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University of Illinois Extension
Felt tip marker

Felt tip marker

Treat stains as soon as possible after staining. The older the stain, the more difficult it will be to remove.

All stain removal methods should be applied prior to laundering washable garments. Stains that have been laundered and dried are almost impossible to remove.

Washable Fabrics

What you will need

  • Pretreatment laundry stain remover
  • Heavy-duty liquid detergent
  • Chlorine bleach or oxygen bleach
  • Dry cleaning solvent
  • Absorbent paper towels

Steps to Clean

  1. Saturate area with pretreatment laundry stain remover (aerosol types work better on greasy stains) Wait one minute for product to penetrate the stain. For stubborn stains, rub with heavy-duty liquid detergent. Launder immediately.
  2. If color stain remains, soak/wash in chlorine bleach if safe for fabric, or in oxygen bleach.
  3. For extra heavy stains, apply dry cleaning solvent to back of the stain over absorbent paper towels. Let dry, rinse. Proceed as above.

Carpet

What you will need

  • Detergent
  • White vinegar
  • Rubbing alcohol
  • Ammonia

Steps to Clean

  1. Mix one tablespoon of liquid dishwashing detergent and one tablespoon of white vinegar with two cups of warm water.
  2. Using a clean white cloth, sponge the stain with the detergent/vinegar solution; blotting frequently with a dry cloth until the stain disappears.
  3. Flush with clear water.
  4. If the stain remains, sponge the stain with rubbing alcohol. Blot to remove the stain.
  5. Flush with alcohol; let it air-dry.
  6. Sponge with cold water.
  7. Blot until the liquid is absorbed.
  8. If the stain remains, mix one teaspoon of liquid dishwashing detergent and one tablespoon of ammonia with two cups of warm water. Sponge the stain with this solution. Leave it on the stain for at least 30 minutes, blotting every five minutes with a clean white cloth and more solution.
  9. Sponge with cold water and blot dry.

Upholstery

What you will need

  • Detergent
  • White vinegar
  • Rubbing alcohol
  • Detergent
  • Ammonia

Steps to Clean

  1. Mix one (1) tablespoon of liquid dishwashing detergent and one tablespoon of white vinegar with two (2) cups of cool water.
  2. Using a clean white cloth, sponge the stain with the detergent/vinegar solution. Leave it on the stain for at least 30 minutes, blotting every five minutes with a clean white cloth and more solution.
  3. Sponge with cool water, blot until the liquid is absorbed.
  4. Sponge the stain with rubbing alcohol; blot to remove the stain.
  5. If the stain remains, mix one teaspoon of liquid dishwashing detergent and one tablespoon of ammonia with two cups of warm water. (Caution: Never mix chlorine bleach and ammonia – fumes are hazardous)
  6. Sponge the stain with the detergent/ammonia solution.  Leave it on the stain for at least 30 minutes, blotting every five minutes with a clean white cloth and more solution.
  7. Sponge with cold water and blot dry.