How to Remove Three Nightmare Stains

Try this trio of heavenly solutions

October 31, 2007 at 12:00AM by Michael de Jong | comment

Welcome to The Humble Art of Zen Cleansing, where you will learn lots of great tips on keeping a clean, healthy home and workspace, all while saving money, avoiding toxic chemicals and reducing the number of products you have to keep on hand.

Some of the suggestions are things your grandparents did without thinking twice, and others are fresh takes using old ingredients.

Whether you keep a spotless abode or barely remember to take out last week's trash, we hope there will be something for everyone. Have a disaster area to recover from after a big party? Got some tough stains getting you down? Want to improve your indoor air? You've come to the right place. Now, to the first installment:

Got Red Wine?

The countess spilled her aged cabernet while fainting... No need to screech in horror every time someone douses, drips or splatters the vin-o. Red wine is easily removed from fabrics by pouring enough salt over the area to soak up the offense. Follow by soaking the linens in cold water and then wash as usual.

Blood?

"Cook" seems to have slipped with the carving knife... So if it's just a bit of the au-jus or perhaps a bit of your own, certainly take care of yourself first. Once bandaged and ready, begin removing the bloodstains from color-safe fabrics by rinsing them with cold water and then liberally sprinkling the area with baking soda. Rub the fabric into itself and run under the cool water till the spot has vanished.

Ink?

Grand-ma-ma stopped breathing while writing out her will... If it's just a blot from a fountain pen, remove that pesky ink on cloth by placing lemon juice directly into the spot. Allow it to sit overnight before laundering. Repeat if necessary before dieing...oops, I meant drying.

Got your own stain removal or cleaning question? Email zencleaner@gmail.com.

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