Advice for Common Household Goofs (Home Wreckers for the Holidays)

By Hklbrries

White ring marks on wood:

Tip: Blot with an absorbent cloth, wipe with a damp cloth to help dissolve the stain, and dry with a soft cloth. If the stain remains, apply a little nongel toothpaste, or liquid or cream car polish, rubbing with the grain. Wipe with a dry cloth and polish, if needed.
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Spills on carpet or fabric:

For wine: First blot with water. Next use the detergent solution (below). For red wine you can then dab with 3 percent-strength hydrogen peroxide.

For soda: Blot with the detergent solution, then use the vinegar solution (below). Rinse with warm water. If a trace remains, dab with 3 percent-strength hydrogen peroxide.

Detergent solution: Mix 1 teaspoon of a mild clear or white dishwashing liquid – no bleach – in 1 cup of warm water.

Vinegar solution: Mix 1/3 cup of white vinegar with 2/3 cup of water.
Lipstick on cloth napkins:

Tip: Blot with acetone-based nail-polish remover. Then try a store-bought cleaning solvent such as Afta or Goo Gone. If that doesn’t work, try the detergent solution below, then rinse.

Detergent solution: Mix 1 teaspoon of a mild clear or white dishwashing liquid – no bleach – in 1 cup of warm water.
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Candle wax on the tablecloth

Tip: Pour boiling water through the washable fabric from a height of 12 inches (the height increases the velocity of the water, which helps separate the wax from the fibers). If the fabric can’t be laundered, sandwich it between paper towels and apply a warm iron.

Step-by-step stain removal:

1. Act quickly. Blot, don’t scrub, with a white cloth or towel until dry.

2. Follow all care labels for the garments, linens, or rugs you’re treating.

3. Test a cleaning solution by applying several drops to an inconspicuous area and holding a wet white cloth on the area for 1 minute.

4. Check cloth for color transfer and fabric or carpet for color change or damage. If there is none, proceed.

5. Apply a small amount of the first recommended solution to a white cloth. Gently work it into the outer edges of the stain and then toward the center.

6. Repeat with clean white cloths until you can’t transfer any more stain to the cloth. If the stain remains, try the next recommended solution.

7. Flush with water once the stain is gone to remove the cleaning solution, then blot.

Ingredients

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Preparation

Step 1

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