As much as you try to avoid staining that favorite shirt, life happens. From kids to dogs to coworkers, accidents can come from anywhere. Next time you’re attempting to remove a stain from your shirt, couch, or anything in between, use some hydrogen peroxide to get the job done right.
House Cleaning Tips in Wheaton IL
We know what you’re thinking: “Hydrogen peroxide for stain removal. What?” Yes, hydrogen peroxide is the perfect substance to get rid of some of the toughest stains. In fact, it’s one of the industry secrets held close by cleaning professionals. With its strong disinfectant attribute and light, clean scent, it’s the perfect substance to treat most of the stains you encounter.
Laundry
Clothes are one of the most commonly stained objects out there. What used to be your nice white towel may now look more tan or brown. You can easily pour a cup of hydrogen peroxide into your washing machine when doing a load of whites. Hydrogen peroxide makes a perfect alternative to bleach, as it doesn’t leave behind that pungent smell.
Hydrogen peroxide works on colored clothes as well. It’s considered a mild form of bleach. While you’ll want to test it out in a hidden area first, hydrogen peroxide can usually be applied directly onto the stain. You’ll want to use a cotton swab or a similar applicator to control the application. Let the compound sit on the stained clothing for about ten minutes before throwing it in the washer for regular cleaning.
Countertops
If you have granite or marble countertops, you know they’re very susceptible to stains. While many manufacturers will have you believe that you need to spend big dollars on a professional cleaning product, that’s not the truth. A simple compound of hydrogen peroxide and baking soda makes the perfect thick paste to remove the stain.
Mix the two ingredients together to peanut butter-like consistency and apply one-fourth of an inch thick onto the stained countertop area. Tape down some plastic wrap over the area and let it sit for 24 hours. The paste will suck up the stain and get hard. You can simply remove the plastic and wipe the compound away to reveal a good-as-new countertop surface.
Carpets
Carpeting is another popular area that receives a lot of stains. Whether it’s that glass of wine you were enjoying or the dog’s muddy paws that have trashed the look of your carpet, hydrogen peroxide can help. Simply apply a small amount of hydrogen peroxide on the stain. Let it sit for a few minutes and then start to dab up the stain. Be sure to test a hidden area first.
Tips For Banishing Stains With Hydrogen Peroxide
As you’ve discovered, hydrogen peroxide is a very effective cleaning tool for dealing with an abundance of stains. Applying it properly and taking some safety precautions can ensure that you get the best results possible. Here are four main steps you should follow when attempting to remove a stain with hydrogen peroxide.
- Test It Out
Before applying a large amount of hydrogen peroxide to the stained surface, it’s a good idea to test it out on a small area. Pick a less visible spot and use a cotton ball or something similar to dab a small amount of hydrogen peroxide onto the surface. Let it sit for a few seconds to see if it changes the color of the material. If it doesn’t, proceed with the following steps. If color changes happen, simply use water to wash off the hydrogen peroxide.
- Wear Gloves
While hydrogen peroxide isn’t overly dangerous to the skin, it can cause slight irritation. It’s highly recommended that you consider wearing a pair of safety gloves to help prevent skin irritation during use. Realize that the hydrogen peroxide will naturally cleanse any open wounds or cuts, and it can cause a short-term stinging effect on the skin.
- Always Dab
When you’re cleaning a stain out of any material, you must use a dabbing motion. For some reason, most individuals naturally want to wipe at the stain. This motion allows the staining substance to be spread around the material even more. Instead, use a dabbing motion to remove the stain while applying hydrogen peroxide. You’ll likely need to use a couple of different cotton pads throughout the entire cleaning process to dab up all of the staining substance from your material.
- Water It
Once you’ve applied the hydrogen peroxide for stain removal, it’s time to water it. This is easiest by simply throwing the fabric in the washer on a cold wash cycle. If that’s not possible, manually use water to flush the area and dab up the excess.
Cleaning Service Wheaton IL
When it comes to getting the tough stains out of your Wheaton IL home or office materials, you can rely on Helping Hands Cleaning Services. We provide both residential House Cleaning and commercial cleaning along with deep cleaning services throughout Wheaton, Illinois and the surrounding Chicagoland areas. Check out our blog on Cleaning with Vinegar.