White furniture adds an elegant look to any room, but a stain quickly takes away that elegance. Stains on furniture are an eyesore that many homeowners contrive to cover or conceal. But you can remove the stains with nothing more than everyday kitchen pantry ingredients.
Red and White Wine Stains
When you spill wine, you must act fast and keep the stain wet. Once it dries, it'll be more difficult to remove, and you may have to repeat the cleaning process multiple times before it starts to fade. Use this technique on cotton upholstery, polyester upholstery and carpet.
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Step 1
Dilute the stain. Water is the best choice; however, club soda and white wine -- if you're trying to remove red wine stains -- is also effective. Using a spray bottle, apply enough to cover the stain.
Step 2
Blot the stain with a cloth, working from the outside and moving inward to help prevent it from spreading. When color starts to show on the cloth, replace it with a fresh cloth to prevent transferring the wine back onto the carpet. Keep blotting until the stain is no longer damp.
Step 3
Mix together equal parts mild liquid dish detergent and hydrogen peroxide in a spray bottle and give it a shake. Spray it over the wine stain and leave it for a few minutes to soak.
Step 4
Blot the solution with a clean, dry cloth. Continue blotting until the stain is no longer visible. You may have to apply more cleaning solution.
Food, Juice, Water and Perspiration Stains
Make an effective stain remover to tackle wet and dry food, drink, grease, oil, water and perspiration stains. You can use it on upholstery and carpet.
Step 1
Scoop up any solids with a spoon, and then blot the stain with a white cloth until it's no longer soaking up any residue.
Step 2
In a bowl, mix 2 tablespoons of baking soda with a little water. Stir the mixture with a spoon until it congeals into a paste. Add more water or baking soda, if necessary.
Step 3
Apply the paste to the stain with a clean white cloth and let it sit for a few minutes.
Step 4
With a fresh, dry white cloth, blot up the solution. If the stain remains, rinse and repeat this entire process. When the cloth has soaked up as much as it can, replace it with a fresh one. It could take two or three attempts.
Step 5
If you're combating grease or oil stains, sprinkle a fine layer of cornstarch over the stain and leave it for 10 to 30 minutes before you vacuum it up.
Coffee and Tea Stains
Oxygen bleach is the common name for sodium percarbonate. Cleaning solutions made from oxygen bleach will remove coffee and tea stains from white furniture.
Step 1
In a bowl, mix together 2 tablespoons of oxygen bleach and 1 quart of warm water. Stir the solution until it has completely dissolved.
Step 2
Use a cloth to blot the stain with the cleaning solution and leave it to set for 15 minutes.
Step 3
Soak up as much of the cleaning solution as possible with clean, dry white towels. Allow the furniture to dry, and then vacuum up any white powder that remains.
Blood Stains
Blood stains can be very stubborn if you don't address them quickly. To prevent the blood from setting, keep the stain wet by placing a damp white cloth or ice cubes over the top, and then make a cleaning solution immidiately.
Step 1
Soak up as much of the blood as possible by blotting the stain with paper towels.
Step 2
Mix 1/4 teaspoon of mild liquid dish detergent with 1 cup of cold water.
Step 3
Dip a white cloth in the cleaning solution and blot the stain. Keep checking to see how much blood has transferred to the cloth. Make sure you blot with a clear part of the cloth so you can see how much it is soaking up. Apply more detergent, if necessary.
Painted White Wood Furniture
Thick dust deposits and mildew buildup are the most common problems associated with white wood. To keep your furniture in good condition, wipe down the surfaces with this cleaning solution at least once every two weeks.
Step 1
Lightly dampen a non-abrasive washcloth with water and gently wipe off the dust, moving with the grain. Alternatively, you can use a vacuum cleaner and brush attachment.
Step 2
In a spray bottle, mix together 1 cup of white vinegar and 2 cups of warm water. Give it a shake, and then spray a light layer over the surface of the furniture and let it sit for three to five minutes.
Step 3
When the mildew has been successfully purged, wipe off the excess with a damp cloth.