Stains are a normal part of life; an unwelcome one, undoubtedly, but one that is nigh-on impossible to completely eradicate. Accidents and spills happen, leaving residue and deposits on almost any surface - from carpets to hard kitchen counters, there's no part of any home that is completely stain-immune.
Given that stain prevention is almost impossible, most of us have to focus our efforts in another direction: stain removal. When a stain first occurs or is noticed, we naturally want to jump right in and remove it - but sudden action can actually cause a number of problems, which is why it's always helpful to ask yourself a few questions before you begin:
Given that stain prevention is almost impossible, most of us have to focus our efforts in another direction: stain removal. When a stain first occurs or is noticed, we naturally want to jump right in and remove it - but sudden action can actually cause a number of problems, which is why it's always helpful to ask yourself a few questions before you begin:
Stain Removal: Essential Questions To Ask Yourself
What caused the stain?
Often you will know exactly what caused the stain in question, especially if the accident or spill that led to the stain occurred moments before the stain itself became apparent. However, you may also find stains at a later point when they are of unknown origin. In such a scenario, a best-educated-guess is likely to be the best course of action, based on the types of products and solutions that are used in the relevant part of your home - for example, if you find a stain on the bathroom counter where you apply makeup, it's reasonable to assume that a pink stain might be lipstick or eyeshadow.
Could removing the stain damage the surface?
Imagine a scenario whereby you are able to release a coffee stain from your carpet or water residue staining from bathroom taps, only to find that your efforts had actually damaged the underlying structure. Unfortunately, such problems are far from uncommon - which is why assessing the surface that is stained should always be your first action.
Very few surfaces can deal with a harsh cleaning approach, but fabrics that are dyed - such as carpets and upholstery - require particular care when seeking to remove stains.
Very few surfaces can deal with a harsh cleaning approach, but fabrics that are dyed - such as carpets and upholstery - require particular care when seeking to remove stains.
Do I know how old the stain is?
As a general rule, newer stains are far easier to remove than those that have dried and become "bedded in". If the stain is new, then you can look at gentler methods of removing it, as it's reasonable to assume it will be removed fairly easily.
However, that's not to say that old stains can't be removed; this is a common misconception. While older stains can be tougher to remove, they're not impossible; provided you find the right cleaning, the majority of stains can be removed - you just might need to commit to a longer cleaning process in order to see results.
However, that's not to say that old stains can't be removed; this is a common misconception. While older stains can be tougher to remove, they're not impossible; provided you find the right cleaning, the majority of stains can be removed - you just might need to commit to a longer cleaning process in order to see results.
Does this stain need to be removed professionally?
If a stain is on a particular vulnerable-to-harm surface, such as a carpet or a delicate upholstery fabric, then seeking professional assistance is strongly advised. Avoiding a situation where attempting to remove the stain actually causes further damage is of paramount importance, so explore options such as all-natural carpet cleaning that can protect the underlying carpet, expert professional upholstery stain removal, and similar professional services specifically related to the stained surface in order to guarantee the best possible results.
What are my options for removing the stain myself?
It's generally advisable to seek professional advice for all stains, but if you're working with a more robust surface, then consider looking for a product - either store-bought or natural - that is suited to the specific surface and type of stain you are looking to remove. Just remember to always patch-test the surface in an area that is out of sight or hidden by furniture, and always proceed with extreme caution. Needing several attempts to remove a stain so there's no damage to the underlying structure is still preferable to trying to get it all in one and causing damage.
In conclusion
Hopefully asking the above questions will help you to remove any stains you encounter safely and effectively in future.
Comment Box is loading comments...
