Three Spirit-Crushing Stains and How to Lift Them

By Hklbrries

A guest spilled red wine on your white sofa:

1. Immediately blot and reblot with a cool, damp sponge until no more color comes out. (You can do the rest after guests leave).

2. Spray with a mixture of equal parts water and 3 percent hydrogen peroxide (first test for colorfastness).

3. Let sit for a few minutes, then blot with a solution of one part vinegar to three parts water. Blot again with a damp cloth. (Linen, silk, velvet and wool sofas should be professionally cleaned).


The cat peed on the living room rug:

1. Layer a few cotton cloths over the stain, cover with a plastic bag, and top with a couple of heavy books to soak up the liquid. Repeat until the cloths are no longer wetting through.

2. Apply an enzyme-based cleaner, such as Nature's Miracle, to an area twice as big as the stain.

3. Let sit for five minutes, then blot. Next, spray with equal parts white vinegar and water and let sit for 15 minutes; rinse with water and blot.


The kids left a permanent-marker spot on a wood table:

1. Using a soft cloth, rub in a lemon-oil based furniture polish, going with the grain. Repeat.

2. Spot still there? Use a cotton swab to dab rubbing alcohol onto the stain; rub with a cloth.

3. Wait five minutes; blot and repeat. Follow with furniture polish to restore moisture to the wood.

Ingredients

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Preparation

Step 1

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