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Gaining Independence From the United Stains of Summer

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July 11, 2012

Ah yes, with the Fourth of July behind us and summer in full gear, we’re off and running with friends, family and all those united stains of summer that bond us coast to coast. But fear not, the red, white and blue stains these times thrust upon us need not cause us to take arms. Relief is simple and found in your kitchen, bathroom and amongst your favorite coiffing products.  So get ready to take aim and pre-treat those stains because as we know, not all stains are created equal.

 GENERAL STAIN REMOVAL TIPS:

  • Always treat pronto.
  • Blot, never rub.
  • Place clean cloth under stained area.
  • Launder immediately after pre-treating.
  • Don’t put in dryer ‘til 100% out.

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Red Stains

BBQ sauce

  • Get rid of the excess (if you didn’t already lick it off), and run the garment under cold water from inside out to push out stain.
  • While the garment is still damp, sprinkle baking soda on the spot, followed by a capful of white vinegar. Watch as the mixture erupts, taking your stain with it!
    • Do this from inside out.
    • When bubbling stops, use toothbrush to gently work out stain.
    • Repeat if necessary.
  • Launder as usual.

Ketchup

  • Remove excess with plastic knife and run clothing under cold water from inside out to push out stain.
  • Combine 1 tbs. tenderizer with 1 tsp cold water to make paste.
  • Let sit for at least 5-10 minutes.
    • DO NOT USE SEASONED TENDORIZER since it can leave a stain
    • BTW:  Just as it breaks down enzymes and protein bonds in blood of the meat, it causes a chemical interaction on the ketchup stain that breaks it down and lifts it.
  • Scrape off tenderizer.
  • Launder par usual.

Cherry Popsicle

  • Remove any excess with plastic knife.
  • Fill a spray bottle with equal parts hydrogen peroxide and water-50-50, spritz on the stain, and let stand for 30 minutes.
  • If the stain is stubborn, spray with a 3:1 white vinegar to water.
  • Launder as usual.

Watermelon

  • Remove any excess.
  • Spray the spot with aerosol hairspray – the alcohol in the product will lift out the stain.
  • Launder as usual.

White Stains

Sweat Stains

The yellowing is caused by the aluminum in the anti-perspirant which blocks pores and helps reduce wetness but causes build up due to a reaction between its ingredients and the salts in your sweat.   Look for ones that have lowest aluminum content.  Deodorants on the other hand, neutralize/mask odors and eliminate bacteria that cause odors. TIP:  Try using baking soda as a natural deodorant/odor absorber.

  • Mix ¼ cup baking soda with a bit of hydrogen peroxide to create a paste.
  • Apply to stain.
  • Let sit for 30 minutes.
  • Use old toothbrush to loosen paste.
  • Launder as usual.

Suntan Lotion

  • Remove as much as possible.
  • Sprinkle baby powder to absorb the excess oil/moisture.
  • Soak the stain in white vinegar.
  • Wash the garment in the hottest temperature the care label will allow.

Beer Stains

For light beer:

  • Blot, don’t rub, as much of the beer as you can ASAP.
  • Mix a cup of water, a tablespoon of white vinegar, and a squirt of dish detergent.
  • Dab the mix on the stain for five minutes.
  • Blot with a clean towel until the stain comes up.

For dark beer

  • Combine vinegar and rubbing alcohol 1:3 and use to blot the stain.
  • Never use bar soap on these stains, it will only make them set.

Blue Stains

Blueberries

These little treats can leave a huge mark, but getting it out is not a big deal. This treatment will also work for red wine, strawberry, blackberry, and grape juice stains.

  • Remove the excess.
  • Douse with aerosol hairspray.
  • Blot.
  • Launder as usual.

ALTERNATIVE:  Soak in buttermilk which will naturally  ‘bleach out stain.’

Bike Stains

If your lil tike gets some grease on their clothing just bring out the Cheeze Whiz!  It’s the natural enzymes in it that cut and break down the grease.

  • Put a glob on the grease stain.
  • Launder as usual.
  • Use remaining cheese whiz to make yummy nachos!

Please share any other stain fighting tips and tricks you have here, via my FB, tweet me or www.juliestips.com.

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