How to Remove Household Stains

How to Remove Household Stains Quickly and Easily discussed by Eco Solutions

Everyone has those mishaps in their home and those stubborn stains that are really tricky to remove, so we have put together the best ways to quickly and easily Remove Household Stains.

Some of the solutions we have provided in this article are more of the traditional, or old wives tale removal methods, as well as the Eco Solutions Product that will do the trick. Always do a patch test on a location which can’t be seen before you use the method or product to remove any stain, product or general grime.

Kitchen & Bathroom Grime and Stain Removal

How to clean and remove grime and dirt from a glass top stove

Traditional Method 1

1. Wait until the cooktop cools down and use a damp sponge to wipe off any cooking spills
2. Pour a small amount of cooktop cleaner over the cooktop and rub the top with a paper towel until the surface is clean
3. Use a dry cloth to wipe off the cleaner from the cooktop surface

Traditional Method 2

1. Wipe Down With Vinegar
2. Cover With Baking Soda
3. Wet Down a Towel
4. Cover Stovetop With Towel
5. Wipe
6. Scrape (be really careful you don’t scratch the surface)
7. Polish

Eco Solutions Method

Wipe away as much of the grime and dirt using a soft damp warm cloth, spray with Grime Go and leave for 5 minutes. Wipe away the Grime Go with a soft damp cloth and then polish with a microfibre cloth.

How to clean and remove grime and dirt from granite

Traditional Method

You should clean your granite worktops on a daily basis by wiping with a warm soapy soft cloth. For a deeper clean you can use a special granite cleaner or make your own by combining washing up liquid and rubbing alcohol. Do not use ammonia, vinegar, or lemon cleaners as these are all acidic and may damage the surface. If you can you should always follow the instructions from the person or company that fitted your granite.

Eco Solutions Method

Wipe the surface using a soft damp warm cloth, spray with Grime Go and leave for 5 minutes. Wipe away the Grime Go with a soft damp cloth and then polish with a microfibre cloth.

How to clean and remove grime and dirt from hardwood floors

Traditional Method

1. Mix 2 tablespoons of white vinegar with 2 quarts of warm water in a large cleaning bucket
2. Put your mop into the bucket and wring it out as dry as you can
3. Mop your hardwood floor following the grain of the wood and using pressure on really dirty areas
4. Sprinkle a light coat of baking soda over the damp floor which will leave a soft, gritty texture that helps you to remove any excess dirt build up on the floor
5. Put a soft nylon brush into the cleaning bucket and gently rub off the residue, working the baking soda in. Repeat until you have removed all the ground-in dirt
6. Wipe the floors again with your mop ensuring you keep dipping the mop into the bucket and wringing it out again before wiping the next section of floor

Eco Solutions Method

Mop your floor using warm soapy water. Spray your floor with Grime Go and leave for 5 minutes. Using clean warm soapy water and a mop wipe the floor clean. Polish with a soft clean dry cloth.

How to clean and remove grime and dirt from marble

The advice is not to use vinegar, lemon juice or other cleaners containing acid or bleach on marble surfaces.

Traditional Method

1. Wipe away as much of the grime and dirt using a soft damp cloth and warm soapy water
2. Sprinkle some baking soda onto the surface of the marble
3. Gently rub the baking soda into the marble with a soft, damp cloth, being careful not to scrub as this can damage the surface
4. Wipe away the baking soda with warm soapy water and a soft cloth
5. Polish with a dry microfibre cloth

Eco Solutions Method

Wipe the surface using a soft damp warm cloth, spray with Grime Go and leave for 5 minutes. Wipe away the Grime Go with a soft damp cloth and then polish with a microfibre cloth.

How to clean and remove grime and dirt from outside window sills

Traditional Method

1. Sprinkle baking soda on the edge of the window frame, ensuring enough gets in the corners and grooves
2. Fill a spray bottle with equal amounts of white vinegar and water, adding a few drops of washing up liquid and shake it well
3. Spray the mixture on the window frame in all the places that you just covered with baking soda
4. Scrub the window frame with the toothbrush to remove all the dirt and grime from the corners and grooves
5. Wipe away as much of the dirt and grime with kitchen roll
6. Wipe over the sills with a soft damp soapy cloth

Eco Solutions Method

Wipe the surface using a soft damp warm cloth, spray with PVCU Cleaner and leave for 5 minutes. Wipe away the PVCU Cleaner with a soft damp cloth.

How to clean and remove paint from outside window sills

Traditional Method

1. Sprinkle baking soda on the edge of the window frame, ensuring enough gets in the corners and grooves
2. Fill a spray bottle with equal amounts of white vinegar and water, adding a few drops of washing up liquid and shake it well
3. Spray the mixture on the window frame in all the places that you just covered with baking soda
4. Scrub the window frame with the toothbrush to remove all the dirt and grime from the corners and grooves
5. Wipe away as much of the dirt and grime with kitchen roll
6. Wipe over the sills with a soft damp soapy cloth

Eco Solutions Method

Wipe the surface using a soft damp warm cloth, spray with PVCU Cleaner and leave for 5 minutes. Wipe away the PVCU Cleaner with a soft damp cloth.

How to clean and remove dirt and grime from oven glass

Traditional Method

1. Mix 3 parts baking soda and 1 part water until the baking soda has dissolved
2. Spread a generous amount of the mixture onto the glass of your oven door and let it work for 15 minutes
3. Next, use the rough side of a sponge to rub and scrub the glass and to remove any stuck-on food and grease
4. Wipe clean with a soft cloth using warm soapy water
5. Repeat several times if you need to
6. Polish with a microfibre cloth

Eco Solutions Method

Wipe the surface using a soft damp warm cloth, spray with Grime Go and leave for 5 – 10 minutes. Wipe away the Grime Go with a soft cloth and warm soapy water and then polish with a microfibre cloth.

How to clean and remove dirt and grime from oven racks

Traditional Method

1. Remove from your oven and wrap each oven rack in aluminium foil
2. Fill a bath with really hot water and add a dishwasher tablet
3. Allow them to soak for at least two hours
4. Remove them from the bath, remove the foil and wipe them down with a soft soapy cloth
5. If this doesn’t work, mix 3 parts baking soda and 1 part water until the baking soda has dissolved and spread a generous amount of the mixture onto the racks and leave for at least 15 minutes
6. Wash off the baking soda mixture
7. Remove the racks from the bath and wipe them down with a soft soapy cloth

Eco Solutions Method

Wipe the racks down using a soft cloth and warm soapy water. Spray the racks with a generous amount of Super Strength degreaser. Leave to work for 15 minutes and use a scouring ball and warm soapy water to wipe away the dirt and grime. Wipe clean with a wet soft cloth and polish clean with a soft dry cloth.

How to clean and remove dirt and grime from an oven

Traditional Method

1. Wipe as much of the dirt and grime away as you can using warm soapy water and a soft cloth
2. Mix 3 parts baking soda and 1 part water until the baking soda has dissolved and spread a generous amount of the mixture onto the oven and leave for at least 15 minutes
3. Wash off the baking soda mixed with warm soapy water
4. Repeat as required

Eco Solutions Method

Wipe the oven down using a soft cloth and warm soapy water. Spray the oven with a generous amount of Super Strength degreaser. Leave to work for 15 minutes and use a scouring ball and warm soapy water to wipe away the dirt and grime. Wipe clean with a wet soft cloth and polish clean with a soft dry cloth.

How to clean and remove dirt and grime from quartz

Traditional Method

1. Clean fresh stains with warm soapy water and a soft cloth and polish dry with a microfibre cloth
2. For more stubborn stains use a paste of baking soda and water and rub in with a soft cloth
3. Wipe clean with warm soapy water and a soft cloth
4. Polish dry with a microfibre cloth

Eco Solutions Method

Wipe the surface using a soft damp warm cloth, spray with Grime Go and leave for 5 minutes. Wipe away the Grime Go with a soft damp cloth and then polish with a microfibre cloth.

How to clean stainless steel

Traditional Method

1. Fill a bottle with undiluted white vinegar and spray it over all of your stainless steel surfaces
2. Gently wipe in the direction of the grain
3. Wipe dry with a soft cloth or paper towel
4. Polish with a microfibre cloth

Eco Solutions Method

Wipe the stainless steel surface with a soft damp warm cloth, spray with Grime Go and leave for 5 minutes. Wipe away the Grime Go with a soft warm soapy cloth and then polish with a microfibre cloth.

How to clean tile floors

Traditional Method

1. Sweep or vacuum the floor before mopping or cleaning it
2. Mop the floor tiles with warm water with a dash of washing up liquid. If the tiles aren’t stained then using a damp mop over the floor will be sufficient to keep it clean
3. Clean the mop in fresh warm water after mopping one section of the room, and repeat until the entire floor is mopped and clean
4. Use a dry mop over the floor in small sections as you work across the floor with your mop to ensure you don’t leave any watermarks
5. For dirtier tiles or stains, mop the floor with warm water and a vinegar solution. Mix 1/2 cup vinegar with a gallon of water and use a mop to run over the tiles.
6. Leave for 15 minutes and mop the floor tiles again with warm water with a dash of washing up liquid
7. Use a dry mop over the floor in small sections as you work across the floor with your mop to ensure you don’t leave any watermarks

Eco Solutions Method

Mop your floor using warm soapy water. Spray your floor with Grime Go and leave for 10 minutes. Using clean warm soapy water and a mop wipe the floor clean. Use a dry mop over the tiles to ensure you don’t leave any watermarks

How to clean vinyl floor

Traditional Method

1. Mix 1 cup of vinegar with 1 gallon of hot water
2. You can add a few drops of jojoba oil if you want your floor to look even shinier
3. Mop the floor with the solution. For deeper cleaning, also add 1 tablespoon of washing up liquid to the solution and mop
4. Use a dry mop over the tiles to ensure you don’t leave any watermarks

Eco Solutions Method

Spray your floor with Grime Go and leave for 10 minutes. Using clean warm soapy water and a mop wipe the floor clean. Use a dry mop over the vinyl to ensure you don’t leave any watermarks

How to clean wooden floor

Traditional Method

1. Sweep or vacuum the floor before mopping it
2. Mop the floor tiles with warm water with a dash of washing up liquid
3. Use a dry mop over the floor after to ensure you don’t leave any watermarks
4. For dirtier floors, add a dash of baking soda dissolved in warm water and mop using firm sweeping actions over any dirtier areas
5. Next, mop the floor tiles again with warm water with a small dash of washing up liquid
6. Use a dry mop over the floor in small sections as you work across the floor with your mop to ensure you don’t leave any watermarks

Eco Solutions Method

Mop your floor using warm soapy water. Spray your floor with Grime Go and leave for 5 – 10 minutes. Using clean warm soapy water and a mop wipe the floor clean. Use a dry mop over the tiles to ensure you don’t leave any watermarks

How to clean 6-panel wooden doors

Traditional Method

1. Use a mixture of warm water and washing up liquid and wipe the doors with a soft cloth
2. Wipe the door in the direction of the grain and try not to get it too wet
3. You can use a small paintbrush or a toothbrush to get into corners and crevices in the door
4. Wipe the door dry with kitchen roll

Eco Solutions Method

Spray your door with Grime Go and leave for 5 – 10 minutes. Using warm soapy water wipe the door clean. Wipe the door dry with kitchen roll

How to remove mould from wood

Traditional Method

1. Scrub the surface mould stains from the wood trim with a mixture of 1 qt. water and 1/2 cup bleach
2. Use a soft brush and work into the mould starts to disappear
3. Allow the bleach solution to continue to penetrate the surfaces and dry
4. Wipe the wood clean with a clean damp soft cloth

Eco Solutions Method

First, spray some PVCU cleaner onto the mould areas. Leave to work for 5 – 10 minutes and wipe the mould away with a clean damp cloth. Repeat as necessary. If this doesn’t remove the mould then you can paste some Home Strip Paint Remover on the mould, leave to work for 30 mins and wipe the area clean. Be aware that the Home Strip Paint Remover will remove any surface paint or varnish as well as the mould so you will need to repaint or varnish after.

Carpet, Fabric & Clothes Grime and Stain Removal

How to clean a fabric sofa

Always read the label before you clean a fabric sofa and these tips are recommended for small areas only.

Traditional Method

1. Use the stiff brush to brush away crumbs, dust, and dirt
2. Sprinkle the sofa with baking soda and leave it for 20 to 30 minutes
3. You can also mix the baking soda with a dry carpet cleaner for a deep clean
4. Next, use the brush attachment on your vacuum to remove the baking soda or mixture

Eco Solutions Method

Spray the dirty area on your sofa with Grime Go and leave for 10 minutes. Using a clean, warm damp cloth gently wipe away at the stain, this isn’t always needed as the Grime Go will often dissolve the stain without the need for wiping it.

How to clean upholstery

Always read the label before you clean any upholstery, these tips are recommended for small areas only.

Traditional Method

1. Use the stiff brush to brush away crumbs, dust, and dirt
2. Sprinkle the upholstery with baking soda and leave it for 20 to 30 minutes
3. You can also mix the baking soda with a dry carpet cleaner for a deep clean
4. Next, use the brush attachment on your vacuum to remove the baking soda or mixture

Eco Solutions Method

Spray the area you want to clean on your upholstery with Grime Go and leave for 10 minutes. Using a clean, warm damp cloth gently wipe away at the stain, this part is not always needed as the Grime Go will often dissolve the stain without the need for you wiping it.

How to clean upholstery fabric shoes

Traditional Method

1. Use a firm toothbrush to brush away crumbs, dust, and dirt
2. Di the toothbrush into a teaspoon of laundry detergent mixed with a cup of water
3. Gently work the solution into the stain on the fabric, mesh, and rubber areas, but keep it away from any foam or leather areas
4. Use a wet sponge to wipe the solution off

Eco Solutions Method

Spray the area you want to clean on your fabric shoes with Grime Go and leave for 10 minutes. Using a clean, warm damp cloth gently wipe away at the stain, this part is not always needed as the Grime Go will often dissolve the stain without the need for you wiping it.

How to remove grass stains from clothes or any fabric

Traditional Method

1. Soak the stain for 15 minutes in a solution of two parts water to one part white vinegar
2. Take a clean white cloth and gently dab the stain, being careful not to rub it
3. Wash the stained fabric with enzyme-based laundry detergent (the enzymes will help lift the stain off the fabric)

Eco Solutions Method

Spray the grass-stained fabric with Grime Go and leave for 10-20 minutes. Wash in the washing machine as normal and the stain will be removed.

How to remove oil stains from clothes

Traditional Method

1. Cover the oil stain with green-washing up liquid
2. Work the washing up liquid into the stain
3. Rinse with cold water
4. Wash in the washing machine

Eco Solutions Method

Spray the oil stain with Grime Go and leave for 20 – 30 minutes. Wash in the washing machine as normal and the stain will be removed.

How to remove oil stains from anything

Eco Solutions Method

Spray the oil stain with Super Strength Degreaser and leave for 10 – 20 minutes. Wipe away the Super Strength Degreaser with a soft damp cloth.

How to remove zinc oxide from clothes

Zinc oxide is an inorganic compound with the formula ZnO. ZnO and shows as a white powder that is insoluble in water, and it is widely used as an additive in numerous materials and products including rubbers, plastics, ceramics, glass, cement, lubricants, paints, ointments, adhesives, sealants, pigments, foods, batteries. Zinc oxide can get onto clothes or any type of surface and you may think you have washed or wiped it away but it will come back.

Traditional Method

1. Scrape as much of the white away from the clothes as you can
2. Sprinkle some baking soda to the affected area
3. Leave for 24 hours, and then brush it off with your hand.
4. Add some washing detergent to the area and leave for an hour or more
5. Wash in the washing machine as normal
6. Repeat if the zinc oxide hasn’t disappeared

Eco Solutions Method

Spray the zinc oxide stain with Home Strip Paint Remover and leave for 20 minutes. Wash away with clean water. Wash in the washing machine as normal.

Outside Grime and Stain Removal

How to clean headstones

Traditional Method

This method will work on any type of headstone material if you use a specific product then always make sure it is suitable for the type of stone you are cleaning.

1. Fill an empty cleaning product plastic spray bottle with green-washing up liquid and hot water
2. Spray the solution over the gravestone and leave for half an hour
3. Use a non-stick scourer and gently rub the dirt stains and mould away
4. Use clean warm water to wash down when you have finished

Eco Solutions Method

Spray the headstone with Grime Go and leave for 30 minutes. Use a soft scourer to gently rub the dirt, grime and mould away. Wash the headstone with cold water.

How to clean outdoor furniture

Traditional Method

1. Mix 1/3 white vinegar with 2/3 warm water and apply to the outdoor furniture
2. Leave for 20 minutes
3. Use a soft brush or soft scourer and gently rub the dirt and grime away
4. Wash down with clean warm water

Eco Solutions Method

Spray the furniture with Grime Go and leave for 30 minutes. Use a soft scourer or brush to gently rub the dirt, grime and mould away. Wash the furniture down with clean warm water.

Glue, Ink, Varnish & General Grime Stain Removal

How to remove crazy glue

Traditional Method

1. Acetone is the key ingredient in most nail polish removers. Apply the acetone to some kitchen roll/towel place it onto the glue until it softens
2. Gently scrape the glue away
3. Repeat as you need to
4. Wipe the remains of the glue away with warm soapy water

Eco Solutions Method

Spray the glue stain with Home Strip Paint Remover and leave for 10 minutes. Use a soft scourer or brush to gently lift the glue away. Wash the area with clean warm water.

How to remove Gorilla Glue

Traditional Method

1. Acetone is the key ingredient in most nail polish removers. Apply the acetone to some kitchen roll/towel place it onto the glue until it softens
2. Gently scrape the glue away
3. Repeat as you need to
4. Wipe the remains of the glue away with warm soapy water

Eco Solutions Method

Spray the glue stain with Grime Go and leave for 10 minutes. Use a soft scourer or brush to gently lift the glue away. Wash the area with clean warm water.

How to remove 5-minute epoxy

5- minute epoxy is a two-part adhesive consisting of an epoxy resin and a hardener. When it is mixed in equal volumes, the resin and hardener react to produce a tough, rigid, high strength glue bond which sets in 5 minutes and reaches full strength in 1 hour hence the name 5-minute epoxy.

Traditional Method

1. Scrape as much of the hardened glue away as you can using a stiff metal or plastic scraper
2. Carefully add acetone, or alcohol to the remaining glue
3. When it has softened you can scrape away the remaining glue
4. Repeat as necessary
5. Wash area with warm soapy water

Eco Solutions Method

Spray the glue stain with Home Strip Paint Remover and leave for 10 minutes. Use a soft scourer or brush to gently lift the glue away. Wash the area with clean warm water.

How to remove nail glue from skin

Traditional Method

1. Immerse the skin in warm soapy water for a couple of minutes
2. Gently scrub the area with a clean toothbrush, emery board, or nail buffer to lift as much of the glue off as you can
3. Wipe the remaining glue with an acetone-based nail polish remover
4. Gently brush the area again to remove any remnants of the glue

Eco Solutions Method

Dab the glue stain with Home Strip Paint Remover and leave for a minute. Use a soft scourer or brush to gently lift the glue away. Wash the area with clean warm water.

General Dirt & Grime Removal

Grime Go is the one product that everyone should have in their home as it will lift and clean away most grime and dirt on any surface. It will be your ‘go to’ product and one you won’t want to ever be without. Simply spray on the area, leave for 10 plus minutes and wipe away, it really is that easy.

Eco Solutions Home Use Cleaning Products

Our range of safe water-based products includes; multi-purpose paint strippers, a one-stop all-around graffiti remover, a textured coatings remover (ideal for removing Artex® type coatings) and other specialist products including general cleaners that remove grime, paint, glue and much more.

One product does all and there are no pre or after treatments needed.

They are safe to use yourself and cause no harm to the environment compared to conventional and sometimes hazardous solvents.

Our eco Solution Products

One product does all – No pre or after treatment – Suitable for many substrates – Water-based – Non-hazardous – Non-toxic – No skin burns – Non-caustic – Non-flammable – PH neutral – Solvent-free- “Tough not toxic” – No H (hazard) or P (precautionary) statements on the label.

Grime Go removes all types of grease, oil, dirt, stains, grime, dirt, mould, adhesive residues as well as paint splashes. It can be used to prepare surfaces for re-painting or just to clean and brighten the substrate. No fumes, no skin burns, no abrasives and non-toxic.

PVCU Cleaner cleans uPVC windows, doors and guttering (may etch certain types of Perspex and polycarbonate so do a patch test first). Removes heavy grime, dirt, oil, and paint splashes too. Spray on and wipe away any stains and grime. The product is safely being used by an increasing number of consumers and professional users alike. DIY Doctor is currently one of the largest home improvement websites in the UK. They are committed to putting the customer first, providing a platform for novice and experienced Home Improvers so they can get together with experienced tradesmen to share knowledge, skills and experience about anything to do with house and home. You can see their demonstration for PVCu Cleaner here.

Super Strength Degreaser removes grease, oil, grime, glue and even light carbon build-up. It is effective and pleasant to use, water-based, no abrasives with no H (hazard) or P (precautionary) statements on the label.

Graffiti Go removes all paints including car spray paints – Graffiti shadow – Leather dye – Marker pen -Crayons – Fly posters – Chewing gum and can be used on on all types of surfaces including; woods, all metals (including Aluminium), stone (including soft and porous stones), brick, marble, concrete, most plastics (may etch certain types of Perspex and polycarbonate).

Where can I buy the Eco Solutions Products?

Our Eco Solutions ‘Home Use’ and ‘Trade Use’ Products can be purchased through Brewers, Buildbase, Jewsons, Travis Perkins. You can also find our stockists here.