Ultimate Stain-Removal Guide – Consumer Reports

These beverages started as plants and get their stain power from vegetable dyes.

Washable fabrics: Work from the back of the fabric, flushing it with cold water, then apply an enzymatic laundry pretreat (see the CR Quick Take, below, for a top-rated choice) and wait a few minutes. Rub a little laundry detergent into the stain and launder. If needed, repeat the pretreat-detergent-launder process.

Upholstery: Blot like crazy, then splash with carbonated water; blot and repeat. No luck? Dampen with water, apply cleaning solution, work it in with a clean sponge, and blot. Repeat until clean. Dab with water to remove detergent, and blot.

Leather: Blot with a damp cloth as soon as possible.

Carpet: Blot well. Mix 4 cups of water, a tablespoon of dish soap, and a quarter-cup of white vinegar, and apply with a clean sponge, soaking the spot. After 5 to 10 minutes, blot again with a clean cloth. If the stain remains, try a commercial product such as Folex Instant Carpet Spot Remover—or call in a professional. Read more about dealing with carpet stains.

Natural stone countertops: For granite, soapstone, and quartz, make a baking soda paste (see “Ground Rules for Dealing With Stains,” above), apply to the spot, and cover with plastic wrap for a day to keep it moist. Next, peel away the wrap, let the paste soak up the stain for another day, then wipe away.

The technique is slightly different for marble, travertine, and limestone. Acidic substances such as coffee, tea, wine, and fruit juice will etch the stone, creating a stained appearance—even a fruity ice pop can cause damage, according to Clark Lovrien, general manager of Dalworth Clean, a cleaning service in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. You can try the baking soda paste; this may also work for rust stains. Or place paper towels soaked in bleach on the area for 24 hours, then rinse with water. A commercial marble-polishing product, like Weiman Quartz & Stone Clean & Shine or Zep Granite and Stone Cleaner & Protectant, may also help.

Laminate countertops: Spread a baking soda paste over the stain, let it sit for 5 minutes, then wipe with a damp microfiber cloth (never scrub with an abrasive). Stain still there? Contact the manufacturer for help.

Non-wood flooring: Rub gently with scouring powder and a cloth dampened in hot water—or dab with 3 percent hydrogen peroxide.