Get Rid of Stubborn Stains

Posted on 10/07/2010

Last week at Clear Lets we gave you advice on how, as a tenant, you could ensure you got all your deposit back.

This week we've gone even further with some handy tips on how to remove stains and substances that could otherwise mark furniture and wallpaper in your rented property.

One of the worst substances has to be chewing gum. If you have children, this can be a common theme. Firstly, rub ice on the chewing gum in order to freeze it. Then, when enough time has passed, get a blunt knife and scrape off as much as you can. Not working? Then get some deep-heat rub and put it on the gum. Next step - get a hairdryer and heat up the gum. Finally, to avoid mess and the yeuch factor, cover your hand with a plastic bag then slowly peel off the gum. Next, wash the mark in a mild cleaner and rub off using a sponge soaked in hot water. If the gum's on a cushion, sofa or carpet, place a large block of ice over it. Once hard, it should be easy to peel it off the fabric.

Next is the classic red wine stain. There's much anecdotal advice on what works here such as using salt. But we've found the best method is to blot the stain with a kitchen towel then soak it with sparkling water. Keep blotting and soaking then get a sponge with hot soapy water and blot again. In the case of carpets it's good to give them a shampoo and rinse. If the red wine is on a cushion, wash it using a stain remover such as Vanish.

Felt tip pens can cause most parents problems. But worry not, the majority of pens have washable ink. The trick is to take some kitchen paper and blot as much as you can then wash as normal. Again, for stubborn marks, use a decent stain remover. If the felt-tip mark is on a cushion or bed spread, rub milk on the stain then wash at 40 degrees

Candle wax is a more common complaint we've found at Clear Lets over the years due to the candle's growing popularity. If it's on the carpet, sofa or cushion harden the wax with ice. Then, like chewing gum, scrape it off with a blunt knife. If there's any left, cover it with a sheet of kitchen paper and iron over it with a cool iron (remember not to touch the carpet though!). Methylated spirits is also a good method but try it on an inconspicuous area first, then wash the fabric. If the wax is on a wooden floor then scrape it off with a spatula then wipe. You could also try heating it with a hairdryer and dabbing with a paper towel.

For mildew wash as normal then add some laundry bleach or a stain remover. If it's on fabric and it's possible, take it out into the sun then dab the spots with a mild disinfectant and rinse. On bathroom tiles use citric acid or bleach. Shower curtains can be put in the washing machine on a gentle cycle. You could also try scrubbing them with a paste made of bicarbonate of soda and water then rinse in clean water.

We hope these tips help but for further advice please don't hesitate to contact any of the Clear Lets team.