Homework: Defeating stubborn stains
Cleaning the bathroom Credit: iStockphoto.com
From nicks and scratches on the walls to yellowing sheets and splotched upholstery, there always seems to be some stain that stubbornly defies our efforts to remove it. Here are some of the most common -- and toughest -- stains and how to eradicate them:
DIRTY, GRIMY OVEN RACKS: Most appliance manufacturers warn against leaving oven racks in place while self-cleaning your oven, so you end up with a sparkling oven and dingy, stained racks. A good solution: Put the racks inside a trash bag and add a quart of ammonia. Seal the bag and let sit at least overnight. Remove the racks the next day -- in a well-ventilated area outdoors -- and rinse them with water. Use a mild abrasive to remove any remaining discoloration.
MARKS ON FLAT WALL PAINT: If paint is marketed as scrubbable or the finish has a sheen, it's usually easy to remove marks. With flat paint, however, you could be stuck with those nicks and scratches. A Magic Eraser (mrclean.com) can zap those little spots in no time. This spongelike product also is great on stained rubber appliance handles.
SILVERWARE MARKS ON DISHES: A quick, inexpensive fix for those gray streaks on dinnerware is to sprinkle on some cream of tartar and add a small amount of water to make a paste. Rub the marks in a circular motion and watch them disappear.
RINGS IN YOUR TOILET: Toilets with rings around the basin are usually stained by calcium or rust. To clean, drain the toilet by flushing and turning the water off so there's as little in the bowl as possible. Add distilled vinegar and line the bowl with a cloth soaked in the vinegar. Let sit for a while, then scrub with a toilet brush. If stains persist, scrub with a small amount of baking soda and vinegar.
PERMANENT MARKER STAINS: For stains on a wall, use hand sanitizer or hair spray, which also takes lipstick out of fabrics.
YELLOWED SHEETS AND CLOTHES: Over time, those crisp white sheets you love can yellow, and bleach often won't work. Instead, try Rit Color Remover (ritstudio.com), available in the laundry section at your grocery store.
MICROFIBER UPHOLSTERY STAINS: The marks can appear locked in for good. Check your furniture tags for cleaning instructions. If non-water cleaners are recommended, try rubbing alcohol. Do a test first on an inconspicuous part of a stained couch or chair by spraying alcohol there and waiting for it to dry. Then, using a light-colored sponge, spray the stain with the alcohol and rub until it starts to lift. Once dry, use a scrub brush to fluff the fabric.
