Emergency First Aid Kit for Stains
Stains happen at the worst of times, and we are rarely ever prepared for them. When we experience a coffee stain, we only have the materials to treat a pet stain. And when we have a pet stain, we only have what we need to treat a laundry stain. Sigh. The smart thing to do is to have a first aid kit for stains on hand at all times, so that no matter what life throws our way, we’re ready for it.
Before attempting to remove any stain, keep these basic stain removal tips in mind:
1. Fresh stains are easier to remove than set in ones. Act fast for best results.
2. If you are working with a wet stain, remove as much excess liquid as possible before treating.
3. Do not rub the stain! Blot instead.
4. Start at the outer edges of the stain and work in to avoid spreading the stain.
5. If working with a clothing stain, flip the garment inside out and run under cold water on full force. This may help push some of the stain out.
6. Never use hot water when treating a stain.
7. Always test an inconspicuous area before treating the stain itself to prevent damage.
Below you’ll find a list of emergency stain removers to keep on hand. For convenience sake, keep everything together in one cleaning bucket. If you have small children in the home, be sure to keep it up high and out of reach.
What to include in a first aid kit for stains:
- White vinegar
- Baking soda
- Hydrogen peroxide
- OxiClean powder
- Rubbing alcohol
- Clean white rags (no colored rags!)
- Soft bristled brush
- Soft bristled toothbrush
- Paper towels
These materials can be used to remove stains of just about any kind. Below, you’ll find a short list of how to use each of the ingredients we’ve recommended. If you’d like, you can print it out and store inside the same container as the emergency stain removers for reference.
First aid kit for stains ‘How-to Guide’
White vinegar – White vinegar is extremely cheap and can be used as a stain remover for tomato based stains, coffee and tea stains, sweat stains, and some wine stains. For clothing, soak the garment in undiluted vinegar before laundering. Carpets can be saturated with vinegar.
Baking soda – When white vinegar doesn’t remove a stain on its own, baking soda can be used to form a paste along with it. Allow the paste to sit for several minutes before rinsing. Baking soda also works as a great odor neutralizer!
Hydrogen peroxide – Hydrogen peroxide is excellent at removing blood stains, but take precautions when using it as an emergency stain remover. It can alter the color of some fabrics and carpeting, so it’s best to test an inconspicuous area before treating the stain itself. To use, simply dab hydrogen peroxide directly to the stain and blot with a damp cloth until the stain is removed.
OxiClean powder – This is one of my favorite emergency stain removers because it works on just about everything. Clothing, fabrics, carpet, and even some upholstery can be cleaned with OxiClean powder. Simply wet a toothbrush, dip it in the powder, and work the stain using a small circular motion. Dab with a clean damp cloth.
Rubbing alcohol – Ink stains can be removed with rubbing alcohol, though it may take a bit of elbow grease. It works particularly well in removing ink stains from leather.
More from Jennifer Wagner:
How to remove cheese stains from clothing
How to remove ink from leather
Source: Personal experience
