Don't whine about stains; get them out
With summer just around the corner, I thought I would discuss over the next few weeks some of our favorite beverages (e.g. red win, white wine, beer and hard liquor) and how to remove their stains.
Red wine is fermented juice made from black grapes and derives its color from the contact between the juice and the grape skin during fermentation. The color ranges from pink to dark red. The strong, bold flavors of red wine produce stout, penetrating stains that can be difficult to remove.
Stains can appear anywhere, especially if served during a party, most frequently on fabrics and carpets.
On fabrics:
1. As soon as the stain is noticed, pour white wine, club soda or cold water on the stain immediately.
2. Blot with an absorbent cloth, then sprinkle salt onto the stain and let stand 1 to 2 minutes.
3. Rinse in cold water and rub out the stain.
4. If the stain remains, repeat the above steps until no more stain can be removed.
5. Rub a liquid enzyme detergent into the stain and let it work for several minutes.
6. Rinse in cold water.
Note: Do not dry the item until the stain is completely gone, otherwise you will set the stain permanently.
On carpet:
1. Blot up as much of the wine as possible with an absorbent cloth.
2. Saturate the stain with club soda or cold water. Continue this process until the color of the stain is gone.
3. If some of the color remains, make a past of Borax or baking soda and water at a ratio of three to one. Smear the paste onto the stain with an old toothbrush and let dry.
4. Vacuum thoroughly.
5. If that does not work, buy a carpet spotter designed for red stains.
If you would like to share a cleaning idea or concept with the reading audience, call Ed at NWES (255-2266) or send them to the Bonner County Daily Bee, 310 Church St., Sandpoint, ID, 83864; Attn: What Would Ed Do?
Copy written by Edmond E. Madan, certified forensic, fire, flood, mold inspection and remediation contractor. Ed is the CEO of Northwest Executive and Environmental Services, LLC.