Getting rid of stubborn stains

All of us come across those horrible stubborn stains that just won't come out no matter what we do. I have compiled a large list of stains that seem impossible to remove and have been busily looking for ways of effectively removing them. I am listing 10 of those hard to remove stains and suggestions on how you might be able to get rid of them one and for all.

1. Ink

Spray with hair spray until stain is soaked, let dry, then brush lightly with a solution of white vinegar and water (50/50). Rinse with clear water and launder as usual.

2. Gum

Rub spot with an ice cube until the gum hardens and peel off all the gum you can. Rub again with ice cube then scrape away any leftover bits of gum with a butter knife.

3.Hair dye

Scrub the stain with a solution of detergent and white vinegar to remove hair dye stains. Then rub with a solution of bleach and hydrogen peroxide. Launder as usual.

4. Red wine spill

To prevent the stain from setting in por salt on the stain asap. Rub salt in then rinse with cold water. Wash as soon as you can.

5. Lipstick

Sponge full strenght lemon juce and salt on the stain then lay item out in the sun for awhile to dry.

6. Grass stain

Saturate a sponge or washcloth with rubbing alcohol and rub grass stain. Once stain is removed rinse the entire piece in cold water and then launder as usual.

7. Rust

Make a paste of lemon juice and salt and place on stian. Put piece out in the sun until the stain disappears.

8. Ketchup or bbq sauce

Sprinkle stain with talcum powder and press gently into fabric so that it can absorb the grease. Immediately apply a few drops of diswashing liquid to breakdown any leftover oil. Launder as usual.

9. Mildew stains

If the clothing is white or colorfast you can use chlorine bleach. Just wash as usual following directions on bleach bottle. For other clothing try soaking in warm soapy water and borax. If this doesn't work try using a solution of 1/4 tsp oxygen bleach (not chlorine) and 1/4 cup of 3% medicinal hydrogen peroxide. Gently rub sthe stain with a clean cloth and solution until mildew is gone. Launder and dry in the sun.

10. Self tanning lotion

Use an extra strength pretreater to break down the pigments in the self tanning lotion or bronzer stain before they get a chance to set in. Launder as usual.