How to remove stains at home 101
If you every had a tricky stain to get rid of in the home and asked for advice from your nearest and dearest, you will likely know that when it comes to ridding stubborn marks, everyone's got an opinion.
From removing red wine stains from carpets to food smudges on the couch, here we show you how you can ensure your linens, fabrics and furniture leave no trace of marks that were once there.
Carpet
Red wine stains would have to be among the most common to dirty carpets – that along with dirt walked in from outside. To remove red wine from carpet, first place paper towel over the stain and absorb as much moisture out of it as you can by standing on it.
Then, sprinkle the stain with a small amount of bicarb soda and tap it with your fingers. You will find that the stain goes pale grey. Sponge the bicarb soda out with a cloth wrung out tightly in white vinegar. With heavy stains you may need to do this several times.
Sheets
To ensure your crisp white sheets stay exactly that, you first need to know what type of fabric you are dealing with. For polycotton, soak your sheets with a small amount of methylated spirits and warm water first, the place two-dessertspoons of Vanish NapiSan into a 12L bucket of hot water and soak overnight.
Washing the next day and hang them to dry in the sun. For cotton sheets, simply place two dessertspoons of Vanish NapiSan into a 12L bucket of hot water and soak overnight. Washing the next day and hang them to dry in the sun.
Tablecloths and cushions
When it comes to tablecloths and cushions, prevention is better than a cure, so simply spray hairspray over the surface of your tablecloths and cushions. Spills can then be wiped away with a paper towel and the hairspray will come out easily in the wash.
Outdoor furniture
To clean canvas and outdoor furnishing fabric, saturate them with a heavy salt solution (try 1 kilo of un-iodised salt per 9L bucket of water) leave to dry and then just brush off.
As the salt water dries the crystals regrow expanding in the fibres and pulling the mould spore out of the fabric with them. Firmly brush the crystals off for a lovely, clean, mould- free finish.
Image credits: Getty Images