By: Consumer Reports Updated 17 Feb 2022, 17: 01 pm EST
Prompt treatment can help prevent stains from becoming permanent. But it’s hard to act quickly if you don’t have the right cleaning supplies. The cleaners, cloths and more, listed alphabetically below, will come in handy whenever a spill or splash threatens to ruin your clothes, countertops, rugs or furniture. You’ll likely use some things, like paper towels and detergent solution, more than others. Just be sure to store them where you can easily find them.
To find out how to get a variety of stains, from coffee and wine to tomato sauce and blood stains, onto different surfaces using this kit of tools, consult the most complete Guide to remove stains.
Acetone nail polish remover
This solvent does a remarkable job if you have an accident with makeup or contact glue (super glue). But do not use it on synthetic fabrics because you could damage them.
Ammonia, bleach (chlorine) and distilled white vinegar
These liquids can be useful in some stain emergencies, but do not mix them.
Baking soda and cornstarch
These two absorbent products are excellent for absorbing a grease spill.
Cotton swabs
Ideal for testing the safety of a stain remover on fabric. Use a cotton swab to apply the product to a small or hard-to-reach area of upholstery, or to an inside seam of a garment.
Detergent Solution
Mix 1 teaspoon of a mild white or clear dishwashing detergent (Dawn is often recommended), without bleach (chlorine), in 1 cup of warm water.
Enzymatic treatment before washing clothes
“These treatments make a big difference. They really break down organic stains,” says Jessica Ek, director of digital communications for the American Cleaning Institute. Read on for CR’s best selection of these products.
White Paper Towels
Both are perfect for blotting up spills. If you use a cloth, choose cotton or microfiber, and make sure it’s clean. Using white paper towels or rags means you don’t have to worry about a dye transferring from the fabric or paper and making an already bad situation worse.
Upholstery cleaner and/or dry cleaning fluid
Since you cannot fit the sofa or dining room chairs in the washing machine, a specific stain remover (such as Picrin, recommended by experts) could save the day.
Editor’s note: This article was also published in the March Consumer Reports magazine 2022.
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Consumer Reports has no financial relationship with the advertisers on this site. Consumer Reports is an independent, nonprofit organization that works with consumers to create a fair, safe, and healthy world. CR does not endorse products or services and does not accept advertising. Copyright © 2022, Consumer Reports, Inc.