Cleaning the Stains that No
One Wants to Talk About

It always happens when we’re in a hurry, rushing to get out the door. A spill, an accident: the beginnings of a dreaded stain. The cat saunters over onto the carpet making those unmistakably grotesque retching sounds, the baby’s diaper couldn’t contain the contents, or a brand new puppy is starting to potty train. Stains are an inevitability of everyday life, but that doesn’t make them less of a pain.

The especially painful stains are those that are smelly and unsanitary. Bodily fluids are obviously yucky, but they can also be risky. Because they carry viruses and bacteria, it’s crucial that they’re handled with caution. One tiny upside of 2020 is that we’re all stocked with gloves and masks, so you might as well get geared up to handle these stinky situations. 

Carpet Stains

Vomit. 

1. Remove as much of the ~matter~ from the area.
2. Sprinkle baking soda over whatever is remaining, and let it sit.
3. Combine a tablespoon of gentle dishwashing detergent, one tablespoon of white vinegar, and two cups of warm water. Sponge the stain with a clean cloth. Then, blot until the liquid has absorbed.
4. Using a new cloth, sponge in cold water and then blot dry.

Urine.

1. Blot any excess liquid before it’s completely dried, if possible.
2. Combine white vinegar and water in a ratio of 1:1 with a pinch of baking soda. Pour the mixture over the stain.
3. Depending on the severity of the stain, use either a clean cloth or a scrub brush to work the solution into the stain.
4. With a new cloth, blot the area until it’s completely dried.
5. Sprinkle baking soda over the area; allow it to sit for a few minutes, and then vacuum.

Poop.

1. First, you’ll need to remove the excess matter as best you can. This one requires gloves.
2. Combine a tablespoon of dishwashing liquid and a tablespoon of white vinegar. Add two cups of warm water. 
3. Use a clean cloth to sponge the stain with the solution. Continue to apply and blot until the stain disappears.
4. If the stain doesn’t lift, apply hydrogen peroxide using an eyedropper. Then apply a drop of ammonia (unless you have wool carpet).
5. Sponge the area with cold water and then blot until completely dry.

Laundry Stains

Vomit.

1. Remove as much of the ~matter~ as possible. Use a butter knife to scrape the excess off of the garment, but make sure to be gentle with the fibers.
2. Rinse the clothing item thoroughly.
3. Soak the fabric in a solution made of 1 quart of water, 1 tablespoon of ammonia, and ½ teaspoon of liquid detergent.
4. With an old toothbrush, stoke the stain in the solution. Blot until the stain lifts.
5. Rinse the garment well to get rid of the ammonia.
6. If the stain remains, treat with a sport remover stick or gel.
7. Launder the item normally with warm water.

Urine.

1. Run the garment through a full wash cycle. Use cold water and one cup of white vinegar.
2. Run the load again, but add detergent the second time. Wash at the hottest temperature that is recommended for the fabric.
3. If the stain had a long time to set, have the item soak overnight in water and vinegar before laundering.

Poop.

1. As always, remove the offending “stuff” from the clothing as much as you can. Act as soon as possible as to not let the stain sit.
2. Begin soaking in cold water.
3. Gently rub diluted dish soap into the stain, rinse, and repeat.
4. If the stain is stubborn, grab a tub or basin. Fill with a few inches of cold water and two tablespoons of enzyme-containing treatment. Allow it to soak.
5. Launder the item in hot water with an added half cup of white vinegar.

Stains are a pain, but you don’t have to live with them! Use these tips to eliminate the unsightly mark and lingering scent. For stain and all other cleaning needs, call The Maids.