DIY Cleaning Methods: Removing Food Stains

by Dave Donovan

what you'll need

Dish detergent
Non-butane lighter fluid
Liquid laundry detergent
Ammonia
Salt
Bucket

While stains can be tough to remove, they are not necessary impossible. With elbow grease and tricks of the trade, stains can be removed.

Removing Food Stains

Spilled food and drink are the most common causes of stains in the household and getting these pesky problems cleaned up can often be frustrating. Here are a few tips to remove some of the toughest food stains quickly and easily.

Removing Grease Stains – The faster you act in removing the grease stain, the better your results will be. Take a cup of cold water and add ¼ cup of liquid dish soap to it. Use a clean, dry towel to first blot up any excess grease and then clean the area with the solution.
Removing Oil Stains – Besides grease, oil stains are some of the toughest to get up so acting fast is again the key. If the stain is still liquid, pour salt directly on it and it will start to soak up any residual liquid. Then, use the solution mentioned for removing grease stains to remove the stain caused by oil. Non-butane lighter fluids can also help lift oil stains although the odor of the lighter fluid isn’t pleasant.
Removing Ketchup Stains – Ketchup in the carpet can be frustrating, but cleaning it up doesn’t have to be. Add a teaspoon of liquid laundry detergent to a cup of warm water and blot the stain. Then, add a tablespoon of ammonia to a half cup of warm water and clot the stain again. Mix a fresh batch of the laundry detergent solution and thoroughly clean the area, then sponge the area clean with a sponge and clean water. This cleaning method also works for salsa, egg, chocolate and mustard stains.
Removing Wine Stains – Wine stains, especially red wine stains, can cause anybody instant anxiety, but one of the quickest ways to get red wine out of garments is to pour white wine directly onto the red wine stain so it pulls the redness out as it flows through the fibers. If the stain is in the carpet, then mix a teaspoon of liquid laundry detergent with a cup of warm water and use it to blot up the wine. Then, mix 1/3 cup of white vinegar with 2/3 cup of water and blot the stain some more. Next, make a fresh batch of the laundry detergent solution to further clean up the stain and lastly, sponge the area clean with clean water.