How to Remove Stubborn Grass, Oil and Sweat Stains

You're elated that your child's slide into homebase cinched the game; you're not so happy about the grass stain that you need to remove when you get home. Keep these stain-fighting tips handy so you can meet common household stains with a plan of attack.

To remove grass stains:
This tip should help save Junior's uniform: As soon as possible, pretreat the grass stain with liquid detergent, then rinse thoroughly. If the garment can be bleached (check the label), then soak the garment in a diluted solution of bleach and water for no longer than fifteen minutes. If you'd prefer to steer clear of bleach, you can try rubbing a mixture of white vinegar and baking soda into the grass stain, letting it sit, then rinsing.

To remove oil-based stains:
Oil-based stains include mayonnaise, salad dressings, cooking oils, butter, face creams, and grease. First, apply talcum powder or cornstarch directly to the stain; this will help absorb the oil but may require several applications. Scrape or brush off the powder between applications, then toss the garment into the wash on a regular cycle.

To remove sweat stains:
Sweat stains are equally embarrassing and stubborn, but can be conquered if you follow the correct steps. Attack the stain with a cocktail of equal parts water and lemon juice, then hang the garment outside in the sunshine. (You'll need nice weather for this one.) The sunlight will help bleach the stain.

17 Easy Stain Removal Tips [Lifescript]
The Entertainer’s Guide to Stain Removal [Real Simple]
Quick 'n Easy Stain Removal [Ohio State University]

Five Ways to Use Vinegar around the House

Vinegar's always a useful thing to have around the house. Plain white vinegar has many uses and it's very inexpensive — especially when bought in bulk! Here are five unexpected uses!

  • Unclog your drains. A combination of vinegar and baking soda produces a foaming fizz you might remember from science project volcanos. This simply chemical reaction's also great for unclogging drains and removing odorous bacteria.
  • Remove mold and mildew. White vinegar is one of the best things to use to remove mildew stains from your bathroom. Dilute vinegar with water for lighter stains; use undiluted vinegar for heavier mildew.
  • Shine silver. A bath of vinegar and baking soda can help clean tarnished or dingy silver. Rest items in the bath for two or three house. Rinse with cold water, dry with a soft cloth, and enjoy the shine!
  • Freshen closests. Mixing vinegar, ammonia, and baking soda produces a powerful cleanser that can vaporize pesky odors rapidly. Remove your clothes, wash the surfaces with the vinegar solution, and let the closet air out for 24 hours.
  • Remove stains from carpets. Vinegar can also remove stains from rugs and carpets. Mix it with salt and rub gently on light stains; mix with cornstach for heavily ground-in dirt.

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