Good news – you don’t need a cupboard full of different stain removers “just in case”.
We’re sharing the best stain removers that are planet-friendly too, as recommended by my personal Helper Sylvie.
Sylvie has been cleaning my home for over 3 years and she’s an expert. She’s had to tackle a few different stains and she always has an answer. And now she’s sharing her pro secrets with you.
My Big Fat Greek Stain Remover
Do you remember the movie My Big Fat Greek Wedding?
The father of the bride famously believed that window cleaner could fix just about anything (even insect bites – but it’s probably best to leave that one to the movies).
But he was actually onto something. Window cleaning spray is surprisingly effective as a light, all purpose stain lifter on surfaces and some fabrics.
It can help shift:
- fresh makeup stains
- grease or fluid stains on carpets (blotted! not rubbed),
- sticky tape residue
- and even deodorant or soap marks on fabric.
Many window cleaner sprays contain ammonia, which pollutes our rivers and waterways when it washes down the drain. So look for eco-friendly options contain alcohol and plant-based ingredients. Always test on an inconspicuous area first and treat delicate fabrics with care.
Tackle it with tin foil
Sylvie recommends tackling burnt toaster and grill stains with a drop of water and a bit of kitchen foil.
Rather than reaching for a fresh sheet, recruit a used one and let it have a second life as a tiny, shiny scrubber. Don’t do it too often as it may be bit abrasive, but yesterday’s wrapping can become today’s stain negotiator – sustainable, slightly scrappy, and surprisingly effective. Proof that even foil can make better life choices the second time around.
Not-so permanent marker
I would never thought of trying this but Sylvie swears by it. Her favourite little trick for removing permanent marker stain uses… a dry erase marker. This works on smooth surfaces. Simply trace over the mishap, as if you’re giving it a second chance, and watch as the fresh ink gently convinces the stubborn stain to let go and move on.
Sticky tape sticky stuff
One of Sylvie’s other cleaning clients loves a good DIY, but his solution of choice is almost always duct tape.
We all know that sticky tape can leave a sticky stain. But Sylvie has a simple solution. “Use a fresh piece of tape,” explains Sylvie. “Press and lift. It grabs the leftover glue and pulls it away cleanly.”
Carpet Catastrophes
When it comes to carpets, it’s always best to bring in the professionals to tackle stains. It’s easy to turn a minor spill into a full-blown disaster as you google your way through umpteen “magic” solutions.
In the immediate aftermath:
- Scrape up any solids
- Blot with kitchen towel or a white cloth, working from the edge of the stain towards the centre
- blot – don’t rub! You’re trying to lift the stain, not spread it around.
Then step away, and call your recommended carpet cleaning professional.
Laundry stain removal
Most stains on clothing, bedding and towels can be tackled with simple household ingredients like white vinegar, surgical spirit or bicarbonate of soda.
The trick here is to treat the stain fast, and in the right way. Blood stains, for example, can often be washed away with cold water. But sticking the stained item into the washing machine on a hot wash could actually fix the stain and make it impossible to shift. Read more tips on removing blood stains here.
Try Nancy’s methods
As always, Nancy Birtwhistle has lots of tried-and-tested methods for stain removal using planet-friendly ingredients.
Pour boiling water through stained fabric to remove fruit juice and wine stains (not suitable for wool or delicate fabrics).
Mix eco-friendly washing up liquid and bicarbonate of soda to shift fat and oil marks.
Spot-clean collars and cuffs with washing up liquid.
Get all Nancy’s recipes and methods in her book Clean & Green here.
Top stain removal tips
- Always tackle stains as soon as you spot them. They’re always easier to remove when they’re fresh.
- Blotting, rather than rubbing or scrubbing, is usually the best approach with fabrics and carpets so the stain doesn’t spread.
- Treat the stain before it goes in the washing machine. Hot water can often make it much harder to remove.
A special thank you to Sylvie for sharing her cleaning secrets!
We’re on a mission to switch to more planet-friendly cleaning products, one swap at a time. Discover our #JustOneSwap suggestions in our blog.
