When it comes to the home, what can’t Joanna Gaines do? The Fixer Upper mogul has everything from shiplap to cooking to cleaning and everything in between covered. Speaking of cleaning, Joanna shared some brilliant cleaning tips for removing stains in the Summer 2018 issue of her magazine, Magnolia Journal.
From her number one “don’t” (page 4) to affordable stain removers you probably already have on hand (page 5), we share Magnolia’s guide to stain removal, plus how to remove 11 common stains, ahead.
1. Clean as soon as it happens
Working quickly is first priority.
Don’t wait to remove a stain, instead try and clean it as soon as it happens. If you must wait, Joanna suggests keeping it damp until you can get to it.
2. Work from the back
Scrub the stain from the back.
One way to clean a stain is to treat it from the back using a soft nail brush or toothbrush to rub the markings out. Working from the back allows you to scrub out the stain without making it worse.
3. Check the label
The label will give you important information.
Another tip suggested in Magnolia Journal? Check the manufacturer’s label. Located on the side (typically near the waistline) of most shirts, this tag can provide insight into how a garment should be cleaned.
4. Don’t dry it
Make sure the garment stays damp.
One of the most important things to consider when removing a stain? Keep the material damp. According to Magnolia Journal, “dryer heat will set the stain permanently.”
5. Use items found in your pantry
Baking soda is a cheap stain remover.
If you don’t want to spend money on expensive stain removers (who does?), Magnolia Journal suggests taking a look in your cupboard or pantry. You’ll be surprised to find that you already have quality stain removers used for other purposes. Some common household removers include: baking soda, vinegar, and peroxide.
6. Ink
Ink can be removed with hairspray.
If you find yourself face-to-face with an ink stain — insert horror movie music here! — don’t panic. According to Magnolia Journal, all it takes is a little hairspray to remove pen marks. Here’s how: “For white or light shirts, cover the stain with hairspray and the pen marks should come right off. (Test color fabrics before you proceed.) Rinse thoroughly to remove the stain, and wash.”
7. Sweat
Don’t fret, sweat can be removed.
Sweat may seem impossible to remove, but a little lemon juice, water, and salt can actually rinse your pit stains away. According to Magnolia Journal, you’ll want to mix equal parts water and lemon juice, then pour salt into the mix until a paste forms. Once you have your natural cleaning solution, add the mixture to the stain and rinse the manufacturer tag suggests.
8. Blood
Cold water is your friend.
Blood stains may be stubborn, but removing them is actually quite simple. According to Magnolia Journal, to remove blood stains you’ll want to “soak the stain in cold salt water for two hours, then dab with ammonia diluted with water to half strength.” This should lift and remove the stain with ease.
9. Lipstick
It’s a tough one, but it’s possible to remove.
Lipstick stains require more work than sweat and blood, but the outcome is totally worth it. For lipstick stains, Magnolia Journal suggests blotting the marking with a paper towel first. Then, reverse the fabric and use rubbing alcohol to dab the back of the stain. After that, you’ll gently blot the stain with dish soap and massage the fabric until the lipstick is removed.
10. Wine
Start with club soda.
If you’re a red wine drinker, you know how easily it stains (hello red lips!). Luckily, there is a way to get pesky wine stains out of fabric. Magnolia Journal suggests first dabbing the red stain with a club soda soaked paper towel. Then, cover the area with salt and let it sit for a few minutes (until the salt absorbs all of the liquid). Next, pull the garment tightly across a sink or bucket and carefully pour boiling water over the stain from eight or more inches above. After that, you’ll want to wash the fabric on the highest setting the manufacturer tag allows.
11. Grass
It’s surprisingly easy to remove.
When you have kids, grass stains become a normal part of your routine. And, as it turns out, they’re actually really easy to remove. Magnolia Journal suggests mixing a 1:1 ratio of dish soap and hydrogen peroxide and scrubbing the area to lift the green and brown spots.
Source: The Cheat Sheet
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