worked in, then the hottest wash
Freely apply liquid detergent or a prewash stain remover, work it into the stained area, rinse your hands and repeat. Machine wash at the highest temperature the care label allows, with 1 cup of detergent.
Test any stain remover on a hidden seam or hem first, and check the care label.
-
Then try
Scrape and pretreat (butter, peanut butter)
Scrape off the extra. Pretreat with a spot remover and launder. For butter or margarine, rub detergent into the damp stain and wash in hot water with plenty of detergent and a bleach that is safe for the fabric.
-
Then try
Waterless hand cleaner (mayonnaise, peanut butter)
Sponge with a waterless hand cleaner and rinse. Let it air dry, apply detergent and launder.
-
Then try
Dish soap and a few drops of ammonia
If a stain stays, apply a few drops each of dish soap and ammonia and flush until every trace of ammonia is gone. Soak 30 minutes in 1 quart warm water with 1 tablespoon oxygen bleach, rinse and wash.
Never mix ammonia and chlorine bleach, and rinse well between one stain remover and the next.
-
Then try
Pre-wash remover and the hottest safe wash
Pretreat with a pre-wash stain remover, then launder in the hottest water that is safe for the fabric.
Check the care label and test a hidden spot first. Do not put the item in the dryer until the stain is gone.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
QT Bird · qtbird.com/stain-library/
Food
Pear
Pear is a fruit stain, so treat it quickly with cool water before it dries.
-
Try this first
Cool water, then an oxygen bleach soak
Rinse the fresh stain promptly with cool water. Soak in warm water with an oxygen bleach (follow the label) for 15 to 30 minutes, then launder with heavy-duty detergent.
Test any stain remover on a hidden seam or hem first, and check the care label.
-
Then try
Vinegar soak, then rubbing alcohol
Soak for 15 minutes in 1 quart warm water with 1/2 teaspoon liquid dish detergent and 1 tablespoon white vinegar. Rinse, sponge with rubbing alcohol and wash. If a stain is left, soak 30 minutes in warm water with an oxygen bleach and wash again.
Rubbing alcohol can take dye out of fabric. Test a hidden spot first.
-
Then try
An enzyme soak
Pretreat or soak with an enzyme product: 30 minutes, or several hours for an older stain. Launder, and if the stain remains, use a bleach that is safe for the fabric.
Check the care label and test a hidden spot first. Do not put the item in the dryer until the stain is gone.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
QT Bird · qtbird.com/stain-library/
Food
Pickles
Pickles is a vegetable stain, so rinse it from the back with cool water first.
-
Try this first
Vinegar soak, then rubbing alcohol
Soak for 15 minutes in 1 quart warm water with 1/2 teaspoon liquid dish detergent and 1 tablespoon white vinegar. Rinse with water. Sponge with rubbing alcohol and wash.
Rubbing alcohol can take dye out of fabric. Test a hidden spot first.
-
Then try
Oxygen bleach soak, then a pre-wash remover
Soak 30 minutes in 1 quart warm water with 1 tablespoon oxygen bleach. Apply a pre-wash spot and stain remover and launder with heavy-duty detergent and oxygen bleach.
Test any stain remover on a hidden seam or hem first, and check the care label.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
QT Bird · qtbird.com/stain-library/
Food
Pineapple
Pineapple is a fruit stain, so treat it quickly with cool water before it dries.
-
Try this first
Cool water, then an oxygen bleach soak
Rinse the fresh stain promptly with cool water. Soak in warm water with an oxygen bleach (follow the label) for 15 to 30 minutes, then launder with heavy-duty detergent.
Test any stain remover on a hidden seam or hem first, and check the care label.
-
Then try
Vinegar soak, then rubbing alcohol
Soak for 15 minutes in 1 quart warm water with 1/2 teaspoon liquid dish detergent and 1 tablespoon white vinegar. Rinse, sponge with rubbing alcohol and wash. If a stain is left, soak 30 minutes in warm water with an oxygen bleach and wash again.
Rubbing alcohol can take dye out of fabric. Test a hidden spot first.
-
Then try
An enzyme soak
Pretreat or soak with an enzyme product: 30 minutes, or several hours for an older stain. Launder, and if the stain remains, use a bleach that is safe for the fabric.
Check the care label and test a hidden spot first. Do not put the item in the dryer until the stain is gone.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
QT Bird · qtbird.com/stain-library/
Food
Pomegranate
Pomegranate is a fruit stain, so treat it quickly with cool water before it dries.
-
Try this first
Cool water, then an oxygen bleach soak
Rinse the fresh stain promptly with cool water. Soak in warm water with an oxygen bleach (follow the label) for 15 to 30 minutes, then launder with heavy-duty detergent.
Test any stain remover on a hidden seam or hem first, and check the care label.
-
Then try
Vinegar soak, then rubbing alcohol
Soak for 15 minutes in 1 quart warm water with 1/2 teaspoon liquid dish detergent and 1 tablespoon white vinegar. Rinse, sponge with rubbing alcohol and wash. If a stain is left, soak 30 minutes in warm water with an oxygen bleach and wash again.
Rubbing alcohol can take dye out of fabric. Test a hidden spot first.
-
Then try
An enzyme soak
Pretreat or soak with an enzyme product: 30 minutes, or several hours for an older stain. Launder, and if the stain remains, use a bleach that is safe for the fabric.
Check the care label and test a hidden spot first. Do not put the item in the dryer until the stain is gone.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
QT Bird · qtbird.com/stain-library/
Food
Pork
Pork is a meat or fish stain: protein plus fat, so cool water first.
-
Try this first
Cool water, then an enzyme soak
Rinse in cool water. Pretreat or soak the stain in a product with enzymes for at least 30 minutes (several hours for an aged stain), or overnight in a laundry pre-soak such as Biz or Axion. Then launder.
Test any stain remover on a hidden seam or hem first, and check the care label. Enzyme products are not for silk or wool.
-
Then try
Dish soap and ammonia, then an oxygen bleach (meat-based sauces and soups)
Soak for 15 minutes in 1 quart warm water with 1/2 teaspoon dish detergent and 1 tablespoon ammonia, stirring or blotting now and then. Rinse until every trace of ammonia is gone. Then soak 30 minutes in 1 quart warm water with 1 tablespoon oxygen bleach and wash.
Never mix ammonia and chlorine bleach, and rinse well between one stain remover and the next.
-
Then try
Fried or greasy: the grease first
For fried chicken, bacon and other fatty foods, work liquid detergent or a pre-wash stain remover into the stain, rinse your hands and repeat, then wash at the highest temperature the care label allows.
Test any stain remover on a hidden seam or hem first, and check the care label.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
QT Bird · qtbird.com/stain-library/
Food
Poultry
Poultry is a meat or fish stain: protein plus fat, so cool water first.
-
Try this first
Cool water, then an enzyme soak
Rinse in cool water. Pretreat or soak the stain in a product with enzymes for at least 30 minutes (several hours for an aged stain), or overnight in a laundry pre-soak such as Biz or Axion. Then launder.
Test any stain remover on a hidden seam or hem first, and check the care label. Enzyme products are not for silk or wool.
-
Then try
Dish soap and ammonia, then an oxygen bleach (meat-based sauces and soups)
Soak for 15 minutes in 1 quart warm water with 1/2 teaspoon dish detergent and 1 tablespoon ammonia, stirring or blotting now and then. Rinse until every trace of ammonia is gone. Then soak 30 minutes in 1 quart warm water with 1 tablespoon oxygen bleach and wash.
Never mix ammonia and chlorine bleach, and rinse well between one stain remover and the next.
-
Then try
Fried or greasy: the grease first
For fried chicken, bacon and other fatty foods, work liquid detergent or a pre-wash stain remover into the stain, rinse your hands and repeat, then wash at the highest temperature the care label allows.
Test any stain remover on a hidden seam or hem first, and check the care label.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
QT Bird · qtbird.com/stain-library/
Food
Prune juice
Prune juice is a fruit stain, so treat it quickly with cool water before it dries.
-
Try this first
Cool water, then an oxygen bleach soak
Rinse the fresh stain promptly with cool water. Soak in warm water with an oxygen bleach (follow the label) for 15 to 30 minutes, then launder with heavy-duty detergent.
Test any stain remover on a hidden seam or hem first, and check the care label.
-
Then try
Vinegar soak, then rubbing alcohol
Soak for 15 minutes in 1 quart warm water with 1/2 teaspoon liquid dish detergent and 1 tablespoon white vinegar. Rinse, sponge with rubbing alcohol and wash. If a stain is left, soak 30 minutes in warm water with an oxygen bleach and wash again.
Rubbing alcohol can take dye out of fabric. Test a hidden spot first.
-
Then try
An enzyme soak
Pretreat or soak with an enzyme product: 30 minutes, or several hours for an older stain. Launder, and if the stain remains, use a bleach that is safe for the fabric.
Check the care label and test a hidden spot first. Do not put the item in the dryer until the stain is gone.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
QT Bird · qtbird.com/stain-library/
Food
Pudding
Pudding is a protein stain (like egg, milk and blood), so start with cool water, never hot.
-
Try this first
Cold soak, then detergent
Soak in cold water for about 30 minutes. Work a little liquid laundry detergent, shampoo or dish liquid into the stain and leave it about 30 minutes. Rinse.
-
Then try
Overnight pre-soak
Soak overnight in a laundry pre-soak such as Biz or Axion. It is very good for milk, egg, blood and perspiration. If you have no pre-soak powder, use any laundry detergent. Then wash in the hottest water that is safe for the fabric.
Test any stain remover on a hidden seam or hem first, and check the care label.
-
Then try
An enzyme soak
Pretreat or soak the stain in a product with enzymes for at least 30 minutes, or several hours for an aged stain. Then launder.
Check the care label and test a hidden spot first. Do not put the item in the dryer until the stain is gone.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
QT Bird · qtbird.com/stain-library/
Food
Pumpkin
Pumpkin is a fruit stain, so treat it quickly with cool water before it dries.
-
Try this first
Cool water, then an oxygen bleach soak
Rinse the fresh stain promptly with cool water. Soak in warm water with an oxygen bleach (follow the label) for 15 to 30 minutes, then launder with heavy-duty detergent.
Test any stain remover on a hidden seam or hem first, and check the care label.
-
Then try
Vinegar soak, then rubbing alcohol
Soak for 15 minutes in 1 quart warm water with 1/2 teaspoon liquid dish detergent and 1 tablespoon white vinegar. Rinse, sponge with rubbing alcohol and wash. If a stain is left, soak 30 minutes in warm water with an oxygen bleach and wash again.
Rubbing alcohol can take dye out of fabric. Test a hidden spot first.
-
Then try
An enzyme soak
Pretreat or soak with an enzyme product: 30 minutes, or several hours for an older stain. Launder, and if the stain remains, use a bleach that is safe for the fabric.
Check the care label and test a hidden spot first. Do not put the item in the dryer until the stain is gone.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
QT Bird · qtbird.com/stain-library/
Food
Raspberry
Raspberry is a fruit stain, so treat it quickly with cool water before it dries.
-
Try this first
Cool water, then an oxygen bleach soak
Rinse the fresh stain promptly with cool water. Soak in warm water with an oxygen bleach (follow the label) for 15 to 30 minutes, then launder with heavy-duty detergent.
Test any stain remover on a hidden seam or hem first, and check the care label.
-
Then try
Vinegar soak, then rubbing alcohol
Soak for 15 minutes in 1 quart warm water with 1/2 teaspoon liquid dish detergent and 1 tablespoon white vinegar. Rinse, sponge with rubbing alcohol and wash. If a stain is left, soak 30 minutes in warm water with an oxygen bleach and wash again.
Rubbing alcohol can take dye out of fabric. Test a hidden spot first.
-
Then try
An enzyme soak
Pretreat or soak with an enzyme product: 30 minutes, or several hours for an older stain. Launder, and if the stain remains, use a bleach that is safe for the fabric.
Check the care label and test a hidden spot first. Do not put the item in the dryer until the stain is gone.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
QT Bird · qtbird.com/stain-library/
Food
Salad dressing
Salad dressing is an oily stain, so work in detergent or a grease cutter before washing.
-
Try this first
Liquid detergent worked in, then the hottest wash
Freely apply liquid detergent or a prewash stain remover, work it into the stained area, rinse your hands and repeat. Machine wash at the highest temperature the care label allows, with 1 cup of detergent.
Test any stain remover on a hidden seam or hem first, and check the care label.
-
Then try
Scrape and pretreat (butter, peanut butter)
Scrape off the extra. Pretreat with a spot remover and launder. For butter or margarine, rub detergent into the damp stain and wash in hot water with plenty of detergent and a bleach that is safe for the fabric.
-
Then try
Waterless hand cleaner (mayonnaise, peanut butter)
Sponge with a waterless hand cleaner and rinse. Let it air dry, apply detergent and launder.
-
Then try
Dish soap and a few drops of ammonia
If a stain stays, apply a few drops each of dish soap and ammonia and flush until every trace of ammonia is gone. Soak 30 minutes in 1 quart warm water with 1 tablespoon oxygen bleach, rinse and wash.
Never mix ammonia and chlorine bleach, and rinse well between one stain remover and the next.
-
Then try
Pre-wash remover and the hottest safe wash
Pretreat with a pre-wash stain remover, then launder in the hottest water that is safe for the fabric.
Check the care label and test a hidden spot first. Do not put the item in the dryer until the stain is gone.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
QT Bird · qtbird.com/stain-library/
Food
Salsa
Salsa is a sauce stain, so scrape off what you can and rinse from the back.
-
Try this first
Pre-wash stain remover, then heavy-duty liquid detergent
Treat the stain with a pre-wash spot and stain remover, following the label, then launder with heavy-duty liquid detergent.
Test any stain remover on a hidden seam or hem first, and check the care label.
-
Then try
Liquid detergent and an enzyme presoak
Freely apply liquid detergent, work it into the stain, rinse your hands and repeat. Wash with detergent plus a non-chlorine bleach with enzyme presoak. If the stain is still there, soak the item for a day or two, stirring the water now and then, then wash again and let it air dry.
-
Then try
On a carpet or couch
Sponge the stain with cool water. Spray a laundry pre-treater such as Spray ‘n Wash or Shout, agitate lightly with a toothbrush or your fingers and blot with a white folded cloth, turning it as it picks up stain. Sponge with cool water to rinse and blot. If a stain is left, sponge with 1 part white vinegar mixed with 1 part water, blot and rinse with clear water.
Do not over-wet a couch: the fabric finish can leave a ring. Test a hidden spot first.
-
Then try
Step by step: from the back, then detergent
Remove the excess with a spoon or knife without rubbing it in. Run cold water through the back of the stain right away: never rinse from the front, which pushes it deeper. Gently work liquid detergent in with small circles, from the outer edge in. On white or colorfast fabric, apply a mild bleaching agent such as hydrogen peroxide or white vinegar with a sponge (lemon juice works on white), and rinse well. Repeat until the stain is gone, holding it to the light to check. Apply a stain remover for at least 5 minutes, then wash. If it remains, work in more detergent, soak in warm water 30 minutes and wash again.
Do not dab at the stain: that spreads it. Check the care label and test a hidden spot first. Do not put the item in the dryer until the stain is gone.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
QT Bird · qtbird.com/stain-library/
Food
Shrimp and seafood
Shrimp and seafood is a meat or fish stain: protein plus fat, so cool water first.
-
Try this first
Cool water, then an enzyme soak
Rinse in cool water. Pretreat or soak the stain in a product with enzymes for at least 30 minutes (several hours for an aged stain), or overnight in a laundry pre-soak such as Biz or Axion. Then launder.
Test any stain remover on a hidden seam or hem first, and check the care label. Enzyme products are not for silk or wool.
-
Then try
Dish soap and ammonia, then an oxygen bleach (meat-based sauces and soups)
Soak for 15 minutes in 1 quart warm water with 1/2 teaspoon dish detergent and 1 tablespoon ammonia, stirring or blotting now and then. Rinse until every trace of ammonia is gone. Then soak 30 minutes in 1 quart warm water with 1 tablespoon oxygen bleach and wash.
Never mix ammonia and chlorine bleach, and rinse well between one stain remover and the next.
-
Then try
Fried or greasy: the grease first
For fried chicken, bacon and other fatty foods, work liquid detergent or a pre-wash stain remover into the stain, rinse your hands and repeat, then wash at the highest temperature the care label allows.
Test any stain remover on a hidden seam or hem first, and check the care label.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
QT Bird · qtbird.com/stain-library/
Food
Sour cream
Sour cream is a protein stain (like egg, milk and blood), so start with cool water, never hot.
-
Try this first
Cold soak, then detergent
Soak in cold water for about 30 minutes. Work a little liquid laundry detergent, shampoo or dish liquid into the stain and leave it about 30 minutes. Rinse.
-
Then try
Overnight pre-soak
Soak overnight in a laundry pre-soak such as Biz or Axion. It is very good for milk, egg, blood and perspiration. If you have no pre-soak powder, use any laundry detergent. Then wash in the hottest water that is safe for the fabric.
Test any stain remover on a hidden seam or hem first, and check the care label.
-
Then try
An enzyme soak
Pretreat or soak the stain in a product with enzymes for at least 30 minutes, or several hours for an aged stain. Then launder.
Check the care label and test a hidden spot first. Do not put the item in the dryer until the stain is gone.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
QT Bird · qtbird.com/stain-library/
Food
Soy sauce
Soy sauce is a sauce stain, so scrape off what you can and rinse from the back.
-
Try this first
Pre-wash stain remover, then heavy-duty liquid detergent
Treat the stain with a pre-wash spot and stain remover, following the label, then launder with heavy-duty liquid detergent.
Test any stain remover on a hidden seam or hem first, and check the care label.
-
Then try
Liquid detergent and an enzyme presoak
Freely apply liquid detergent, work it into the stain, rinse your hands and repeat. Wash with detergent plus a non-chlorine bleach with enzyme presoak. If the stain is still there, soak the item for a day or two, stirring the water now and then, then wash again and let it air dry.
-
Then try
On a carpet or couch
Sponge the stain with cool water. Spray a laundry pre-treater such as Spray ‘n Wash or Shout, agitate lightly with a toothbrush or your fingers and blot with a white folded cloth, turning it as it picks up stain. Sponge with cool water to rinse and blot. If a stain is left, sponge with 1 part white vinegar mixed with 1 part water, blot and rinse with clear water.
Do not over-wet a couch: the fabric finish can leave a ring. Test a hidden spot first.
-
Then try
Step by step: from the back, then detergent
Remove the excess with a spoon or knife without rubbing it in. Run cold water through the back of the stain right away: never rinse from the front, which pushes it deeper. Gently work liquid detergent in with small circles, from the outer edge in. On white or colorfast fabric, apply a mild bleaching agent such as hydrogen peroxide or white vinegar with a sponge (lemon juice works on white), and rinse well. Repeat until the stain is gone, holding it to the light to check. Apply a stain remover for at least 5 minutes, then wash. If it remains, work in more detergent, soak in warm water 30 minutes and wash again.
Do not dab at the stain: that spreads it. Check the care label and test a hidden spot first. Do not put the item in the dryer until the stain is gone.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
QT Bird · qtbird.com/stain-library/
Food
Spaghetti sauce
Spaghetti sauce is a sauce stain, so scrape off what you can and rinse from the back.
-
Try this first
Pre-wash stain remover, then heavy-duty liquid detergent
Treat the stain with a pre-wash spot and stain remover, following the label, then launder with heavy-duty liquid detergent.
Test any stain remover on a hidden seam or hem first, and check the care label.
-
Then try
Liquid detergent and an enzyme presoak
Freely apply liquid detergent, work it into the stain, rinse your hands and repeat. Wash with detergent plus a non-chlorine bleach with enzyme presoak. If the stain is still there, soak the item for a day or two, stirring the water now and then, then wash again and let it air dry.
-
Then try
On a carpet or couch
Sponge the stain with cool water. Spray a laundry pre-treater such as Spray ‘n Wash or Shout, agitate lightly with a toothbrush or your fingers and blot with a white folded cloth, turning it as it picks up stain. Sponge with cool water to rinse and blot. If a stain is left, sponge with 1 part white vinegar mixed with 1 part water, blot and rinse with clear water.
Do not over-wet a couch: the fabric finish can leave a ring. Test a hidden spot first.
-
Then try
Step by step: from the back, then detergent
Remove the excess with a spoon or knife without rubbing it in. Run cold water through the back of the stain right away: never rinse from the front, which pushes it deeper. Gently work liquid detergent in with small circles, from the outer edge in. On white or colorfast fabric, apply a mild bleaching agent such as hydrogen peroxide or white vinegar with a sponge (lemon juice works on white), and rinse well. Repeat until the stain is gone, holding it to the light to check. Apply a stain remover for at least 5 minutes, then wash. If it remains, work in more detergent, soak in warm water 30 minutes and wash again.
Do not dab at the stain: that spreads it. Check the care label and test a hidden spot first. Do not put the item in the dryer until the stain is gone.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
QT Bird · qtbird.com/stain-library/
Food
Spinach
Spinach is a vegetable stain, so rinse it from the back with cool water first.
-
Try this first
Vinegar soak, then rubbing alcohol
Soak for 15 minutes in 1 quart warm water with 1/2 teaspoon liquid dish detergent and 1 tablespoon white vinegar. Rinse with water. Sponge with rubbing alcohol and wash.
Rubbing alcohol can take dye out of fabric. Test a hidden spot first.
-
Then try
Oxygen bleach soak, then a pre-wash remover
Soak 30 minutes in 1 quart warm water with 1 tablespoon oxygen bleach. Apply a pre-wash spot and stain remover and launder with heavy-duty detergent and oxygen bleach.
Test any stain remover on a hidden seam or hem first, and check the care label.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
QT Bird · qtbird.com/stain-library/
Food
Sriracha
Sriracha is a sauce stain, so scrape off what you can and rinse from the back.
-
Try this first
Pre-wash stain remover, then heavy-duty liquid detergent
Treat the stain with a pre-wash spot and stain remover, following the label, then launder with heavy-duty liquid detergent.
Test any stain remover on a hidden seam or hem first, and check the care label.
-
Then try
Liquid detergent and an enzyme presoak
Freely apply liquid detergent, work it into the stain, rinse your hands and repeat. Wash with detergent plus a non-chlorine bleach with enzyme presoak. If the stain is still there, soak the item for a day or two, stirring the water now and then, then wash again and let it air dry.
-
Then try
On a carpet or couch
Sponge the stain with cool water. Spray a laundry pre-treater such as Spray ‘n Wash or Shout, agitate lightly with a toothbrush or your fingers and blot with a white folded cloth, turning it as it picks up stain. Sponge with cool water to rinse and blot. If a stain is left, sponge with 1 part white vinegar mixed with 1 part water, blot and rinse with clear water.
Do not over-wet a couch: the fabric finish can leave a ring. Test a hidden spot first.
-
Then try
Step by step: from the back, then detergent
Remove the excess with a spoon or knife without rubbing it in. Run cold water through the back of the stain right away: never rinse from the front, which pushes it deeper. Gently work liquid detergent in with small circles, from the outer edge in. On white or colorfast fabric, apply a mild bleaching agent such as hydrogen peroxide or white vinegar with a sponge (lemon juice works on white), and rinse well. Repeat until the stain is gone, holding it to the light to check. Apply a stain remover for at least 5 minutes, then wash. If it remains, work in more detergent, soak in warm water 30 minutes and wash again.
Do not dab at the stain: that spreads it. Check the care label and test a hidden spot first. Do not put the item in the dryer until the stain is gone.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
QT Bird · qtbird.com/stain-library/
Food
Steak
Steak is a meat or fish stain: protein plus fat, so cool water first.
-
Try this first
Cool water, then an enzyme soak
Rinse in cool water. Pretreat or soak the stain in a product with enzymes for at least 30 minutes (several hours for an aged stain), or overnight in a laundry pre-soak such as Biz or Axion. Then launder.
Test any stain remover on a hidden seam or hem first, and check the care label. Enzyme products are not for silk or wool.
-
Then try
Dish soap and ammonia, then an oxygen bleach (meat-based sauces and soups)
Soak for 15 minutes in 1 quart warm water with 1/2 teaspoon dish detergent and 1 tablespoon ammonia, stirring or blotting now and then. Rinse until every trace of ammonia is gone. Then soak 30 minutes in 1 quart warm water with 1 tablespoon oxygen bleach and wash.
Never mix ammonia and chlorine bleach, and rinse well between one stain remover and the next.
-
Then try
Fried or greasy: the grease first
For fried chicken, bacon and other fatty foods, work liquid detergent or a pre-wash stain remover into the stain, rinse your hands and repeat, then wash at the highest temperature the care label allows.
Test any stain remover on a hidden seam or hem first, and check the care label.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
QT Bird · qtbird.com/stain-library/
Food
Strawberry
Strawberry is a fruit stain, so treat it quickly with cool water before it dries.
-
Try this first
Cool water, then an oxygen bleach soak
Rinse the fresh stain promptly with cool water. Soak in warm water with an oxygen bleach (follow the label) for 15 to 30 minutes, then launder with heavy-duty detergent.
Test any stain remover on a hidden seam or hem first, and check the care label.
-
Then try
Vinegar soak, then rubbing alcohol
Soak for 15 minutes in 1 quart warm water with 1/2 teaspoon liquid dish detergent and 1 tablespoon white vinegar. Rinse, sponge with rubbing alcohol and wash. If a stain is left, soak 30 minutes in warm water with an oxygen bleach and wash again.
Rubbing alcohol can take dye out of fabric. Test a hidden spot first.
-
Then try
An enzyme soak
Pretreat or soak with an enzyme product: 30 minutes, or several hours for an older stain. Launder, and if the stain remains, use a bleach that is safe for the fabric.
Check the care label and test a hidden spot first. Do not put the item in the dryer until the stain is gone.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
QT Bird · qtbird.com/stain-library/
Food
Sushi
Sushi is a meat or fish stain: protein plus fat, so cool water first.
-
Try this first
Cool water, then an enzyme soak
Rinse in cool water. Pretreat or soak the stain in a product with enzymes for at least 30 minutes (several hours for an aged stain), or overnight in a laundry pre-soak such as Biz or Axion. Then launder.
Test any stain remover on a hidden seam or hem first, and check the care label. Enzyme products are not for silk or wool.
-
Then try
Dish soap and ammonia, then an oxygen bleach (meat-based sauces and soups)
Soak for 15 minutes in 1 quart warm water with 1/2 teaspoon dish detergent and 1 tablespoon ammonia, stirring or blotting now and then. Rinse until every trace of ammonia is gone. Then soak 30 minutes in 1 quart warm water with 1 tablespoon oxygen bleach and wash.
Never mix ammonia and chlorine bleach, and rinse well between one stain remover and the next.
-
Then try
Fried or greasy: the grease first
For fried chicken, bacon and other fatty foods, work liquid detergent or a pre-wash stain remover into the stain, rinse your hands and repeat, then wash at the highest temperature the care label allows.
Test any stain remover on a hidden seam or hem first, and check the care label.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
QT Bird · qtbird.com/stain-library/
Food
Sweet potato
Sweet potato is a vegetable stain, so rinse it from the back with cool water first.
-
Try this first
Vinegar soak, then rubbing alcohol
Soak for 15 minutes in 1 quart warm water with 1/2 teaspoon liquid dish detergent and 1 tablespoon white vinegar. Rinse with water. Sponge with rubbing alcohol and wash.
Rubbing alcohol can take dye out of fabric. Test a hidden spot first.
-
Then try
Oxygen bleach soak, then a pre-wash remover
Soak 30 minutes in 1 quart warm water with 1 tablespoon oxygen bleach. Apply a pre-wash spot and stain remover and launder with heavy-duty detergent and oxygen bleach.
Test any stain remover on a hidden seam or hem first, and check the care label.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
QT Bird · qtbird.com/stain-library/
Food
Tabasco
Tabasco is a sauce stain, so scrape off what you can and rinse from the back.
-
Try this first
Pre-wash stain remover, then heavy-duty liquid detergent
Treat the stain with a pre-wash spot and stain remover, following the label, then launder with heavy-duty liquid detergent.
Test any stain remover on a hidden seam or hem first, and check the care label.
-
Then try
Liquid detergent and an enzyme presoak
Freely apply liquid detergent, work it into the stain, rinse your hands and repeat. Wash with detergent plus a non-chlorine bleach with enzyme presoak. If the stain is still there, soak the item for a day or two, stirring the water now and then, then wash again and let it air dry.
-
Then try
On a carpet or couch
Sponge the stain with cool water. Spray a laundry pre-treater such as Spray ‘n Wash or Shout, agitate lightly with a toothbrush or your fingers and blot with a white folded cloth, turning it as it picks up stain. Sponge with cool water to rinse and blot. If a stain is left, sponge with 1 part white vinegar mixed with 1 part water, blot and rinse with clear water.
Do not over-wet a couch: the fabric finish can leave a ring. Test a hidden spot first.
-
Then try
Step by step: from the back, then detergent
Remove the excess with a spoon or knife without rubbing it in. Run cold water through the back of the stain right away: never rinse from the front, which pushes it deeper. Gently work liquid detergent in with small circles, from the outer edge in. On white or colorfast fabric, apply a mild bleaching agent such as hydrogen peroxide or white vinegar with a sponge (lemon juice works on white), and rinse well. Repeat until the stain is gone, holding it to the light to check. Apply a stain remover for at least 5 minutes, then wash. If it remains, work in more detergent, soak in warm water 30 minutes and wash again.
Do not dab at the stain: that spreads it. Check the care label and test a hidden spot first. Do not put the item in the dryer until the stain is gone.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
QT Bird · qtbird.com/stain-library/
Food
Tomato
Tomato is a sauce stain, so scrape off what you can and rinse from the back.
-
Try this first
Pre-wash stain remover, then heavy-duty liquid detergent
Treat the stain with a pre-wash spot and stain remover, following the label, then launder with heavy-duty liquid detergent.
Test any stain remover on a hidden seam or hem first, and check the care label.
-
Then try
Liquid detergent and an enzyme presoak
Freely apply liquid detergent, work it into the stain, rinse your hands and repeat. Wash with detergent plus a non-chlorine bleach with enzyme presoak. If the stain is still there, soak the item for a day or two, stirring the water now and then, then wash again and let it air dry.
-
Then try
On a carpet or couch
Sponge the stain with cool water. Spray a laundry pre-treater such as Spray ‘n Wash or Shout, agitate lightly with a toothbrush or your fingers and blot with a white folded cloth, turning it as it picks up stain. Sponge with cool water to rinse and blot. If a stain is left, sponge with 1 part white vinegar mixed with 1 part water, blot and rinse with clear water.
Do not over-wet a couch: the fabric finish can leave a ring. Test a hidden spot first.
-
Then try
Step by step: from the back, then detergent
Remove the excess with a spoon or knife without rubbing it in. Run cold water through the back of the stain right away: never rinse from the front, which pushes it deeper. Gently work liquid detergent in with small circles, from the outer edge in. On white or colorfast fabric, apply a mild bleaching agent such as hydrogen peroxide or white vinegar with a sponge (lemon juice works on white), and rinse well. Repeat until the stain is gone, holding it to the light to check. Apply a stain remover for at least 5 minutes, then wash. If it remains, work in more detergent, soak in warm water 30 minutes and wash again.
Do not dab at the stain: that spreads it. Check the care label and test a hidden spot first. Do not put the item in the dryer until the stain is gone.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
QT Bird · qtbird.com/stain-library/
Food
Vanilla extract
Vanilla extract is a sugary stain, so soak it in warm water to dissolve the sugar.
-
Try this first
Cool water, then liquid detergent
Sponge the stain promptly with cool water, or soak it in cool water for 30 minutes or more. Work undiluted liquid detergent into the stain and rinse.
Test any stain remover on a hidden seam or hem first, and check the care label.
-
Then try
Vinegar soak, then rubbing alcohol
Soak for 15 minutes in 1 quart warm water with 1/2 teaspoon liquid dish detergent and 1 tablespoon white vinegar. Rinse with water. Sponge with rubbing alcohol and wash. If a stain stays, soak 30 minutes in 1 quart warm water with 1 tablespoon oxygen bleach and wash again.
Rubbing alcohol can take dye out of fabric. Test a hidden spot first.
-
Then try
Pre-wash stain remover and an oxygen bleach paste
Dampen the stain with a pre-wash spot and stain remover, following the label. Apply a paste of oxygen bleach and water and wash in warm to hot water with heavy-duty detergent.
-
Then try
Flush from the back
Remove the excess syrup with a blunt knife. Flush the back of the stain with cool to warm water. Pretreat with a stain remover or liquid detergent, leave it several minutes and rinse well. Wash according to the care label.
Check the care label and test a hidden spot first. Do not put the item in the dryer until the stain is gone.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
QT Bird · qtbird.com/stain-library/
Food
Vegetable oil
Vegetable oil is an oily stain, so work in detergent or a grease cutter before washing.
-
Try this first
Liquid detergent worked in, then the hottest wash
Freely apply liquid detergent or a prewash stain remover, work it into the stained area, rinse your hands and repeat. Machine wash at the highest temperature the care label allows, with 1 cup of detergent.
Test any stain remover on a hidden seam or hem first, and check the care label.
-
Then try
Scrape and pretreat (butter, peanut butter)
Scrape off the extra. Pretreat with a spot remover and launder. For butter or margarine, rub detergent into the damp stain and wash in hot water with plenty of detergent and a bleach that is safe for the fabric.
-
Then try
Waterless hand cleaner (mayonnaise, peanut butter)
Sponge with a waterless hand cleaner and rinse. Let it air dry, apply detergent and launder.
-
Then try
Dish soap and a few drops of ammonia
If a stain stays, apply a few drops each of dish soap and ammonia and flush until every trace of ammonia is gone. Soak 30 minutes in 1 quart warm water with 1 tablespoon oxygen bleach, rinse and wash.
Never mix ammonia and chlorine bleach, and rinse well between one stain remover and the next.
-
Then try
Pre-wash remover and the hottest safe wash
Pretreat with a pre-wash stain remover, then launder in the hottest water that is safe for the fabric.
Check the care label and test a hidden spot first. Do not put the item in the dryer until the stain is gone.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
QT Bird · qtbird.com/stain-library/
Food
Watermelon
Watermelon is a fruit stain, so treat it quickly with cool water before it dries.
-
Try this first
Cool water, then an oxygen bleach soak
Rinse the fresh stain promptly with cool water. Soak in warm water with an oxygen bleach (follow the label) for 15 to 30 minutes, then launder with heavy-duty detergent.
Test any stain remover on a hidden seam or hem first, and check the care label.
-
Then try
Vinegar soak, then rubbing alcohol
Soak for 15 minutes in 1 quart warm water with 1/2 teaspoon liquid dish detergent and 1 tablespoon white vinegar. Rinse, sponge with rubbing alcohol and wash. If a stain is left, soak 30 minutes in warm water with an oxygen bleach and wash again.
Rubbing alcohol can take dye out of fabric. Test a hidden spot first.
-
Then try
An enzyme soak
Pretreat or soak with an enzyme product: 30 minutes, or several hours for an older stain. Launder, and if the stain remains, use a bleach that is safe for the fabric.
Check the care label and test a hidden spot first. Do not put the item in the dryer until the stain is gone.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
QT Bird · qtbird.com/stain-library/
Food
Worcestershire sauce
Worcestershire sauce is a sauce stain, so scrape off what you can and rinse from the back.
-
Try this first
Pre-wash stain remover, then heavy-duty liquid detergent
Treat the stain with a pre-wash spot and stain remover, following the label, then launder with heavy-duty liquid detergent.
Test any stain remover on a hidden seam or hem first, and check the care label.
-
Then try
Liquid detergent and an enzyme presoak
Freely apply liquid detergent, work it into the stain, rinse your hands and repeat. Wash with detergent plus a non-chlorine bleach with enzyme presoak. If the stain is still there, soak the item for a day or two, stirring the water now and then, then wash again and let it air dry.
-
Then try
On a carpet or couch
Sponge the stain with cool water. Spray a laundry pre-treater such as Spray ‘n Wash or Shout, agitate lightly with a toothbrush or your fingers and blot with a white folded cloth, turning it as it picks up stain. Sponge with cool water to rinse and blot. If a stain is left, sponge with 1 part white vinegar mixed with 1 part water, blot and rinse with clear water.
Do not over-wet a couch: the fabric finish can leave a ring. Test a hidden spot first.
-
Then try
Step by step: from the back, then detergent
Remove the excess with a spoon or knife without rubbing it in. Run cold water through the back of the stain right away: never rinse from the front, which pushes it deeper. Gently work liquid detergent in with small circles, from the outer edge in. On white or colorfast fabric, apply a mild bleaching agent such as hydrogen peroxide or white vinegar with a sponge (lemon juice works on white), and rinse well. Repeat until the stain is gone, holding it to the light to check. Apply a stain remover for at least 5 minutes, then wash. If it remains, work in more detergent, soak in warm water 30 minutes and wash again.
Do not dab at the stain: that spreads it. Check the care label and test a hidden spot first. Do not put the item in the dryer until the stain is gone.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
QT Bird · qtbird.com/stain-library/
Food
Yogurt
Yogurt is a protein stain (like egg, milk and blood), so start with cool water, never hot.
-
Try this first
Cold soak, then detergent
Soak in cold water for about 30 minutes. Work a little liquid laundry detergent, shampoo or dish liquid into the stain and leave it about 30 minutes. Rinse.
-
Then try
Overnight pre-soak
Soak overnight in a laundry pre-soak such as Biz or Axion. It is very good for milk, egg, blood and perspiration. If you have no pre-soak powder, use any laundry detergent. Then wash in the hottest water that is safe for the fabric.
Test any stain remover on a hidden seam or hem first, and check the care label.
-
Then try
An enzyme soak
Pretreat or soak the stain in a product with enzymes for at least 30 minutes, or several hours for an aged stain. Then launder.
Check the care label and test a hidden spot first. Do not put the item in the dryer until the stain is gone.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
QT Bird · qtbird.com/stain-library/
Food
Zucchini
Zucchini is a vegetable stain, so rinse it from the back with cool water first.
-
Try this first
Vinegar soak, then rubbing alcohol
Soak for 15 minutes in 1 quart warm water with 1/2 teaspoon liquid dish detergent and 1 tablespoon white vinegar. Rinse with water. Sponge with rubbing alcohol and wash.
Rubbing alcohol can take dye out of fabric. Test a hidden spot first.
-
Then try
Oxygen bleach soak, then a pre-wash remover
Soak 30 minutes in 1 quart warm water with 1 tablespoon oxygen bleach. Apply a pre-wash spot and stain remover and launder with heavy-duty detergent and oxygen bleach.
Test any stain remover on a hidden seam or hem first, and check the care label.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
QT Bird · qtbird.com/stain-library/
Everyday spills
Bicycle chain grease
Dish soap breaks down grease. Treat it before washing.
-
Try this first
Dish soap, then a hot wash
Soak the stain with dish soap, wait about 5 minutes, rinse with warm water, then wash in the hottest water the care label allows with a stain remover.
Test on a hidden spot first and check the care label.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
QT Bird · qtbird.com/stain-library/
Everyday spills
Gasoline and diesel on clothes
This is a fire hazard first and a stain second.
-
Try this first
Take it off and air it out first
Take off clothing that is wet with fuel and put it outdoors, in the shade and away from any flame, spark or heat, so the fuel evaporates completely. Do not put it in the washer or dryer while it still smells of fuel.
Never use a dryer. Fuel vapor can ignite. If clothes are soaked through, the safest choice may be to throw them away: ask your garbage service or hazardous-waste center how.
-
Then try
Then wash on their own
Once the fuel has evaporated and the smell is gone, wash the clothes alone in a separate load with a heavy-duty detergent, as the care label allows, and air dry. If any smell is left, wash again. Keep the washer and dryer away from open flames.
Hot water can set a stain, so use the water temperature the care label allows.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
QT Bird · qtbird.com/stain-library/
Everyday spills
Glitter glue and craft glue with glitter
Let it dry, peel off what you can, then soak.
-
Try this first
On clothes
Let the glue dry, then peel or scrape off as much as you can. Soak the spot in warm water with a squirt of dish soap for 30 minutes, scrub gently, then wash and check before drying.
Test a hidden spot first.
-
Then try
On skin or a table
Wash skin with warm soapy water. On a table, wipe with a warm, soapy cloth and peel up the dried glue with a plastic card.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
QT Bird · qtbird.com/stain-library/
Everyday spills
Glitter glue on hard plastic
On washable plastic, fresh glue wipes right off.
-
Try this first
Damp sponge, then soap
Wipe off fresh glue with a damp sponge. Wash what is left with mild soapy water, rinse and look. For stubborn spots, use a plastic-safe cleaner as its label says, after testing a hidden spot.
No scouring powders, and no rubbing alcohol on coated or printed plastic.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
QT Bird · qtbird.com/stain-library/
Everyday spills
Glow stick liquid
The liquid inside can irritate, so rinse first and clothes second.
-
Try this first
On skin or in the mouth or eyes
Rinse skin with lukewarm water and soap. For eyes, flush gently with lukewarm water for 10 to 15 minutes. If a child chewed one open, rinse the mouth and call Poison Control, 1-800-222-1222.
-
Then try
On clothes
Blot up the liquid, rinse from the back of the fabric with cool water, work in a little liquid detergent and launder as the care label allows. Air dry and check the spot before using a dryer.
Test on a hidden spot first and check the care label.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
QT Bird · qtbird.com/stain-library/
Everyday spills
Grease and oil
Cornstarch soaks up grease, and a wet bar of Fels Naptha works on oil-based stains.
-
Try this first
Cornstarch
Sprinkle cornstarch onto the garment and let it set for a few hours to absorb the grease. Brush it off. It lifts grease spots from walls, too: rub cornstarch onto the wall with a soft cloth.
-
Then try
Fels Naptha
Rub a wet bar on oil-based stains before laundering.
-
Then try
Dish soap
Pretreat the spot with dish soap before washing. Oil can leave stains on clothes, carpet and upholstery.
Never leave oil-stained rags balled up, since they can catch fire as they dry. Lay them flat outside to dry.
-
Then try
Light stains: pretreat and a hot wash
Pretreat with a pre-wash stain remover, liquid detergent or a liquid detergent booster, then launder in the hottest water safe for the fabric.
Check the care label and test a hidden spot first. Do not put the item in the dryer until the stain is gone.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
QT Bird · qtbird.com/stain-library/
Everyday spills
Gum and sticky residue on clothes
Harden it with ice, then crack it off.
-
Try this first
Ice, scrape, then pretreat
Apply ice to harden the sticky residue. Crack or scrape off the extra. Apply a pretreatment stain remover, rinse and wash.
Test any stain remover on a hidden seam or hem first, and check the care label.
-
Then try
Hot white vinegar for the stuck bits
Freeze the gum (put the garment in the freezer, or hold ice on it) and peel off what you can. Soak the leftover gum in hot white vinegar and scrape it with the edge of a spoon or a credit card until it is gone.
Use something blunt. A knife or anything rough can snag the fabric.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
QT Bird · qtbird.com/stain-library/
Everyday spills
Gum in the dryer
If a stick of gum went through the dryer, give it time to soften before you scrub.
-
Try this first
Dryer sheet, hot water and stain remover
Soak a dryer sheet in hot water, add a little stain remover such as Spray ‘N Wash and press it onto the gum. Give it time to soften before you scrub.
More: Uses for Dryer Sheets: 25 Smart Ways to Clean, Freshen and Save
-
Then try
Scouring pad or melamine sponge
For leftovers, try a green scouring pad or a melamine sponge, such as Mr. Clean Magic Eraser. Wipe the drum with a damp cloth when you are done.
More: Uses for Dryer Sheets: 25 Smart Ways to Clean, Freshen and Save
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
QT Bird · qtbird.com/stain-library/
Everyday spills
Marker on vinyl placemats and plastic
Dish soap on the mark, then a wet sponge.
-
Try this first
Dish soap and a sponge
Put a little dish soap right on the mark, rub gently with a wet sponge in small circles and rinse well. If a mark remains, try a cleaner labeled safe for vinyl, after testing a hidden spot.
No scrubbing pads: they dull the finish and rub off printed patterns.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
QT Bird · qtbird.com/stain-library/
Everyday spills
Motor oil and automotive grease
Soak up what you can first, then use the hottest water the fabric allows.
-
Try this first
Talcum powder to absorb
Absorb as much of the grease as you can with talcum powder, then brush it off thoroughly.
-
Then try
Pre-wash stain remover and the hottest water
Treat the stain with a pre-wash spot and stain remover. Launder in the hottest water that is safe for the fabric, with heavy-duty liquid detergent. If the stain is still there, repeat.
Test any stain remover on a hidden seam or hem first, and check the care label.
-
Then try
Dish detergent and a few drops of ammonia
Sponge with water. Apply diluted hand dish detergent and a few drops of ammonia. Keep going as long as the stain is still coming out, then flush with water and repeat if needed.
Never mix ammonia and chlorine bleach, and rinse well between one stain remover and the next.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
QT Bird · qtbird.com/stain-library/
Everyday spills
Newsprint
Newspaper ink comes off with dish soap and a warm wash.
-
Try this first
Dish soap from the back
Turn the item inside out, rub dish soap into the stain from the back, scrub gently, then launder in the warmest water the care label allows.
Test on a hidden spot first and check the care label.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
QT Bird · qtbird.com/stain-library/
Everyday spills
Shoe polish
One way for colored clothes, one for white upholstery.
-
Try this first
Colored clothes: pre-wash remover, then detergent
Sponge with a pre-wash soil and stain remover and let it dry. Repeat if needed, then rinse. Rub detergent into the damp stain and launder.
Test any stain remover on a hidden seam or hem first, and check the care label.
-
Then try
Colored clothes: rubbing alcohol
If the stain stays, sponge it with rubbing alcohol, rinse and launder again. Use chlorine bleach for any last trace only if the fabric can take it.
Rubbing alcohol can take dye out of fabric. Test a hidden spot first.
-
Then try
White upholstery: warm water and a household cleaner
Quickly blot off the extra polish with paper towels. Sponge with warm water and blot with a folded white cloth, turning it as it picks up polish. If a mark stays, blot with a white cloth sprayed with a household cleaner such as 409 or Fantastic, several times, then sponge with clear water and blot to remove all the cleaner.
Too much water can leave a ring on upholstery. Test a hidden spot first.
-
Then try
Liquid or paste polish
For liquid polish, pretreat with a paste of detergent powder and water, then launder. For paste polish, scrape off the residue with a dull knife, pretreat with a pre-wash stain remover and rinse, work detergent into the damp area and launder with a bleach that is safe for the fabric.
Check the care label and test a hidden spot first. Do not put the item in the dryer until the stain is gone.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
QT Bird · qtbird.com/stain-library/
Everyday spills
Slime and Silly Putty
Chill it and scrape off the bulk, then treat what is left.
-
Try this first
Chill, scrape, then soak
For slime, hold ice on it until firm and scrape it off, pretreat with laundry detergent, soak in hot water for 30 minutes, then machine wash and air dry.
Test on a hidden spot first and check the care label.
-
Then try
Silly Putty
Scrape off the putty, chill the spot with ice, then blot with nail polish remover, hand sanitizer or a dish soap mix. Check the fabric first: nail polish remover can damage some synthetics.
Test on a hidden spot first and check the care label.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
QT Bird · qtbird.com/stain-library/
Everyday spills
Tobacco
Start with bar soap, then an enzyme soak.
-
Try this first
Bar soap, then an enzyme product
Dampen the stain, rub it with bar soap and rinse. Then pretreat or soak it in a product with enzymes and launder.
Test any stain remover on a hidden seam or hem first, and check the care label.
-
Then try
Launder again with a bleach
If a stain remains, launder again using a bleach that is safe for the fabric.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
QT Bird · qtbird.com/stain-library/
Everyday spills
Wood stain
Wood stain is made to soak in and stay, so act the moment it lands.
-
Try this first
Blot and treat at once
Blot up as much as you can without rubbing. Water-based wood stain: flush with cool water from the back, work in liquid detergent and launder. Oil-based stain: use the thinner named on the can, sparingly and with fresh air, then work in detergent and launder.
Dried wood stain may never come out, so keep this for work clothes. Do not use the dryer until the stain is gone.
-
Then try
Dispose of the rags safely
Rags with oil-based stain can heat up and catch fire. Lay them flat outdoors to dry, away from anything that burns, or put them in a metal can of water with a lid before throwing them away.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
QT Bird · qtbird.com/stain-library/
Everyday spills
Baby oil
Baby oil is a greasy stain, so treat the grease first.
-
Try this first
Cornstarch
Sprinkle cornstarch onto the garment and let it set for a few hours to absorb the grease. Brush it off. It lifts grease spots from walls, too: rub cornstarch onto the wall with a soft cloth.
-
Then try
Fels Naptha
Rub a wet bar on oil-based stains before laundering.
-
Then try
Dish soap
Pretreat the spot with dish soap before washing. Oil can leave stains on clothes, carpet and upholstery.
Never leave oil-stained rags balled up, since they can catch fire as they dry. Lay them flat outside to dry.
-
Then try
Light stains: pretreat and a hot wash
Pretreat with a pre-wash stain remover, liquid detergent or a liquid detergent booster, then launder in the hottest water safe for the fabric.
Check the care label and test a hidden spot first. Do not put the item in the dryer until the stain is gone.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
QT Bird · qtbird.com/stain-library/
Everyday spills
Calamine lotion
Calamine lotion is a lotion or polish stain, which is oil and pigment, so treat the oil first.
-
Try this first
Cornstarch
Sprinkle cornstarch onto the garment and let it set for a few hours to absorb the grease. Brush it off. It lifts grease spots from walls, too: rub cornstarch onto the wall with a soft cloth.
-
Then try
Fels Naptha
Rub a wet bar on oil-based stains before laundering.
-
Then try
Dish soap
Pretreat the spot with dish soap before washing. Oil can leave stains on clothes, carpet and upholstery.
Never leave oil-stained rags balled up, since they can catch fire as they dry. Lay them flat outside to dry.
-
Then try
Light stains: pretreat and a hot wash
Pretreat with a pre-wash stain remover, liquid detergent or a liquid detergent booster, then launder in the hottest water safe for the fabric.
Check the care label and test a hidden spot first. Do not put the item in the dryer until the stain is gone.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
QT Bird · qtbird.com/stain-library/
Everyday spills
Chapstick
Chapstick is a greasy stain, so treat the grease first.
-
Try this first
Cornstarch
Sprinkle cornstarch onto the garment and let it set for a few hours to absorb the grease. Brush it off. It lifts grease spots from walls, too: rub cornstarch onto the wall with a soft cloth.
-
Then try
Fels Naptha
Rub a wet bar on oil-based stains before laundering.
-
Then try
Dish soap
Pretreat the spot with dish soap before washing. Oil can leave stains on clothes, carpet and upholstery.
Never leave oil-stained rags balled up, since they can catch fire as they dry. Lay them flat outside to dry.
-
Then try
Light stains: pretreat and a hot wash
Pretreat with a pre-wash stain remover, liquid detergent or a liquid detergent booster, then launder in the hottest water safe for the fabric.
Check the care label and test a hidden spot first. Do not put the item in the dryer until the stain is gone.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
QT Bird · qtbird.com/stain-library/
Everyday spills
Cigarette stains
Cigarette stains is a tobacco stain.
-
Try this first
Bar soap, then an enzyme product
Dampen the stain, rub it with bar soap and rinse. Then pretreat or soak it in a product with enzymes and launder.
Test any stain remover on a hidden seam or hem first, and check the care label.
-
Then try
Launder again with a bleach
If a stain remains, launder again using a bleach that is safe for the fabric.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
QT Bird · qtbird.com/stain-library/
Everyday spills
Diesel fuel
Diesel fuel is a fuel stain, so air it out first, away from any flame.
-
Try this first
Take it off and air it out first
Take off clothing that is wet with fuel and put it outdoors, in the shade and away from any flame, spark or heat, so the fuel evaporates completely. Do not put it in the washer or dryer while it still smells of fuel.
Never use a dryer. Fuel vapor can ignite. If clothes are soaked through, the safest choice may be to throw them away: ask your garbage service or hazardous-waste center how.
-
Then try
Then wash on their own
Once the fuel has evaporated and the smell is gone, wash the clothes alone in a separate load with a heavy-duty detergent, as the care label allows, and air dry. If any smell is left, wash again. Keep the washer and dryer away from open flames.
Sources differ on water temperature. Hot water can set a stain, so check the care label.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
QT Bird · qtbird.com/stain-library/
Everyday spills
Face cream
Face cream is a greasy stain, so treat the grease first.
-
Try this first
Cornstarch
Sprinkle cornstarch onto the garment and let it set for a few hours to absorb the grease. Brush it off. It lifts grease spots from walls, too: rub cornstarch onto the wall with a soft cloth.
-
Then try
Fels Naptha
Rub a wet bar on oil-based stains before laundering.
-
Then try
Dish soap
Pretreat the spot with dish soap before washing. Oil can leave stains on clothes, carpet and upholstery.
Never leave oil-stained rags balled up, since they can catch fire as they dry. Lay them flat outside to dry.
-
Then try
Light stains: pretreat and a hot wash
Pretreat with a pre-wash stain remover, liquid detergent or a liquid detergent booster, then launder in the hottest water safe for the fabric.
Check the care label and test a hidden spot first. Do not put the item in the dryer until the stain is gone.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
QT Bird · qtbird.com/stain-library/
Everyday spills
Furniture polish
Furniture polish is a lotion or polish stain, which is oil and pigment, so treat the oil first.
-
Try this first
Cornstarch
Sprinkle cornstarch onto the garment and let it set for a few hours to absorb the grease. Brush it off. It lifts grease spots from walls, too: rub cornstarch onto the wall with a soft cloth.
-
Then try
Fels Naptha
Rub a wet bar on oil-based stains before laundering.
-
Then try
Dish soap
Pretreat the spot with dish soap before washing. Oil can leave stains on clothes, carpet and upholstery.
Never leave oil-stained rags balled up, since they can catch fire as they dry. Lay them flat outside to dry.
-
Then try
Light stains: pretreat and a hot wash
Pretreat with a pre-wash stain remover, liquid detergent or a liquid detergent booster, then launder in the hottest water safe for the fabric.
Check the care label and test a hidden spot first. Do not put the item in the dryer until the stain is gone.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
QT Bird · qtbird.com/stain-library/
Everyday spills
Lotion
Lotion is a greasy stain, so treat the grease first.
-
Try this first
Cornstarch
Sprinkle cornstarch onto the garment and let it set for a few hours to absorb the grease. Brush it off. It lifts grease spots from walls, too: rub cornstarch onto the wall with a soft cloth.
-
Then try
Fels Naptha
Rub a wet bar on oil-based stains before laundering.
-
Then try
Dish soap
Pretreat the spot with dish soap before washing. Oil can leave stains on clothes, carpet and upholstery.
Never leave oil-stained rags balled up, since they can catch fire as they dry. Lay them flat outside to dry.
-
Then try
Light stains: pretreat and a hot wash
Pretreat with a pre-wash stain remover, liquid detergent or a liquid detergent booster, then launder in the hottest water safe for the fabric.
Check the care label and test a hidden spot first. Do not put the item in the dryer until the stain is gone.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
QT Bird · qtbird.com/stain-library/
Everyday spills
Nicotine
Nicotine is a tobacco stain.
-
Try this first
Bar soap, then an enzyme product
Dampen the stain, rub it with bar soap and rinse. Then pretreat or soak it in a product with enzymes and launder.
Test any stain remover on a hidden seam or hem first, and check the care label.
-
Then try
Launder again with a bleach
If a stain remains, launder again using a bleach that is safe for the fabric.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
QT Bird · qtbird.com/stain-library/
Everyday spills
Ointment
Ointment is a greasy stain, so treat the grease first.
-
Try this first
Cornstarch
Sprinkle cornstarch onto the garment and let it set for a few hours to absorb the grease. Brush it off. It lifts grease spots from walls, too: rub cornstarch onto the wall with a soft cloth.
-
Then try
Fels Naptha
Rub a wet bar on oil-based stains before laundering.
-
Then try
Dish soap
Pretreat the spot with dish soap before washing. Oil can leave stains on clothes, carpet and upholstery.
Never leave oil-stained rags balled up, since they can catch fire as they dry. Lay them flat outside to dry.
-
Then try
Light stains: pretreat and a hot wash
Pretreat with a pre-wash stain remover, liquid detergent or a liquid detergent booster, then launder in the hottest water safe for the fabric.
Check the care label and test a hidden spot first. Do not put the item in the dryer until the stain is gone.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
QT Bird · qtbird.com/stain-library/
Everyday spills
Rubber cement
Rubber cement is a sticky residue.
-
Try this first
Ice, scrape, then pretreat
Apply ice to harden the sticky residue. Crack or scrape off the extra. Apply a pretreatment stain remover, rinse and wash.
Test any stain remover on a hidden seam or hem first, and check the care label.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
QT Bird · qtbird.com/stain-library/
Everyday spills
Sticker glue
Sticker glue is a sticky residue.
-
Try this first
Ice, scrape, then pretreat
Apply ice to harden the sticky residue. Crack or scrape off the extra. Apply a pretreatment stain remover, rinse and wash.
Test any stain remover on a hidden seam or hem first, and check the care label.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
QT Bird · qtbird.com/stain-library/
Everyday spills
Vaseline
Vaseline is a greasy stain, so treat the grease first.
-
Try this first
Cornstarch
Sprinkle cornstarch onto the garment and let it set for a few hours to absorb the grease. Brush it off. It lifts grease spots from walls, too: rub cornstarch onto the wall with a soft cloth.
-
Then try
Fels Naptha
Rub a wet bar on oil-based stains before laundering.
-
Then try
Dish soap
Pretreat the spot with dish soap before washing. Oil can leave stains on clothes, carpet and upholstery.
Never leave oil-stained rags balled up, since they can catch fire as they dry. Lay them flat outside to dry.
-
Then try
Light stains: pretreat and a hot wash
Pretreat with a pre-wash stain remover, liquid detergent or a liquid detergent booster, then launder in the hottest water safe for the fabric.
Check the care label and test a hidden spot first. Do not put the item in the dryer until the stain is gone.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
QT Bird · qtbird.com/stain-library/
Everyday spills
Vitamin gel caps
Vitamin gel caps is a greasy stain, so treat the grease first.
-
Try this first
Cornstarch
Sprinkle cornstarch onto the garment and let it set for a few hours to absorb the grease. Brush it off. It lifts grease spots from walls, too: rub cornstarch onto the wall with a soft cloth.
-
Then try
Fels Naptha
Rub a wet bar on oil-based stains before laundering.
-
Then try
Dish soap
Pretreat the spot with dish soap before washing. Oil can leave stains on clothes, carpet and upholstery.
Never leave oil-stained rags balled up, since they can catch fire as they dry. Lay them flat outside to dry.
-
Then try
Light stains: pretreat and a hot wash
Pretreat with a pre-wash stain remover, liquid detergent or a liquid detergent booster, then launder in the hottest water safe for the fabric.
Check the care label and test a hidden spot first. Do not put the item in the dryer until the stain is gone.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
QT Bird · qtbird.com/stain-library/
Makeup & beauty
Clay or turmeric face masks on clothes
Let it dry enough to brush off, then treat the color.
-
Try this first
Lift, treat, wash
Let wet mask dry just enough to lift off without smearing and brush off the loose bits. Rub liquid laundry detergent on what is left, let it stand about 5 minutes and wash as the care label allows. Check while damp and repeat before drying.
Turmeric is harder than clay: see Curry and turmeric. Test any treatment on a hidden spot.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
QT Bird · qtbird.com/stain-library/
Makeup & beauty
Eyeliner, blush and mascara smudges
Treat the oil in makeup with soap, then wash.
-
Try this first
Eyeliner
Apply stain remover, wait a minute, blot with liquid detergent, machine wash and air dry.
Test on a hidden spot first and check the care label.
-
Then try
Blush or bronzer
Pretreat with stain remover, liquid detergent, a dab of detergent paste or a wet bar of soap, then launder.
Test on a hidden spot first and check the care label.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
QT Bird · qtbird.com/stain-library/
Makeup & beauty
Hair dye and food coloring on clothes
Red dye and other colors are treated a little differently.
-
Try this first
Red dye: ammonia soak, then vinegar soak
Soak 30 minutes in 1 quart warm water with 1/2 teaspoon dish detergent and 1 tablespoon ammonia. Rinse. Then soak 1 hour in 1 quart warm water with 1 tablespoon white vinegar. Rinse and dry.
Never mix ammonia and chlorine bleach, and rinse well between one stain remover and the next.
-
Then try
Other colors: vinegar soak, then alcohol
Soak 30 minutes in 1 quart warm water with 1/2 teaspoon dish detergent and 1 tablespoon white vinegar, agitating now and then. Rinse and dry. Apply rubbing alcohol on an alcohol-dampened pad, changing the pad as it picks up dye.
Rubbing alcohol can take dye out of fabric. Test a hidden spot first.
-
Then try
A last try: bleach
If any dye is left, use chlorine bleach, but only if the fabric can take it.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
QT Bird · qtbird.com/stain-library/
Makeup & beauty
Hair dye on skin
For dye that landed on your skin, not on your clothes.
-
Try this first
Witch hazel on a cotton ball
Wipe the stained skin with witch hazel on a cotton ball.
Witch hazel is for the outside of your body only. Keep it out of your eyes, and stop using it if your skin gets red or irritated.
More: 20 Uses for Witch Hazel, From Bug Bites to Streak-Free Mirrors
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
QT Bird · qtbird.com/stain-library/
Makeup & beauty
Hair spray
Hair spray dries sticky and shiny. Alcohol loosens it.
-
Try this first
Rubbing alcohol, then wash
Dab the spot with rubbing alcohol on a clean white cloth until the stickiness lifts, working from the back. Then launder as usual.
Alcohol can pull color from some fabrics, so test a hidden spot first. Not for silk.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
QT Bird · qtbird.com/stain-library/
Makeup & beauty
Henna
Henna is a plant dye. It comes out best when treated fresh and cold.
-
Try this first
Cold water, then a mild brightener
Rinse from the back with cold water (warm or hot water can set it) and blot, do not rub. Dab with white vinegar or 3 percent hydrogen peroxide mixed half and half with water, let it sit 15 to 30 minutes, rinse and launder. Keep it out of the dryer until the color is gone.
Peroxide can lighten colors, so test a hidden spot first. Old henna may never come out completely.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
QT Bird · qtbird.com/stain-library/
Makeup & beauty
Home perm solution on clothes
Blot, then soak in soapy vinegar water. Perm chemicals can change color later.
-
Try this first
Blot, soak, wash
Blot up the product without rubbing it wider. Soak 15 minutes in a quart of warm water with 1/2 teaspoon dish soap and 1 tablespoon white vinegar, if the fabric allows it, rinse well, then wash as the label says and air dry to check.
Not for delicate or dry-clean-only fabric. Perm chemicals can cause color changes or damage that shows up later.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
QT Bird · qtbird.com/stain-library/
Makeup & beauty
Lipstick
Start with the gentle ways and work your way down the list.
-
Try this first
Shaving cream, vodka or hair spray
Try one of these first. Blot the stain (a white washcloth works well, so you can see how much of the stain is lifting) and launder as usual.
More: Remove Lipstick Stains
-
Then try
Glycerin, alcohol or club soda
If those do not work well enough, blot with glycerin, rubbing alcohol, club soda or denatured alcohol, then apply Dawn dish liquid and launder as usual.
More: Remove Lipstick Stains
-
Then try
Carbona stain remover
Lastly, try Carbona stain remover products.
More: Remove Lipstick Stains
-
Then try
Rubbing alcohol on paper towels
Put the stain face down on a few layers of paper towel. Dampen another towel with 70 to 90 percent rubbing alcohol and dab the stain again and again, checking the paper underneath for color. Keep going until the stain is gone. Long-lasting lipstick takes more effort.
Rubbing alcohol can take dye out of fabric. Check the care label and test a hidden spot first. Do not put the item in the dryer until the stain is gone.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
QT Bird · qtbird.com/stain-library/
Makeup & beauty
Makeup and sunscreen
Water-based and oil-based makeup need different treatment.
-
Try this first
Water-based makeup
Dampen the stain and rub it with bar soap, or pretreat with heavy-duty liquid laundry detergent or a paste of detergent powder and water. Then launder.
Test any stain remover on a hidden seam or hem first, and check the care label.
-
Then try
Oil-based makeup
Sponge with a waterless hand cleaner, rinse and let it air dry. Apply detergent to the stain and launder. If a stain is left, add a few drops of ammonia to a light-duty liquid detergent solution, apply it, rinse and launder.
Never mix ammonia and chlorine bleach, and rinse well between one stain remover and the next.
-
Then try
Sunscreen and suntan lotion
Soak for 15 minutes in 1 quart warm water with 1/2 teaspoon dish detergent and 1 tablespoon white vinegar. Rinse and wash. If it is still there, soak 30 minutes in warm water with an oxygen bleach, treat with a pre-wash stain remover for 1 minute and wash.
-
Then try
Bar soap or detergent paste
Pretreat the makeup with a pre-wash stain remover, liquid detergent, a paste of detergent powder and water, or rub it with bar soap. Then launder.
Check the care label and test a hidden spot first. Do not put the item in the dryer until the stain is gone.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
QT Bird · qtbird.com/stain-library/
Makeup & beauty
Nail polish
Test on a scrap of cotton first: stain it on purpose and try the ways on that before the real garment.
-
Try this first
Off bug spray (aerosol)
Place a cloth underneath the stain to blot anything that might bleed through. Spray the bug spray onto the stained area until it is saturated, then rub with a cloth or toothbrush. Repeat as the stain lifts and then launder as usual.
-
Then try
Hairspray
If there is still a bit of stain, do not put the garment in the dryer. Spray hairspray onto the stained area and launder as usual again.
-
Then try
Pure acetone
Try pure acetone, too. Test it on a hidden seam first, and never use it on acetate or triacetate.
-
Then try
Nail polish remover from the back
Put the stain face down on clean paper towels and apply nail polish remover to the back, replacing the towels often. Repeat until it is gone, then rinse and launder.
Do not use nail polish remover on acetate or triacetate. Some nail polish may never come out. Check the care label and test a hidden spot first. Do not put the item in the dryer until the stain is gone.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
QT Bird · qtbird.com/stain-library/
Makeup & beauty
Sunscreen
Sunscreen stains are oil stains: treat the oil first, wash warm and keep it out of the dryer until it is gone.
-
Try this first
Treat it like grease, and do it fast
Sunscreen is oily, so go at it with something that cuts oil. Work a little liquid dish soap or liquid laundry detergent into the spot with your fingers, then leave it 10 to 15 minutes before washing.
-
Then try
Wash it warm
Wash as the care label allows, in the warmest water the fabric can take. For lingering yellow or orange marks on whites, chlorine bleach can help. On colors, use an oxygen bleach instead.
Test bleach on a hidden spot. No chlorine bleach on silk, wool or spandex.
-
Then try
Check before you dry
Look at the spot while the item is still wet. If you can still see it, treat and wash again. Heat from the dryer sets the stain, and then it may never come out.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
QT Bird · qtbird.com/stain-library/
Makeup & beauty
Dye
Dye is a dye stain, so act fast and test a hidden spot.
-
Try this first
Red dye: ammonia soak, then vinegar soak
Soak 30 minutes in 1 quart warm water with 1/2 teaspoon dish detergent and 1 tablespoon ammonia. Rinse. Then soak 1 hour in 1 quart warm water with 1 tablespoon white vinegar. Rinse and dry.
Never mix ammonia and chlorine bleach, and rinse well between one stain remover and the next.
-
Then try
Other colors: vinegar soak, then alcohol
Soak 30 minutes in 1 quart warm water with 1/2 teaspoon dish detergent and 1 tablespoon white vinegar, agitating now and then. Rinse and dry. Apply rubbing alcohol on an alcohol-dampened pad, changing the pad as it picks up dye.
Rubbing alcohol can take dye out of fabric. Test a hidden spot first.
-
Then try
A last try: bleach
If any dye is left, use chlorine bleach, but only if the fabric can take it.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
QT Bird · qtbird.com/stain-library/
Makeup & beauty
Easter egg dye
Easter egg dye is a dye stain, so act fast and test a hidden spot.
-
Try this first
Red dye: ammonia soak, then vinegar soak
Soak 30 minutes in 1 quart warm water with 1/2 teaspoon dish detergent and 1 tablespoon ammonia. Rinse. Then soak 1 hour in 1 quart warm water with 1 tablespoon white vinegar. Rinse and dry.
Never mix ammonia and chlorine bleach, and rinse well between one stain remover and the next.
-
Then try
Other colors: vinegar soak, then alcohol
Soak 30 minutes in 1 quart warm water with 1/2 teaspoon dish detergent and 1 tablespoon white vinegar, agitating now and then. Rinse and dry. Apply rubbing alcohol on an alcohol-dampened pad, changing the pad as it picks up dye.
Rubbing alcohol can take dye out of fabric. Test a hidden spot first.
-
Then try
A last try: bleach
If any dye is left, use chlorine bleach, but only if the fabric can take it.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
QT Bird · qtbird.com/stain-library/
Makeup & beauty
Face powder
Face powder is a makeup stain, which is oil and pigment, so treat the oil first.
-
Try this first
Water-based makeup
Dampen the stain and rub it with bar soap, or pretreat with heavy-duty liquid laundry detergent or a paste of detergent powder and water. Then launder.
Test any stain remover on a hidden seam or hem first, and check the care label.
-
Then try
Oil-based makeup
Sponge with a waterless hand cleaner, rinse and let it air dry. Apply detergent to the stain and launder. If a stain is left, add a few drops of ammonia to a light-duty liquid detergent solution, apply it, rinse and launder.
Never mix ammonia and chlorine bleach, and rinse well between one stain remover and the next.
-
Then try
Sunscreen and suntan lotion
Soak for 15 minutes in 1 quart warm water with 1/2 teaspoon dish detergent and 1 tablespoon white vinegar. Rinse and wash. If it is still there, soak 30 minutes in warm water with an oxygen bleach, treat with a pre-wash stain remover for 1 minute and wash.
-
Then try
Bar soap or detergent paste
Pretreat the makeup with a pre-wash stain remover, liquid detergent, a paste of detergent powder and water, or rub it with bar soap. Then launder.
Check the care label and test a hidden spot first. Do not put the item in the dryer until the stain is gone.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
QT Bird · qtbird.com/stain-library/
Makeup & beauty
Food coloring
Food coloring is a dye stain, so act fast and test a hidden spot.
-
Try this first
Red dye: ammonia soak, then vinegar soak
Soak 30 minutes in 1 quart warm water with 1/2 teaspoon dish detergent and 1 tablespoon ammonia. Rinse. Then soak 1 hour in 1 quart warm water with 1 tablespoon white vinegar. Rinse and dry.
Never mix ammonia and chlorine bleach, and rinse well between one stain remover and the next.
-
Then try
Other colors: vinegar soak, then alcohol
Soak 30 minutes in 1 quart warm water with 1/2 teaspoon dish detergent and 1 tablespoon white vinegar, agitating now and then. Rinse and dry. Apply rubbing alcohol on an alcohol-dampened pad, changing the pad as it picks up dye.
Rubbing alcohol can take dye out of fabric. Test a hidden spot first.
-
Then try
A last try: bleach
If any dye is left, use chlorine bleach, but only if the fabric can take it.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
QT Bird · qtbird.com/stain-library/
Makeup & beauty
Make-up
Make-up is a makeup stain, which is oil and pigment, so treat the oil first.
-
Try this first
Water-based makeup
Dampen the stain and rub it with bar soap, or pretreat with heavy-duty liquid laundry detergent or a paste of detergent powder and water. Then launder.
Test any stain remover on a hidden seam or hem first, and check the care label.
-
Then try
Oil-based makeup
Sponge with a waterless hand cleaner, rinse and let it air dry. Apply detergent to the stain and launder. If a stain is left, add a few drops of ammonia to a light-duty liquid detergent solution, apply it, rinse and launder.
Never mix ammonia and chlorine bleach, and rinse well between one stain remover and the next.
-
Then try
Sunscreen and suntan lotion
Soak for 15 minutes in 1 quart warm water with 1/2 teaspoon dish detergent and 1 tablespoon white vinegar. Rinse and wash. If it is still there, soak 30 minutes in warm water with an oxygen bleach, treat with a pre-wash stain remover for 1 minute and wash.
-
Then try
Bar soap or detergent paste
Pretreat the makeup with a pre-wash stain remover, liquid detergent, a paste of detergent powder and water, or rub it with bar soap. Then launder.
Check the care label and test a hidden spot first. Do not put the item in the dryer until the stain is gone.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
QT Bird · qtbird.com/stain-library/
Makeup & beauty
Mascara
Mascara is a makeup stain, which is oil and pigment, so treat the oil first.
-
Try this first
Water-based makeup
Dampen the stain and rub it with bar soap, or pretreat with heavy-duty liquid laundry detergent or a paste of detergent powder and water. Then launder.
Test any stain remover on a hidden seam or hem first, and check the care label.
-
Then try
Oil-based makeup
Sponge with a waterless hand cleaner, rinse and let it air dry. Apply detergent to the stain and launder. If a stain is left, add a few drops of ammonia to a light-duty liquid detergent solution, apply it, rinse and launder.
Never mix ammonia and chlorine bleach, and rinse well between one stain remover and the next.
-
Then try
Sunscreen and suntan lotion
Soak for 15 minutes in 1 quart warm water with 1/2 teaspoon dish detergent and 1 tablespoon white vinegar. Rinse and wash. If it is still there, soak 30 minutes in warm water with an oxygen bleach, treat with a pre-wash stain remover for 1 minute and wash.
-
Then try
Bar soap or detergent paste
Pretreat the makeup with a pre-wash stain remover, liquid detergent, a paste of detergent powder and water, or rub it with bar soap. Then launder.
Check the care label and test a hidden spot first. Do not put the item in the dryer until the stain is gone.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
QT Bird · qtbird.com/stain-library/
Makeup & beauty
Saffron
Saffron is a dye stain, so act fast and test a hidden spot.
-
Try this first
Red dye: ammonia soak, then vinegar soak
Soak 30 minutes in 1 quart warm water with 1/2 teaspoon dish detergent and 1 tablespoon ammonia. Rinse. Then soak 1 hour in 1 quart warm water with 1 tablespoon white vinegar. Rinse and dry.
Never mix ammonia and chlorine bleach, and rinse well between one stain remover and the next.
-
Then try
Other colors: vinegar soak, then alcohol
Soak 30 minutes in 1 quart warm water with 1/2 teaspoon dish detergent and 1 tablespoon white vinegar, agitating now and then. Rinse and dry. Apply rubbing alcohol on an alcohol-dampened pad, changing the pad as it picks up dye.
Rubbing alcohol can take dye out of fabric. Test a hidden spot first.
-
Then try
A last try: bleach
If any dye is left, use chlorine bleach, but only if the fabric can take it.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
QT Bird · qtbird.com/stain-library/
Makeup & beauty
Self-tanners
Self-tanners is a makeup stain, which is oil and pigment, so treat the oil first.
-
Try this first
Water-based makeup
Dampen the stain and rub it with bar soap, or pretreat with heavy-duty liquid laundry detergent or a paste of detergent powder and water. Then launder.
Test any stain remover on a hidden seam or hem first, and check the care label.
-
Then try
Oil-based makeup
Sponge with a waterless hand cleaner, rinse and let it air dry. Apply detergent to the stain and launder. If a stain is left, add a few drops of ammonia to a light-duty liquid detergent solution, apply it, rinse and launder.
Never mix ammonia and chlorine bleach, and rinse well between one stain remover and the next.
-
Then try
Sunscreen and suntan lotion
Soak for 15 minutes in 1 quart warm water with 1/2 teaspoon dish detergent and 1 tablespoon white vinegar. Rinse and wash. If it is still there, soak 30 minutes in warm water with an oxygen bleach, treat with a pre-wash stain remover for 1 minute and wash.
-
Then try
Bar soap or detergent paste
Pretreat the makeup with a pre-wash stain remover, liquid detergent, a paste of detergent powder and water, or rub it with bar soap. Then launder.
Check the care label and test a hidden spot first. Do not put the item in the dryer until the stain is gone.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
QT Bird · qtbird.com/stain-library/
Body & baby
Baby clothes and formula
The Dawn, peroxide and baking soda mix works well on any clothing stain.
-
Try this first
Fels Naptha, or Dawn and ammonia
Rub a wet bar of Fels Naptha on the stain (it works on formula and cosmetic stains), or apply Dawn dish liquid with 1 tablespoon ammonia. Rub gently and rinse.
Never mix ammonia and bleach. It is dangerous, so read the label twice.
-
Then try
Dawn, hydrogen peroxide and baking soda
Mix 2 tablespoons 3% hydrogen peroxide, 1 tablespoon blue Dawn and 1 tablespoon baking soda into a paste (a few drops more peroxide if it is too thick, a little more baking soda if it is too thin). Spread it on the stains, let it set about 30 minutes and scrub gently with a toothbrush. Launder as usual.
Peroxide can lighten colors, so this is best for whites. Test a hidden spot first.
-
Then try
Overnight soak
Soak the clothing in 1/2 cup powdered Cascade and 1/2 cup Clorox 2 (or use OxiClean) in a big bucket of hot water overnight, then launder as usual.
-
Then try
Sunshine
Place the garment outside in the sun. It works as a natural bleach.
-
Then try
Enzyme soak
Pretreat or soak the stain in a product with enzymes for at least 30 minutes, or several hours for an aged stain. Then launder.
Check the care label and test a hidden spot first. Do not put the item in the dryer until the stain is gone.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
QT Bird · qtbird.com/stain-library/
Body & baby
Blood
Always use cool water on blood, because hot water can set the stain.
-
Try this first
Witch hazel soak
Soak just the stained area in witch hazel for about 30 minutes, then rinse in cool water and wash as usual.
More: 20 Uses for Witch Hazel, From Bug Bites to Streak-Free Mirrors
-
Then try
Cornstarch paste
Make a paste with cornstarch and water and apply it to the blood stain. Let it dry, scrape off the paste and launder as usual.
-
Then try
Cold water for fresh, enzymes for dried
For a fresh stain, soak in cold water and launder: hot water sets it. For a dried stain, pretreat or soak in warm water with an enzyme product, then launder. If a stain is left, rewash with a bleach that is safe for the fabric.
Check the care label and test a hidden spot first. Do not put the item in the dryer until the stain is gone.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
QT Bird · qtbird.com/stain-library/
Body & baby
Collar and cuff rings
The grime that builds up where a shirt touches skin.
-
Try this first
Pre-wash stain remover or liquid detergent
Pretreat the collar or cuff with a pre-wash stain remover or liquid laundry detergent, then launder.
Test any stain remover on a hidden seam or hem first, and check the care label.
-
Then try
A detergent paste
Or make a paste of powdered detergent and water, work it into the soiled band and launder. Repeat if the ring is still there.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
QT Bird · qtbird.com/stain-library/
Body & baby
Deodorant and antiperspirant
Do not iron or machine-dry a deodorant stain until it is gone. Heat sets it.
-
Try this first
Dish liquid
Rub undiluted hand dish liquid into the stain and launder. If a stain is left, use a bleach that is safe for the fabric, or hydrogen peroxide.
Test any stain remover on a hidden seam or hem first, and check the care label.
-
Then try
Liquid detergent or a pre-wash stain remover
Apply liquid detergent and massage it into the fabric, rinse and wash in warm water. Or pretreat with a stain remover and let it stand 5 to 10 minutes before washing.
Some deodorant residues (aluminum or zinc salts) can be impossible to remove completely.
-
Then try
If the deodorant changed the color
Apply a few drops of ammonia to a new stain, or a few drops of white vinegar to an old stain.
Never mix ammonia and chlorine bleach, and rinse well between one stain remover and the next.
-
Then try
White, chalky buildup
Warm the fabric first (a steamer, the steam setting of an iron, or a very hot-water rinse) to loosen the caked deodorant. Rub it gently in circles with a microfiber cloth or damp washcloth, then launder in the warmest water the fabric allows. Next time, give deodorant about 15 minutes to dry before you dress.
Test any stain remover on a hidden seam or hem first, and check the care label.
-
Then try
Light or heavy stains
For a light stain, pretreat with liquid detergent and launder. For a heavy stain, pretreat with a pre-wash stain remover, let it sit 5 to 10 minutes and launder with an oxygen bleach.
Check the care label and test a hidden spot first. Do not put the item in the dryer until the stain is gone.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
QT Bird · qtbird.com/stain-library/
Body & baby
Diaper accidents and pet messes
For clothes and bedding. (Urine is its own stain.)
-
Try this first
Detergent paste, then a hot oxygen soak
Apply a paste of detergent to the soiled area. Soak in hot water with an oxygen bleach for 30 minutes, treat with a pre-wash spot and stain remover, then launder. Use chlorine bleach if the fabric allows it, and oxygen bleach if not.
Test any stain remover on a hidden seam or hem first, and check the care label.
-
Then try
Pet messes: pre-wash remover on both sides
Pretreat or soak the stain in a product with oxygen bleach. Apply a pre-wash spot and stain remover to the front and back of the stain, wait 1 minute and wash in heavy-duty liquid detergent with oxygen bleach.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
QT Bird · qtbird.com/stain-library/
Body & baby
Gum in hair or on skin
Before you grab the scissors, try baby oil.
-
Try this first
Baby oil in hair
Work a few drops of baby oil into the gum and the hair around it. Give it a minute or two, then ease the gum down the strands using your fingers or a fine-tooth comb. Shampoo afterward, twice if needed, to wash out the oil.
-
Then try
Baby oil on skin
Wet a cotton ball with a little baby oil, then rub gently over gum stuck to a cheek, hand or arm. The gum should loosen and roll away. Wash the spot with soap and warm water.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
QT Bird · qtbird.com/stain-library/
Body & baby
Ink and marker on skin
Washable marker comes off with soap. Permanent ink needs an oil or alcohol first.
-
Try this first
Soap and warm water
For washable marker and most pen ink, scrub gently with soap and warm water and a washcloth.
-
Then try
Permanent marker: oil, then soap
Rub a little baby oil, cooking oil or lotion on the mark, let it sit a minute, wipe, then wash with soap and water. Hand sanitizer on a cotton ball also lifts it.
Not near the eyes, and not on broken or sensitive skin. Stop if the skin gets red or sore.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
QT Bird · qtbird.com/stain-library/
Body & baby
Paint on skin
Water-based paint comes off best while it is still wet.
-
Try this first
Warm soapy water
Wash with warm water and soap, working the paint off with a washcloth. Dried water-based paint softens if you soak first or rub in a little baby oil, then wash.
Oil-based paint is harder: wipe with cooking oil, then wash. Do not use paint thinner on skin.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
QT Bird · qtbird.com/stain-library/
Body & baby
Self-tanner streaks on hands and skin
Gentle, not harsh. It fades as your skin renews.
-
Try this first
Wash and exfoliate lightly
Wash off any product that has not set with warm water and a gentle cleanser. Use a mild body scrub or soft mitt without hard rubbing, then moisturize. The color fades over a few days.
No bleach, household solvents or hard scrubbing on skin. If you use a self-tanner remover, follow its directions.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
QT Bird · qtbird.com/stain-library/
Body & baby
Sweat
For yellowed underarms and other perspiration stains.
-
Try this first
Peroxide and baking soda soak
Soak yellowed shirt underarms in equal parts hydrogen peroxide and baking soda with a little dish soap for 30 minutes. Scrub gently and wash as usual.
Test on a hidden seam first, especially on colors.
More: Remove Sweat Stains
-
Then try
Fels Naptha
Rub a wet bar of Fels Naptha on the stain before laundering. It works on perspiration stains.
-
Then try
Pretreat, then the hottest wash
Pretreat with a pre-wash stain remover, or rub the area with bar soap, then launder in the hottest water safe for the fabric. If the fabric color has changed, apply ammonia to a fresh stain or white vinegar to an old one, then rinse. For a stubborn stain, wash with an enzyme product or oxygen bleach in the hottest safe water.
Never mix ammonia and chlorine bleach. Check the care label and test a hidden spot first. Do not put the item in the dryer until the stain is gone.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
QT Bird · qtbird.com/stain-library/
Body & baby
Urine
For clothes and bedding. (Carpet is under Carpet stains and pet accidents.)
-
Try this first
Cool water, detergent, then a hot wash
Rinse the stain with cool water. Soak the item in cool water with heavy-duty liquid detergent, then launder in hot water.
Test any stain remover on a hidden seam or hem first, and check the care label.
-
Then try
If the color changed, or a stain is left
If the fabric color has changed, sponge the stain with ammonia and rinse. If a stain is still there, sponge it with white vinegar and launder again.
Never mix ammonia and chlorine bleach, and rinse well between one stain remover and the next.
-
Then try
Overnight pre-soak
Soak overnight in a laundry pre-soak (an enzyme product), then wash.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
QT Bird · qtbird.com/stain-library/
Body & baby
Vomit and other body fluids
Start with cool or cold water. Heat can set a protein stain.
-
Try this first
Cold soak, then detergent
Soak in cold water for about 30 minutes. Work a little liquid laundry detergent into the stain, leave it about 30 minutes and rinse.
Test any stain remover on a hidden seam or hem first, and check the care label.
-
Then try
An enzyme product
Pretreat or soak the stain in a product with enzymes, such as a laundry pre-soak, then launder. Overnight soaking works well on body fluids.
-
Then try
A bleach, if color is left
Launder with chlorine bleach if the fabric allows it, and use an oxygen bleach if it does not.
Check the care label. Never use chlorine bleach on silk, wool or spandex.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
QT Bird · qtbird.com/stain-library/
Body & baby
Baby food
Baby food is a protein stain (like egg, milk and blood), so start with cool water, never hot.
-
Try this first
Fels Naptha, or Dawn and ammonia
Rub a wet bar of Fels Naptha on the stain (it works on formula and cosmetic stains), or apply Dawn dish liquid with 1 tablespoon ammonia. Rub gently and rinse.
Never mix ammonia and bleach. It is dangerous, so read the label twice.
-
Then try
Dawn, hydrogen peroxide and baking soda
Mix 2 tablespoons 3% hydrogen peroxide, 1 tablespoon blue Dawn and 1 tablespoon baking soda into a paste (a few drops more peroxide if it is too thick, a little more baking soda if it is too thin). Spread it on the stains, let it set about 30 minutes and scrub gently with a toothbrush. Launder as usual.
Peroxide can lighten colors, so this is best for whites. Test a hidden spot first.
-
Then try
Overnight soak
Soak the clothing in 1/2 cup powdered Cascade and 1/2 cup Clorox 2 (or use OxiClean) in a big bucket of hot water overnight, then launder as usual.
-
Then try
Sunshine
Place the garment outside in the sun. It works as a natural bleach.
-
Then try
Enzyme soak
Pretreat or soak the stain in a product with enzymes for at least 30 minutes, or several hours for an aged stain. Then launder.
Check the care label and test a hidden spot first. Do not put the item in the dryer until the stain is gone.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
QT Bird · qtbird.com/stain-library/
Body & baby
Baby formula
Baby formula is a protein stain (like egg, milk and blood), so start with cool water, never hot.
-
Try this first
Fels Naptha, or Dawn and ammonia
Rub a wet bar of Fels Naptha on the stain (it works on formula and cosmetic stains), or apply Dawn dish liquid with 1 tablespoon ammonia. Rub gently and rinse.
Never mix ammonia and bleach. It is dangerous, so read the label twice.
-
Then try
Dawn, hydrogen peroxide and baking soda
Mix 2 tablespoons 3% hydrogen peroxide, 1 tablespoon blue Dawn and 1 tablespoon baking soda into a paste (a few drops more peroxide if it is too thick, a little more baking soda if it is too thin). Spread it on the stains, let it set about 30 minutes and scrub gently with a toothbrush. Launder as usual.
Peroxide can lighten colors, so this is best for whites. Test a hidden spot first.
-
Then try
Overnight soak
Soak the clothing in 1/2 cup powdered Cascade and 1/2 cup Clorox 2 (or use OxiClean) in a big bucket of hot water overnight, then launder as usual.
-
Then try
Sunshine
Place the garment outside in the sun. It works as a natural bleach.
-
Then try
Enzyme soak
Pretreat or soak the stain in a product with enzymes for at least 30 minutes, or several hours for an aged stain. Then launder.
Check the care label and test a hidden spot first. Do not put the item in the dryer until the stain is gone.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
QT Bird · qtbird.com/stain-library/
Body & baby
Bird poop
Bird poop is a messy accident, so remove what you can, then rinse with cool water.
-
Try this first
Detergent paste, then a hot oxygen soak
Apply a paste of detergent to the soiled area. Soak in hot water with an oxygen bleach for 30 minutes, treat with a pre-wash spot and stain remover, then launder. Use chlorine bleach if the fabric allows it, and oxygen bleach if not.
Test any stain remover on a hidden seam or hem first, and check the care label.
-
Then try
Pet messes: pre-wash remover on both sides
Pretreat or soak the stain in a product with oxygen bleach. Apply a pre-wash spot and stain remover to the front and back of the stain, wait 1 minute and wash in heavy-duty liquid detergent with oxygen bleach.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
QT Bird · qtbird.com/stain-library/
Body & baby
Breast milk
Breast milk is a protein stain (like egg, milk and blood), so start with cool water, never hot.
-
Try this first
Fels Naptha, or Dawn and ammonia
Rub a wet bar of Fels Naptha on the stain (it works on formula and cosmetic stains), or apply Dawn dish liquid with 1 tablespoon ammonia. Rub gently and rinse.
Never mix ammonia and bleach. It is dangerous, so read the label twice.
-
Then try
Dawn, hydrogen peroxide and baking soda
Mix them together and apply to the stains. Let it set and scrub with a toothbrush. Launder as usual.
-
Then try
Overnight soak
Soak the clothing in 1/2 cup powdered Cascade and 1/2 cup Clorox 2 (or use OxiClean) in a big bucket of hot water overnight, then launder as usual.
-
Then try
Sunshine
Place the garment outside in the sun. It works as a natural bleach.
-
Then try
Enzyme soak
Pretreat or soak the stain in a product with enzymes for at least 30 minutes, or several hours for an aged stain. Then launder.
Check the care label and test a hidden spot first. Do not put the item in the dryer until the stain is gone.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
QT Bird · qtbird.com/stain-library/
Body & baby
Cat urine
Cat urine is a urine stain, so rinse with cool water and treat the odor too.
-
Try this first
Cool water, detergent, then a hot wash
Rinse the stain with cool water. Soak the item in cool water with heavy-duty liquid detergent, then launder in hot water.
Test any stain remover on a hidden seam or hem first, and check the care label.
-
Then try
If the color changed, or a stain is left
If the fabric color has changed, sponge the stain with ammonia and rinse. If a stain is still there, sponge it with white vinegar and launder again.
Never mix ammonia and chlorine bleach, and rinse well between one stain remover and the next.
-
Then try
Overnight pre-soak
Soak overnight in a laundry pre-soak (an enzyme product), then wash.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
QT Bird · qtbird.com/stain-library/
Body & baby
Deodorant stripes
Deodorant stripes is a deodorant stain, so pretreat before washing.
-
Try this first
Dish liquid
Rub undiluted hand dish liquid into the stain and launder. If a stain is left, use a bleach that is safe for the fabric, or hydrogen peroxide.
Test any stain remover on a hidden seam or hem first, and check the care label.
-
Then try
Liquid detergent or a pre-wash stain remover
Apply liquid detergent and massage it into the fabric, rinse and wash in warm water. Or pretreat with a stain remover and let it stand 5 to 10 minutes before washing.
Some deodorant residues (aluminum or zinc salts) can be impossible to remove completely.
-
Then try
If the deodorant changed the color
Apply a few drops of ammonia to a new stain, or a few drops of white vinegar to an old stain.
Never mix ammonia and chlorine bleach, and rinse well between one stain remover and the next.
-
Then try
White, chalky buildup
Warm the fabric first (a steamer, the steam setting of an iron, or a very hot-water rinse) to loosen the caked deodorant. Rub it gently in circles with a microfiber cloth or damp washcloth, then launder in the warmest water the fabric allows. Next time, give deodorant about 15 minutes to dry before you dress.
Test any stain remover on a hidden seam or hem first, and check the care label.
-
Then try
Light or heavy stains
For a light stain, pretreat with liquid detergent and launder. For a heavy stain, pretreat with a pre-wash stain remover, let it sit 5 to 10 minutes and launder with an oxygen bleach.
Check the care label and test a hidden spot first. Do not put the item in the dryer until the stain is gone.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
QT Bird · qtbird.com/stain-library/
Body & baby
Diaper cream
Diaper cream is a greasy stain, so treat the grease first.
-
Try this first
Fels Naptha, or Dawn and ammonia
Rub a wet bar of Fels Naptha on the stain (it works on formula and cosmetic stains), or apply Dawn dish liquid with 1 tablespoon ammonia. Rub gently and rinse.
Never mix ammonia and bleach. It is dangerous, so read the label twice.
-
Then try
Dawn, hydrogen peroxide and baking soda
Mix them together and apply to the stains. Let it set and scrub with a toothbrush. Launder as usual.
-
Then try
Overnight soak
Soak the clothing in 1/2 cup powdered Cascade and 1/2 cup Clorox 2 (or use OxiClean) in a big bucket of hot water overnight, then launder as usual.
-
Then try
Sunshine
Place the garment outside in the sun. It works as a natural bleach.
-
Then try
Enzyme soak
Pretreat or soak the stain in a product with enzymes for at least 30 minutes, or several hours for an aged stain. Then launder.
Check the care label and test a hidden spot first. Do not put the item in the dryer until the stain is gone.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
QT Bird · qtbird.com/stain-library/
Body & baby
Diaper stains
Diaper stains is a messy accident, so remove what you can, then rinse with cool water.
-
Try this first
Detergent paste, then a hot oxygen soak
Apply a paste of detergent to the soiled area. Soak in hot water with an oxygen bleach for 30 minutes, treat with a pre-wash spot and stain remover, then launder. Use chlorine bleach if the fabric allows it, and oxygen bleach if not.
Test any stain remover on a hidden seam or hem first, and check the care label.
-
Then try
Pet messes: pre-wash remover on both sides
Pretreat or soak the stain in a product with oxygen bleach. Apply a pre-wash spot and stain remover to the front and back of the stain, wait 1 minute and wash in heavy-duty liquid detergent with oxygen bleach.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
QT Bird · qtbird.com/stain-library/
Body & baby
Dog urine
Dog urine is a urine stain, so rinse with cool water and treat the odor too.
-
Try this first
Cool water, detergent, then a hot wash
Rinse the stain with cool water. Soak the item in cool water with heavy-duty liquid detergent, then launder in hot water.
Test any stain remover on a hidden seam or hem first, and check the care label.
-
Then try
If the color changed, or a stain is left
If the fabric color has changed, sponge the stain with ammonia and rinse. If a stain is still there, sponge it with white vinegar and launder again.
Never mix ammonia and chlorine bleach, and rinse well between one stain remover and the next.
-
Then try
Overnight pre-soak
Soak overnight in a laundry pre-soak (an enzyme product), then wash.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
QT Bird · qtbird.com/stain-library/
Body & baby
Feces
Feces is a messy accident, so remove what you can, then rinse with cool water.
-
Try this first
Detergent paste, then a hot oxygen soak
Apply a paste of detergent to the soiled area. Soak in hot water with an oxygen bleach for 30 minutes, treat with a pre-wash spot and stain remover, then launder. Use chlorine bleach if the fabric allows it, and oxygen bleach if not.
Test any stain remover on a hidden seam or hem first, and check the care label.
-
Then try
Pet messes: pre-wash remover on both sides
Pretreat or soak the stain in a product with oxygen bleach. Apply a pre-wash spot and stain remover to the front and back of the stain, wait 1 minute and wash in heavy-duty liquid detergent with oxygen bleach.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
QT Bird · qtbird.com/stain-library/
Body & baby
Formula
Formula is a protein stain (like egg, milk and blood), so start with cool water, never hot.
-
Try this first
Fels Naptha, or Dawn and ammonia
Rub a wet bar of Fels Naptha on the stain (it works on formula and cosmetic stains), or apply Dawn dish liquid with 1 tablespoon ammonia. Rub gently and rinse.
Never mix ammonia and bleach. It is dangerous, so read the label twice.
-
Then try
Dawn, hydrogen peroxide and baking soda
Mix 2 tablespoons 3% hydrogen peroxide, 1 tablespoon blue Dawn and 1 tablespoon baking soda into a paste (a few drops more peroxide if it is too thick, a little more baking soda if it is too thin). Spread it on the stains, let it set about 30 minutes and scrub gently with a toothbrush. Launder as usual.
Peroxide can lighten colors, so this is best for whites. Test a hidden spot first.
-
Then try
Overnight soak
Soak the clothing in 1/2 cup powdered Cascade and 1/2 cup Clorox 2 (or use OxiClean) in a big bucket of hot water overnight, then launder as usual.
-
Then try
Sunshine
Place the garment outside in the sun. It works as a natural bleach.
-
Then try
Enzyme soak
Pretreat or soak the stain in a product with enzymes for at least 30 minutes, or several hours for an aged stain. Then launder.
Check the care label and test a hidden spot first. Do not put the item in the dryer until the stain is gone.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
QT Bird · qtbird.com/stain-library/
Body & baby
Insect droppings
Insect droppings is a messy accident, so remove what you can, then rinse with cool water.
-
Try this first
Detergent paste, then a hot oxygen soak
Apply a paste of detergent to the soiled area. Soak in hot water with an oxygen bleach for 30 minutes, treat with a pre-wash spot and stain remover, then launder. Use chlorine bleach if the fabric allows it, and oxygen bleach if not.
Test any stain remover on a hidden seam or hem first, and check the care label.
-
Then try
Pet messes: pre-wash remover on both sides
Pretreat or soak the stain in a product with oxygen bleach. Apply a pre-wash spot and stain remover to the front and back of the stain, wait 1 minute and wash in heavy-duty liquid detergent with oxygen bleach.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
QT Bird · qtbird.com/stain-library/
Body & baby
Perspiration
Perspiration is a sweat stain, so pretreat before washing.
-
Try this first
Peroxide and baking soda soak
Soak yellowed shirt underarms in equal parts hydrogen peroxide and baking soda with a little dish soap for 30 minutes. Scrub gently and wash as usual.
Test on a hidden seam first, especially on colors.
More: Remove Sweat Stains
-
Then try
Fels Naptha
Rub a wet bar of Fels Naptha on the stain before laundering. It works on perspiration stains.
-
Then try
Pretreat, then the hottest wash
Pretreat with a pre-wash stain remover, or rub the area with bar soap, then launder in the hottest water safe for the fabric. If the fabric color has changed, apply ammonia to a fresh stain or white vinegar to an old one, then rinse. For a stubborn stain, wash with an enzyme product or oxygen bleach in the hottest safe water.
Never mix ammonia and chlorine bleach. Check the care label and test a hidden spot first. Do not put the item in the dryer until the stain is gone.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
QT Bird · qtbird.com/stain-library/
Body & baby
Pet feces
Pet feces is a messy accident, so remove what you can, then rinse with cool water.
-
Try this first
Detergent paste, then a hot oxygen soak
Apply a paste of detergent to the soiled area. Soak in hot water with an oxygen bleach for 30 minutes, treat with a pre-wash spot and stain remover, then launder. Use chlorine bleach if the fabric allows it, and oxygen bleach if not.
Test any stain remover on a hidden seam or hem first, and check the care label.
-
Then try
Pet messes: pre-wash remover on both sides
Pretreat or soak the stain in a product with oxygen bleach. Apply a pre-wash spot and stain remover to the front and back of the stain, wait 1 minute and wash in heavy-duty liquid detergent with oxygen bleach.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
QT Bird · qtbird.com/stain-library/
Body & baby
Spit-up
Spit-up is a protein stain (like egg, milk and blood), so start with cool water, never hot.
-
Try this first
Fels Naptha, or Dawn and ammonia
Rub a wet bar of Fels Naptha on the stain (it works on formula and cosmetic stains), or apply Dawn dish liquid with 1 tablespoon ammonia. Rub gently and rinse.
Never mix ammonia and bleach. It is dangerous, so read the label twice.
-
Then try
Dawn, hydrogen peroxide and baking soda
Mix them together and apply to the stains. Let it set and scrub with a toothbrush. Launder as usual.
-
Then try
Overnight soak
Soak the clothing in 1/2 cup powdered Cascade and 1/2 cup Clorox 2 (or use OxiClean) in a big bucket of hot water overnight, then launder as usual.
-
Then try
Sunshine
Place the garment outside in the sun. It works as a natural bleach.
-
Then try
Enzyme soak
Pretreat or soak the stain in a product with enzymes for at least 30 minutes, or several hours for an aged stain. Then launder.
Check the care label and test a hidden spot first. Do not put the item in the dryer until the stain is gone.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
QT Bird · qtbird.com/stain-library/
Body & baby
Underarm stains
Underarm stains is a deodorant stain, so pretreat before washing.
-
Try this first
Dish liquid
Rub undiluted hand dish liquid into the stain and launder. If a stain is left, use a bleach that is safe for the fabric, or hydrogen peroxide.
Test any stain remover on a hidden seam or hem first, and check the care label.
-
Then try
Liquid detergent or a pre-wash stain remover
Apply liquid detergent and massage it into the fabric, rinse and wash in warm water. Or pretreat with a stain remover and let it stand 5 to 10 minutes before washing.
Some deodorant residues (aluminum or zinc salts) can be impossible to remove completely.
-
Then try
If the deodorant changed the color
Apply a few drops of ammonia to a new stain, or a few drops of white vinegar to an old stain.
Never mix ammonia and chlorine bleach, and rinse well between one stain remover and the next.
-
Then try
White, chalky buildup
Warm the fabric first (a steamer, the steam setting of an iron, or a very hot-water rinse) to loosen the caked deodorant. Rub it gently in circles with a microfiber cloth or damp washcloth, then launder in the warmest water the fabric allows. Next time, give deodorant about 15 minutes to dry before you dress.
Test any stain remover on a hidden seam or hem first, and check the care label.
-
Then try
Light or heavy stains
For a light stain, pretreat with liquid detergent and launder. For a heavy stain, pretreat with a pre-wash stain remover, let it sit 5 to 10 minutes and launder with an oxygen bleach.
Check the care label and test a hidden spot first. Do not put the item in the dryer until the stain is gone.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
QT Bird · qtbird.com/stain-library/
Bathroom & medicine cabinet
Acne medicine
Benzoyl peroxide bleaches fabric, and there is no reliable fix.
-
Try this first
What to know
Many acne medicines contain benzoyl peroxide. It can leave a rusty or yellowish mark, or a spot that looks bleached, and the bleaching can show up hours to months later. Washing may only hide it, and it cannot be removed.
Keep acne cream and face wash away from towels, pillowcases and clothes you want to keep.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
QT Bird · qtbird.com/stain-library/
Bathroom & medicine cabinet
Cough syrup and iodine
Two common medicine-cabinet stains, two different treatments.
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Try this first
Cough syrup: vinegar soak, then alcohol
Soak for 15 minutes in 1 quart warm water with 1/2 teaspoon liquid dish detergent and 1 tablespoon white vinegar. Rinse with water. Sponge with rubbing alcohol and wash. If a stain stays, soak 30 minutes in 1 quart warm water with 1 tablespoon oxygen bleach, then treat with a pre-wash stain remover and wash.
Rubbing alcohol can take dye out of fabric. Test a hidden spot first.
-
Then try
Iodine: rinse from the back
Rinse from the back of the stain with cool water. On white fabric, you can use a color remover, following the directions on the package, then rinse and launder.
Test any stain remover on a hidden seam or hem first, and check the care label.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
QT Bird · qtbird.com/stain-library/
Bathroom & medicine cabinet
Mouthwash on clothes
Dyed mouthwash is the problem, so dilute it fast and treat the color.
-
Try this first
Rinse, treat, wash
Rinse from the back with cool running water to dilute it. Rub liquid laundry detergent into the spot and leave it about 5 minutes. Wash as warm as the care label allows, and check the spot before the dryer. Repeat if any color is left.
Strongly colored mouthwash can leave a mark. Keep it out of the dryer until it is gone.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
QT Bird · qtbird.com/stain-library/
Bathroom & medicine cabinet
Perfume and cologne
Fragrance stains come out with cool water, a vinegar soak and, if needed, rubbing alcohol.
-
Try this first
Cool water and detergent
Sponge or soak the stain in cool water. Apply detergent to the stain, then launder.
Test any stain remover on a hidden seam or hem first, and check the care label.
-
Then try
Vinegar soak, then rubbing alcohol
Soak for 15 minutes in 1 quart warm water with 1/2 teaspoon liquid dish detergent and 1 tablespoon white vinegar. Rinse with water. If the stain stays, sponge it with rubbing alcohol, rinse thoroughly and launder. If the fabric can handle it, add chlorine bleach to the wash.
Rubbing alcohol can take dye out of fabric. Test a hidden spot first.
-
Then try
Pre-wash remover or liquid detergent
Pretreat with a pre-wash stain remover or liquid detergent, then launder.
Check the care label and test a hidden spot first. Do not put the item in the dryer until the stain is gone.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
QT Bird · qtbird.com/stain-library/
Bathroom & medicine cabinet
Toothpaste
A vinegar soak first, then rubbing alcohol if it stays.
-
Try this first
Vinegar soak, then rubbing alcohol
Soak for 15 minutes in 1 quart warm water with 1/2 teaspoon liquid dish detergent and 1 tablespoon white vinegar. Rinse with water. Sponge with rubbing alcohol and wash.
Rubbing alcohol can take dye out of fabric. Test a hidden spot first.
-
Then try
Oxygen bleach soak
Soak for 30 minutes in 1 quart warm water with 1 tablespoon oxygen bleach. Wash with heavy-duty detergent and oxygen bleach.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
QT Bird · qtbird.com/stain-library/
Bathroom & medicine cabinet
Iodine
Iodine is a medicine stain.
-
Try this first
Cough syrup: vinegar soak, then alcohol
Soak for 15 minutes in 1 quart warm water with 1/2 teaspoon liquid dish detergent and 1 tablespoon white vinegar. Rinse with water. Sponge with rubbing alcohol and wash. If a stain stays, soak 30 minutes in 1 quart warm water with 1 tablespoon oxygen bleach, then treat with a pre-wash stain remover and wash.
Rubbing alcohol can take dye out of fabric. Test a hidden spot first.
-
Then try
Iodine: rinse from the back
Rinse from the back of the stain with cool water. On white fabric, you can use a color remover, following the directions on the package, then rinse and launder.
Test any stain remover on a hidden seam or hem first, and check the care label.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
QT Bird · qtbird.com/stain-library/
Bathroom & medicine cabinet
Liquid medicine
Liquid medicine is a medicine stain.
-
Try this first
Cough syrup: vinegar soak, then alcohol
Soak for 15 minutes in 1 quart warm water with 1/2 teaspoon liquid dish detergent and 1 tablespoon white vinegar. Rinse with water. Sponge with rubbing alcohol and wash. If a stain stays, soak 30 minutes in 1 quart warm water with 1 tablespoon oxygen bleach, then treat with a pre-wash stain remover and wash.
Rubbing alcohol can take dye out of fabric. Test a hidden spot first.
-
Then try
Iodine: rinse from the back
Rinse from the back of the stain with cool water. On white fabric, you can use a color remover, following the directions on the package, then rinse and launder.
Test any stain remover on a hidden seam or hem first, and check the care label.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
QT Bird · qtbird.com/stain-library/
Bathroom & medicine cabinet
Perfume odor
Perfume odor is a fragrance stain.
-
Try this first
Cool water and detergent
Sponge or soak the stain in cool water. Apply detergent to the stain, then launder.
Test any stain remover on a hidden seam or hem first, and check the care label.
-
Then try
Vinegar soak, then rubbing alcohol
Soak for 15 minutes in 1 quart warm water with 1/2 teaspoon liquid dish detergent and 1 tablespoon white vinegar. Rinse with water. If the stain stays, sponge it with rubbing alcohol, rinse thoroughly and launder. If the fabric can handle it, add chlorine bleach to the wash.
Rubbing alcohol can take dye out of fabric. Test a hidden spot first.
-
Then try
Pre-wash remover or liquid detergent
Pretreat with a pre-wash stain remover or liquid detergent, then launder.
Check the care label and test a hidden spot first. Do not put the item in the dryer until the stain is gone.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
QT Bird · qtbird.com/stain-library/
Outdoors & office
Black walnut
Black walnut is on the list of stains that may never come out, so it is worth trying right away.
-
Try this first
Detergent and vinegar
Sponge with water. Apply a mild liquid dish detergent solution with a few drops of white vinegar, cover with a pad dampened with it and let it stand 5 minutes. Tamp gently with a brush or spoon and flush with water. Repeat until no more stain lifts.
Black walnut can be permanent. Test any stain remover on a hidden seam or hem first, and check the care label.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
QT Bird · qtbird.com/stain-library/
Outdoors & office
Carbon paper
Treat it dry, before any water.
-
Try this first
Hand cleaner or pre-wash spray, then ammonia
Treat the dry fabric with waterless hand cleaner or a pre-wash stain remover, rinse and air dry. If a mark is left, put a few drops of ammonia and detergent on it and launder again.
Test a hidden spot first. Never mix ammonia with chlorine bleach.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
QT Bird · qtbird.com/stain-library/
Outdoors & office
Cement and concrete splashes on clothes
Wet cement can burn skin, so protect yourself first. For the clothes, let the cement dry before you brush it off.
-
Try this first
Let it dry, then brush it off
Take the clothes off and let the cement dry. Shake and brush off as much as you can outdoors. Rinse the rest with a garden hose, then launder the clothes alone. Do not rinse wet cement in a sink or washer: it can clog the drain.
Wet cement is very alkaline and can burn skin. Rinse any skin with plenty of water and see a doctor if it burns. Wear gloves and a dust mask when brushing off dry cement.
-
Then try
A little vinegar for the white haze
If a pale film is left, dab with white vinegar, let it sit a few minutes, rinse and launder again.
Test on a hidden spot first and check the care label.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
QT Bird · qtbird.com/stain-library/
Outdoors & office
Correction fluid (White-Out)
Start with plain detergent. Acetone is the stronger last try.
-
Try this first
Liquid detergent, then a hot wash
Pour liquid laundry detergent on the stain to cover it and let it sit about 5 minutes. Put the garment in the washer without rinsing and wash at the hottest setting the care label allows. Check before drying and repeat if needed.
Test any stain remover on a hidden seam or hem first, and check the care label.
-
Then try
Acetone, as a last try
If the stain stays, sponge it with acetone (a non-oily nail polish remover with acetone), tamp gently with a brush or spoon and flush with rubbing alcohol.
Do not use acetone on fabric that contains acetate. Acetone is flammable: use it in a well-ventilated room, away from flames.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
QT Bird · qtbird.com/stain-library/
Outdoors & office
Flowerpot rings and water marks
Minerals and moisture leave the ring. Clean it, then give pots a barrier.
-
Try this first
On concrete or stone
Scrub the ring with a stiff brush and a mix of half white vinegar and half water. Rinse well.
Keep vinegar off natural stone such as marble or limestone.
-
Then try
On wood
Wipe dry, then rub gently with a cloth with a drop of dish soap. For a white ring, see White rings and cloudy marks on wood furniture. A dark ring may need light sanding and refinishing.
-
Then try
Prevent it
Lift pots on pot feet or saucers with a cork or felt mat under them, and empty saucers after watering.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
QT Bird · qtbird.com/stain-library/
Outdoors & office
Grass
Grass stains can be stubborn, but there are a few easy ways to lift them.
-
Try this first
Laundry detergent or baking soda paste
Rub a little liquid laundry detergent, or a paste of baking soda and water, into the stain. Let it sit 15 minutes and wash in the warmest water the fabric allows. Check that the stain is gone before drying, since heat sets stains.
More: Remove Grass Stains
-
Then try
Rubbing alcohol, then Tide
Apply rubbing alcohol and let it dry. Rinse. Rub with Tide liquid, rinse and then launder as usual.
More: Remove Grass Stains
-
Then try
White vinegar or Karo syrup
Rub it into the stain as a pre-treat. Wash as usual. Do not dry in the dryer until the stain is removed.
More: Remove Grass Stains
-
Then try
Vodka
Apply vodka to the stain, then launder as usual.
-
Then try
Enzyme pre-treat (if the others did not work)
Pre-treat with an enzyme laundry detergent (Biz or Wisk), or make a paste with water and a digestive enzyme capsule (opened to get the powder out) from your local pharmacy or health food store. Apply the paste, let it set for an hour and wash as usual, but air dry.
More: Remove Grass Stains
-
Then try
An enzyme product, then a safe bleach
Pretreat or soak with an enzyme product. If the stain persists, launder with chlorine bleach if the fabric allows it, or with oxygen bleach.
Check the care label and test a hidden spot first. Do not put the item in the dryer until the stain is gone.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
QT Bird · qtbird.com/stain-library/
Outdoors & office
Ink
Expect the ink to come out in stages, not all at once.
-
Try this first
Rubbing alcohol
Apply it and dab or blot. Keep a folded towel under the stain so the ink does not bleed through the garment.
More: Remove Ink Stains
-
Then try
Boosters, one at a time
Try shaving cream, white vinegar, nail polish remover, a baking soda and water paste or cheap aerosol hairspray, one at a time. See which removes the most ink and keep using that method. It will come out in several stages, not immediately.
More: Remove Ink Stains
-
Then try
Cream of tartar and lemon juice paste
Mix 2 tablespoons cream of tartar with 2 tablespoons lemon juice. Leave the paste on the stain for 3 to 4 hours, then launder as usual.
More: Remove Ink Stains
-
Then try
Rubbing alcohol from the back
Sponge around the stain with rubbing alcohol first, then apply it to the stain. Place the stain face down on clean towels, apply alcohol to the back and replace the towels often. Rinse thoroughly and launder. Another way: stretch the fabric over a jar opening and drip alcohol through the stain, then rinse and launder.
Some ballpoint, felt-tip and liquid inks may never come out completely. Rubbing alcohol can take dye out of fabric. Check the care label and test a hidden spot first. Do not put the item in the dryer until the stain is gone.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
QT Bird · qtbird.com/stain-library/
Outdoors & office
Lily pollen on clothes and fabric
Do not wipe it or add water first. Wiping and wetting drive the orange in.
-
Try this first
Lift it off dry
Shake the pollen off outdoors, then lift what is left with a strip of sticky tape pressed lightly and pulled away. Or snip the pollen-bearing anthers off the flowers before they open.
-
Then try
Then treat the mark
Pretreat any orange left with liquid laundry stain remover or dish soap, wash as the label allows, and look at the spot before drying. Sunlight helps fade the last of it.
Lily pollen is very dangerous to cats, even a little on fur they lick off. Keep cats away from lilies and from the cloths you used.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
QT Bird · qtbird.com/stain-library/
Outdoors & office
Marker (washable)
Most are washable, but some brands and colors (red especially) are stubborn.
-
Try this first
Rubbing alcohol on a cotton swab
Wet a cotton swab with rubbing alcohol. Start at the outside of the stain and work in, blotting gently. When the swab is full of ink, switch to a fresh one so you do not spread it. Keep going until the mark is gone, then launder as the care label says.
Rubbing alcohol can take dye out of fabric. Test a hidden spot first.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
QT Bird · qtbird.com/stain-library/
Outdoors & office
Mildew on patio cushions and outdoor fabric
Brush it off outside, wash, and dry in the sun.
-
Try this first
Brush, wash, sun
Brush off the dry mildew outdoors. Scrub with warm water, a little dish soap and a splash of white vinegar, rinse well and let the cushion dry in the sun with the cover on its side.
Check the care tag first: some covers come off and can go in the washer. Wear a mask when brushing off mold.
-
Then try
Oxygen bleach for stubborn spots
Mix oxygen bleach with warm water as the label says, scrub it on, wait 15 minutes, rinse well and dry in the sun.
Test a hidden spot, and never mix bleach with vinegar.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
QT Bird · qtbird.com/stain-library/
Outdoors & office
Mud and dirt
Let the mud dry first, then brush it off.
-
Try this first
Dry, brush, then a detergent paste
Air dry the soil, then brush or vacuum off the extra. Apply a paste of detergent powder and warm water, work it into the stain and repeat if it remains.
-
Then try
Soak, then a color-safe bleach
Or pre-soak with detergent powder and water for at least 30 minutes, then repeat the process with a color-safe bleach added to the solution.
-
Then try
Let it dry, brush, then pretreat
Let the mud dry and brush off as much as you can. For a light stain, pretreat with a paste of detergent powder and water, liquid detergent or a detergent booster. For heavy mud, pretreat or presoak with laundry detergent or an enzyme product. Launder as the care label says.
Check the care label and test a hidden spot first. Do not put the item in the dryer until the stain is gone.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
QT Bird · qtbird.com/stain-library/
Outdoors & office
Mulberry stains on clothes, patios and cars
Mulberry juice is a dye. Treat it fresh and keep it cool.
-
Try this first
On clothes
Rinse from the back with cool running water and sprinkle on a little salt. Or soak the spot in white vinegar for 15 to 30 minutes, blot and repeat. Work in a little dish soap, rinse, and if a purple mark is left, soak in oxygen bleach as the label says, then wash. Check the spot before the dryer.
Test oxygen bleach on a hidden spot. It is not for silk or wool.
-
Then try
On concrete, pavers and cars
Scrub with warm water, dish soap and a stiff brush (a soft cloth on a car) and rinse well. Rinse off fallen berries quickly, before the sun bakes them in.
Do not pour straight bleach on concrete: it can lighten the spot in patches and leave a bigger mark.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
QT Bird · qtbird.com/stain-library/
Outdoors & office
Oil stains on a driveway or garage floor
Soak fresh oil up first. Old oil takes a scrub and some patience.
-
Try this first
Absorb
Cover the oil with cat litter, cornstarch or baking soda, grind it in with your shoe, leave several hours or overnight and sweep it up.
Used absorbent is oily waste: ask your trash or hazardous-waste service how to throw it away. Keep oil out of storm drains.
-
Then try
Scrub
Pour dish soap on what is left, scrub with a stiff brush and hot water, and rinse with a hose. Repeat for older stains.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
QT Bird · qtbird.com/stain-library/
Outdoors & office
Oily road splash on pants and coats
Road water is dirt plus a little oil and fuel. Soak, then wash with a detergent for greasy soil.
-
Try this first
Soak, then wash
If the fabric can take warm water, soak the splashed area up to 30 minutes in warm water with liquid laundry detergent, then wash as the label says with a detergent made for oily soil.
-
Then try
Still there?
Rub liquid detergent into the mark, leave it about 20 minutes and wash again before drying.
If the splash smells of fuel, do not put the clothes in the dryer: see Gasoline and diesel on clothes.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
QT Bird · qtbird.com/stain-library/
Outdoors & office
Paint and tree sap
On clothes, before laundering.
-
Try this first
Vodka
Apply vodka to the paint or tree sap stain. Launder as usual.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
QT Bird · qtbird.com/stain-library/
Outdoors & office
Pen and permanent marker
Rubbing alcohol is the one to reach for.
-
Try this first
Rubbing alcohol
Apply rubbing alcohol and rub the spot between your hands as though washing it. Apply alcohol about a dozen times and the spot will be gone. Rubbing alcohol works to remove permanent marker, too.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
QT Bird · qtbird.com/stain-library/
Outdoors & office
Pencil and graphite
Start by erasing it gently.
-
Try this first
A soft eraser
Gently erase the mark with a soft eraser, such as art gum.
Test any stain remover on a hidden seam or hem first, and check the care label.
-
Then try
Pre-wash stain remover, then launder
Sponge the stain with a pre-wash soil and stain remover, then launder. If the mark is still there, repeat.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
QT Bird · qtbird.com/stain-library/
Outdoors & office
Pesticides on work clothes
This one is about safety, not looks. Wash these clothes apart from the family laundry.
-
Try this first
Keep them separate, rinse first, wash small loads
Do not wash pesticide-soiled clothes with the family wash: residues can transfer to other clothes. Pre-rinse by hosing them outdoors, soaking in a separate tub or running a rinse cycle. Then wash only one or two garments at a time, and wash clothes that have the same pesticide together. Wash them hot (about 120 to 140 degrees F) with a heavy-duty liquid detergent, which removes more oily formulations. For a very toxic product, wash at least three times.
Read the pesticide label first for any washing instructions. Do not use bleach: it does not help, and it can react with ammonia fertilizer to make poisonous chlorine gas. Do not wash heavily soiled clothes at a public laundromat.
-
Then try
Line dry
Hang the clothes on a line to dry so residues do not build up in the dryer. Run the empty washer through a hot cycle afterward.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
QT Bird · qtbird.com/stain-library/
Outdoors & office
Plaster, drywall dust and joint compound on work clothes
Brush it off dry, then rinse cold. Do not grind it into the weave.
-
Try this first
Brush, rinse cold, soak
Outdoors, scrape or brush off as much dry plaster as you can. Rinse from the back with cold running water. Soak briefly in cool water with liquid laundry detergent, then wash in the warmest water the garment allows.
Thick caked-on plaster may not come out without damaging the fabric. Do not rinse plaster down a sink or washer drain if you can avoid it: it can clog. Wear a dust mask when brushing it off.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
QT Bird · qtbird.com/stain-library/
Outdoors & office
Poison ivy oil on clothes
The oil stays on clothes and can give you a rash again, so wash them with care.
-
Try this first
Handle with gloves and wash apart
Wear gloves to take the clothes off and put them straight in a bag, without touching your skin. Wash them alone in the hottest water the care label allows with a heavy-duty detergent. Wash the gloves, boot laces and tools the same way, or wipe them with soapy water.
Do not hug the clothes or carry them against your skin. Run the empty washer through a cycle afterward. If you have a rash, call your doctor or Poison Control, 1-800-222-1222.
-
Then try
Your skin
Rinse skin as soon as you can with lukewarm water and soap. The sooner the oil comes off, the better.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
QT Bird · qtbird.com/stain-library/
Outdoors & office
Pollen
Dilute it first with cold water, and do not rub it in.
-
Try this first
Cold rinse, detergent, then a hot wash
Rinse the garment in cold water to dilute the pollen. Pour liquid laundry detergent right on the stain to cover it and let it sit about 5 minutes. Put the garment in the washer without rinsing it off and wash at the hottest setting the care label allows. Check the stain before drying and repeat if it is still there.
Test any stain remover on a hidden seam or hem first, and check the care label.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
QT Bird · qtbird.com/stain-library/
Outdoors & office
Printer and copier toner
Toner is a powder: wash it out in cold water, not hot.
-
Try this first
Laundry detergent, then a cold wash
Sponge the toner with laundry detergent. Tamp with a brush or spoon. Then launder in cold water.
Use cold water. Hot water can set toner.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
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Outdoors & office
Red clay and baseball dirt
Ball-field dirt gets into everything. Treat it before it ever sees the dryer.
-
Try this first
Rinse and pretreat
Rinse with cool water. Saturate the stain with an enzyme pre-treat spray or liquid laundry detergent and let it sit 10 to 15 minutes. Rinse.
Test any stain remover on a hidden seam or hem first, and check the care label.
-
Then try
A hot oxygen bleach soak, overnight
For heavily stained areas, soak overnight in hot water with a scoop of oxygen bleach, then wash according to the care label.
Do not put the garment in the dryer until the stain is gone. Heat sets stains.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
QT Bird · qtbird.com/stain-library/
Outdoors & office
Rust on garden furniture and tools
Take the loose rust off, then stop new rust with paint or oil.
-
Try this first
Scrub the rust off
Brush the rust with a wire brush or steel wool, or rub with a cloth dipped in white vinegar or lemon juice and salt. Rinse and dry fully.
-
Then try
Protect it
Prime and paint furniture with a rust-inhibiting paint. Wipe tools dry and rub a little oil on the metal before storing.
Wear gloves and eye protection when wire-brushing. Rust remover products are harsh: follow the label.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
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Outdoors & office
Skunk smell on clothes
Skunk spray is oily, so it takes soap, and tomato juice does not help.
-
Try this first
Wash, then wash again, then air dry
Rinse in cold water and pretreat by pouring liquid laundry detergent on the spot for 5 minutes. Wash with detergent at the hottest setting the care label allows, then wash again. Hang the clothes outdoors to dry and skip the clothes dryer until the smell is gone.
Do not pour the skunk-odor mix of peroxide, baking soda and dish soap on clothes. It can discolor fabric. Tomato juice only masks the smell.
More: How to Get Rid of Skunks, which follows University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
QT Bird · qtbird.com/stain-library/
Outdoors & office
Tar and asphalt
Scrape off the bulk, then use a waterless hand cleaner, the kind sold for greasy hands.
-
Try this first
Scrape, then hand cleaner
Scrape off as much as you can with a dull knife. Work waterless hand cleaner (the creamy kind sold for mechanics) into the stain, rub gently, let it stand and repeat, then rinse well with water. Rub in liquid detergent and launder in hot water, with chlorine bleach only if the fabric allows.
Hand cleaners often contain petroleum products: test a hidden spot, keep away from flames and read the label. No chlorine bleach on silk, wool or spandex.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
QT Bird · qtbird.com/stain-library/
Outdoors & office
Tomato plant stains on hands
The green-brown on your hands is plant pigment. A mild acid lightens it.
-
Try this first
Lemon juice or vinegar
Rub lemon juice on your hands, or soak them for 10 to 15 minutes in half white vinegar and half water, then wash with soap. A baking soda paste scrubbed on gently also helps.
Stop if your skin is cracked or sore.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
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Outdoors & office
Tree sap and bugs on a car
Soften, wipe gently, and wax. Never scrub dry paint.
-
Try this first
Bugs: soak, then wipe
Lay a wet soapy cloth over the bugs for a few minutes to soften them, then wipe. Rinse and dry.
-
Then try
Sap: a little alcohol
Dab a cloth with rubbing alcohol or hand sanitizer on the sap, let it soften, wipe gently, then wash the spot with soap and water and add wax.
Test a hidden spot first and do not rub hard. Rinse well: alcohol can dull the clear coat if left on.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
QT Bird · qtbird.com/stain-library/
Outdoors & office
Tree sap and pine pitch
Grease dissolves sap: rub it with something oily, then wash the grease out.
-
Try this first
Rubbing alcohol, shortening or petroleum jelly
Dampen a cloth with rubbing alcohol, vegetable shortening or petroleum jelly. Rub the spots (or only blot if the fabric is very delicate). Wipe off with a paper towel, then wash the remaining grease out with soap and water.
Test any stain remover on a hidden seam or hem first, and check the care label.
-
Then try
Vodka
Apply vodka to the sap stain, then launder as usual.
-
Then try
Turpentine, as a last try
If any sap is left, use turpentine, then wash with soap and water.
Turpentine is flammable. Use it in a well-ventilated room, away from flames, and keep it off your skin.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
QT Bird · qtbird.com/stain-library/
Outdoors & office
Wet leaf stains on concrete and patios
The brown is tannin from wet leaves. Sweep them off sooner next time.
-
Try this first
Sweep, then scrub
Sweep off the leaves, wet the stain and scrub with a stiff brush and warm water with a little dish soap. Rinse with a hose.
-
Then try
For stubborn marks
Scrub with oxygen bleach, about 2 to 3 tablespoons of laundry oxygen bleach per gallon of water, or an outdoor cleaner mixed as its label says. Leave it a few minutes, scrub with a stiff brush and rinse well. A pressure washer on a low setting also helps.
Test a hidden spot. Use oxygen bleach, not chlorine bleach, which harms plants and lawns. Never mix cleaners, and check whether your concrete is sealed first.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
QT Bird · qtbird.com/stain-library/
Outdoors & office
Chalk
Chalk is a dirt stain, so let it dry, brush it off, then wash.
-
Try this first
Dry, brush, then a detergent paste
Air dry the soil, then brush or vacuum off the extra. Apply a paste of detergent powder and warm water, work it into the stain and repeat if it remains.
-
Then try
Soak, then a color-safe bleach
Or pre-soak with detergent powder and water for at least 30 minutes, then repeat the process with a color-safe bleach added to the solution.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
QT Bird · qtbird.com/stain-library/
Outdoors & office
Hog odor
Hog odor is an odor problem, so treat the smell as well as the stain.
-
Try this first
Wash, then wash again, then air dry
Rinse in cold water and pretreat by pouring liquid laundry detergent on the spot for 5 minutes. Wash with detergent at the hottest setting the care label allows, then wash again. Hang the clothes outdoors to dry and skip the clothes dryer until the smell is gone.
Do not pour the skunk-odor mix of peroxide, baking soda and dish soap on clothes. It can discolor fabric. Tomato juice only masks the smell.
More: How to Get Rid of Skunks, which follows University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
QT Bird · qtbird.com/stain-library/
Outdoors & office
India ink
India ink is an ink stain, so blot, do not rub.
-
Try this first
Rubbing alcohol
Apply it and dab or blot. Keep a folded towel under the stain so the ink does not bleed through the garment.
More: Remove Ink Stains
-
Then try
Boosters, one at a time
Try shaving cream, white vinegar, nail polish remover, a baking soda and water paste or cheap aerosol hairspray, one at a time. See which removes the most ink and keep using that method. It will come out in several stages, not immediately.
More: Remove Ink Stains
-
Then try
Cream of tartar and lemon juice paste
Mix 2 tablespoons cream of tartar with 2 tablespoons lemon juice. Leave the paste on the stain for 3 to 4 hours, then launder as usual.
More: Remove Ink Stains
-
Then try
Rubbing alcohol from the back
Sponge around the stain with rubbing alcohol first, then apply it to the stain. Place the stain face down on clean towels, apply alcohol to the back and replace the towels often. Rinse thoroughly and launder. Another way: stretch the fabric over a jar opening and drip alcohol through the stain, then rinse and launder.
Some ballpoint, felt-tip and liquid inks may never come out completely. Rubbing alcohol can take dye out of fabric. Check the care label and test a hidden spot first. Do not put the item in the dryer until the stain is gone.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
QT Bird · qtbird.com/stain-library/
Outdoors & office
Pine resin
Pine resin is a resin stain, so treat the stickiness first.
-
Try this first
Rubbing alcohol, shortening or petroleum jelly
Dampen a cloth with rubbing alcohol, vegetable shortening or petroleum jelly. Rub the spots (or only blot if the fabric is very delicate). Wipe off with a paper towel, then wash the remaining grease out with soap and water.
Test any stain remover on a hidden seam or hem first, and check the care label.
-
Then try
Vodka
Apply vodka to the sap stain, then launder as usual.
-
Then try
Turpentine, as a last try
If any sap is left, use turpentine, then wash with soap and water.
Turpentine is flammable. Use it in a well-ventilated room, away from flames, and keep it off your skin.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
QT Bird · qtbird.com/stain-library/
Around the house
Bird droppings on a car
Bird droppings are acidic and can mark paint, so clean them fast and never dry.
-
Try this first
Soften, then blot
Soak the dropping with car shampoo, a waterless wash or quick detailer, or plain warm water if that is all you have, and wait a few minutes. For a baked-on spot, lay a soaked microfiber cloth over it for 5 to 10 minutes. Dab gently, do not rub, dry with a clean microfiber and re-wax the spot.
Never wipe it dry or scrape it: that can leave a permanent mark. Heat softens paint, so be quick in warm weather.
-
Then try
Bird-dropping wipes
A bird-dropping wipe or an automotive cleaner made for paintwork works too: lay it over the dropping to loosen it, then lift it off gently, using a clean part of the wipe if needed.
Skip household cleaners and baking soda on car paint.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
QT Bird · qtbird.com/stain-library/
Around the house
Black heel scuffs on vinyl floors
Rubber leaves a black mark. Start with a floor cleaner, not steel wool.
-
Try this first
Floor cleaner and a soft cloth
Use an all-purpose cleaner made for your floor, as its label says. Rub the scuff gently with a soft cloth and wipe off the residue.
-
Then try
If it stays
Ask the flooring maker for an approved scuff remover.
No steel wool, abrasive pads or strong solvents on vinyl.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
QT Bird · qtbird.com/stain-library/
Around the house
Candle soot and smoke marks on walls
Do not wet it first. Soot smears into paint.
-
Try this first
Dry first, then mild soap
Wipe lightly with a dry cloth or a dry sponge made for soot. Then wipe with a damp cloth and a drop of dish soap, working top to bottom, and dry.
Rubbing smears soot. Test a hidden spot, especially on flat paint, and call a pro for heavy smoke damage.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
QT Bird · qtbird.com/stain-library/
Around the house
Candle wax
Scrape off the extra first, then lift the rest with heat and paper towels.
-
Try this first
Scrape, then blot with an iron
Scrape off the extra wax with a dull knife. Put the stained fabric between white paper towels and press with a warm iron from the back of the fabric, moving to a clean part of the towel as it soaks up the wax.
-
Then try
Waterless hand cleaner, then detergent
Sponge what is left with a waterless hand cleaner and rinse. Apply detergent to the stain and wash in hot water, using chlorine bleach only if the fabric can take it.
Test any stain remover on a hidden seam or hem first, and check the care label.
-
Then try
If a dye stain is left
Sponge it with rubbing alcohol mixed with 2 parts water, then rinse with water.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
QT Bird · qtbird.com/stain-library/
Around the house
Colored drinks on painted walls
Wipe it while it is wet.
-
Try this first
Cool water, then mild soap
Wipe or blot the spill at once with cool water. If a mark is left, dab with mild detergent diluted in water, working from the outside in. Wipe off the cleaner with a separate barely damp cloth and dry.
Test a hidden spot: flat or old paint can burnish or lift when rubbed.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
QT Bird · qtbird.com/stain-library/
Around the house
Crayon
Little artists strike again? Try a dryer sheet.
-
Try this first
Dryer sheet
Rub the marks lightly with a dryer sheet and the crayon should lift. It works on floors, tabletops and walls, too.
Test a hidden spot first on flat or delicate paint.
More: Uses for Dryer Sheets: 25 Smart Ways to Clean, Freshen and Save
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
QT Bird · qtbird.com/stain-library/
Around the house
Crayon on clothes
A crayon in the dryer is a bigger job than a few spots on a shirt.
-
Try this first
A few spots: treat like candle wax
Scrape off the surface crayon with a dull knife. Place the stain between clean paper towels and press with a warm iron, replacing the towels often. Then set the stain face down on clean paper towels, sponge what is left with a pre-wash stain remover, blot and let it dry. Launder in the hottest water safe for the fabric.
Test any stain remover on a hidden seam or hem first, and check the care label.
-
Then try
Or bar soap
Dampen the spot, rub it with bar soap and launder in the hottest water the fabric allows.
-
Then try
A whole load: baking soda in a hot wash
Wash the load in hot water with laundry soap and 1 cup of baking soda. If color is left, wash with chlorine bleach if the fabric allows it, or soak in an enzyme product or oxygen bleach (safe for colored fabrics).
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
QT Bird · qtbird.com/stain-library/
Around the house
Crayon on walls
Toothpaste works like a mild scrub.
-
Try this first
Toothpaste and a toothbrush
Scrub the marks with plain (not gel) toothpaste on a toothbrush, then wipe clean with a damp cloth.
Test a hidden spot first, especially on flat paint or wallpaper.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
QT Bird · qtbird.com/stain-library/
Around the house
Floor wax and polish buildup on vinyl and tile
Old wax layers go yellow and cloudy. Strip them, do not add more.
-
Try this first
A floor stripper for buildup
Use a floor wax and polish stripper made for your floor, as the label directs and with the room ventilated. Leave it on for the time the label says (often 30 minutes for thick layers), scrub or mop, and rinse well, changing the rinse water often.
Not for hardwood or laminate. Check your floor maker for what is safe, and never mix cleaners.
-
Then try
Finish with a vinegar rinse
After stripping, mop with 1/2 cup white vinegar in a gallon of warm water, then rinse with plain water and dry. This neutralizes the stripper so new polish will stick. For a light film, the same mix may be all you need, but vinegar alone does not dissolve wax well.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
QT Bird · qtbird.com/stain-library/
Around the house
Glitter
Glitter is not a stain but it goes everywhere. Pick it up before you wash.
-
Try this first
Pick it up, do not brush it around
Dab up what you can with a damp paper towel, then vacuum. For the last bits, press a lint roller on it, or rub a balloon on your hair and hold it over the glitter: static pulls it up.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
QT Bird · qtbird.com/stain-library/
Around the house
Mildew
A shower curtain, tablecloth or beach towel that picked up mildew does not have to go in the trash.
-
Try this first
Borax and water
Mix 1 part borax with 4 parts water, scrub the spots with a brush, then launder as usual.
Test a hidden corner first if the fabric is dyed. Wear gloves for scrubbing jobs and keep the powder away from your eyes.
-
Then try
Vinegar and water (patio cushions)
Mix a little dish soap and borax in warm water, scrub cushions with a soft brush, rinse with the hose and stand them on their sides to dry in the sun. Spot treat mildew with a mix of vinegar and water.
More: Clean Patio Cushions
-
Then try
A safe bleach in the hottest wash
Launder with a bleach that is safe for the fabric in the hottest water the care label recommends.
Badly mildewed fabric may be permanently damaged. Check the care label and test a hidden spot first. Do not put the item in the dryer until the stain is gone.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
QT Bird · qtbird.com/stain-library/
Around the house
Play dough and putty
Brush off the dry bits first.
-
Try this first
Brush, cold rinse and a detergent soak
Brush off as much dried play dough as you can, then rinse under cold running water: stronger water pressure loosens more. Soak for up to 5 minutes in a bucket or sink of cold water with about 1 1/2 tablespoons of liquid laundry detergent per gallon, with a white towel on top to keep the garment under. Wash at the hottest setting the care label allows. Check the stain before drying and repeat if needed.
Test any stain remover on a hidden seam or hem first, and check the care label.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
QT Bird · qtbird.com/stain-library/
Around the house
Rust on steel and chrome
For rust on steel and chrome, not on clothes.
-
Try this first
Crumpled aluminum foil
Crumple a sheet of foil and scrub the rust off steel and chrome. It works in place of steel wool.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
QT Bird · qtbird.com/stain-library/
Around the house
Scuffed leather and suede shoes
Two kitchen tricks: banana peel for leather scuffs and stale bread for suede.
-
Try this first
Leather scuffs
Rub the inside of a banana peel over the scuff, then buff with a soft cloth.
Test on a hidden spot first and check the care label.
-
Then try
Suede
Rub a piece of stale bread over the stain in circles until the dirt lifts.
Test on a hidden spot first and check the care label.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
QT Bird · qtbird.com/stain-library/
Around the house
Smoke and soot
Wash it more than once, and do not dry it between washes.
-
Try this first
Small loads, washed again and again
Wash in a small load so the fabric has room to move, with a liquid laundry detergent or one made to remove odors. Repeat the wash 3 to 5 times. Do not dry the items between washes: air-dry them if the fabric must be dried. Skip fabric softener until the smoke damage and smell are gone.
Test any stain remover on a hidden seam or hem first, and check the care label.
-
Then try
A dry cleaner that deodorizes
Or take the clothing to a dry cleaner that offers a deodorizing service, such as ozone treatment.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
QT Bird · qtbird.com/stain-library/
Around the house
Sticker and label residue
Pick the way that suits the surface: glass, metal and hard plastic can take oil, paper and wood cannot.
-
Try this first
Vodka
Apply vodka to stuck-on stickers, price tags or labels to loosen the adhesive, then remove the sticker.
-
Then try
Rubbing alcohol
Soak a washcloth with rubbing alcohol and let it sit on the decal or label. You need only a small edge to lift, and then you can grab it and pull it off. The remaining adhesive can be removed with more rubbing alcohol and a nylon scrubber if needed.
-
Then try
Baby oil (glass, metal and hard plastic)
Peel off as much of the label as you can, rub baby oil over the leftover glue and wait 5 to 10 minutes. The goo should wipe off with a paper towel. Wash the item in hot, soapy water to remove the oily film.
-
Then try
A hair dryer (paper, fabric and unfinished wood)
Some surfaces should not get oily. For those, warm the label with a hair dryer on low until the glue softens, then peel slowly.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
QT Bird · qtbird.com/stain-library/
Around the house
Super glue
The hardest glue of all. One guide says it cannot be removed from clothing, another has a method to try.
-
Try this first
A cool water soak
Soak the fabric in cool water. Tamp with a brush or spoon. Repeat until the glue softens and dissolves, then flush with water.
Super glue often cannot be removed from clothing, so this may not work. Test any stain remover on a hidden seam or hem first, and check the care label.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
QT Bird · qtbird.com/stain-library/
Around the house
Tarnish on silver
Every polish takes off a little silver, so clean tarnish only when you need to.
-
Try this first
Wash first
Wash with a mild detergent in water and keep any wood or other non-metal parts dry. Rinse and dry with a soft cloth. For treasured pieces, a conservation institute suggests distilled water. Handle silver in clean cotton gloves, since skin oils leave marks.
-
Then try
A silver polishing cloth or gentle polish
Use a silver polishing cloth for light tarnish, or a gentle silver paste or liquid polish. Test a new polish on an out-of-sight spot first.
Avoid general metal polishes and any polish with ammonia: it can dissolve copper and leave green stains. Plated, gilded, inlaid or antique pieces: ask a conservator.
-
Then try
The washing soda and aluminum bath
Put the silver in contact with aluminum in a warm solution of washing soda (sodium carbonate). Tarnish slowly disappears. Rinse the silver very well afterward. The silver may look dull and matte until a polishing cloth brings the shine back.
Not for hollow, plated or composite pieces. Expect a sulfur smell: ventilate. Clean the aluminum now and then, or it can pit.
-
Then try
Slow the return
Keep silver clean and dust-free and store it wrapped in acid-free tissue in a sealed bag, ideally with silica gel and activated charcoal. Silver-impregnated cloth bags are especially good.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
QT Bird · qtbird.com/stain-library/
Around the house
Washable marker on painted walls
Marker on washable paint is mostly a gentle-scrub job.
-
Try this first
Soft cloth, then soapy sponge
Wipe off loose color with a soft cloth. Rub gently in small circles with a sponge dipped in mild soapy water, then wipe with a clean damp cloth and let it dry. Repeat gently if needed.
Test a hidden spot. Hard scrubbing can polish or remove flat paint.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
QT Bird · qtbird.com/stain-library/
Around the house
Wax drips on finished hard floors
Lift the wax with plastic, then wipe. Skip strippers on modern finishes.
-
Try this first
Plastic tool, then mild soap
Lift pooled or dried wax with a soft plastic tool. Wipe with mild detergent in warm water on a soft cloth, then with a clean slightly damp cloth, and dry.
No ammonia, strong solvents or wax stripper on modern floor finishes unless the floor maker approves. If a film stays, use only a remover approved for your floor.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
QT Bird · qtbird.com/stain-library/
Around the house
Wet paint on clothes
Act while the paint is wet. Once paint is dry, it cannot be removed.
-
Try this first
Water-based paint (still wet)
Rinse the garment in warm water while the paint is wet. Pretreat with a prewash stain remover, bar soap or laundry detergent, rinse and wash.
Test any stain remover on a hidden seam or hem first, and check the care label.
-
Then try
Oil-based paint
Apply the solvent recommended on the paint can, or turpentine. Rinse. Pretreat with a prewash stain remover, bar soap or laundry detergent, then rinse and wash.
Paint solvents and turpentine are flammable. Use them in a well-ventilated room and keep them away from flames.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
QT Bird · qtbird.com/stain-library/
Around the house
White school glue
Washable school glue dissolves in water, so start there.
-
Try this first
Water, then detergent and vinegar
Sponge with water. Apply a mild liquid dish detergent solution with a few drops of white vinegar, cover with a pad dampened with it and let it stand 30 minutes or more, blotting every 5 minutes with a fresh pad. Flush with water.
Test any stain remover on a hidden seam or hem first, and check the care label.
-
Then try
Rubbing alcohol, then an enzyme product
If glue is left, apply rubbing alcohol on a pad and change the pad as it picks up glue, then flush. Then cover with a pad moistened with an enzyme product, keep it warm and moist for 30 minutes and flush with water.
Rubbing alcohol can take dye out of fabric. Enzymes are not for silk or wool.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
QT Bird · qtbird.com/stain-library/
Around the house
White shoes and sneakers
A paste of baking soda and peroxide brightens canvas.
-
Try this first
Baking soda and peroxide paste
Make a paste of baking soda, hot water and hydrogen peroxide. Brush on a layer, add a second layer, set the shoes in the sun for about 3 hours, then rinse. Repeat if needed.
Only for white canvas or fabric shoes. Test a hidden spot first.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
QT Bird · qtbird.com/stain-library/
Around the house
Winter salt stains on boots and carpet
The white marks are mineral salts. Vinegar and water dissolves them.
-
Try this first
Vinegar and water on leather boots
Dab the stain with a towel dipped in a mix of 1 part white vinegar to 2 parts water (1 to 1 for a bad stain; vinegar alone is too harsh and dries leather out). Wipe, let the boots dry slowly at room temperature stuffed with newspaper, away from heat, then condition the leather.
Test a hidden spot first. Heat can crack leather and flatten suede.
-
Then try
Suede and thick buildup
Flick the worst of the dried salt off with an old toothbrush before using any liquid. Shoe-repair shops also sell salt-stain removers.
-
Then try
On carpet
Vacuum up the loose salt. Spray the salty patches with a 1 to 1 mix of hot water and white vinegar until they are damp, not soaked, wait about 5 minutes and blot dry.
Test a hidden spot first.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
QT Bird · qtbird.com/stain-library/
Around the house
Acrylic paint
Acrylic paint is a paint stain, so act before it dries.
-
Try this first
Water-based paint (still wet)
Rinse the garment in warm water while the paint is wet. Pretreat with a prewash stain remover, bar soap or laundry detergent, rinse and wash.
Test any stain remover on a hidden seam or hem first, and check the care label.
-
Then try
Oil-based paint
Apply the solvent recommended on the paint can, or turpentine. Rinse. Pretreat with a prewash stain remover, bar soap or laundry detergent, then rinse and wash.
Paint solvents and turpentine are flammable. Use them in a well-ventilated room and keep them away from flames.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
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Around the house
Adhesive tape
Adhesive tape is a sticky residue.
-
Try this first
Vodka
Apply vodka to stuck-on stickers, price tags or labels to loosen the adhesive, then remove the sticker.
-
Then try
Rubbing alcohol
Soak a washcloth with rubbing alcohol and let it sit on the decal or label. You need only a small edge to lift, and then you can grab it and pull it off. The remaining adhesive can be removed with more rubbing alcohol and a nylon scrubber if needed.
-
Then try
Baby oil (glass, metal and hard plastic)
Peel off as much of the label as you can, rub baby oil over the leftover glue and wait 5 to 10 minutes. The goo should wipe off with a paper towel. Wash the item in hot, soapy water to remove the oily film.
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Then try
A hair dryer (paper, fabric and unfinished wood)
Some surfaces should not get oily. For those, warm the label with a hair dryer on low until the glue softens, then peel slowly.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
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Around the house
Ashes
Ashes is a soot-type stain, so brush off the loose bits before wetting it.
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Try this first
Small loads, washed again and again
Wash in a small load so the fabric has room to move, with a liquid laundry detergent or one made to remove odors. Repeat the wash 3 to 5 times. Do not dry the items between washes: air-dry them if the fabric must be dried. Skip fabric softener until the smoke damage and smell are gone.
Test any stain remover on a hidden seam or hem first, and check the care label.
-
Then try
A dry cleaner that deodorizes
Or take the clothing to a dry cleaner that offers a deodorizing service, such as ozone treatment.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
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Around the house
Charcoal
Charcoal is a soot-type stain, so brush off the loose bits before wetting it.
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Try this first
Small loads, washed again and again
Wash in a small load so the fabric has room to move, with a liquid laundry detergent or one made to remove odors. Repeat the wash 3 to 5 times. Do not dry the items between washes: air-dry them if the fabric must be dried. Skip fabric softener until the smoke damage and smell are gone.
Test any stain remover on a hidden seam or hem first, and check the care label.
-
Then try
A dry cleaner that deodorizes
Or take the clothing to a dry cleaner that offers a deodorizing service, such as ozone treatment.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
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Around the house
Cigarette odor
Cigarette odor is an odor and stain from smoke, so air it out and wash.
-
Try this first
Small loads, washed again and again
Wash in a small load so the fabric has room to move, with a liquid laundry detergent or one made to remove odors. Repeat the wash 3 to 5 times. Do not dry the items between washes: air-dry them if the fabric must be dried. Skip fabric softener until the smoke damage and smell are gone.
Test any stain remover on a hidden seam or hem first, and check the care label.
-
Then try
A dry cleaner that deodorizes
Or take the clothing to a dry cleaner that offers a deodorizing service, such as ozone treatment.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
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Around the house
Finger paint
Finger paint is a paint stain, so act before it dries.
-
Try this first
Water-based paint (still wet)
Rinse the garment in warm water while the paint is wet. Pretreat with a prewash stain remover, bar soap or laundry detergent, rinse and wash.
Test any stain remover on a hidden seam or hem first, and check the care label.
-
Then try
Oil-based paint
Apply the solvent recommended on the paint can, or turpentine. Rinse. Pretreat with a prewash stain remover, bar soap or laundry detergent, then rinse and wash.
Paint solvents and turpentine are flammable. Use them in a well-ventilated room and keep them away from flames.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
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Around the house
Glue
Glue is a glue stain.
-
Try this first
Water, then detergent and vinegar
Sponge with water. Apply a mild liquid dish detergent solution with a few drops of white vinegar, cover with a pad dampened with it and let it stand 30 minutes or more, blotting every 5 minutes with a fresh pad. Flush with water.
Test any stain remover on a hidden seam or hem first, and check the care label.
-
Then try
Rubbing alcohol, then an enzyme product
If glue is left, apply rubbing alcohol on a pad and change the pad as it picks up glue, then flush. Then cover with a pad moistened with an enzyme product, keep it warm and moist for 30 minutes and flush with water.
Rubbing alcohol can take dye out of fabric. Enzymes are not for silk or wool.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
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Around the house
Jewelry tarnish
Jewelry tarnish is tarnish, which is a chemical film, not dirt.
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Try this first
Wash first
Wash with a mild detergent in water and keep any wood or other non-metal parts dry. Rinse and dry with a soft cloth. For treasured pieces, a conservation institute suggests distilled water. Handle silver in clean cotton gloves, since skin oils leave marks.
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Then try
A silver polishing cloth or gentle polish
Use a silver polishing cloth for light tarnish, or a gentle silver paste or liquid polish. Test a new polish on an out-of-sight spot first.
Avoid general metal polishes and any polish with ammonia: it can dissolve copper and leave green stains. Plated, gilded, inlaid or antique pieces: ask a conservator.
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Then try
The washing soda and aluminum bath
Put the silver in contact with aluminum in a warm solution of washing soda (sodium carbonate). Tarnish slowly disappears. Rinse the silver very well afterward. The silver may look dull and matte until a polishing cloth brings the shine back.
Not for hollow, plated or composite pieces. Expect a sulfur smell: ventilate. Clean the aluminum now and then, or it can pit.
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Then try
Slow the return
Keep silver clean and dust-free and store it wrapped in acid-free tissue in a sealed bag, ideally with silica gel and activated charcoal. Silver-impregnated cloth bags are especially good.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
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Around the house
Livestock paint
Livestock paint is a paint stain, so act before it dries.
-
Try this first
Water-based paint (still wet)
Rinse the garment in warm water while the paint is wet. Pretreat with a prewash stain remover, bar soap or laundry detergent, rinse and wash.
Test any stain remover on a hidden seam or hem first, and check the care label.
-
Then try
Oil-based paint
Apply the solvent recommended on the paint can, or turpentine. Rinse. Pretreat with a prewash stain remover, bar soap or laundry detergent, then rinse and wash.
Paint solvents and turpentine are flammable. Use them in a well-ventilated room and keep them away from flames.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
QT Bird · qtbird.com/stain-library/
Around the house
Paint
Paint is a paint stain, so act before it dries.
-
Try this first
Water-based paint (still wet)
Rinse the garment in warm water while the paint is wet. Pretreat with a prewash stain remover, bar soap or laundry detergent, rinse and wash.
Test any stain remover on a hidden seam or hem first, and check the care label.
-
Then try
Oil-based paint
Apply the solvent recommended on the paint can, or turpentine. Rinse. Pretreat with a prewash stain remover, bar soap or laundry detergent, then rinse and wash.
Paint solvents and turpentine are flammable. Use them in a well-ventilated room and keep them away from flames.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
QT Bird · qtbird.com/stain-library/
Around the house
Tempera paint
Tempera paint is a paint stain, so act before it dries.
-
Try this first
Water-based paint (still wet)
Rinse the garment in warm water while the paint is wet. Pretreat with a prewash stain remover, bar soap or laundry detergent, rinse and wash.
Test any stain remover on a hidden seam or hem first, and check the care label.
-
Then try
Oil-based paint
Apply the solvent recommended on the paint can, or turpentine. Rinse. Pretreat with a prewash stain remover, bar soap or laundry detergent, then rinse and wash.
Paint solvents and turpentine are flammable. Use them in a well-ventilated room and keep them away from flames.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
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Kitchen & bathroom
Baked-on grease on baking sheets and pans
Soak and paste it off. Let time do the scrubbing.
-
Try this first
Hot soapy soak
Fill the sink with very hot water and a good squirt of dish soap, lay the pan in and soak for an hour or overnight. Scrub with a non-scratch pad.
-
Then try
Baking soda and peroxide paste
Sprinkle baking soda over the pan, drizzle with 3 percent hydrogen peroxide to make a paste, leave 2 hours or more, then scrub and rinse.
Not for pans with a non-stick coating. Plain aluminum can darken with strong cleaners, so keep the soak short and rinse well.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
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Kitchen & bathroom
Baked-on grease on the stove top and oven door
Soften first, then wipe. Do not scrape glass or enamel with metal.
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Try this first
Hot soapy cloth
Lay a cloth wrung out in very hot water with dish soap on the grease for 10 minutes, then wipe. Repeat as needed.
-
Then try
Baking soda paste for baked-on spots
Spread a paste of baking soda and water on the spot, let it sit 30 minutes, scrub with a non-scratch pad, wipe and rinse.
Stove off and cool first. No steel wool on glass tops or enamel.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
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Kitchen & bathroom
Baked-on splatters in the microwave
Let the steam and a damp cloth do the work, and skip the scouring.
-
Try this first
Cool, unplug and wipe
Let the microwave cool and unplug it. Take out the turntable and roller ring and wash them in warm water with a little mild dish soap. Wipe the roof, walls and floor with a soft cloth wrung out until damp, not dripping, then the door glass, edges and seals, gently. Dry everything and put the parts back before you plug it in.
Do not use scourers, steel wool, bleach or oven cleaner inside. Do not pour water into the base or any openings.
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Then try
Steam to loosen dried food
Put 1 cup of white vinegar and 1 cup of warm water (or a cup of water with a few lemon slices) in a microwave-safe glass container with a wooden spoon or skewer in it, and heat on high for about 5 minutes (up to 10 in a low-power oven). Take it out carefully with an oven mitt and wipe the walls and door: little scrubbing is needed.
Hot water can become superheated and erupt, so stay nearby and handle the container carefully. Check your microwave’s manual, which may rule out steam cleaning. Do not run it empty.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
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Kitchen & bathroom
Burnt food on stainless steel pans
Let the pan cool first, and skip the steel wool.
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Try this first
Baking soda paste
Scrape out the loose bits. Mix baking soda with a little water into a thick paste, about 3 parts baking soda to 1 part water, and spread it on the burn, thickest on the crust. Leave it a few minutes for a small mark, or a few hours or overnight for heavy char. Then scrub with a nylon brush or non-scratch sponge.
Let a hot pan cool before it touches water: cold water on hot metal can warp it. Do not use steel wool, chlorine bleach or oven cleaner on stainless steel.
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Then try
Simmer, then baking soda
Scrape out what you can. Cover the bottom with water, or equal parts water and white vinegar, and bring it to a simmer for a few minutes, scraping the bottom as it loosens. Pour it out without wiping, coat the bottom with baking soda, let it cool and scrub.
Mind the heat and the fizzing: do the baking soda step in the sink.
-
Then try
Nonstick pans: paste and a soft sponge
Cover the bottom with a thin layer of warm water, sprinkle baking soda over it to make a paste and let it rest several hours or overnight. Scrub with a non-scratch sponge.
No metal tools or abrasive pads on nonstick. Keep soap and acids away from cast iron.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
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Kitchen & bathroom
Burnt-on pans
For caked-on, burnt or scorched pans.
-
Try this first
Dishwasher detergent soak
Add powdered dishwasher detergent or a tablet (such as Cascade) to boiled hot water and soak the pan overnight. It is great on Corning ware, stainless and Pyrex-type glass pans.
More: Clean pans with ease
-
Then try
Dryer sheet overnight
For a casserole dish with burned-on cheese or a skillet crusted with scrambled egg, fill it with hot water, lay a dryer sheet in it and leave it overnight. The gunk should wipe right out in the morning.
Wash the pan well with dish soap and rinse it thoroughly before you cook in it again.
More: Uses for Dryer Sheets: 25 Smart Ways to Clean, Freshen and Save
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
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Kitchen & bathroom
Coffee and tea stains in thermoses and water bottles
Baking soda or a salt shake lifts tannin without scratching.
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Try this first
Baking soda soak
Fill the bottle with warm water and a spoonful or two of baking soda, soak for an hour, then scrub with a soft brush and rinse.
-
Then try
Ice and salt shake
Put a few ice cubes and 3 tablespoons of salt in the thermos, put the lid on and shake for about 3 minutes, then rinse with warm water.
Skip hard scouring pads and steel wool: scratches hold more stain.
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Then try
Vinegar and baking soda for stubborn stains
Add white vinegar and baking soda (it will fizz) with hot water, let it sit 1 to 2 hours, then scrub and rinse well.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
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Kitchen & bathroom
Coffee and tea stains on cups and counters
For mugs, dishes and hard surfaces such as glass, enamel, melamine and laminated cabinets, not clothes.
-
Try this first
Warm sudsy water
Wash the stain in warm sudsy water. Rinse well and dry.
-
Then try
Baking soda on a damp cloth
For old coffee or tea stains, dip a soft, damp cloth in baking soda and wipe the stain. Rinse well and dry.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
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Kitchen & bathroom
Dirty or smelly cutting boards
Wash it hot and soapy, sanitize it, let it dry, and replace it when it is deeply cut.
-
Try this first
Wash after every use
Wash the board in hot, soapy water, rinse with clear water and let it air dry or pat it dry with clean paper towels. Solid wood and plastic boards can go in the dishwasher, but laminated wood boards can crack or split. Do not soak a wooden board: it can warp or crack.
-
Then try
Sanitize
After washing and rinsing, spread a mix of 1 tablespoon of unscented regular liquid chlorine bleach in 1 gallon of water over the board and let it sit for a minute or more. Rinse with clear water and let it dry. A diluted vinegar solution (about 1 part vinegar to 5 parts water) is another option.
Never mix bleach with vinegar or ammonia.
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Then try
When to replace it
Replace a board that is badly worn or has cracks, crevices, chips, or deep grooves or knife marks. Bacteria can hide in them and they are hard to clean.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
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Kitchen & bathroom
Hair dye and nail polish on countertops
Dye and polish are easiest to remove fresh. Wipe, do not scrub.
-
Try this first
Fresh: soap and water
Wipe at once with warm soapy water. For nail polish, blot, do not smear.
-
Then try
Dried: baking soda or acetone-free remover
For hair dye on laminate or a white sink, try a baking soda paste, left 15 minutes, then wiped. For dried nail polish, dab a little nail polish remover on a cotton ball, wipe, then wash with soap and water.
Nail polish remover can dull or melt some finishes and plastics. Test a hidden spot. Not for natural stone or wood.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
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Kitchen & bathroom
Hard candy and sugar film on ceramic tile
Sugar dissolves in warm water.
-
Try this first
Plastic spatula, then warm soapy water
Gently lift thick candy with a plastic spatula. Sponge with warm water and a little dish soap to dissolve the sugar, rinse well and dry so no sticky film is left.
No metal scrapers on glazed tile or grout.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
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Kitchen & bathroom
Hard water on faucets and sink fixtures
Soak off the crust with vinegar. It is gentler than scraping.
-
Try this first
Vinegar wrap
Soak a cloth or paper towel in white vinegar, wrap it around the faucet and leave 30 minutes to an hour. Scrub gently with an old toothbrush, rinse and dry. For a shower head, fill a plastic bag with vinegar and fasten it over the head for an hour.
Not for brass, nickel or other special finishes: check the maker first, and do not leave it on longer than an hour.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
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Kitchen & bathroom
Hard water on shower doors and glass
The white film is minerals left when water dries. Vinegar dissolves it.
-
Try this first
Vinegar spray
Spray equal parts white vinegar and water on the glass, let it sit 10 to 15 minutes, scrub with a soft sponge and rinse. For thick buildup, hold a vinegar-soaked cloth on the glass for 30 minutes first. Squeegee after each shower to stop it coming back.
Keep vinegar off natural stone and grout. Do not mix it with bleach.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
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Kitchen & bathroom
Hard water rings in the toilet
A ring at the water line is mineral buildup. Lower the water, then use vinegar.
-
Try this first
Vinegar soak
Lower the water level by pouring a bucket of water quickly into the bowl, or turn off the supply and flush. Pour white vinegar on the ring, leave 1 to 2 hours, then scrub with a toilet brush.
Never mix vinegar with bleach or a toilet bowl cleaner that contains bleach.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
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Kitchen & bathroom
Hard water spots and cloudy glassware
The longer the minerals sit, the harder they are to remove.
-
Try this first
Cloudy glasses: run them again with a rinse aid
Cloudy spots on glassware usually mean hard water. Run the glasses through the dishwasher again with a rinsing agent, and a little more detergent may help.
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Then try
Glass, tile and fixtures: a hard-water cleaner
Use a cleaning product made for hard water stains, and follow the directions on the label. Treat spots early, before they build up.
Check the label for the surfaces it is safe on, and never mix cleaners.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
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Kitchen & bathroom
Mildew on a shower curtain or liner
Fabric and plastic liners can usually go in the washer.
-
Try this first
Wash with towels
Put the curtain or liner in the washer with a couple of old towels, detergent and 1/2 cup baking soda, on a warm gentle cycle, and add 1/2 cup white vinegar to the rinse. Hang it to dry.
Check the label for heat limits. Do not put plastic in the dryer.
-
Then try
Prevent it
After a shower, spread the curtain out and leave the bathroom fan on so it dries.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
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Kitchen & bathroom
Mold and mildew on household things
Moisture is what makes mold grow, so dry everything fully. Never leave a wet shower curtain bunched up.
-
Try this first
Fabrics and shower curtains
Brush off the mold outdoors, wash with soap and dry in the sun. For a stubborn stain, try lemon juice and salt, an oxygen bleach (1 to 2 tablespoons per pint of water) or chlorine bleach (2 tablespoons per quart of warm water for 5 to 15 minutes, then rinse thoroughly in plain water).
Never use chlorine bleach on silk, wool or spandex, and never use it with vinegar, ammonia or any other cleaner. Test for colorfastness first.
-
Then try
Hard surfaces (tile, shower walls)
Clean with detergent and water, then dry the surface completely. Household laundry bleach can be used, no stronger than 1 cup per gallon of water.
Ventilate the area, wear gloves and never mix bleach with ammonia or other cleaners. Fix the moisture problem, or the mold comes back.
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Then try
Upholstery, mattresses and rugs
Brush and vacuum outdoors, throw out the vacuum bag right away and dry the item thoroughly. Lightly sponge with soap suds, or with a mix of 1 cup rubbing alcohol and 1 cup water.
For deep mold, call a professional. Test a hidden spot first.
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Then try
Leather
Wipe with diluted rubbing alcohol, then clean with mild soap or saddle soap.
Test a hidden spot first.
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Then try
Wood furniture
Dry the wood thoroughly, because mildew keeps growing while the wood holds more than about 20 percent moisture. Check underneath and inside the piece. Mineral spirits will treat the mildewed surface.
Wear rubber gloves. Mineral spirits are flammable: use them in a well-ventilated room, away from flames.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
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Kitchen & bathroom
Rust on a cast iron pan
Rust on cast iron is fixable. Scrub it off, dry, and oil it again.
-
Try this first
Scrub, dry, re-season
Scrub the rust off with steel wool or a stiff brush and coarse salt, rinse, and dry at once with a towel (or a few minutes on a warm burner). Rub a thin coat of vegetable oil over the whole pan and bake it upside down at 400 to 450 degrees for an hour, with foil on the rack below. Let it cool in the oven.
Never leave cast iron to air dry or soak in the sink: that is how it rusts.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
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Kitchen & bathroom
Rust stains in the bathtub
Rust in a tub comes from metal and moisture. Start gently.
-
Try this first
Baking soda paste, then vinegar
Spread a thick paste of baking soda and water on the stains, wait 15 to 20 minutes, scrub and rinse with white vinegar.
-
Then try
Lemon juice and salt
Rub a paste of salt and lemon juice on the rust, let it sit a few minutes and scrub off.
Do not use steel wool on enamel: it scratches. Keep leaky fixtures and wet metal cans off the tub edge.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
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Kitchen & bathroom
Soap scum
Soap scum is soap mixed with minerals. Wipe the shower down after use and it never builds up.
-
Try this first
Vinegar, water and dish soap
In a spray bottle mix equal parts white vinegar and water and about 1 tablespoon of liquid dish soap. Spray the buildup, wait about 15 minutes, scrub with a soft brush, rinse with hot water and dry.
Never mix vinegar with bleach.
-
Then try
Baking soda and vinegar paste
Mix baking soda with enough white vinegar to make a paste. When the fizzing stops, spread it on the tub and shower, leave about 15 minutes, scrub with a non-scratch sponge, rinse and dry.
-
Then try
A wet melamine sponge
Wet a melamine sponge (a magic eraser), squeeze it out and wipe glass doors, grout and the tub. Rinse and dry.
Do not press hard on glass or tile. A wet pumice stone is for porcelain tubs only, never acrylic.
-
Then try
Keep it away
Dry the shower and tub with a squeegee or towel after each use, and switch from bar soap to a liquid body wash. Soap scum is easier to prevent than to remove.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
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Kitchen & bathroom
Stains on a porcelain sink or tub
Start with the gentlest scrub: baking soda. Skip steel wool and harsh powders on porcelain.
-
Try this first
Baking soda paste
Scrub the stain with a paste of baking soda and water on a soft sponge, leave 10 minutes, then rinse.
No steel wool or scouring powders on porcelain or enamel: they scratch and make stains worse.
-
Then try
Vinegar or lemon for mineral and rust marks
Lay a paper towel soaked in white vinegar or lemon juice on the mark for 15 to 30 minutes, then scrub gently and rinse. For toilet rings, lower the water first.
Never mix vinegar with bleach or a toilet cleaner that has bleach.
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Then try
Hydrogen peroxide for dark or dye stains
Mix a little baking soda with 3 percent hydrogen peroxide into a paste, leave it on for an hour, then scrub and rinse. This also helps with hair dye on a white sink.
Test a hidden spot first on colored fixtures.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
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Kitchen & bathroom
Stains on granite and quartz countertops
Wipe spills at once. Use soap and water first, and nothing acidic on stone.
-
Try this first
Warm soapy water, then dry
Wipe spills right away with a soft cloth and warm water with a little dish soap, then dry. Most fresh stains come off this way.
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Then try
Baking soda paste, left overnight
For an older stain, spread a paste of baking soda and water over it, cover with plastic wrap, tape the edges and leave overnight. Wipe off the next day and rinse.
Keep vinegar, lemon and other acids off granite and marble: they dull the finish. Test a hidden spot first.
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Then try
Grease or oil: absorb first
Cover an oil stain with cornstarch or baking soda, leave several hours and wipe away. Repeat if it is still dark.
If a stain is deep or on a stone you are unsure about, ask the installer or a stone cleaner.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
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Kitchen & bathroom
Stains on tile grout
Grout is porous. Use a paste, give it time, and scrub with a stiff brush.
-
Try this first
Baking soda paste
Spread a thick paste of baking soda and water on the grout, wait 15 minutes and scrub with a stiff brush or old toothbrush. Rinse.
-
Then try
Peroxide for dark or moldy spots
Mix baking soda with 3 percent hydrogen peroxide into a paste, leave on for an hour, scrub and rinse. Keep the room ventilated.
Do not use vinegar on grout around natural stone tile. Never mix cleaners, especially bleach with vinegar or ammonia. Sealing grout once it is clean keeps stains away.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
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Kitchen & bathroom
Tomato stains on plastic containers
Tomato sauce tints plastic orange. Soap and sun fade it, with a little patience.
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Try this first
Soap, then sunlight
Hand wash the container with a concentrated dish liquid and let it dry completely. Then set it in direct sunlight, such as a sunny windowsill. The sun gradually lightens the stain: it can take hours, or even days, so check it now and then.
Do not scrub hard or use scouring pads: they can etch and scratch plastic. Soaking in dish soap before the dishwasher helps, because the dishwasher alone may leave the tint.
-
Then try
Baking soda soak
Scrub the container, then let it sit about 15 minutes in a mix of baking soda, water and dish soap. Scrub again. This helps with odors, too.
-
Then try
White vinegar, lemon or hydrogen peroxide
Scrub the stain with white vinegar (plain or with dish soap), or with a cut lemon, then wash as usual. For a deep stain, fill the container with hydrogen peroxide and let it soak, then wash.
Test a hidden spot first. Do not mix peroxide with vinegar.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
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Kitchen & bathroom
Water spots and fingerprints on stainless steel
Wipe with the grain, then dry.
-
Try this first
Vinegar and water, then dry
Wipe with a soft cloth dampened with half white vinegar and half water, following the grain of the steel, then dry right away with a clean cloth. A few drops of olive oil on a cloth buff out smudges.
Skip steel wool and bleach on stainless. Check your appliance manual for its finish.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
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Kitchen & bathroom
White scale in a kettle or coffee maker
It is the same minerals as hard water. Vinegar dissolves them.
-
Try this first
Kettle
Fill the kettle halfway with equal parts white vinegar and water, bring it to a boil, turn off and let it sit 30 minutes. Pour it out, scrub any flakes, and boil and discard a kettle of plain water twice before using it.
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Then try
Coffee maker
Fill the reservoir with half white vinegar and half water and run a full brew cycle. Then run two or three cycles of plain water until the smell is gone.
Check the maker’s manual first: some, including pod machines, ask for their own descaler.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
QT Bird · qtbird.com/stain-library/
Carpet & upholstery
Blood on a mattress or sofa
Cold water only, and use as little as you can. Hot water sets blood.
-
Try this first
Cold water and blot
Dab with a cloth wrung out in cold water, from the outside in, changing to a clean part of the cloth often. Do not soak a mattress.
Never use hot water. Check the cleaning code on a sofa before using liquid.
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Then try
Salt paste or peroxide for the rest
Mix cold water and table salt into a paste, dab it on, wait 20 minutes and blot off. Or dab 3 percent hydrogen peroxide on white fabric, wait a few minutes and blot with cold water.
Peroxide can lighten colors: test a hidden spot first.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
QT Bird · qtbird.com/stain-library/
Carpet & upholstery
Blood on carpet and furniture
Use cool water on blood. Hot water can set it.
-
Try this first
Cool water and mild detergent (carpet)
Mix 1 teaspoon of mild detergent (one with no alkalies or bleach) in 1 cup of cool water. Dab a little on the stain and blot, without pushing the stain deeper. Keep going until no more stain lifts.
Test a hidden spot first.
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Then try
Ammonia, if a stain stays (carpet)
Mix 1 tablespoon of ammonia in 1/2 cup of water. Sponge the stain and blot until no more lifts. Cover with a weighted absorbent pad until it stops drawing liquid, then let it air dry well.
Never mix ammonia and chlorine bleach, and rinse well between one stain remover and the next. Ammonia damages silk and wool.
-
Then try
On a cotton or linen sofa
If the stain is still wet, sponge or blot with cold water. Mix 1 quart of cool water, 1/2 teaspoon of dish or laundry detergent and 1 tablespoon of ammonia. Blot with a clean white pad, changing it as it picks up stain, then rinse with clear water and blot to remove all the ammonia. Let it dry quickly.
Never mix ammonia and chlorine bleach, and rinse well between one stain remover and the next. Too much water can leave a ring on upholstery.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
QT Bird · qtbird.com/stain-library/
Carpet & upholstery
Candle wax on carpet
Harden it, scrape it off, then lift the rest with a warm iron.
-
Try this first
Ice, scrape, then a warm iron
Hold an ice cube in a plastic bag on the wax until it hardens, then gently scrape it off with a metal spatula. Fold several layers of paper towels over the spot and press with a warm, not hot, iron, moving to a clean part of the towels as they soak up the wax.
Use a warm iron, not a hot one. Test a hidden spot first.
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Then try
If colored wax left a dye mark
Mix 1 part rubbing alcohol with 2 parts water. Apply small amounts with a medicine dropper, blotting well after each, then let it dry completely and brush the pile by hand.
Do not use this on acrylic or modacrylic carpet. Test a hidden spot first.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
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Carpet & upholstery
Carpet stains and pet accidents
Blot the spill first, then let borax do the work.
-
Try this first
Borax paste (carpet stains)
Wipe the stain, then mix borax with water to make a paste. Blot it into the carpet, let it sit until dry and vacuum.
Test an inconspicuous area of your carpet first. Keep borax away from your eyes, and store it away from kids and pets.
More: 20 Uses for Borax
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Then try
Dry borax (pet accidents and spilled milk)
Blot the spill with a cloth. Pour borax onto it and let it absorb and deodorize. Then vacuum.
Test an inconspicuous area of your carpet first.
More: 20 Uses for Borax
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
QT Bird · qtbird.com/stain-library/
Carpet & upholstery
Coffee or grease on a sofa or chair
Grease needs an absorber first. Coffee needs a gentle soap and blotting.
-
Try this first
Grease: cornstarch first
Cover the grease with cornstarch or baking soda, leave 30 minutes to a few hours and brush or vacuum it off. Repeat if it still looks oily.
Check the cleaning code on the tag before using any liquid.
-
Then try
Coffee or tea: soap and blot
Blot, then dab with 1 teaspoon dish soap in 1 cup cool water on W fabric. Blot with plain water and let it air dry.
Test on a hidden corner first. Blot, never rub, and do not soak: wet padding and backing can mold.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
QT Bird · qtbird.com/stain-library/
Carpet & upholstery
Dark traffic lanes in carpet
Dirt works into the fibers where we walk. Vacuum often, then deep clean.
-
Try this first
Vacuum and spot treat
Vacuum the lane slowly, twice, in two directions. Dab a little carpet cleaner or dish soap and water on dark spots, wait 5 minutes and blot.
Test on a hidden corner first. Blot, never rub, and do not soak: wet padding and backing can mold.
-
Then try
Deep clean the lane
Rent a hot-water carpet cleaner or call a cleaner for the whole traffic lane. Put a washable runner or mat there afterward.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
QT Bird · qtbird.com/stain-library/
Carpet & upholstery
Finding old pet urine spots in carpet
If a room smells and you can not see why, light helps you find the spot.
-
Try this first
Use a black light
Turn out the lights and shine a black light (UV flashlight) on the carpet. Old urine glows yellow-green. Mark each spot with chalk or tape.
Some spills and cleaners glow too, so use your nose to check.
-
Then try
Then use an enzyme cleaner
Soak the marked spots with an enzyme cleaner for pet urine, as the label says (it must reach as deep as the urine did), leave to dry and do not step on it.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
QT Bird · qtbird.com/stain-library/
Carpet & upholstery
Food spills on carpet (sauce, chocolate, juice)
Scoop first, then blot with a mild soap solution.
-
Try this first
Scoop, blot, soap, rinse
Lift off any solid bits with a spoon. Blot liquid with a white cloth. Dab on 1 teaspoon dish soap in 1 cup cool water, wait 5 minutes, blot, then dab with plain water and blot dry.
Test on a hidden corner first. Blot, never rub, and do not soak: wet padding and backing can mold.
-
Then try
Oily or colored stains
For greasy food, sprinkle cornstarch or baking soda, leave 15 minutes and vacuum before using the soap solution. For colored food, a little white vinegar and water dabbed on helps.
Never mix vinegar with bleach or ammonia.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
QT Bird · qtbird.com/stain-library/
Carpet & upholstery
Furniture dents in carpet
The fibers are only pressed down. Moisture and a little heat bring them back.
-
Try this first
Ice cube method
Set an ice cube in each dent and leave it until it melts. Blot the extra water, then fluff the pile with a spoon or your fingers. Once it is dry, vacuum.
Keep the furniture off the damp spot until it is dry.
-
Then try
Next time
Put coasters or wide furniture cups under heavy legs, and move furniture a few inches now and then.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
QT Bird · qtbird.com/stain-library/
Carpet & upholstery
Furniture polish on carpet
Soak up the oil with an absorber first.
-
Try this first
Cornmeal, vacuum, blot
Sprinkle plain cornmeal on the fresh spill and let it pick up the oil. Vacuum or brush it away. Blot what is left with a carpet-safe cleaner on a white cloth, then blot with clean water and dry.
No lacquer thinner or harsh solvents on home carpet: they damage the backing and fibers.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
QT Bird · qtbird.com/stain-library/
Carpet & upholstery
Gelatin dessert on carpet
Spoon it up, do not push it deeper, then blot with cool water.
-
Try this first
Spoon, sponge, blot
Spoon up the gelatin. Sponge lightly with cool water and blot with a clean white towel. If a sticky mark is left, use a carpet spot cleaner as its label says, blot, then rinse by blotting with clean water and dry.
Flavored gelatin may leave a dye stain too. Do not soak the carpet backing.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
QT Bird · qtbird.com/stain-library/
Carpet & upholstery
Grease on carpet
Blot, do not rub, and keep the cleaner on the cloth, not poured on the carpet.
-
Try this first
A laundry pre-treater on a cloth
Blot the spill with paper towels first. Spray a combination laundry cleaner such as Shout or Spray ‘n Wash onto a cleaning cloth (not the carpet), press the cloth on the spot without rubbing and blot toward the middle, turning to a clean part of the cloth. For a stubborn spot, work gently toward the middle with an old toothbrush, then blot with clean cloths and brush the pile lightly.
Do not over-wet the carpet: cleaners can damage the backing and padding. Test a hidden spot first.
-
Then try
Absorb, then a mild detergent rinse
When the spot looks gone, lay 5 or 6 dry cloths over it, weight them and let them soak up what is left. Then sponge with 1 teaspoon of neutral detergent in 1 cup of lukewarm water, rinse with clear water, blot and let it dry.
If the grease stain stays, ask a professional carpet cleaner.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
QT Bird · qtbird.com/stain-library/
Carpet & upholstery
Gum on carpet
Freeze it hard, then scrape it off.
-
Try this first
Ice in a bag, then scrape
Cut a hole the size of the gum in a piece of cardboard and lay it over the carpet to protect the pile around it. Hold an ice cube in a plastic bag on the gum until it is hard, then scrape off the gum and any residue.
Test a hidden spot of the carpet before you use anything else on it.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
QT Bird · qtbird.com/stain-library/
Carpet & upholstery
Ink on carpet
Rubbing alcohol on a cloth lifts most pen ink. Work from the outside edge in.
-
Try this first
Rubbing alcohol, dab by dab
Put rubbing alcohol on a clean white cloth, not on the carpet. Dab the ink from the outside edge toward the middle, using a clean part of the cloth each time. Finish by blotting with cool water and dish soap, then plain water.
Test on a hidden corner first. Blot, never rub, and do not soak: wet padding and backing can mold.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
QT Bird · qtbird.com/stain-library/
Carpet & upholstery
Ink on leather and vinyl
Fresh ink is easiest. Use as little liquid as you can.
-
Try this first
Rubbing alcohol on a cotton swab
Dab the ink with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol, using a clean swab for each pass. Wipe with a barely damp cloth and dry.
Alcohol can dry or fade leather: test a hidden spot, and rub in a leather conditioner afterward. For valuable leather, call a professional.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
QT Bird · qtbird.com/stain-library/
Carpet & upholstery
Mud on carpet
Leave wet mud alone. It is far easier to clean once it is dry.
-
Try this first
Dry, vacuum, then a mild detergent
Let the mud dry completely (a fan aimed at it speeds things up). Vacuum it with a hose attachment, gently scraping stubborn bits from the fibers with a spoon and vacuuming again until it is gone. Mix warm water with laundry detergent (one with a stain remover is ideal), test it on a hidden patch, then dab the stain with a sponge until it fades. Do not rub. Let the carpet dry naturally.
Do not scrub or scrape hard enough to damage the fibers. Do not soak the carpet.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
QT Bird · qtbird.com/stain-library/
Carpet & upholstery
Nutella and hazelnut spread on carpet
It is sugar, chocolate and oil, so scrape first and treat the grease.
-
Try this first
Scrape, then soak up the oil
Scrape off as much as you can with a spoon, without pressing it in. Sprinkle cornstarch or baking soda on the spot, leave 15 minutes and vacuum.
Test on a hidden corner first. Blot, never rub, and do not soak: wet padding and backing can mold.
-
Then try
Dish soap and blot
Dab on 1 teaspoon dish soap in 1 cup warm water, wait 5 minutes, blot, then dab with plain water and blot dry.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
QT Bird · qtbird.com/stain-library/
Carpet & upholstery
Pet and baby messes on carpet
Scrape up the solids first, without pushing the stain deeper.
-
Try this first
Dish detergent and lukewarm water
Gently scrape off the solids. Sponge with 1 teaspoon of mild white dish detergent in 1 pint of lukewarm water, then blot with an absorbent pad. Keep sponging and blotting until no more stain lifts.
Test a hidden spot first.
-
Then try
Ammonia, if a stain stays
Sponge with 1 tablespoon of ammonia in 1 cup of warm water and blot until no more stain lifts. Lay a weighted absorbent pad over the damp spot until it stops drawing liquid, then let it air dry well and fluff the pile with your fingers.
Never mix ammonia and chlorine bleach, and rinse well between one stain remover and the next. Ammonia damages silk and wool.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
QT Bird · qtbird.com/stain-library/
Carpet & upholstery
Pet urine on carpet
Blot it, then use an enzyme cleaner. Do not scrub.
-
Try this first
Blot, then an enzymatic cleaner
Press paper towels or a clean rag firmly on the fresh spot to soak up the liquid. Scrubbing pushes urine deeper into the backing. Test the cleaner on a hidden spot, then treat the stain and a couple of inches around it, because urine spreads under the surface. Apply an enzymatic pet-urine cleaner generously. Let a light spot sit about 15 minutes; for a heavy one, cover with a damp cloth and leave it 12 to 24 hours. Blot up the moisture, let it dry overnight and vacuum.
Repeat if the stain or smell comes back: that usually means urine reached the padding. Do not use hydrogen peroxide alone without testing, since it can bleach carpet. Never pour vinegar into a carpet cleaning machine.
-
Then try
Find old spots with a blacklight
Dried urine glows under a blacklight in a dark room. Mark the spots and treat each one the same way.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
QT Bird · qtbird.com/stain-library/
Carpet & upholstery
Red and blue drinks on carpet (Kool-Aid, Gatorade, Sunny D)
Dyed drinks are the hard ones: blot, dilute and act fast.
-
Try this first
Blot, then dilute
Blot up as much as you can, then dab with cool water and blot again. Repeat until the cloth stops picking up color.
Test on a hidden corner first. Blot, never rub, and do not soak: wet padding and backing can mold.
-
Then try
Dish soap and white vinegar
Mix 1 teaspoon of clear dish soap and 1 tablespoon of white vinegar in 2 cups of warm water. Dab it on, wait 5 minutes, blot, then dab with plain water and blot dry.
Never mix vinegar with bleach or ammonia.
-
Then try
Peroxide for what is left
Dab on 3 percent hydrogen peroxide mixed half and half with water, wait 10 minutes, blot and rinse with plain water. Repeat if needed.
Peroxide can lighten colored and wool carpet. Test first. A food-dye stain left for days may never come out fully.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
QT Bird · qtbird.com/stain-library/
Carpet & upholstery
Red wine on a sofa or chair
Check the cleaning code on the tag first: W means water is fine, S means solvent only.
-
Try this first
Blot, then salt or baking soda
Blot up as much as you can. Cover the spot with salt or baking soda to pull the wine out, wait 10 minutes and brush it away.
Look for the cleaning code tag under a cushion. If it says S or X, use no water: call a cleaner.
-
Then try
Mild soap, on W fabric only
Mix 1 teaspoon of clear dish soap in 1 cup of cool water. Dab it on with a white cloth, blot, then dab with plain water and let it air dry, not in the sun.
Test on a hidden corner first. Blot, never rub, and do not soak: wet padding and backing can mold.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
QT Bird · qtbird.com/stain-library/
Carpet & upholstery
Red wine on carpet
Blot at once, from the edge toward the middle.
-
Try this first
Blot, then cool water
Blot up as much as you can with a clean white cloth. Pour a little cool water on the spot and keep blotting until the cloth comes up almost clean.
Test on a hidden corner first. Blot, never rub, and do not soak: wet padding and backing can mold.
-
Then try
Dish soap solution
Mix 1 teaspoon of clear dish soap in 1 cup of cool water. Dab it on, wait 5 minutes and blot. Rinse by dabbing with plain water and blot dry.
-
Then try
Still pink?
Dab on 3 percent hydrogen peroxide mixed half and half with water, wait a few minutes and blot. Rinse with plain water.
Peroxide can lighten colored and wool carpet. Test first.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
QT Bird · qtbird.com/stain-library/
Carpet & upholstery
Sofa or chair: what do W, S, WS and X mean?
Look under a cushion or the seat for a tag. The letter tells you what to clean with, before any stain.
-
Try this first
Find the tag and read the letter
W means water-based cleaners are fine: dish soap, a little laundry detergent, or a store stain remover. S means use only a water-free solvent or a professional. WS means either kind is safe. X means vacuum or brush only, or call a professional.
No tag? Treat it as S, with no water, until you know.
-
Then try
Whatever the letter
Blot, never rub. Test a hidden spot. Use as little liquid as you can, and let the cushion air dry, not in direct sun or with a hair dryer.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
QT Bird · qtbird.com/stain-library/
Carpet & upholstery
Toothpaste on carpet
Lift it off before it is worked into the pile.
-
Try this first
Lift, soap, blot
Lift off the toothpaste with a dull spoon. Blot with about 1 teaspoon of dish soap in 1 cup of warm water, then blot the suds away with a cloth wet with clean water, blot dry and let the carpet air dry.
Do not overwet. Do not rub abrasive toothpaste into the pile. Skip water if the carpet maker says to keep it dry.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
QT Bird · qtbird.com/stain-library/
Carpet & upholstery
Urine and sweat stains on a mattress or pillow
Blot, never rub, and use an enzyme cleaner. Do not soak the mattress.
-
Try this first
Blot, enzyme cleaner, then dry
Soak up as much as you can with clean towels, pressing, not rubbing. Spray an enzyme cleaner on the spot, let it sit about 15 minutes and blot until the cloth comes up dry. Let the mattress dry completely before the sheets go back on.
Do not soak a mattress with water or strong chemicals: the filling stays wet and can mold.
-
Then try
Vinegar spray and baking soda
Spray a half and half mix of white vinegar and water lightly on the spot, cover it with a thick layer of baking soda and leave for at least 4 hours. Vacuum it all up.
Test a hidden spot first.
-
Then try
Pillows
For a sweat-yellowed pillow, check the care label. Most can be washed: pretreat the yellow patches with a paste of hydrogen peroxide and dish soap, wash, and dry completely in the dryer on low or in the sun.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
QT Bird · qtbird.com/stain-library/
Carpet & upholstery
Vomit and pet messes on a sofa, car seat or mattress
Scoop first, then neutralize the smell with baking soda and an enzyme cleaner.
-
Try this first
Scoop, blot, baking soda
Remove the solids and blot the wet spot. Cover it with baking soda, leave 30 minutes or longer and vacuum it up.
Check the cleaning code on a sofa. Do not soak a mattress or car seat foam.
-
Then try
Enzyme cleaner
Spray an enzyme cleaner for pet or baby messes on the spot, let it sit as the label says, blot and let it air dry fully. Repeat if the smell comes back.
Test a hidden spot first.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
QT Bird · qtbird.com/stain-library/
Carpet & upholstery
Vomit on carpet
Scoop it up, then soften the smell with baking soda and an enzyme cleaner.
-
Try this first
Scoop, baking soda, vacuum
Scoop up the solids with a spoon or cardboard. Sprinkle baking soda on the wet spot, leave 15 to 30 minutes and vacuum it up.
-
Then try
Enzyme cleaner for the rest
Spray an enzyme cleaner on the spot, let it sit as the label says and blot dry. Repeat if the smell comes back.
Test on a hidden corner first. Blot, never rub, and do not soak: wet padding and backing can mold.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
QT Bird · qtbird.com/stain-library/
Carpet & upholstery
Washable marker on a sofa or chair
Check the cleaning code on the tag first. Never wet an S or X fabric.
-
Try this first
Damp cloth and one drop of soap
Dab the mark with a little water, then put one drop of mild dish soap on a damp white cloth. Blot gently from the edge toward the middle, using a clean part of the cloth as color comes off. Blot the soap away with a second lightly damp cloth.
Do not soak. On S or X fabrics do not use water: call a professional.
-
Then try
Still there?
If the code allows it, dab a little rubbing alcohol on a cotton ball, after testing a hidden spot.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
QT Bird · qtbird.com/stain-library/
Hard surfaces & furniture
Candle wax and grease on wood
Harden the wax, lift it, then wipe. Never scrape with metal.
-
Try this first
Wax: chill, lift, wipe
Let drips harden, or hold an ice cube in a bag on them. Lift with a plastic card or the edge of a spoon. Wipe the film with a soft cloth dampened with a little dish soap and water, and dry.
No metal knives or scrapers, and no heat gun: they scratch and burn wood.
-
Then try
Grease: absorb, then wipe
Blot the grease, sprinkle cornstarch or baking soda, leave 15 minutes and brush off. Wipe with a lightly soapy damp cloth and dry.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
QT Bird · qtbird.com/stain-library/
Hard surfaces & furniture
Chewing gum on wood furniture
Freeze the gum so it breaks off clean.
-
Try this first
Ice, then plastic
Hold ice in a plastic bag on the gum until it is hard. Lift the brittle gum with the edge of a plastic card or a dull spoon. Wipe the leftover with only the foam of mild soapy water on a barely damp cloth and dry at once.
Do not scrape through the finish, and skip solvents unless the furniture maker approves.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
QT Bird · qtbird.com/stain-library/
Hard surfaces & furniture
Greasy kitchen cabinets and walls
Cooking grease collects dust and turns sticky. Start gentle.
-
Try this first
Dish soap and warm water
Add a few drops of dish soap to warm water and wipe the grease with a soapy cloth or sponge, paying extra attention to handles and edges. Rinse with clean water and dry. This is enough for light buildup.
Keep the cloth damp, not wet, on wood. Check the cabinet maker’s care instructions and test a hidden spot.
-
Then try
Vinegar and water
Mix equal parts white vinegar and warm water in a spray bottle, spray, let it sit a few minutes, wipe with a clean damp cloth and dry.
Do not use undiluted vinegar: it can dull finishes.
-
Then try
Baking soda paste for a stubborn spot
Mix baking soda with a little water into a paste, rub gently with a soft cloth, wipe with a damp cloth and dry.
Rub gently to avoid scratching.
-
Then try
Stop it coming back
On the tops of cabinets, spray a kitchen degreaser, let it sit about 5 minutes, wipe with microfiber and lay a piece of parchment paper on top. Next time, throw the paper away and put down a fresh one. Wipe the cabinets regularly, use a splatter screen and run the range hood.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
QT Bird · qtbird.com/stain-library/
Hard surfaces & furniture
Hair spray film on wood furniture
Use only the foam. Wet wood warps and clouds.
-
Try this first
Foam and buff
Make suds with warm water and mild dish soap. Lift only the foam with a soft cloth and wipe the film gently. Remove soap with a barely damp cloth and buff dry at once.
Test the finish and do not soak the wood. Skip alcohol cleaners unless the maker approves.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
QT Bird · qtbird.com/stain-library/
Hard surfaces & furniture
Ink and marker on wood furniture
Start with the mildest thing and work up.
-
Try this first
Damp cloth and mild soap
Wipe with a cloth dampened with warm water and a drop of dish soap, then dry.
-
Then try
Baking soda paste, then a little alcohol
Rub gently with a paste of baking soda and a few drops of water. For stubborn pen ink, dab a cotton swab of rubbing alcohol on the mark only, then wipe and dry.
Alcohol can dull or lift a finish. Test somewhere hidden, and rewax or polish after.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
QT Bird · qtbird.com/stain-library/
Hard surfaces & furniture
Melted candy on finished wood
Lift the hard part with plastic, then dissolve the sugar with a barely damp cloth.
-
Try this first
Plastic card, then damp cloth
Lift off hardened candy with a plastic card or rubber spatula. Wipe the sticky spot with a soft cloth barely dampened with warm, mildly soapy water, then wipe with a clean damp cloth and dry at once.
Do not soak seams or unfinished wood. Moisture can damage some finishes.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
QT Bird · qtbird.com/stain-library/
Hard surfaces & furniture
Pet urine on wood floors
Wipe it up fast. Urine soaks into the cracks and darkens wood.
-
Try this first
Wipe and enzyme cleaner
Blot up the urine, then wipe with a cloth dampened with a pet enzyme cleaner made for hard floors. Dry right away with a clean towel.
Do not flood the floor with water. Dark spots deep in the wood may need sanding and refinishing.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
QT Bird · qtbird.com/stain-library/
Hard surfaces & furniture
Red wine on wood floors and furniture
Blot at once. On a sealed finish, wine often sits on top and wipes off.
-
Try this first
Blot and wipe
Blot the wine with a dry cloth, then wipe with a barely damp cloth and a drop of mild dish soap. Dry right away with a clean towel.
Do not let water sit on wood. On an unsealed or waxed finish, call a refinisher if a dark spot is left.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
QT Bird · qtbird.com/stain-library/
Hard surfaces & furniture
Silly Putty on finished wood
Lift the thick part, then wash with a little soap. Do not scrape the finish.
-
Try this first
Lift, then soapy cloth
Lift off the thick putty without scraping. Wet a soft cloth with warm water and a drop of dish soap and work over the rest in small circles. Wipe with a barely damp cloth, dry right away and repeat if it still feels tacky.
Test a hidden spot. No acetone or scouring pads: they strip the finish.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
QT Bird · qtbird.com/stain-library/
Hard surfaces & furniture
Spills on concrete, brick and stone patios
Soap can leave a film on rough stone, so use washing soda or laundry detergent.
-
Try this first
Washing soda or laundry detergent in warm water
Wipe up the spill right away. Wash with a cloth dipped in a solution of 1 teaspoon of washing (sal) soda or all-purpose laundry detergent in 1 quart of warm water. Scrub gently with a soft-bristle brush, rinse thoroughly with clear water and let it dry.
Do not use soap. Washing soda is harsh: wear rubber gloves and keep it away from children.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
QT Bird · qtbird.com/stain-library/
Hard surfaces & furniture
Spills on laminate counters, cabinets and enamel
These smooth surfaces clean up with soap and water, then a vinegar step.
-
Try this first
Warm sudsy water
Wipe up the spill right away with a cloth or sponge dipped in warm sudsy water. Rinse well and wipe dry. On enamel, glass, melamine and metal, rub with a cloth dampened with detergent and water, then sponge with clear water.
-
Then try
White vinegar and water
If a stain stays on laminate, apply equal parts white vinegar and water for 1 minute, then rinse.
Test a hidden spot first.
-
Then try
Old coffee and tea: baking soda
For old coffee or tea stains on glass, enamel or melamine, dip a soft damp cloth in baking soda and wipe the stain. Rinse well and dry.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
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Hard surfaces & furniture
Spills on leather furniture
Use suds only, then condition the leather.
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Try this first
Mild soap suds, then conditioner
Mix mild soap in lukewarm water and whip it into a big volume of suds. Apply only the suds with a sponge and wipe the stain. Wipe with a clean cloth dampened with clear water and dry with a soft cloth. Then use a leather conditioner (or saddle soap) to restore the softness.
Test a hidden spot first.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
QT Bird · qtbird.com/stain-library/
Hard surfaces & furniture
Spills on marble
Fruit juice and other acids can etch marble if they sit on it, so wipe up fast.
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Try this first
Warm sudsy water first
Wipe up or sponge up the excess right away. Wipe the surface with a cloth dipped in warm sudsy water (about 1/2 teaspoon of liquid detergent in 1 quart of warm water), then wipe with a cloth dipped in clear water and dry.
Test any cleaner in an out-of-the-way spot first.
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Then try
A poultice for a stain that stays
Mix a thick paste of powdered laundry detergent, water and hydrogen peroxide. Spread it on the stain, cover it with a damp cloth to slow the drying and leave it until the stain is bleached out. Rinse thoroughly and dry.
Wear rubber gloves with hydrogen peroxide. If the surface is etched, ask a stone professional: etched marble needs repolishing.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
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Hard surfaces & furniture
Spills on painted walls and wallpaper
Painted walls take sudsy water. Wallpaper needs a gentler hand.
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Try this first
Painted walls: warm sudsy water
Wipe up the spill right away with a cloth or sponge dampened with warm sudsy water. Rinse well and wipe dry.
Test in a hidden spot on flat or delicate paint.
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Then try
Wallpaper: clear warm water, no soap
Blot up the excess right away. Wipe the stain very gently with a sponge or cloth dipped in clear warm water. Do not over-wet the paper, overlap your strokes to avoid streaks, then pat dry. Do not use soap or detergent on regular, embossed, foil or grasscloth wallpaper.
Tomato products and deodorant can permanently stain wallpaper, so act at once.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
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Hard surfaces & furniture
Spills on sofas and upholstered chairs
Blot it up fast, and do not soak the cushion.
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Try this first
Detergent, then vinegar, then detergent again
Blot up the liquid quickly. Mix 1 teaspoon of neutral detergent (no alkalies or bleach) in 1 cup of lukewarm water, apply with a clean white cloth and blot. Do not rub hard or soak. Then blot with 1/3 cup of white vinegar mixed with 2/3 cup of water, and repeat with the detergent. Sponge with clear water and let it dry as fast as you can.
Too much water can leave a ring (the fabric finish moves). Do not take the cushion out of its cover. Dilute vinegar to 1 part vinegar and 2 parts water on cotton or linen.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
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Hard surfaces & furniture
Spills on wood floors and furniture
Wipe it up at once, and keep moisture from sitting on the wood.
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Try this first
Wipe, rinse and polish
Wipe up the spill right away with a cloth or sponge dipped in warm sudsy water. Rinse with a clear damp cloth, wipe dry and polish or wax as soon as you can. This works for soft drinks, wine and most food spills.
Soft drinks and other spills can damage wood finishes if they are not removed quickly. Test any cleaner in an out-of-the-way spot.
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Then try
Suds only (coffee, tea, ketchup, mustard, fruit)
Mix dish detergent into hot water and swish it into a big volume of suds. Dip a cloth into only the foam and apply it to the stain. Rinse with a clean cloth dampened with clear water and wipe dry right away, then polish or wax as usual.
Work quickly but carefully, and do not let moisture stay on the wood.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
QT Bird · qtbird.com/stain-library/
Hard surfaces & furniture
Tarnish on brass and copper
Tarnish is a chemical film. A little acid and a gentle scrub takes it off.
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Try this first
Salt and lemon for copper
Sprinkle salt on a cut lemon half and rub the copper until the tarnish lifts. Rinse and dry well.
Do not use on lacquered brass or on antique pieces you want to keep their patina. Test a hidden spot first.
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Then try
Vinegar, salt and flour paste for brass
Mix white vinegar, salt and flour into a paste, spread it on, leave up to an hour, then rinse and buff dry.
Do not use on lacquered or plated brass.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
QT Bird · qtbird.com/stain-library/
Hard surfaces & furniture
White rings and cloudy marks on wood furniture
A white ring is moisture in the finish. Start with the gentlest way and work down.
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Try this first
Ammonia and water on the whole surface
If the whole top is cloudy, rub it with a damp cloth dipped in 1/2 cup of household ammonia and 1/2 cup of water, and wipe it dry right away. If the color comes back, polish with wax or furniture polish.
Never mix ammonia and chlorine bleach, and rinse well between one stain remover and the next. Wear rubber gloves. Test a hidden spot first.
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Then try
Steel wool and oil
If the color does not return, dip extra-fine (000) steel wool in oil (olive, mineral, lemon or boiled linseed) and rub lightly with the grain. Wipe with a soft cloth and re-wax once the color is back.
Rub very lightly: steel wool can scratch.
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Then try
A deep spot: a drop of ammonia
Put a drop or two of ammonia on a damp cloth, rub the spot and dry it at once with a dry cloth. Finish with polish, wax or oil.
If the spots stay, the old finish may have to be stripped and the piece refinished.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
QT Bird · qtbird.com/stain-library/
Laundry mishaps
A pen, marker or lipstick that went through the wash or dryer
Stop, do not dry again, and clean the dryer drum before anything else goes in.
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Try this first
Clean the drum first
Unplug the dryer and let it cool. Wipe the drum with a cloth dampened with rubbing alcohol until the marks lift, then wipe with a damp cloth and leave the door open to air out fully.
Rubbing alcohol is flammable: no flames, keep the room ventilated, and let the drum dry completely before using it.
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Then try
Treat the clothes before another cycle
Lay each marked spot on a clean white towel, dab with rubbing alcohol from the back, blot, then work in dish soap and wash again. Keep checking before drying: another trip through the dryer sets ink.
Test alcohol on a hidden spot first. Not for silk or acetate.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
QT Bird · qtbird.com/stain-library/
Laundry mishaps
Brown or yellow marks after ironing (soap residue)
If soap was left in the fabric, heat turns it brown. Stop ironing and rewash.
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Try this first
Rewash, rinse well
Stop applying heat. Rewash in detergent suited to the fabric with a thorough rinse, air dry and look before ironing again.
If rinsing does not help, the fabric may be truly scorched: see Scorch marks.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
QT Bird · qtbird.com/stain-library/
Laundry mishaps
Chlorine bleach spots
Act fast. Chlorine bleach damage cannot be removed from wool, silk or spandex.
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Try this first
Color remover solution
Mix 1/4 teaspoon of color remover (sold with the home dyes) in 1/2 cup of cool water. Sponge the spot, then flush with water.
Follow the color remover package. Chlorine bleach stains cannot be removed from wool, silk or spandex. Test any stain remover on a hidden seam or hem first, and check the care label.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
QT Bird · qtbird.com/stain-library/
Laundry mishaps
Color run on white clothes
Oxygen bleach lifts dye that ran onto whites.
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Try this first
Oxygen bleach soak
Dissolve oxygen bleach in hot water, cool it with cold water, soak the whites for 15 to 30 minutes and rinse. Do not dry them until the color is gone.
Oxygen bleach is not for wool or silk.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
QT Bird · qtbird.com/stain-library/
Laundry mishaps
Dingy or gray whites
White clothes can lose their brightness over time.
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Try this first
A short soak with a bleach alternative
In a bucket or sink, mix a liquid laundry detergent made with a bleach alternative into warm water, following the label for how much to use per gallon. Soak the garment up to 5 minutes, weighed down with a white towel. Then wash it with the same detergent at the hottest setting the care label allows and unload it right away.
Test any stain remover on a hidden seam or hem first, and check the care label.
-
Then try
Chlorine bleach, for colorfast cotton and linen whites
For white cotton, linen and some synthetics that can take it, wash with chlorine bleach, following the directions on the container.
Check the care label. Never use chlorine bleach on silk, wool or spandex, or on fabrics that are not colorfast.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
QT Bird · qtbird.com/stain-library/
Laundry mishaps
Dye transfer (colors that ran)
Re-wash as quickly as you can. Do not put it in the dryer.
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Try this first
Re-wash right away
Apply liquid detergent, work it into the area and repeat. Re-wash the items as quickly as possible and do not dry them.
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Then try
Add a bleach or a color remover
Wash with detergent plus 1 cup of non-chlorine bleach. If the fabric is white or colorfast, you can use chlorine bleach or a commercial color remover instead, following the directions on the package.
Check the care label. Chlorine bleach is not for silk, wool, spandex or fabrics that are not colorfast.
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Then try
A packaged color remover (white fabrics)
On white fabrics, use a packaged color remover following its label, then launder. If dye remains, launder with chlorine bleach if the fabric allows it. For fabrics that are not colorfast, soak in oxygen bleach and then launder.
Check the care label and test a hidden spot first. Do not put the item in the dryer until the stain is gone.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
QT Bird · qtbird.com/stain-library/
Laundry mishaps
Fabric softener spots
Oily-looking spots after the dryer? Fabric softener can cause them. (Fabric sheets belong in a cold dryer, not on top of wet clothes in a hot one.)
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Try this first
Bar soap, then wash
Rub the spot with a bar of soap, then launder.
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Then try
Concentrated detergent and a hot wash
Saturate the spot with concentrated detergent and water, then launder in hot water.
Test any stain remover on a hidden seam or hem first, and check the care label.
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Then try
Rubbing alcohol
If the spot is still there, sponge it with rubbing alcohol until it lightens. Rinse and launder with detergent in warm water.
Rubbing alcohol can take dye out of fabric. Test a hidden spot first.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
QT Bird · qtbird.com/stain-library/
Laundry mishaps
Greasy spots from dryer sheets
The wax in a dryer sheet can stick to clothes and leave oily marks.
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Try this first
Rub with soap and rewash
Rub the spots with a bar of plain soap or dish soap, wet them, and wash again in warm water with detergent and no softener or dryer sheet. Check before drying.
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Then try
Prevent it
Shake sheets out, do not overload the dryer, and put sheets in with the clothes, not on top of them.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
QT Bird · qtbird.com/stain-library/
Laundry mishaps
Musty smells in clothes and towels
Wet laundry forgotten in the machine? Soak it before you wash it again.
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Try this first
An oxygen bleach soak, then wash
Soak in hot water (as hot as the care label allows) with an oxygen bleach, following the package. Then wash and dry completely.
Test any stain remover on a hidden seam or hem first, and check the care label.
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Then try
Chlorine bleach, if the fabric can take it
Wash with chlorine bleach if the fabric is safe for it and the care label allows.
Fabric badly damaged by mildew may be impossible to clean. Never use chlorine bleach on silk, wool or spandex.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
QT Bird · qtbird.com/stain-library/
Laundry mishaps
Oil-based paint on clothes
Treat it while it is wet, with the thinner on the can.
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Try this first
Scrape and thin
Outdoors, scrape off the extra paint with a dull knife. Dab the thinner named on the can on the back of the stain, with a cloth under it, working from the outside in, until no more color comes off.
Thinners are flammable and the fumes are harmful: no flames, fresh air, gloves.
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Then try
Then wash
Rub dish soap into the spot and wash in the hottest water the fabric allows. Check before drying. Dried oil paint seldom comes out, so keep painting clothes for painting.
Lay solvent-soaked rags flat outdoors to dry, away from anything that burns, or soak them in a water-filled metal can.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
QT Bird · qtbird.com/stain-library/
Laundry mishaps
Rust on clothes
Never use chlorine bleach on rust. It makes the stain more intense.
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Try this first
Salt and lemon juice in the sun
Sprinkle salt on the stain, squeeze lemon juice on it and spread the garment out in the sun to dry. Rinse thoroughly. Repeat if needed.
Test any stain remover on a hidden seam or hem first, and check the care label.
-
Then try
Cream of tartar (cottons and linens that can be boiled)
Boil the stained item in a solution of 4 teaspoons cream of tartar to 1 pint of water until the stain is gone. Rinse thoroughly.
Only for fabric that can be boiled, generally some cottons and linens.
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Then try
Vinegar, salt and sun
Blot the rust with a cotton ball soaked in white vinegar. While it is still wet, cover it with a thin layer of salt and work it in with a soft brush. Lay the garment in direct sunlight for about 30 minutes, or until the stain fades, then launder.
Do not leave salt on too long: it can leave white spots. Do not use chlorine bleach on rust.
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Then try
A commercial rust remover
Apply a commercial rust remover carefully, following the directions on the package. Rinse well, and repeat if needed.
Read and follow the label. Keep rust remover locked up and away from children.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
QT Bird · qtbird.com/stain-library/
Laundry mishaps
Scorch marks
A light scorch can come out. A severe scorch cannot be removed.
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Try this first
3% hydrogen peroxide
For a light scorch, wet the mark with 3% hydrogen peroxide, let it stand several minutes and keep it moist. For a heavy mark, cover it with a cloth dampened with 3% peroxide, then a dry cloth, and press with an iron as hot as the fabric safely allows. Rinse well and launder.
Test any stain remover on a hidden seam or hem first, and check the care label.
-
Then try
Detergent in hot water
Launder with laundry detergent in hot water, adding chlorine bleach if the fabric can take it. If not, soak in an oxygen bleach and hot water, then launder.
-
Then try
Salt and lemon juice in the sun
Sprinkle salt on the mark, wet it with lemon juice and spread the item in the sun to dry. Then launder.
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Then try
A hot wash with bleach
Launder with chlorine bleach if the fabric allows it. Otherwise soak in oxygen bleach and hot water, then launder.
Badly scorched fabric may be permanently damaged. Check the care label and test a hidden spot first. Do not put the item in the dryer until the stain is gone.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
QT Bird · qtbird.com/stain-library/
Laundry mishaps
Sweaty gym clothes that still smell
Skip fabric softener: it traps odor in athletic fabric.
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Try this first
Vinegar soak, then wash
Soak the clothes for 30 minutes in a bucket of cool water with 1 cup white vinegar, then wash as usual with detergent. Do not leave damp clothes in a gym bag.
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Then try
Baking soda boost
Add 1/2 cup baking soda to the wash with the detergent, and hang the clothes in the sun or air dry fully.
Fabric softener and dryer sheets coat athletic fabric and keep the smell in.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
QT Bird · qtbird.com/stain-library/
Laundry mishaps
Water spots on fabric
A water spot is a ring left where the water dried. Moving the water out evenly removes it.
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Try this first
Press it out
Lay the item stain side down on a clean white towel, cover the spot with a damp cloth and press with a warm iron, moving the stain to a dry part of the towel as it picks up the ring.
Use the heat the care label allows. Never iron silk or delicate fabric on a high setting.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
QT Bird · qtbird.com/stain-library/
Laundry mishaps
Paper dye transfer
Paper dye transfer is a dye transfer stain.
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Try this first
Re-wash right away
Apply liquid detergent, work it into the area and repeat. Re-wash the items as quickly as possible and do not dry them.
-
Then try
Add a bleach or a color remover
Wash with detergent plus 1 cup of non-chlorine bleach. If the fabric is white or colorfast, you can use chlorine bleach or a commercial color remover instead, following the directions on the package.
Check the care label. Chlorine bleach is not for silk, wool, spandex or fabrics that are not colorfast.
-
Then try
A packaged color remover (white fabrics)
On white fabrics, use a packaged color remover following its label, then launder. If dye remains, launder with chlorine bleach if the fabric allows it. For fabrics that are not colorfast, soak in oxygen bleach and then launder.
Check the care label and test a hidden spot first. Do not put the item in the dryer until the stain is gone.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
QT Bird · qtbird.com/stain-library/
Laundry mishaps
Yellowing
Yellowing is a yellowing stain, so treat it before it sets.
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Try this first
A short soak with a bleach alternative
In a bucket or sink, mix a liquid laundry detergent made with a bleach alternative into warm water, following the label for how much to use per gallon. Soak the garment up to 5 minutes, weighed down with a white towel. Then wash it with the same detergent at the hottest setting the care label allows and unload it right away.
Test any stain remover on a hidden seam or hem first, and check the care label.
-
Then try
Chlorine bleach, for colorfast cotton and linen whites
For white cotton, linen and some synthetics that can take it, wash with chlorine bleach, following the directions on the container.
Check the care label. Never use chlorine bleach on silk, wool or spandex, or on fabrics that are not colorfast.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
QT Bird · qtbird.com/stain-library/
Any stain
A mystery stain, step by step
Work down this list, gentlest first, and stop when the stain is gone.
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Try this first
Cold water, then detergent
Soak in cold water for about 30 minutes. Then work a little liquid laundry detergent, shampoo or dish liquid into the stain, leave it about 30 minutes and rinse.
Test any stain remover on a hidden seam or hem first, and check the care label.
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Then try
A bleach the fabric can take
Wash with a bleach that is safe for the fabric. Read the care label and follow the directions on the container.
Do not use chlorine bleach on wool, silk or spandex. Do not use metal spoons or metal containers with bleach.
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Then try
An overnight pre-soak
Soak overnight in a laundry pre-soak such as Biz or Axion. It is very good for milk, egg, blood and perspiration. If you have no pre-soak powder, use any laundry detergent. Then wash in the hottest water safe for the fabric: very hot for cotton and linen, hand-hot for synthetics and just warm for woolens.
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Then try
If it is greasy
If washing does not remove a grease stain, let the item dry, sponge the stain with a grease solvent and air the garment to clear any fumes. Save this and the harsher options for last.
Solvents are flammable. Use them in a well-ventilated room, away from flames.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
QT Bird · qtbird.com/stain-library/
Any stain
Any stain (all-purpose)
Stain not on the list? These homemade pre-treaters and soaks are for clothing stains of all kinds.
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Try this first
Homemade stain spray
Pour 1/2 cup rubbing alcohol, 1/2 cup hydrogen peroxide, 1/4 cup clear Dawn and 1/4 cup water into a spray bottle and shake. Spray the stain.
More: Homemade Stain Remover
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Then try
Pre-treater I
Fill 1/8 of a clean bottle with lemon ammonia and 1/8 with regular liquid laundry detergent (make sure it has no bleach), then top with cold water. Pour in the ammonia first, then the detergent, then the water. Saturate stains on everything except delicates, let it set for a while and launder as usual.
Never mix ammonia and bleach. It is dangerous, so read the label twice.
More: Laundry Pre-Treaters
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Then try
Pre-treater II
In a 1 quart spray bottle or glass jar, combine 2/3 cup Dawn, 2/3 cup ammonia, 1/3 cup Arm and Hammer washing soda and water to fill. Shake before each use, because it settles. Spray the stain, rub and launder as usual. For stubborn stains, leave it on overnight.
Never mix ammonia and bleach. It is dangerous, so read the label twice.
More: Laundry Pre-Treaters
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Then try
Borax paste or soak
Mix borax and water into a thick paste, work it into the stain, let it sit 1 to 3 hours and rinse. For tough stains, soak the clothes first in 1 gallon of water mixed with 1/2 cup of borax.
More: 20 Uses for Borax
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Then try
Fels Naptha, or an overnight soak
If the spray does not work, rub the stain with a bar of Fels Naptha soap, or soak in 1/2 cup powdered Cascade and 1/2 cup Clorox 2 in a big bucket of hot water overnight, then launder as usual.
More: Homemade Stain Remover
QT Bird · qtbird.com/stain-library/
Any stain
Old stains on colored clothes
For a stain that has been there a while, on clothes that are not white.
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Try this first
Vinegar soak, then Fels Naptha
Make a solution of 2 cups warm water and 1/2 cup white vinegar. Pour it on the stain and let it soak for 30 minutes to 1 hour. Rinse well and work in Fels-Naptha soap. Launder as usual.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
QT Bird · qtbird.com/stain-library/
Any stain
Stains that may not come out
Some products change the dye or the fiber itself, so no stain remover can undo them.
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Try this first
Products that usually leave a permanent mark
These usually leave a permanent mark: acids (such as stomach acid, toilet bowl cleaners, tile grout cleaners, corn and callus removers, foot-care products); acne medicines and skin creams with benzoyl peroxide (also fade or age creams and pet shampoos); strong alkalis such as drain cleaners and oven cleaners; bleaches, pool chemicals and mildew stoppers; some disinfectants and bathroom cleaners; pesticides; plant foods and fertilizers; and old urine stains. Epoxy cement, furniture stain, black walnut and some yellow dyes are on the list too.
Rinse these off the skin and keep them away from clothes, towels and bedding you want to keep.
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Then try
What to do
Treat it right away, since old stains are harder than fresh ones. If it is still there after a few tries, some stains need a professional cleaner, who has skills and products you cannot buy for home use.
Still there? Try the all-purpose ways or pick another stain.
QT Bird · qtbird.com/stain-library/