Homemade Cleaning Solutions

There are a million different cleaning solutions you can choose from in stores today. On top of that, you can even create your own homemade cleaning solutions. So how are you supposed to determine which is the best option to treat your stain?

You may be surprised to find out that all stains are unique and different solutions should be used on different types of stains. Sometimes completely cleaning your stain may require the use of multiple cleaning solutions. To help you achieve the best results when removing a stain, we have put together a Stain Removal Series of blog posts as well as the list of homemade cleaning solutions below.

 

Ammonia Solution

For use on: Blood, Ketchup, Chocolate, Food Coloring, Grass, Lipstick, Mildew, Mud, Nail Polish, Shoe Polish, Urine, Vomit, and Wine.

Directions: Mix one tablespoon of clear household ammonia with 1/2 cup of water.

 

Bleach

For use on: Blood, Ketchup, Grass, Inks, Mildew, Mustard, Shoe Polish, Urine, and Wine.

Directions: Do NOT use chlorine bleach. Instead, use a 3-5% solution of hydrogen peroxide or sodium perborate. Can be found in Snowy or Clorox II. Rinse thoroughly after use.

 

Detergent Solution

For use on: Blood, Butter/Margarine, Ketchup, Chocolate, Crayons, Food Coloring, Furniture Stains, Jelly/Jam, Mud, Nail Polish, Paint, Shoe Polish, Urine, Vomit, and Wine.

Directions: Mix one teaspoon of colorless mild detergent or dish-washing liquid with one cup of lukewarm water. Using colored detergents can transfer to surface being cleaned.

 

Dry Cleaning Solvent

For use on: Butter/Margarine, Candle Wax, Crayons, Furniture Stains, Inks, Lipstick, Mud, Mustard, Nail Polish, Paint, and Shoe Polish.

Directions: Use volatile dry spotter or commercial spotter such as Carbona, Energine, or K2R. Use in small amounts – can be harmful to sizings, backings or stuffing materials. Do NOT use gasoline, lighter fluid or carbon tetrachloride.

 

Enzyme Detergent

For use on: Blood, Ketchup, Chocolate, Grass, Jelly/Jam, Mildew, Mustard, and Vomit.

Directions: Mix a solution of enzyme detergent following the directions on the label. Do NOT soak or over wet. Allow the solution to remain on the stain for the recommended length of time before removing. (Professional cleaners may prefer to use digestors separate from detergents).

 

POG – Paint, Oil, and Grease

For use on: Candle Wax, Crayons, Furniture Stains, Inks, Lipstick, Mud, Nail Polish, Paints, and Shoe Polish.

Directions: Some cleaning solutions are better left to the professionals. We recommend picking up Paint, oil, and grease remover from your local hardware store.

 

Vinegar Solution

For use on: Butter/Margarine, Chocolate, Grass, Jelly/Jam, Lipstick, Mustard, Nail Polish, Urine, Vomit, and Wine.

Directions: Mix in increments of one-third cup of white household vinegar with two-thirds cup of water (Professional cleaners may use up to 28% acetic acid solution).