Having a dog is, at the same time, a delight and a huge headache. Anyone who has a drooling dog at home is well aware of the saliva stains on clothes, furniture, windows and various other objects. Fortunately, stains can be removed from virtually any surface with products that are easy to find in the pantry, such as vinegar and alcohol 70. Before cleaning, however, read the labels on stained objects to learn how to clean them and test a small part. hidden.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Removing Stains with a Vinegar Solution
Step 1. Mix vinegar, water, baking soda and detergent
Combine ¼ cup of white vinegar with a teaspoon each of detergent and baking soda. Sprinkle the baking soda slowly into the solution so it doesn't foam too much. Then top up with a cup of cold water.
- Mix the ingredients in a clean spray bottle to easily apply the solution to the stain.
- Hot water can cook saliva proteins and make the stain permanent. Use only cold water.
Step 2. Use the solution on clothing, upholstery and water resistant surfaces
The solution can be used on washable fabrics and on water resistant upholstery, rugs, windows, floors and walls. For safety, however, carefully read the care instructions for the items before cleaning them. It is also recommended that you test the solution on a hidden part of the object before treating the stain.
- Furniture labels usually come with letters. If the part has a W, it means it can be washed with water. If it has an F or a P, it should be dry-cleaned. Parts with an X on the label must not be dry-cleaned under any circumstances.
- If the label has an F or P, clean the part with alcohol or a dry cleaning solvent. For safety, do not use water if the piece does not have any letters.
Step 3. Spray the solution onto the stain
If the item is water resistant, spray a little of the solution on the surface without soaking. Leave on for 15 minutes if you are cleaning a fabric. To remove stains from hard surfaces, it is not necessary to let the solution work.
- If you don't have a spray bottle, apply the solution to the stain with a white, high-absorbency cloth.
- Vinegar can cause fabrics to shed ink. Therefore, the ideal is to use a white cloth for cleaning.
Step 4. Remove the solution with a damp cloth
Dip a clean white cloth with cold water and wring out the excess. To clean fabrics, gently tap the stain with the cloth to absorb the solution. To clean a hard surface, just rub the cloth in the solution.
Step 5. Dry the surface and repeat if necessary
Let the spot dry naturally or dry it with a cloth to go faster. Once dry, take a look at the item. Repeat the step above, if necessary, until the stain disappears.
Method 2 of 3: Using Alcohol 70
Step 1. Apply 70 alcohol to the stain
If the item is not water resistant, spray a little alcohol 70 on the stain. Use a high absorbency white cloth if you don't have a spray bottle.
- Microsuede and microfiber, for example, are similar to suede, but much easier to clean. However, these and other fabrics can only be dry-cleaned.
- You can also use alcohol wipes if you have them at home or if you don't mind dropping by the supermarket.
Step 2. Wipe the stain with a clean dry cloth
Use a white cloth instead of a colored one so as not to stain the upholstery. Do not rub the cloth hard on the stain. Instead, gently tap it on the upholstery until the saliva is gone.
Step 3. Soften the area with a soft brush
Microfiber and microsuede become hard after cleaning. Gently brush the material with a soft brush, nail brush or toothbrush to restore its original texture.
Method 3 of 3: Cleaning Delicate Fabrics
Step 1. Clean silk pieces carefully with alcohol 70
Apply a small amount of alcohol to a dry white cloth and lightly pat the stain, taking care not to damage the fabric. Silk can be difficult to clean. Read the label instructions carefully and test a hidden part of the fabric first.
If the part has an F or a P on the label, look for a laundry
Step 2. Clean velvet pieces with lemon juice and baking soda
Place two tablespoons of baking soda into a bowl. Then add lemon juice until it forms a froth. Dip a soft white cloth into the mixture and lightly pat the stain. Gently clean the fabric without rubbing the solution into the velvet.
Allow the surface to dry for three to five hours. To speed up drying, use a fan
Step 3. Use a leather and suede product
To clean leather furniture and car seats, it is best to buy a solution or package of wet wipes specific to the material. Suede is even more complicated than leather. Therefore, it is also best to give preference to commercial products or even look for a professional.
If you're not afraid of making a mistake, you can apply a little white vinegar to the suede, let it dry and brush the fabric with a suitable brush
Tips
- Read the label instructions carefully before attempting to remove stains from any material.
- Always test the chosen cleaning product on an inconspicuous part of the material, especially when cleaning delicate fabrics.