Household Items That Will Save Your Clothes
Do you ever find yourself in a rush, only to spill something on your clothing with no stain remover in sight? It happens to the best of us, but fret not! Not every stain requires a specialized product. In fact, you’d be surprised at the everyday items you probably have lying around that can help remove stains. So instead of panicking, take a look around your home. You might just be able to solve your stain-related woes with some common household items like shaving cream, a slice of bread, or even a bit of vodka. Here are seven surprising household items that can be used to remove laundry stains.
Shaving Cream
Shaving cream is not just for your daily grooming routine; it can also be a lifesaver when it comes to treating stains. Essentially, shaving cream is a can of ready-to-use whipped soap, and the basic varieties without gels or added moisturizers and colors work best for stain removal.
Steps to Use Shaving Cream for Stain Removal:
– Dampen the stain with water
– Work in a dab of shaving cream with your fingers
– Flush the area with cold water or wipe it with a white cloth dipped in cold water
– Blot with a dry white cloth or paper towel, or use a blow dryer on low heat
Bread
Believe it or not, a slice of bread can be a handy tool for tackling stains, especially greasy ones. When a spill occurs, grab a slice of plain bread (white or whole wheat, as long as it hasn’t been buttered) and use it to blot the stain. The bread will act as a sponge, absorbing the stain and preventing it from spreading deeper into the fabric fibers.
White Chalk
If you’re dealing with an oily stain on white or colored fabric, reach for a piece of white chalk. By rubbing the stained area with chalk, you allow it to absorb the oil before brushing it off. This process can be repeated until the oil is significantly reduced or no longer visible. Alternatively, you can also use baby powder or cornstarch in the same manner. White chalk can even be used to cover stains on white clothes temporarily until you have a chance to properly wash the fabric.
Vodka
Vodka is not just for cocktails; it can also be a handy stain remover, especially for ink stains. By saturating a clean white cloth or cotton swab with vodka and blotting away the ink from the stain, you can effectively remove it. Vodka can also be used as a fabric refresher by mixing it with water in a spray bottle and spritzing your clothes for a quick refresh.
WD-40
WD-40 is a petroleum-based lubricant that is known for causing stains, but it can also be surprisingly effective at removing stains. The solvents in WD-40 help break down oil molecules, making it useful for tackling oily stains on clothes. Simply spray WD-40 on the stain, allow it to work for a few minutes, then treat the stain with a commercial stain remover or heavy-duty detergent before washing.
Additional Surprising Uses For WD-40
Tackling Stains With Permanent Markers:
Permanent markers can be used not only to cause stains but also to solve staining issues. If you accidentally splash chlorine bleach on fabric, you can fill in the bleached areas with a permanent marker to save it. Permanent markers can also cover scuffs on shoes and handbags, with black markers working best for a close match.
Using Cream of Tartar for Stain Removal:
Cream of tartar, a common baking ingredient, can also work well to remove stains such as berries and red wine from white fabrics. Make a paste of hot water and cream of tartar, apply it to the stain, and let it sit before rinsing. For rust stains, boost the cleaning power by mixing cream of tartar with lemon juice.
Paper Grocery Bag and an Iron
If you’re dealing with wax candle drips on a tablecloth or stubborn oily residue, you can use a paper grocery bag and an iron to remove the stain effectively. Simply place the paper bag over the stained area and run a warm iron over it. The paper bag will absorb the stain, leaving your fabric clean and fresh.
In Conclusion
Next time you find yourself faced with a stubborn stain and no stain remover in sight, take a look around your home. You might just have the perfect solution to tackle the issue without having to make a trip to the store. With everyday items like shaving cream, bread, chalk, vodka, WD-40, permanent markers, and cream of tartar, you can effectively remove stains and keep your clothes looking fresh and clean. Remember, when it comes to laundry stains, sometimes the most surprising solutions are the most effective.
