Stain Removal 101 - Help Getting Out Your Stains

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stain removal 101

Stain removal is something everyone needs to know about from time to time, because accidents happen.

You've come to this site looking for answers for how to remove stains, and we have them for you.

This site is organized to provide you with information about removing stains in two ways, by type of stain, such as blood or ink stains, or by the surface which has gotten stains, such as clothing or carpet stains.


There is not one magic method or product you can use to remove all types of stains from all types of surfaces.

Unfortunately, it just doesn't work that way.

You need to use specific stain removers or homemade stain removing solutions on specific types of stains, which will work on certain types of surfaces, but not others.

You also may need some special equipment and supplies to remove those stains, although there are also times you find that what you need is already lying around your home.

We have thoroughly researched what stain removers and stain removing supplies work, on what types of stains and what types of surfaces, and what doesn't.

That means you don't have to guess or try everything before finding something that actually works for you.

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By Sharing A Review


laundry book

Come and share your reviews here and help others find the BEST products on the market for stain removal!

One reviewer, chosen by random, who sends a stain remover review on or before September 14, 2010, will win the book Laundry: The Home Comforts Book of Caring for Clothes and Linens.

To enter this contest just complete either the general stain remover review form, or one of the more specific forms about specific types of stain removers, and then hit 'Submit my Review' - it's as easy as that!

Be sure to provide your email address so that if you win I can contact you to give you your prize.

For complete rules and details, including eligibility, click here.

Get Started! - Find Out How To Remove Your Stain

So, let's get started. What kind of stain do you need help removing?

Below is a short list of the most common types of stains and surfaces where stains can be hard to remove.

This is, by no means, all of the information on the site though. Look at the right hand navigation bar for a full list of the categories of step by step stain removal instructions provided, or search the site for what you need to know.

Common Surface Stains

stain removal from carpet 101

Carpet Stains 101: Learn about what carpet stain removers can be used, and which ones can't, on various types of carpet fibers.

Also learn the proper stain removal techniques for removing carpet stains, so you don't damage the carpet fibers or ruin the carpet backing or pad.

Finally, learn the the steps to remove you carpet stain depending on the type of stain on the carpet.



stain removal from clothes 101

Clothing Stains 101: Learn how to get all types of stains out of clothes and other washable fabrics.

In addition, learn tips and techniques so you don't accidentally set that stain.

The fabric care guide also gives the ins and outs of caring for various types of fibers, such as cotton, silk, wool and more.



upholstery stains 101

Upholstery Stains 101: Upholstery is very delicate, so you have to be careful when removing stains from it.

Learn how to read the upholstery tag codes to know what is a safe way to clean your upholstery, and also what you cannot use.

In addition, compare upholstery cleaners for the best ones for various types of stains on upholstery.

Common Types Of Stains

blood stains 101

Blood Stains 101: Blood stains are an unfortunate part of life, because accidents happen.

Learn about how to remove both fresh and dried blood stain removal from clothing, upholstery and carpet. In addition, learn what types of products make the best blood stain removers.



butter stains 101

Butter Stains 101: Whether you get your butter stains while cooking or just eating, they can be difficult to remove from your clothing or other areas of your home.

Learn about both the stain removal solutions and techniques necessary for removing butter stains.



candle wax stains 101

Candle Wax Stains 101: Learn candle wax stain removal techniques for various surfaces, and the special techniques necessary for clothing versus upholstery and carpet, for example.

Next, learn how to get the stains caused by the candle wax dye out of the same surfaces.



chocolate stains 101

Chocolate Stains 101: Learn how to get those chocolate stains off all types of surfaces from clothing to carpet, and everything in between, after indulging in your favorite treat.

Also learn about the most effective chocolate stain removers for chocolate stain removal.



coffee stains 101

Coffee Stains 101: Learn how to remove coffee stains when you accidentally drop that cup of coffee all over your clothing, upholstery or carpet, among other surfaces.

In addition, find out about stain removers made specifically to remove coffee stains, for the most effective quick cleaning.



crayon stains 101

Crayon Stains 101: Learn how to remove crayon stains from many different types of surfaces in your home.

Crayon stains can occur not only on clothes, upholstery and carpet, but also on walls, dryer drums, and all kinds of other unexpected places.

Find out what products and steps to use to get rid of them here.



deodorant stains 101

Deodorant Stains 101: Find out how to remove those stains on your clothing from deodorant, and also from your upholstery and carpet if that is needed.



grass stains 101

Grass Stains 101: Playing out on the lawn with your kids, or gardening can get you some pretty well ground in grass stains.

Learn how to remove this dreaded "combination stain" (protein, dirt, and chlorophyll), and also compare and learn about the best grass stain removers.



grease stains 101

Grease And Oil Stains 101: (Motor Oil And Grease Stains)

If you work on cars or tinker in the garage you have gotten mechanical oil and grease all over everything, and gotten some hard to get out grease stains.

Learn how to get rid of these oily stains from all types of surfaces.



grease stain 101

Grease And Oil Stains 101: (Cooking Oil And Grease Stains)

You don't have to be a cook to get these oil and grease stains from food. Anyone who eats (and who doesn't?) has gotten these stains from time to time.

Learn how to remove oily stains caused by grease quickly and easily here.



gum stains 101

Gum Stains 101: Chewing gum unfortunately can get into your hair, or onto your clothes carpet and all types of other surfaces around your home.

Learn both tips and techniques for chewing gum removal, but also gum stain removal tips for removing the stains left behind by the gum.



hair dye stains 101

Hair Dye Stains 101: Learn how to remove the spills and drips of hair dye from all over your home and skin after that home hair dye job.

Also learn helpful hints and tips to avoid getting anything else dyed besides your hair in the first place.



ketchup stains 101

Ketchup Stains 101: Everyone loves ketchup, but not on stuff besides our food!

When that ketchup drips and spills onto your clothing, upholstery or carpet use these step by directions for removing the stains the ketchup leaves behind.



lipstick stains 101

Lipstick Stains 101: Did your Aunt Mable get her lipstick all over you when she gave you that huge hug? For whatever reason you get a lipstick stain, they sure can be difficult to remove.

Get step by step instructions for removing lipstick stains from your clothing, upholstery and carpet.

You can also see recommended lipstick stain removers to help you get out that stain.



mildew stains 101

Mildew Stains 101: Mildew and mold grow where it is dark, damp and warm. Not only do you need to remove the mold and mildew, but also the stains these funguses can leave behind.

Learn how to remove mildew from all types of surfaces and fibers here, and get rid of mold and mildew stains.



mustard stains 101

Mustard Stains 101: When that mustard squirts out of the bottle a little too quickly, or the mustard on your hot dog drips all over the couch you may find that this tasty condiment leaves a stain that is tough to remove.

Get step by step instructions for stain removal, along with a comparison and recommendations about various mustard stain removers.



mystery stains 101

Mystery Stains 101: It is best if you know what type of stain you are trying to remove, because this makes it both easier and also lessens the likelihood that you will accidentally set the stain.

However, that is not always possible. Therefore this article provides you with steps to take for mystery stain removal.



nail polish stains 101

Nail Polish Stains 101: Painting your fingernails and toenails shouldn't mean stains all over your clothes, carpet or upholstery.

Learn how to remove nail polish from all these types of surfaces, and the stain the nail polish leaves behind.



red wine stains 101

Red Wine Stains 101: Red wine is wonderful to drink, but horrible in regard to the stains it leaves behind.

Learn how to get rid of red wine stains from your clothing, upholstery and carpet, and which wine stain removers to accomplish the task.



rust stains 101

Rust Stains 101: There are many types of stains where you can use a commercial stain remover to help you remove the stain, but you don't have to. Instead you can use some common stain removing ingredients. Rust is not one of them.

To remove rust some serious chemicals are involved and it is best to just buy them premixed instead of trying to do it yourself. You can also see some recommended rust stain removers for clothing.



strawberry stains 101

Strawberry Stains 101: Nothing is sweeter than a summer ripe strawberry. Unfortunately, what parts of the strawberry don't make it into your mouth can cause some big bright stains on your clothing and other areas of your house.

Get step by step instructions for removing those berry stains from your clothing, upholstery and carpet.



sweat stains 101

Sweat Stains 101: Whether you sweat, perspire or "glisten" everyone has gotten sweat stains on something from time to time.

When that happens you want to get rid of those embarrassing stains as quickly as possible. You can learn how to remove them here.



tea stains 101

Tea Stains 101: Sometimes you sit down for a nice relaxing cup of tea, and unfortunately you spill it everywhere.

Learn how to remove tea stains from all types of items around your home, including your clothing, upholstery and carpet.



urine stains 101

Urine Stains 101: Urine can get on clothing, upholstery, carpet or just about anything else while you are potty training your child or when you get a new pet.

Learn how to get rid of urine stains quickly and easily here.


Still Can't Find What You Want?

a to z stain removal 101

A-Z Stain Removal Guide: If you still can't find what you want on this site to help you get out a certain type of stain check out the A-Z Stain Removal Guide, which lists all kinds of stains, from apples to zucchini.

You can also search the site for the exact topic you are looking for.



stain removal tip 101

Submit A Stain Removal Tip: Submit tips and read tips submitted by others.

This is another great source for information from others who have figured out what works best for them to get out stains.

This section also features videos and links to great tips from around the web.



stain removal help 101

Stain Removal Help: If all else fails post your stain removal question in the Stain Removal Help section, and Taylor from Stain-Removal-101.com will try to respond to your question on the site within 48-72 hours.

We may not have the answers, but even if we don't perhaps another visitor will read and comment with tips or suggestions.





CAUTION: This website is provided for informational purposes only, and Stain-Removal-101.com provides it as is, without warranties or guarantees. Some stains just won't come out, and are permanent. Further, some stain removal methods can harm your item, so if the stained item is sentimental or expensive call a professional. See disclaimer of liability for more information.