Cooking corner: Removing stains from fabric

David W. Cowles

Guest Columnist

Instead of writing one of my fabulous recipes this week, I’ll provide you with two simple techniques that will remove most food (and many other) stains from fabric, including carpeting.

Basically, there are two types of food stains: those that are grease-based, and those that are not. Examples of the former are gravy, chili, chocolate and butter.

The non-grease stains include fruit and berry juices, wine, grass stains, blood and pet urine.

Both of my methods are quick, easy, inexpensive and safe. Chances are, you already have everything you need in your home.

Although these methods will not harm most fabrics, I’ll still give you the usual stain-remover caveat: Test it first in an inconspicuous place, such as the inside of a hem.

Non-grease-based stains

Magic can be found in a bottle of 10 volume (3 percent) hydrogen peroxide, which can be purchased at any grocery or drug store for less than a dollar a pint; and sometimes, when it’s on sale, for as low as 50 cents a pint.

Note: This is not the same strength peroxide that’s used to bleach hair.

Use peroxide on non-grease stains. Just saturate the fabric where it’s stained. Completely.

Small stains usually need one cap full or less. Most non-grease stains don’t even require rubbing!

Many stains will disappear immediately. Others, such as cherry juice, won’t disappear until the fabric dries. It may take two or three applications to completely remove stubborn stains, such as blood stains.

Peroxide is as safe as clear water on most all fabrics, and I’ve never seen it leave a water spot or ring.

A couple of years ago, my wife was wearing an elegant white outfit to a party, and someone spilled an entire glass of red wine on her. A cabernet, I believe.

I used hydrogen peroxide and removed the stains within minutes. The outfit didn’t even need to be sent to the dry cleaners afterward!

To remove non-grease stains from carpeting, just soak the stains thoroughly with peroxide, gently rub the area with a piece of terry cloth towel and wait for the carpet to dry. You’ll be absolutely amazed by the results!

Hydrogen peroxide also removes odors and disinfects. There are many other uses for peroxide, such as an antiseptic, mouth wash, teeth brightener, tile grout cleaner, removing skunk odors, etc. — but those are subjects of another column.

Grease-based stains

To remove grease-based stains, make a solution of 1 tablespoon Cascade dishwasher powder (not liquid) in one-quarter cup of water. Strain, in order to remove any particles that did not dissolve.

Apply the Cascade solution directly to the stain, but use no more than what’s needed to saturate the stain completely. Rub it gently with a piece of terry cloth towel.

When the stain is removed, rinse the area with clear water, in order to remove as much of the Cascade solution as possible; then blot it dry with a dry terry cloth towel.

Repeat, if necessary.

The Cascade solution will dissolve most or all of the grease. If it fails to lift the stain entirely, apply hydrogen peroxide to give the stain a double whammy.

Cooking Corner columnist David W. Cowles, the Fastest Chef in the West, can be reached by e-mail at dwcowles-gateway@comcast.net.