Caution: Follow directions carefully when you use chemicals to remove stains. Always "remove the stain remover" as soon as its job has been done. Remember many of these substances are on the "Not recommended list" for general floor care, but must be used if the stain is to be removed. Try the following methods for these common stains. Try the first method listed first, and go to the second only if this doesn't work. For unknown stains or heavy staining, consult a professional.
What You'll Need:
- Liquid detergent
- Powdered detergent
- Lemon juice
- Denatured alcohol
- Alcohol
- Hydrogen peroxide
- Ammonia
- Powdered malt
- Abrasive powder
- Glycerin
- Calcium carbonate
- Sodium perborate
- Powdered pumice
- Sodium perborate
- Whiting
- Paint solvent
- Sodium citrate crystals
- Absorbent cloth
Alcoholic Beverages
Use liquid detergent and warm water.
Follow with denatured alcohol if stain remains.
Lay an absorbent cloth soaked in hydrogen peroxide directly over the stain; put an ammonia-saturated cloth on top of this.
Blood
Try cold clear water first, then add a few drops of ammonia.
Wet spot with lukewarm water and sprinkle with powdered malt. Let stand an hour and rinse.
Coffee
Saturate an absorbent cloth with a solution of one part glycerin and three parts water and lay it over the spot.
Apply a mixture of hydrogen peroxide and calcium carbonate.
Apply a mixture of abrasive powder and hot water.
Fruit
Use a powdered detergent and warm water.
If rough spot results, rub with powdered pumice stone under a block of wood.
Grease or Oil
Use a liquid detergent and warm water
Pour solvent on spot. Rub with a clean, soft cloth.
Ink
Use a liquid detergent and warm water.
Apply a mixture of two tablespoon sodium perborate in a pint of water mixed with whiting into a paste. Repeat if necessary.
Some blue inks respond to the treatment of strong ammonia water solution applied on a layer of cotton.
Lipstick
Use a liquid detergent and warm water.
Lay an absorbent cloth soaked in hydrogen peroxide directly over the stain; put an ammonia-saturated cloth on top of this.
Paint
Use a liquid detergent and warm water.
Pour solvent on spot. Rub with a clean, soft cloth.
Rust/Iron
Apply a treatment made by mixing one part sodium citrate crystals to six parts water, mixed thoroughly with an equal amount of glycerin. Mix with whiting to form a paste stiff enough to stick to the surface in a thick coat. Allow standing several days. Repeat process if stain remains.
Soft Drinks
Lay an absorbent cloth soaked in hydrogen peroxide directly over the stain; put an ammonia-saturated cloth on top of this.
Tobacco
Try lemon juice in water.
Lay an absorbent cloth soaked in hydrogen peroxide directly over the stain; put an ammonia-saturated cloth on top of this.
Use a mixture of abrasive powder and hot water.
Treat with equal parts of alcohol and glycerin.
Urine
Apply a mixture of abrasive powder and hot water.
Lay an absorbent cloth soaked in hydrogen peroxide directly over the stain; put an ammonia-saturated cloth on top of this.
The chemicals listed may be purchased at drug stores or at chemical or laundry supply houses. Where poultices are recommended, apply them about one-half inch thick, and let the mixture dry thoroughly before removing.
Source: www.DoItYourself.com
