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We’ve all been faced with the difficult task of trying to remove a stain from our walls, countertops, floors or other hard surface. While it may seem as though some stains are impossible to remove, that is usually not the case. The following is a continuation of our fabrics and upholstery stain removal guide but is specifically focused on removing stains from hard surfaces in your home. We researched and collected some of the most commonly used cleaning methods for some of the most troubling stains.

• Blood

• Vigorously wipe the stain with cold, soapy water and dry. Make sure you are completely wringing out the sponge or towel so you are not dripping dirty water down the surface.

• Chewing Gum

• Freeze the gum by placing ice cubes on it. This makes removal much easier. Once hardened, scrape off the gum. Wipe down with a warm, soapy towel (or stain remover for fabrics), rinse off the spot and dry.

• Chocolate

• Remove excess chocolate, wipe with warm, soapy water and repeat as necessary.

• Coffee

• Pour or rub lemon juice on the surface and let it soak. Then, apply baking soda to the stained area. Allow the baking soda to settle and wipe the surface with cold water.

• Cosmetics / Lipstick

• The cleaning solutions will vary based on the type of makeup you are trying to clean

• Lipstick - rubbing alcohol

• Mascara or eyeliner - dishwashing soap

• Liquid Foundation - Hydrogen peroxide

• Blush, eye shadow, powdered foundation - mild laundry detergent

• First wipe the spot with a dry paper towel and then apply specific cleaning solution to the stain. The best way to scrub the stain is with a nail brush or toothbrush in a circular motion. Allow for the spot to air dry and repeat as needed.

• Tip - Blotting a minor stain with a baby wipe immediately after it happens may be all you need to remove the spot.

• Crayons

• Luckily for families with children, this is a relatively easy stain to remove. Typically all you need to do to remove a crayon stain on a hard surface is gently scrape off all crayon markings then wipe with damp towel.

• Fruit Juices

• Simply use a combination of warm, soapy water and sop up the spill. If the spill occurs on a granite, brick, limestone or concrete surface, use washing detergent instead of soap.

• Grass

• Scrubbing the surface with a towel and warm, soapy warm will more than likely remove a grass stain. If need be, soda water will also help.

• Gravy

• Vigorously scrub the stained area with warm, soapy water until the spot disappears.

• Grease / Oil

• Remove as much oil as possible with paper towels, newspapers and/or a plastic spatula. If the stain is on a tile surface, rub the stain with a combination of laundry detergent and water or a commercial household cleaner if the stain still persists. If the stain is on a stone surface, clean with a formulated solvent. If the stain is on a wood surface, place a cloth saturated in a dry cleaning fluid on the spot for 5 minutes and proceed to clean with warm, soapy water.

• Ink

• Often times, all you need to remove an ink stain from a hard surface is a towel and hot, soapy water. If you try this method and it doesn’t work, apply hair spray to the stain, allow to sit for 10 minutes and then try to remove the ink with a towel and hot, soapy water.

• Mustard

• Wipe any excess mustard on the surface. Spray with a neutral, stain removal solution and wipe with a cloth. If a stain is still present, repeat treating procedures or use sugar-free, club soda to scrub the stain with.

• Pets / Pet Odor

• Use an enzymatic cleaners on these types of surfaces. If your walls and floors are still discolored after cleaning, the paint or varnish may need to be replaced.

• Red Wine

• Mix 3-4 tablespoons of baking soda and enough water to make a mixture with the consistency of toothpaste. Apply the stain and scrub with a soft brush. Wipe the area with a wet cloth and dry.

• Tea

• Use a mixture of equal parts white vinegar and salt and gently scrub the stain with a cloth.

Did you try one of these tips and that pesky stain still won’t go away or are you struggling with a stain that’s not listed? Set up an appointment with us today and we will help you out. Our cleaning professionals are experienced in stain removal methods and have been helping families in Jacksonville, FL since 2008.