Natural Cleaning Solutions: The Laundry & Stains

*Note: Any of the Carpet and Upholstery solutions can be used on clothing too. Just be careful of very delicate items!


Laundering Blankets, Woolen

Check that wools can be washed and dried, some labels may specify dry cleaning. Measure a woolen blanket before washing. It should be blocked or stretched to original size after laundering.

Pretreat spots and stains. If the binding is heavily soiled, brush it prior to laundering with a liquid detergent or a paste made of detergent granules or soap and water. Or use a prewash soil and stain remover. Wash only one large blanket at a time.

Fill the washer with warm or cold water depending on the degree of soil, and a cold water rinse. Add detergent or soap. Agitate briefly to dissolve the product completely. Stop the washer; add the blanket. Distribute it loosely and evenly around the agitator. Soak for 10 to 15 minutes, depending on the amount of soil. Start the washer and advance the control until agitation stops and wash water has been pumped out of the tub. After about 1 minutes spin, slowly advance the timer to the deep rinse cycle. Allow washer to finish the wash cycle automatically.

Dry a woolen blanket on the high temperature setting. To absorb moisture and dry a blanket more quickly, place 3 or 4 dry towels in dryer. Preheat towels for 3 to 5 minutes. This helps absorb moisture, dry blankets rapidly and avoid pilling caused by long tumbling. Place the blanket in the dryer with the warm towels. Set dryer control for about 20 minutes. Check the blanket after 10 minutes. Remove wile still slightly damp to avoid shrinkage.

Place blanket on flat surface or over two lines to finish drying. Stretch it to its original shape. When the blanket is completely dry, brush gently to raise nap. Press binding with a cool iron, if needed.


Removing Mildew in Fabrics

Remove mildew spots as soon as you discover them. Do not give the mold growth a chance to weaken or rot the material. Brush off any surface growth outdoors to prevent scattering the mildew spores in the house. Sun and air fabrics thoroughly. If any mildew spots remain, treat washable articles as described below. Dry-clean non-washable articles.

Wash mildew-stained articles at once with detergent and water. Rinse well and dry in the sun. If any stain remains, use lemon juice and salt or another bleach. If you use a bleach, be sure to first test colored fabrics for colorfastness.



Lemon juice and salt

Moisten stain with a mixture of lemon juice and salt. Spread in the sun to bleach. Rinse thoroughly.


Peroxygen bleach

Mix 1 to 2 tablespoons of sodium perborate or a powdered bleach containing sodium perborate or potassium monopersulfate with 1 pint of water. Use hot water if it is safe for the fabric; otherwise use lukewarm water. Sponge the stain or soak the stained area in the solution, or sprinkle the dry powder directly on the dampened stain. Let solution or powder remain on the stain 30 minutes or longer, then rinse thoroughly.

If mildew stains have been on the fabric for some time, it may be necessary to soak the fabric in the bleach solution overnight. Applying sodium perborate solution at or near the boiling point may remove stubborn stains. First be sure this treatment is safe for the fabric.




Chlorine bleach

Mix 2 tablespoons of liquid chlorine bleach with 1 quart of warm water. Sponge the stain or soak the stained area in the solution from 5 to 15 minutes, then rinse. An additional soaking in weak vinegar (2 tablespoons to a cup of water) will stop further bleach action. Never use a chlorine bleach on silk, wool, or Spandex fabrics. Some fabrics with wash-and-wear or other special finishes may be damaged by chlorine bleaches. Articles with such finishes usually have a warning on the label attached to the garment when it is sold.



Stain Remover Guide

Ballpoint Ink .... Use rubbing alcohol.

Beer - Stain Removal on Carpet and Upholstery
1. Mix one teaspoon of a neutral detergent (a mild detergent containing no alkalies or bleaches) with a cup of luke-warm water. Blot. 2. Mix one-third cup of white household vinegar with two-thirds cup of water. Blot. 3. Sponge with clean water. Blot. Blood - Stain Removal on Carpet and Upholstery (CLEANING INGREDIENTS MUST BE COLD) 1. Mix one teaspoon of a neutral detergent (a mild detergent containing no alkalies or bleaches) to a cup of luke-warm water. Blot. 2. Mix one tablespoon of household ammonia with a half-cup of water. Blot. 3. Sponge with clean water. Blot.


Butter - Stain Removal on Carpet and Upholstery
1. Sponge with a small amount of dry-cleaning solvent. Blot. (Use small amounts to prevent any possible damage to sizings, backings or stuffing materials. Do not use gasoline, lighter fluid or carbon tetrachloride). 2. Mix one teaspoon of a neutral detergent (a mild detergent containing no alkalies or bleaches) with a cup of luke-warm water. Blot.



Candle Wax - Stain Removal on Carpet and Upholstery
1. Remove with heated iron into absorbent paper towel or napkin. 2. Sponge with a small amount of dry-cleaning solvent. Blot. (Use small amounts to prevent any possible damage to sizings, backings or stuffing materials. Do not use gasoline, lighter fluid, or carbon tetrachloride). 3. Mix one teaspoon of a neutral detergent (a mild detergent containing no alkalies or bleaches) with a cup of luke-warm water. Blot.



Candy (sugar) - Stain Removal on Carpet and Upholstery
1. Mix one teaspoon of a neutral detergent (a mild detergent containing no alkalies or bleaches) with a cup of luke-warm water. Blot. 2. Mix one-third cup of white household vinegar with two-thirds cup of water. Blot. 3. Repeat step one with the neutral detergent. 4. Sponge with clean water. Blot.


Cheese - Stain Removal on Carpet and Upholstery
1. Mix one teaspoon of a neutral detergent (a mild detergent containing no alkalies or bleaches with a cup of luke-warm water. Blot. 2. Mix one tablespoon of household ammonia with a half- cup of water. Blot. 3. Repeat step one with the neutral detergent. 4. Sponge with clean water. Blot.


Chewing Gum - Stain Removal on Carpet and Upholstery
1. Sponge with a small amount of dry-cleaning solvent. Blot. (Use small amounts to prevent any possible damage to sizings, backings, or stuffing materials. Do not use gasoline, lighter fluid or carbon tetrachloride). 2. Mix one teaspoon of a neutral detergent (a mild detergent containing no alkalies or bleaches) with a cup of luke-warm water. Blot.


Chocolate - Stain Removal on Carpet and Upholstery
1. Mix one teaspoon of a neutral detergent (a mild detergent containing no alkalies or bleaches) with a cup of luke-warm water. Blot. 2. Mix one tablespoon of household ammonia with a half-cup of water. Blot. 3. Repeat step one. 4. Sponge with clean water. Blot.


Coffee - Stain Removal on Carpet and Upholstery
1. Mix one teaspoon of a neutral detergent (a mild detergent containing no alkalies or bleaches) with a cup of luke-warm water. Blot. 2. Mix one-third cup of white household vinegar with two-thirds cup of water. Blot. 3. Sponge with clean water. Blot.




Cola drinks - Stain Removal on Carpet and Upholstery
1. Mix one teaspoon of a neutral detergent (a mild detergent containing no alkalies or bleaches) with a cup of luke-warm water. Blot. 2. Mix one-third cup of white household vinegar with two-thirds cup of water. Blot.


Cosmetics (mascara) - Stain Removal on Carpet and Upholstery
1. Sponge with a small amount of dry-cleaning solvent. Blot. (Use small amounts to prevent any possible damage to sizings, backings, or stuffing materials. Do not use gasoline, lighter fluid, or carbon tetrachloride). 2. Mix one teaspoon of a neutral detergent (a mild detergent containing no alkalies or bleaches) with a cup of luke-warm water. Blot. 3. Sponge with clean water. Blot.



Crayon - Stain Removal on Carpet and Upholstery
1. Sponge with a small amount of dry-cleaning solvent. Blot. (Use small amounts to prevent any possible damage to sizings, backings or stuffing materials. Do not use gasoline, lighter fluid, or carbon tetrachloride). 2. Mix one teaspoon of a neutral detergent (a mild detergent containing no alkalies or bleaches) with a cup of luke-warm water. Blot. 3. Sponge with clean water. Blot.


Catsup - Stain Removal on Carpet and Upholstery
1. Mix one teaspoon of a neutral detergent (a mild detergent containing no alkalies or bleaches) with a cup of luke-warm water. Blot. 2. Mix one tablespoon of household ammonia with a half-cup of water. Blot. 3. Repeat step one. 4. Sponge with clean water. Blot.


Earth (dirt)- Stain Removal on Carpet and Upholstery
1. Mix one teaspoon of a neutral detergent (a mild detergent containing no alkalies or bleaches) with a cup of luke-warm water. Blot. 2. Mix one tablespoon of household ammonia with a half-cup of water. Blot. 3. Repeat step one with the detergent. 4. Sponge with clean water. Blot.


Egg (raw)- Stain Removal on Carpet and Upholstery
1. Mix one teaspoon of a neutral detergent (a mild detergent containing no alkalies or bleaches) with a cup of luke-warm water. Blot. 2. Mix one tablespoon of household ammonia with a half-cup of water. Blot. 3. Repeat step one. 4. Sponge with clean water. Blot.


Excrement- Stain Removal on Carpet and Upholstery
1. Mix one teaspoon of a neutral detergent (a mild detergent containing no alkalies or bleaches) with a cup of luke-warm water. Blot. 2. Mix one tablespoon of household ammonia with a half-cup of water. Blot. 3. Repeat step one. 4. Mix one-third cup of white household vinegar with two-thirds cup of water. Blot. 5. Sponge with clean water. Blot.




Fruit and Juices - Stain Removal on Carpet and Upholstery
1. Mix one teaspoon of a neutral detergent (a mild detergent containing no alkalies or bleaches) with a cup of luke-warm water. Blot. 2. Rinse with white household vinegar. Blot. 3. Repeat step one. 4. Sponge with clean water. Blot.


Furniture polish- Stain Removal on Carpet and Upholstery
1. Sponge with a small amount of dry-cleaning solvent. Blot. (Use small amounts to prevent any possible damage to sizings, backings, or stuffing materials. Do not use gasoline, lighter fluid, or carbon tetrachloride). 2. Mix one teaspoon of a neutral detergent (a mild detergent containing no alkalies or bleaches) with a cup of luke-warm water. Blot. 3. Sponge with clear water. Blot.



Glue (school, white) - Stain Removal on Carpet and Upholstery
1. Mix one teaspoon of a neutral detergent (a mild detergent containing no alkalies or bleaches) with a cup of luke-warm water. Blot. 2. Mix one tablespoon of household ammonia with a half-cup of water. Blot. 3. Repeat step one. 4. Sponge with clean water. Blot.


Gravy- Stain Removal on Carpet and Upholstery
1. Sponge with a small amount of dry-cleaning solvent. Blot. (Use small amounts to prevent any possible damage to sizings, backings, or stuffing materials. Do not use gasoline, lighter fluid, or carbon tetrachloride). 2. Mix one teaspoon of a neutral detergent (a mild detergent containing no alkalies or bleaches) with a cup of luke-warm water. Blot. 3. Sponge with clear water. Blot.



Hand lotion - Stain Removal on Carpet and Upholstery
1. Sponge with a small amount of dry-cleaning solvent. Blot. (Use small amounts to prevent any possible damage to sizings, backings, or stuffing materials. Do not use gasoline, lighter fluid, or carbon tetrachloride). 2. Mix one teaspoon of a neutral detergent (a mild detergent containing no alkalies or bleaches) with a cup of luke-warm water. Blot. 3. Sponge with clean water. Blot.



Ice cream - Stain Removal on Carpet and Upholstery
1. Mix one teaspoon of a neutral detergent (a mild detergent containing no alkalies or bleaches) with a cup of luke-warm water. Blot. 2. Mix one tablespoon of household ammonia with a half-cup of water. Blot. 3. Repeat step one. 4.Sponge with clean water. Blot.



Ink (ballpoint) - Stain Removal on Carpet and Upholstery
1. Sponge with a small amount of dry-cleaning solvent. Blot. (Use small amounts to prevent any possible damage to sizings, backing or stuffing materials. Do not use gasoline, lighter fluid, or tetrachloride). 2. Mix one teaspoon of a neutral detergent (a mild detergent containing no alkalies or bleaches) with a cup of luke-warm water. Blot. 3. Sponge with clean water. Blot.



Iodine, Merthiolate - Stain Removal on Carpet and Upholstery
1. Mix one teaspoon of a neutral detergent (a mild detergent containing no alkalies or bleaches) with a cup of luke-warm water. Blot. 2. Mix one tablespoon of household ammonia with a half-cup of water. Blot. 3. Mix one-third cup of white household vinegar with two-thirds cup of water. Blot. 4. Repeat step one. Blot. 5. Sponge with clean water. Blot.



Marble Stain Removal - Make a poultice from white absorbent material such as a napkin, blotter, paper towel or facial tissue, dampened with the chemical recommended to dissolve that stain; or mix whiting with that chemical to make a soft paste to cover the stain. The poultice should be left on the stain from 1 hour up to 48 hours, depending on the age and depth of the stain. Plastic wrap, held in place by masking tape, can be put over the poultice to keep it damp; otherwise it will have to be redampened with the chemical periodically. Mix only enough poultice for immediate use; mix a second batch if another application is needed.


Marking Ink Pen - Stain Removal on Carpet and Upholstery
1. Sponge with a small amount of dry-cleaning solvent. Blot. (Use small amounts to prevent any possible damage to sizings, backings, or stuffing materials. Do not use gasoline, lighter fluid, or carbon tetrachloride). 2. Mix one teaspoon of a neutral detergent (a mild detergent containing no alkalies or bleaches) with a cup of luke-warm water. Blot. 3. Sponge with clean water. Blot.


Milk - Stain Removal on Carpet and Upholstery
1. Mix one teaspoon of a neutral detergent (a mild detergent containing no alkalies or bleaches) with a cup of luke-warm water. Blot. 2. Mix one tablespoon of household ammonia with a half-cup of water. Blot. 3. Repeat step one. Blot. 4. Sponge with clean water. Blot.


Nail Polish - Stain Removal on Carpet and Upholstery
1. Apply nail polish remover (acetone). Blot. 2. Mix one teaspoon of a neutral detergent (a mild detergent containing no alkalies or bleaches) with a cup of luke-warm water. Blot. 3. Sponge with clean water. Blot.




Oil Stains

Oil stains may include butter, hand cream or lotion. As soon as possible, spread surface with an absorbent fine powder such as whiting or even corn starch. After short time brush to remove and reapply more powder. Let stand 24 hours.

To remove: Scrub with hot, sudsy (detergent) solution and stiff brush. Or wipe with ammonia-dampened cloth. In either case, then rinse and wipe dry. If these alkaline solutions don't remove all the oil, you can try a solvent. Make a poultice dampened with acetone or amyl acetate (available at drug stores), or with home dry cleaning fluid. Use good ventilation with windows open to remove fumes, do not use near spark or flame, and do not leave on too long.



Organic Stains
Tea, coffee, colors bleached from paper, textiles or soft drinks. Make poultice soaked with 20% peroxide (hair bleaching strength) and a few drop of ammonia.



Paint, Latex - Stain Removal on Carpet and Upholstery
1. Mix one teaspoon of a neutral detergent (a mild detergent containing no alkalies or bleaches) with a cup of luke-warm water. Blot. 2. Sponge with clean water. Blot.


Paint, Oil-Base Stain Removal on Carpet and Upholstery
1. Sponge with a small amount of dry-cleaning solvent. Blot. (Use small amounts to prevent any possible damage to sizings, backings, or stuffing materials. Do not use gasoline, lighter fluid or carbon tetrachloride). 2. Mix one teaspoon of a neutral detergent (a mild detergent containing no alkalies or bleaches) with a cup of luke-warm water. Blot. 3. Sponge with clean water. Blot. 4. OR Seek the help of a professional carpet cleaner.




Removing Blue Stains on Bathroom Fixtures:

Blue, green or other unusual colored stains, can be caused in old, badly worn bathtubs andsinks, from cleansers not rinsed off thoroughly. When harsh abrasives (such as most scouring powders) are used regularly on these porcelain enamel surfaces, over several years they wear down the smooth surface, leaving it rough.

Dyes used to encapsulate the cleaning particles in scouring powders or other colored cleansers can get into the crevices of such worn surfaces, and if not rinsed off, and allowed to stay and harden for days, can be almost impossible to remove. A strong chlorine bleach solution may lighten the stain, but will also further dull or discolor the porcelain surface. So one may have to live with the stain.




Removing Rust/Iron Stains on Bathroom Fixtures:

Rust stains come from iron in the water supply, which can only be permanently remove through installation of an iron filter. Occasionally iron is dissolved from rusting water pipes or mains by corrosive water. Iron stains can be removed by a weak acid solution, usually oxalic acid which is highly toxic and must be handled with care. Never use chlorine bleach as this sets the iron stain.

Fresh iron stains on plumbing fixtures such as sinks, bathtubs and chrome will generally yield to treatment with heavy duty cleaning compounds containing large proportions of trisodium phosphate. Apply cleaner with damp cloth, pad or sponge. Rub discolored surface until stain is removed. Rinse. Wipe dry and polish.

Heavy, stubborn rust stains can often be removed by oxalic acid stain remover compounds such as Zud or a tri-chloro-melanine compound such as Barkeepers Friend. Follow directions carefully.

For rust stains already set on bathroom or kitchen plumbing fixtures, dissolve oxalic acid crystals in hot water and add enough whiting or talc to make a soft paste. Apply this poultice to stain and let dry before removing. Rinse and polish.Use with care-it is poisonous.



Rubber Cement- Stain Removal on Carpet and Upholstery
1. Sponge with a small amount of dry-cleaning solvent. Blot. (Use small amounts to prevent any possible damage to sizings, backings, or stuffing materials. Do not use gasoline, lighter fluid or carbon tetrachloride). 2. Mix one teaspoon of a neutral detergent (a mild detergent containing no alkalies or bleaches) with a cup of luke-warm water. Blot. 3. Sponge with clean water. Blot.



Rust- Stain Removal on Carpet and Upholstery

Use Whink or Zud or other Rust Remover. Follow directions on package.





Shoe polish - Stain Removal on Carpet and Upholstery
1. Sponge with a small amount of dry-cleaning solvent. Blot. (Use small amounts to prevent any possible damage to sizings, backings, or stuffing materials. Do not use gasoline, lighter fluid, or carbon tetrachloride). 2. Mix one teaspoon of a neutral detergent (a mild detergent containing no alkalies or bleaches) with a cup of luke-warm water. Blot. 3. Sponge with clean water. Blot. 4. OR Seek the help of a professional carpet cleaner.



Soft Drinks - Stain Removal on Carpet and Upholstery
1. Mix one teaspoon of a neutral detergent (a mild detergent containing no alkalies or bleaches) with a cup of luke-warm water. Blot. 2. Mix one-third cup of white household vinegar with two-thirds cup of water. Blot. 3. Repeat step one. 4. Sponge with clear water. Blot.





Soy Sauce - Stain Removal on Carpet and Upholstery
1. Mix one teaspoon of a neutral detergent (a mild detergent containing no alkalies or bleaches) with a cup of luke-warm water. Blot. 2. Mix one tablespoon of household ammonia with a half-cup of water. Blot. 3. Repeat step one. 4. Sponge with clean water. Blot.



Tar (asphalt) - Stain Removal on Carpet and Upholstery
1. Sponge with a small amount of dry-cleaning solvent. Blot. (Use small amounts to prevent any possible damage to sizings, backings, or stuffing materials. Do not use gasoline, lighter fluid, or carbon tetrachloride). 2. Mix one teaspoon of a neutral detergent (a mild detergent containing no alkalies or bleaches) with a cup of luke-warm water. Blot. 3. Sponge with clean water. Blot.



Tea - Stain Removal on Carpet and Upholstery
1. Mix one teaspoon of a neutral detergent (a mild detergent containing no alkalies or bleaches) with a cup of luke-warm water. Blot. 2. Mix one-third cup of white household vinegar with two-thirds cup of water. Blot. 3. Repeat step one. 4. Sponge with clean water. Blot.





Terrazzo Floors - Stain Removal
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.



Vaseline - Stain Removal on Carpet and Upholstery
1. Sponge with a small amount of dry-cleaning solvent. Blot. (Use small amounts to prevent any possible damage to sizings, backings, or stuffing materials. Do not use gasoline, lighter fluid or carbon tetrachloride). 2. Mix one teaspoon of a neutral detergent (a mild detergent containing no alkalies or bleaches) with a cup of luke-warm water. Blot. 3. Sponge with clean water. Blot.

Wax (paste) - Stain Removal on Carpet and Upholstery
1. Sponge a small amount of dry-cleaning solvent. Blot. (Use small amounts to prevent any possible damage to sizings, backings, or stuffing materials. Do not use gasoline, lighter fluid or carbon tetrachloride). 2. Mix one teaspoon of a neutral detergent (a mild detergent containing no alkalies or bleaches) with a cup of luke-warm water. Blot. 3. Sponge with clean water. Blot.



Wine - Stain Removal on Carpet and Upholstery
1. Mix one teaspoon of a neutral detergent (a mild detergent containing no alkalies or bleaches) with a cup of luke-warm water. Blot. 2. Mix one-third cup of white household vinegar with two-thirds cup of water. Blot. 3. Repeat step one. 4. Sponge with clean water. Blot.