We all know how chaotic family life can be. From breakfast to bedtime, kids seem to have a real knack for creating a mess wherever they go. You could pose with a damp cloth all day or you could learn a few tricks that could help you remove those stains quickly.
Most kiddies’ activity paint is water-based, This means that it can be removed by simply rinsing the back of the stain with warm water. Whether you’re dealing with a messy teatime blemish or the remains of a muddy day out, this guide will help you get rid of some of the most common household stains.
Omo shares some tips…
Important to remember
Remember to read all clothing care labels thoroughly before tossing your clothes in the washing machine. And always test any stain removing solution on a hidden area of the garment first.
1. Ink
Have the kids come home from school with pen on their uniforms? Grab a can of hairspray. It might sound odd, but the alcohol in the spray will help lift the ink from the fabric. Apply the hairspray directly onto the stain, leave for around 30 seconds, and then wipe the affected area with a damp cloth.
2. Mud
Remember to read all clothing care labels thoroughly before tossing your clothes in the washing machine.Muddy clothes are likely to be a regular occurrence, especially if you have adventurous little ones. Use OMO Auto liquid as a pre-treatment, which should solve this problem.
3. Paint
Is there an enthusiastic artist in the family? Luckily, most kiddies’ activity paint is water-based. This means that it can be removed by simply rinsing the back of the stain with warm water. From there, you can toss the item of clothing in the washing machine and add in your regular laundry detergent.
OMO laundry detergents provide great stain removal for yellow water-based paint and blue poster paint.
To deal with oil-based paints, dab the stain with a small amount of turpentine or white spirit – don’t forget to test this on an inconspicuous area first and to wear rubber gloves while handling these products.
If you don’t have time to put a blood stained outfit in the wash yet, try rubbing it with a little bit of toothpaste – the compounds will help break down the unsightly mark.Remember to always check garment care labels and do not attempt this method if your clothing is made from rayon, acetate or triacetate. Instead, take it to the dry cleaners.
4. Grease
Whether it’s due to a burger or a bike ride, grease can easily ruin clothes but only if you leave the stain to linger. To quickly tackle the stain, try sprinkling on some baking soda, it is super absorbent so it’ll help draw out the grease.
5. Chocolate
Don’t panic about chocolate stains. Remember, the ‘chill out’ trick? Avoid hot water, and simply place the item of clothing in a plastic bag and leave inside the fridge to cool for a while. Once the chocolate has hardened, it’ll be easier to scrape off with a blunt knife or spoon.
6. Blood
Cuts and scrapes can result in tough stains. The trick here is to use cold water to thoroughly rinse the affected garment. Hot water will merely set the stain further so don’t be tempted to use it.
To deal with a red wine stain, blot the blemish with some white wine to neutralise it. Then, sprinkle on some table salt to soak up the moisture and wash the garment with a quality detergent.If you don’t have time to put it in the wash yet, try rubbing the stain with a little bit of toothpaste – the compounds will help break down the stain.
7. Tomato-based sauce
Did you know that lemon can help get rid of many sauce stains? The natural acidity works to cut through the oil, so simply rub half a lemon over the stain before flushing it with water. Now, you can enjoy your spaghetti bolognese without worrying about ruining your shirts.
8. Red wine
A red wine spill doesn’t have to mean the end of a cute outfit. Firstly, blot the stain with some white wine to neutralise it. Then, sprinkle on some table salt to soak up the moisture. Finally, wash the garment using a quality detergent to help tackle any remaining residues.
9. Tea and coffee
There’s no use crying over a spilt cuppa! Simply mix one part white vinegar together with three parts of water and apply the solution to affected fabric using a sponge – then go make yourself another cup.
No matter what the stain, don’t forget to follow up stain removal with a wash using a quality laundry detergent to help shift any remaining traces of the stain. Just remember to use the recommended dosage and wash your clothing at the temperature recommended on the garment’s care label.
Article courtesy of www.omo.co.za.
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