If you want to constantly keep your home spotless, this guide contains some easy ways to remove stains from surfaces at home. From stew splashes in the kitchen to muddy footprints after rain, Nigerian homes face their fair share of stains. Thankfully, you don’t need expensive foreign cleaning products to keep your space spotless. With a few common ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen or bathroom, you can tackle most household messes with ease.
Here’s a guide on stain removal in a typical Nigerian home covering what surfaces get stained, how to remove those stains, and how to stop them from setting in the first place.
Read also: Best Home Cleaning Practices for Lagosians
Common household surfaces and how to remove stains from them
1. Kitchen
Kitchen surfaces take the brunt of cooking stains, from tomato stew splashes to liquid seasoning cube spills. Therefore, here are different ways to handle each surface;
- Countertops: They are constantly stained by oil, wine, coffee, spices, and acidic foods. Wipe immediately to remove the stains. For oil, curry or turmeric stains, baking soda and warm water should do the trick. For stubborn marks, use a mix of vinegar and mild dish soap.
- Cabinets: They’re a regular victim of oily hands while cooking. Spray them with a vinegar-water mix and wipe clean. Use mild soap for greasy spots.
- Sinks (stainless steel or porcelain): Dried water stains, food stains, and rust thrive here. Scrub with baking soda and lemon juice. Rinse and dry to prevent rust.
2. Living Room
- Upholstery (sofas, cushions): They easily get stains from food, drinks, body oils, or pets. Quickly blot spills, then scrub gently with water, detergent, and vinegar. Let it air dry or sun-dry it if you can.
- Throw pillows and curtains: These collect dust and sweat often. Soak them in water with vinegar, detergent, and a capful of antiseptic like Dettol before washing.
- Carpets & rugs: Carpets and rugs are often stained by dirt, drinks, or other food particles. Blot spills, sprinkle baking soda, then scrub with a vinegar-detergent mix.
- Wood furniture: Water rings, oil, and ink stain them easily. To lift them, apply a bit of toothpaste or baking soda paste on the stain. Wipe clean and polish.
- Walls (painted or wallpapered): Food splashes, dust, and fingerprints tend to stain the walls of a home the most, more so when children are living in the home. Here, what you need is a soft sponge with soapy water. Alternatively, for stubborn marks, try vinegar or a magic eraser.
3. Bathroom
- Tiles and grout: These surfaces can get stained by mold, soap scum, or hard water. Scrub the grout with a paste of baking soda and use a vinegar rinse on tiles. You can use an old toothbrush for the grout lines.
- Sinks: They’re susceptible to hard water stains or rust. Use vinegar and baking soda, and let them sit for a while before scrubbing.
- Mirrors and glass: Water stains and toothpaste splatters often find their way there. Clean them with a vinegar-water solution using a microfiber cloth or newspaper.
4. Bedrooms
The bedroom might not be the messiest space, but stains still happen.
- Mattresses: Sweat, body oils, or spills are ever present here. Sprinkle baking soda, spray with a mix of hydrogen peroxide and detergent. Let it dry and vacuum the surface of the bed.
- Dresser tops: Makeup, perfume, or moisture from cups can cause stains here. Wipe with soapy water. For sticky or stained spots, use vinegar.
5. Entryways & Hallways
- Floors (tiles, hardwood, carpet): Dust, shoe polish, or water stains always find their way here. For tiles, mop with water, vinegar, and any antiseptic liquid. Also, for carpets, blot and scrub with detergent and vinegar. For rug stains, blot spills immediately, sprinkle baking soda for oil absorption, and then scrub gently with a vinegar-detergent mix.
- Walls near light switches: They are always victims of fingerprints and smudges. Clean it with a damp sponge and soapy water. Rinse with a clean cloth.
6. Utility/Laundry Room
- Washer/dryer surfaces: Detergent spills and rust happen here. Wipe them with a cloth soaked in vinegar. Scrub rust with baking soda paste.
- Countertops: Stains from bleach or cleaning products are inevitable over time. Rinse them with water immediately. For discoloration, scrub with a paste of baking soda and water.
How to prevent stains from setting
- Act fast: The longer a stain sits, the harder it is to remove.
- Blot, don’t rub: Rubbing spreads stains and pushes them deeper.
- Use mats and covers: Use coasters, placemats, and tablecloths to protect surfaces, especially on dining tables, sofas, and kitchen counters.
- Ventilate wet areas: Air out damp areas like the kitchen and bathroom to prevent mould or mildew buildup.
- Seal countertops: If you have granite or marble, reseal it every few months to make sure it does not absorb stains easily.
Cleaning agents you already have at home
In the event of emergency stains, you may not always be able to go to the store. So, try these instead:
- White vinegar: Cuts grease and kills mould.
- Baking soda: removes stains and neutralizes odors.
- Lemon/lime juice: It shines surfaces and cuts through oil. It cleans off rust with salt, too.
- Toothpaste: Works on water rings and some ink.
- Salt: Absorbs fresh oil and liquid stains
- Dish soap (e.g., Morning Fresh): Cuts through everyday grime.
Whether you’re cleaning palm oil off your kitchen counter or getting spills out of your rug, the key is acting fast and using simple, effective tools already at home. Stains are inevitable, but they don’t have to leave a lasting mark. If these tips do not work out or turn out to be time-consuming, let Bloom by Eden take it off your hands.
We have the right set of equipment and know the right stain removal agents for each surface, from DIY-friendly fixes to professional-grade clean-ups.