Tips, Tricks & "How To's" for Common Household Cleaning & Stain Removal

Routine cleaning can be difficult enough without the hassles of staining spills on the carpet or getting Super Glue stuck to our skin! Don't panic! Benefit from these helpful hints to assist with such universally familiar setbacks, everyday cleaning, and tips for when it may be time to hire a professional.

Before beginning any cleaning task, always remember a few important rules of thumb: Start the process of removing any stain as soon as you notice it. The longer the stain sits and sets, the longer it may make it more difficult to remove. Always blot wet stains first (being careful not to increase the stained spot) and for dry spills (such as tobacco ashes) vacuum the spot using a tube attachment. Using that attachment will help to avoid spreading the stain or grinding it deeper into the carpet. It is also helpful to use a tape roll to remove excess debris. Additionally, you should perform a test spot in a non-conspicuous spot before treating, especially carpeting and furniture.

Removing fruit juice, wine and other colored liquid from carpeting...

Situations like this can be quite annoying but you must be patient. Some stains may take repetitive attempts before a successful outcome, so do not give up right away.

Mix 1/2 teaspoon of dishwashing soap or fine fabric detergent into one cup of warm water. Apply a small amount of the mixture to the stain and blot. Keep repeating until the stain is gone. It is best to use a light colored towel(s) to blot so you can see the as the soiled area disappears. Then, cover the stain with a dry towel and press down to absorb the liquid. Once the stain is fully gone, rinse with cold water and blot dry as much as possible. I have often used the product "Oxi Clean" for many stain removals with successful results.

Going crazy over Crazy Glue?