Latest news with #stainremoval
New York Times
5 days ago
- General
- New York Times
Here's How to Clean an Outdoor Rug That's Seen Better Days
1. Remove dirt and debris. If your rug is small, you can shake it out or hang it over a railing and give it a few good thwacks with a tennis racket or carpet beater. Otherwise, Melissa Maker, the founder of the YouTube channel Clean My Space, says a vacuum cleaner, leaf blower, or broom work just fine. (Maker is currently part of an ambassador program with Procter & Gamble; the products she recommended for this article are not affiliated with the company.) 2. Lay the rug on a clean surface. If possible, lay the rug down onto a sloped surface, like a driveway, so, once you start washing, water can drain away as you work. If you don't have access to a driveway or other sloped surface, working on any clean, flat surface is fine. 3. Spot-treat stains. Before you clean the entire rug, spot-treat stains by scrubbing some dish soap or stain remover, such as Folex (which Maker recommends), into the fibers of the rug with a firm-bristled brush. Let the pretreatment sit for at least five minutes and up to 24 hours, depending on the severity of the stain. If you're concerned about the colorfastness of your rug, Maker recommends testing your chosen spot treatment on an inconspicuous area first. 4. Saturate the rug with water. Once you've spot-treated stains, give the entire rug a good rinse using a hose, pressure washer, or buckets full of water, saturating it completely. If you use a hose or bucket 5. Add a few drops of soap per gallon of water to a bucket. Mix with the scrub brush to create a sudsy mixture. Dip the scrub brush into the bucket and work the mixture over the wet rug in circular motions. Repeat as needed to get the rug coated in the soapy water. You should always read the labels of the cleaning products you're using outside, as certain surfactants, phosphates, and other chemicals can be potentially harmful when washed into the wastewater system, according to Barbara Sacks, the executive director at the Cornell Cooperative Extension of Westchester County in New York. Follow your local laws around stormwater drainage, and if you're unsure about using a particular product in your yard, Sacks recommends contacting your local cooperative extension. 6. If you're using a hose, opt for a flat stream setting on the nozzle to protect your rug. A stronger setting may be too rough on the rug's fibers. Work your way over the rug from the middle out, pushing dirt and debris out and away from the rug as you go. Hold the nozzle about 12 to 18 inches away from the rug to prevent damage. 7. If you're using buckets full of water, similarly work your way over the rug from the middle outward. 8. Continue to wash and rinse until you're satisfied with how clean your rug is. You can also flip it over and repeat on the back side to loosen up any dirt that's settled into the fibers. If you use a pressure washer 5. Load your pressure washer with a concentrated detergent. You could use Simple Green Oxy Solve Total Outdoor Cleaner, which is formulated to be mixed and diluted with water as it comes out of the pressure washer. If your rug has a buildup of mold, mildew, or algae, Maker suggests using a dedicated product for mold and mildew removal instead, like 30 Seconds Outdoor Cleaner Concentrate, to break these stains down. According to 30 Seconds, its cleaner breaks down once rinsed into the soil — just be sure to rinse foliage or grass within 10 minutes of exposure. It should not, however, be introduced to drinking-water reservoirs, lakes, or streams, so the brand recommends minimizing overspray as much as possible where it could potentially enter bodies of water. 6. Switch the spray setting before proceeding. To protect your rug, use a wide spray, low-pressure nozzle on your pressure washer. (For example, Ryobi, the manufacturer of our top-pick pressure washer, recommends using the soap nozzle.) 7. Spray down the rug. Work your way over the rug from the middle out, pushing dirt and debris out and away from the rug as you go. Hold the nozzle about 12 to 18 inches away from the rug to prevent damage. Olan suggests avoiding the outer edges of the rug as much as possible to prevent damaging the binding. 8. Continue to wash and rinse the rug until you're satisfied with the results. You can also flip it over and repeat the process on the back side to loosen up any dirt that's settled into the fibers. Rinse the rug and let it dry 9. Rinse out the cleaning solution. Using a hose, pressure washer (sans soap), or buckets full of water, rinse the rug a final time until the water runs clear. 10. Allow your rug to dry completely. Ideally, you can hang it over a railing and in the sun. To speed up the drying process, use a wet/dry vac to remove excess water, or roll the rug up with towels and squeeze. To make the job easier next time, show your rug a little proactive love by bringing it inside during severe weather, squeegeeing it after downpours, and regularly sweeping it clear of debris. Your bare feet will thank you. This article was edited by Megan Beauchamp and Katie Okamoto. For a stained outdoor furniture cushion: Vacuum it, wipe it, stain-treat it, sun it. Even if you're not handy, a wet/dry vac is an incredibly versatile tool. Here are six ways it makes quick work of otherwise onerous chores indoors and out. New pressure washers are getting smaller and quieter, with plenty of scouring power for outdoor surfaces.
CNET
10-07-2025
- General
- CNET
Best Carpet Cleaners: I Used Real Life Messes as the Ultimate Test
The Bissell Revolution HydroSteam is the best overall carpet cleaner I tested. It was the only carpet washer that effectively removed pet urine and pet odors from my carpet. It also came in second to the Tineco Carpet Cruiser with tough stain removal. But for $300 less than the Tineco, its price-to-value ratio is unbeatable. Why I like it: While the Tineco Carpet Cruiser edged out the Bissell HydroSteam on the tough stain removal test, the Bissell blew away the competition on pet odor testing. It effectively removed the pet urine smell and dog dander odor and came in close second in tough stain removal. The pre-steam function is unique in that it helps lift those tough odors from the carpet fibers and loosen the stains before washing it. I also liked its larger water tanks and long cord. Unlike most other carpet cleaners, I didn't need to stop to empty or refill before completing the cleaning of my 500 square feet of carpet. With most carpet cleaners, I have to unplug and replug to clean my entire carpet -- not with the Bissell Revolution HydroSteam. Who it's good for: This carpet cleaner is best for pet owners and parents -- especially cat owners, dog owners and toddler parents. During testing, the Bissell Revolution HydroSteam effectively removed pet urine odor and the lingering "dog smell" from my carpet. It also lifted tough stains like ketchup, red wine and chocolate syrup. As a parent currently going through toddler potty training, removing tough stains and urine smells is key. In between sniff tests, I used lemon to cleanse my pallet and reset my sense of smell. When sniffing the carpet samples with the pet urine, I couldn't detect the urine smell after using the Bissell Revolution HydroSteam. Any dog or cat owner knows there is a distinct pet odor -- not from potty accidents -- just from having pets. Their dander leaves an odor on my furniture and carpets. I waited two months to clean my own carpet to test which carpet cleaner could lift and deodorize that distinctive 'dog smell.' The Bissell Revolution HydroSteam was simply the best at eliminating and deodorizing pet smells. Who shouldn't buy it: As much as I loved how well it performed, it is the heaviest of the bunch at 22.5 lbs. Also, the recline pedal needs more pressure than on the other machines I tested. A few times, I needed to kick it to get it to recline. This carpet cleaner isn't ideal for anyone who struggles with dexterity or carrying it up and down stairs. As the second loudest, this carpet cleaner might not be good for those with sensitive hearing or for use while children are sleeping, as you might wake them (like I did). If you simply need general foot traffic cleaning or you don't have pets, you're better off with a cheaper model, such as the Hoover SmartWash+ FlexForce or our budget pick, the Bissell Revolution Pet ProHeat 2X.
The Sun
29-06-2025
- Lifestyle
- The Sun
Six cheap tricks to get your laundry looking fresh
WIMBLEDON starts today – and tennis aces will step out in their gleaming tennis whites. If your laundry is looking a bit grey, try these cheap tricks to get it looking grand-slam fresh. 7 Here you go . . . ACE STAIN REMOVER: Drop in at Poundland to find the Ace Floral Bouquet Laundry Bleach White stain remover for £2. It's a favourite for yellowing socks and grey T-shirts. Just add a capful to your washing machine to make stains disappear. PIT STOP: For those stubborn armpit stains, make up a paste of baking soda and water and use a soft brush or toothbrush to gently rub into the fabric pre-wash. Then put on your usual whites, wash and those marks should all disappear. LACE RACE: Grubby shoelaces? Soak them in a bowl of warm water with two tablespoons of Dri-Pak soda crystals, £2 at Tesco, and give it a good stir. Leave overnight and by the morning the dirt and grime should lift right out. You can also try this on any white caps you may have. LEMON LIFT: Brighten white towels by adding half a mug of lemon juice to your usual washing machine rinse cycle. Cleaning whizz shares two-second 13p trick to get all the pet hair out of your laundry in seconds The natural acid in the lemon will help remove soap residue that builds up and causes greying. VINEGAR VOLLEY: Distilled white vinegar whitens, removes musty smells and helps soften fabric as, like lemon, it gets rid of soapy residue. For brighter bedding, add 100ml to your fabric- softener drawer when washing. It's also a great household cleaner, so pick it up in bulk at at £5.99 for five litres. SHINE ON: For white school-uniform items such as shirts, mix up a tablespoon each of baking soda, vinegar and lemon juice, then add to a spray bottle with some warm water. Give the clothes a spritz pre-wash before washing on your usual cycle. Then hang them outside in direct sunlight, where UV rays can naturally bleach away any stains. All prices on this page were correct at time of going to press. Deals and offers are subject to availability. Deal of the day 7 AS part of the summer sale, the Hewson three-seater sofa bed was £300, and is now £152.99. SAVE: £147.01 Cheap treat PLAN for your next picnic now. This fun plate was £2, now £1 at B&M. Top swap CULT Vichy Liftactiv B3 5% Niacinamide & AHA Complex Dark Spots & Pigmentation Serum 30ml, £43, Boots, gives glowing skin. Or try Advanced Dark Spot Corrector Serum, £29.95, – it's incredible! Shop & save FOR a smooth shave, get the Gillette Labs Champion Edition razor with five blades and travel case, usually £49.99 for £24.99. SAVE: £25 PLAY NOW TO WIN £200 7 JOIN thousands of readers taking part in The Sun Raffle. Every month we're giving away £100 to 250 lucky readers - whether you're saving up or just in need of some extra cash, The Sun could have you covered. Every Sun Savers code entered equals one Raffle ticket. The more codes you enter, the more tickets you'll earn and the more chance you will have of winning!
The Sun
16-06-2025
- Lifestyle
- The Sun
The £1.25 M&S essential cleaners are calling a ‘life-saver' & it's perfect for parents with messy kids too
EVERY parent knows the constant battle of trying to keep a child's clothes clean. A budget-friendly M&S buy can help to tackle stains and leave all your laundry looking spotless. 2 Cleaning enthusiasts heaped on the praise for a handy item that is sure to become an essential in your caddy. The buy was shared in a Facebook group dedicated to Mrs Hinch Cleaning Tips. Sharing a picture of fabric cleaning wipes, one impressed poster wrote: "These!!!! Currently £1.25 a pack in M&S. They are a life saver!" The M&S customer went on to detail her experience with the Stain Removing Wipes. "I've used on several tops which have had the dreaded spaghetti bolognase sauce on," the Facebook user revealed. She summed up the results by saying she would "highly recommend" the item to other parents. Other cleaning fans added their thoughts on the wipes in the comments section. "And they smell lush," wrote one impressed person. "I've seen loads of good reviews about them," agreed another Facebook user. "These wipes are a life changer for holidays, used them for a couple of years, best stain wipes ever," said a third cleaning fan. Mrs Hinch loves it but it's the most toxic cleaning product ever… I've seen it do so much damage & I'm a pro cleaner "I wouldn't be without these, they are amazing!" commented another buyer. Another homeowner pointed out that the wipes are "great on carpets and car seats too". Fabulous has tried and tested some of the top stain remover hacks out there so you don't have to. The M&S wipes tackled everything from tomato sauce to stubborn oil stains. Instead of reaching for baby wipes to clean up your little one's mess, upgrade to these budget buys. 5 cleaning hacks Say goodbye to ironing Don't have time to smooth out the wrinkles of a shirt with an iron? Lenor 's Crease Releaser makes wrinkles vanish - simply hang up creased items, give them a quick spritz and smooth against a hard surface. Teabags for trainers When trainers smell a little squiffy, pop a used (and still moist) tea bag inside and leave for about an hour. The tannins will seep into the sole of the shoe to fight nasty-smelling odours. Remove limescale without scrubbing When bathroom taps start looking a little grimy with limescale, slice a lemon in half and sprinkle on baking soda. Rub the fruit over the taps and with a gentle clean they will come up sparkling. Use a toothbrush to get in all the nooks and crannies. Streak-free mirrors and windows White vinegar is a handy secret weapon when it comes to keeping mirrors and windows streak-free. Mix one part white vinegar with four parts water in a spray bottle. Squirt then wipe with a microfibre cloth and voilà, clean glass in an instant. Make your home smell amazing For dust-free skirting boards, pour some fabric softener onto a cloth and give them a quick wipe. It will stop dirt collecting so quickly and, as an added bonus, make your home smell amazing. However, for larger or older stains that have alreadt set in, you will likely need something a bit more heavy duty. So if you're investing in these cleaning wipes, be sure to act quickly if you spot a stain. And be warned, tougher stains such as grass may require a little more elbox grease. Or check out the five other highly-rated stain removing products on the market. 2
The Sun
29-05-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Shoppers race to M&S as one of their best selling items which is a mum-essential viral are scanning for just 63 PENCE
THEY'VE been dubbed the best strain removing product out there. With mums all over the UK racing to nab a pack to pop in their handbags, ready for accidental spills. 2 2 And while Marks & Spencer's stain-removing wipes don't break the bank at £1.25 for a pack of 30, one shopper was more than a little excited to spot that they were scanning for just 63p in her local store. So when Emily saw the discount, she stocked up - buying five packs of them. She took to TikTok to share a look at her epic haul, as she wrote in the caption: "The viral M&S stain removing wipes scanning through at only 63p! "Run don't walk!" Emily also added in response to a comment: "These work so well for me! "I use them on everything from my sofa to clothes." "I got black box dye on my cream nightie by accident and it came straight off with these wipes," someone else wrote. "These are brilliant - also the stain remover spray," another agreed. "I hope of one these has my name on it!" someone else said. As well as their incredible stain-removing power, the wipes have a gorgeous almond and sweet orange scent. I was gutted when scrubbing didn't get my 'stained' blender clean, then remembered a £3.25 spray I had in the cupboard ''Specially formulated with plant-based and biodegradable ingredients to work on a variety of surfaces, they lift marks without damage, leaving your home spotlessly clean," M&S says about the wipes. ''These sustainable wipes are made in the UK with a bespoke fragrance featuring almond and sweet orange essential oils. ''Made with our almond and sweet orange fragrance they leave a fresh scent behind on carpets, upholstery and fabric." And the positive comments came rolling in on the Ocado website, with one satisfied shopper calling them "absolutely brilliant". "Wasn't sure if this would work but it really does," one wrote. "Even worked on a week old stain! More hacks to get rid of harsh stains Baking Soda and Vinegar: Make a paste with baking soda and water. Apply to the stain and let it sit for 30 minutes. Rinse with vinegar and wash as usual. Lemon Juice and Salt: Squeeze lemon juice over the stain. Sprinkle salt generously. Rub the fabric together and leave it in the sun for an hour before washing. Hydrogen Peroxide and Dish Soap: Mix equal parts hydrogen peroxide and dish soap. Dab the mixture onto the stain. Let it sit for 10 minutes and then rinse. Milk for Ink Stains: Soak the stained area in milk. Leave it overnight. Rinse and wash the following day. White Vinegar for Grass Stains: Apply white vinegar directly to the grass stain. Let it soak for 15 minutes. Wash as usual. Cornflour for Grease Stains: Sprinkle cornflour onto the grease stain. Let it sit for 20 minutes to absorb the grease. Brush off the cornflour and wash the garment. Toothpaste for Collar Stains: Apply a small amount of non-gel toothpaste to the collar stain. Scrub gently with a toothbrush. Rinse and wash as usual. "Recommended to all my friends and family." "These are amazing and so far have removed a number of stains including curry, gravy, black current and pasta sauce," another raved. "They are so handy and just seem to rub off fresh stains or even ones you notice later, ideal for dinner medals!" "I bought these wipes after seeing them being recommended on a comment section," a third said. "At the price I thought they were worth a try, having 2 dogs, a cat and kids in the house means there's plenty of opportunity for them to be used! "My dog stained my duvet & duvet covers so I immediately got these wipes out and the stain was disappearing straight away, I put the items in a wash after and they have come out back to their usual state! "I'd highly recommend, I have used them a few times now & they have worked wonders." As someone else called them "magic", and added: "No idea how these work, but they really do!"
