Tips and Advice

Get the dirt: Simple and effective advice for removing stains

Article by Your Home and Garden

The secrets to zapping stubborn stains

To remove cloudy stains from glassware, soak it in white vinegar for five minutes, then rinse well and dry with a microfibre cloth.

Whether it’s a red wine mishap on the carpet or a mystery smudge on your new sofa, try our spot-on guide to a stain-free home.

Simple advice for removing stains

Act fast
The sooner you address a stain, the better your chances of removing it.

Blot, don’t rub
Rubbing can spread the stain. Gently blot it with a clean cloth.

Take a test
Before applying any cleaning solution, test it in an inconspicuous area to ensure it doesn’t damage the surface.

Specific stains require specific treatments
A mixture of white vinegar and water is effective on many surfaces, but stubborn substances might need special attention.

In the buff
Professional cleaners swear by magic erasers for removing everything from stains on the benchtop to scuff marks on the walls.

Wine time
To lift red wine, juice and other beverage stains from carpets, rugs and upholstery, sprinkle with soda water, blot with a microfibre cloth, and then repeat until the stain is gone.

Mark this
Use toothpaste to remove felt-tip stains.

A bloody miracle
To remove blood, coffee, tea, chocolate and grass stains, flush the stain with cold water then apply diluted white vinegar and blot to remove the stain. Rinse with cool water.

Grease is the word
Sprinkle grease or oil stains with baking soda or rub them with white chalk and leave for a few minutes to soak up.

Wax lyrical
To remove wax spills from hard surfaces, let the wax set then gently scrape it off. For soft furnishings, flake off most of the set wax, then place heavy brown paper on top and heat the wax with a hair dryer or warm iron until it soaks into the paper.

A glass of red wine falls on a white carpet causing a stain Dilute a red wine spill with soda water, then blot with a clean cloth.