Stain Removal in 60 Seconds!
We asked cleaning expert, Heather Barrigan from My Job Quote, to share her tried and trusted hacks for removing the everyday stains we all come across. Her advice? Be patient and gentle, and try some of these methods…
How to get rid of lipstick stains…
Pic: Shutterstock
White Bread
If the lipstick is fresh, blot it with white bread to help loosen and remove the lipstick. Simply tear off the crust, roll a piece into a ball and blot until the stain is gone.
Cutlery and a cloth
If the lipstick is old and dry, scrape the stain with a dull knife to remove as much excess lipstick as possible. Blot with a dry cloth to remove more of the stain without it dissolving into the fabric.
How to remove wine stains…
Hand sanitiser
Ensure that your hand sanitiser is 99.9% effective, so it has a high concentration of alcohol in it. Dab the surface with a wet cloth to get rid of any excess wine, then work the hand sanitiser into the stain. Rinse or dab with a wet cloth again to completely remove the stain.
Dishwasher detergent and Hydrogen Peroxide
Mix together equal parts of dishwasher detergent and hydrogen peroxide. Pour the mixture over the wine stain and you should see it begin to fade almost immediately. This hack works best on lighter coloured clothes, as hydrogen peroxide has a tendency to bleach.
How to remove grass stains…
Pic: Shutterstock
Lemon juice and salt
Squeeze the lemon juice onto the grass stain and sprinkle salt on top. Use a dry cloth to gently rub the stain and it should come off easily.
Hairspray
Apply the hairspray to the stain and wait 30 seconds until the spray becomes tacky. Use a stiff, bristled brush, or a clean toothbrush to scrub the stain away.
How to remove grease or oil stains…
Chalk
Cover the stain with chalk, allowing 30 seconds for the oil to completely absorb. Allow a few minutes for larger stains. Brush the powder off and you should be able to scrub off the stain.
Vinegar
Not only is vinegar effective in disintegrating and removing an oil stain, but it also helps deodorise the smell, too. Soak the stain portion in vinegar and air dry your cloth. If you are working with coloured clothes, mix the vinegar with water in equal proportions to avoid bleaching.
How to remove tea or coffee stains…
Coffee spill on bed Pic: Shutterstock
Shaving cream
Shaving cream contains active ingredients such as surfactants and cleansing agents. Gently rub the coffee stain with shaving cream and rinse with water.
Water and Bicarbonate of Soda
Simply mix together equal parts of water and bicarbonate of soda and use a sponge to glide the stain away.
Allison Hay
I joined the "My Weekly" team thirteen years ago and, more recently, "The People's Friend". I love the variety of topics we cover both online and in the magazines. I manage the digital content for the brands, sharing features and information on the website, social media and in our digital newsletters.
