A-Z of stain removal: B
Good Housekeeping's online guide to getting rid of stains is invaluable. Check out stains beginning with 'B' here and scroll down for our A-Z stain removal landing page - save it to favourites and you need never be defeated by a stain again!
BANANA
On carpets: scrape off any deposit. Treat with Bissell OxyKIC or White Wizard.
On fabrics: pre-treat cottons using Astonish, Dylon Stain Solve or Vanish Oxiaction. Wash using a 40°C wash and biological powder.
BALLPOINT PEN
On carpets: treat with 1001 Spot Shot.
On fabrics and upholstery: pre-treat cottons with Glo Bright and wash using a 40°C wash and biological powder. Pre-treat woollens with Dylon No 1 or Stain Devils No 1 and wash using a 30°C delicate wash. For other fabrics, dab gently with cotton wool moistened with a solution of hydrogen peroxide, available from chemists (one part 20-vol peroxide to six parts cold water) - but do not use on nylon and do not soak for more than 30 minutes. Machine-wash if possible. If unsuccessful, contact the manufacturer for advice, or dry-clean.
On leather: treat with the Regency at Home Comprehensive Leather Care Kit, £40 - also effective against coffee, tea, tomato sauce and yogurt stains.
On suede: rub gently with abrasive paper or a suede-cleaning block. Alternatively, seek professional advice.
On vinyl upholstery, wallcoverings and bags: stain can be removed only if treated immediately. Scrub with warm detergent solution, using an old nailbrush.
BEER
On carpets: clean with proprietary carpet shampoo or carpet spotting kit available from department stores. Alternatively, try a proprietary carpet stain remover, such as Carpet Power, followed by a carpet shampoo. On old stains, try dabbing with methylated spirits.
On upholstery and non-washable fabrics: blot and wipe with warm water. Remove dried stains with a white vinegar solution (one part vinegar to five parts water), then with clear water. Blot to dry.
On washable fabrics: machine-wash with a biological detergent. Soak dried stains in a warm washing soda or a proprietary pre-wash detergent solution such as Vanish Pre-Wash. Wash as normal using as hot a wash as possible.
BEETROOT
On carpets: blot up as much as possible while still wet, using absorbent paper. Treat with Bissell OxyKIC until clean.
On tablelinen: sponge immediately with cold water and soak in cold water overnight if possible. Then wash using a biological detergent. For stubborn and dried stains, try a proprietary fruit and wine stain remover such as Stain Devils No 6.
BIRD DROPPINGS
Canvas and awnings: allow to dry thoroughly, then brush off with a stiff brush. If marks remain, dip brush in a biological detergent solution and rub area. Hose down and rinse well.
On washing on the line: scrape off deposit, then wash items again as normal. If stains persist on white or colourfast fabrics (not polyamide/nylon), immerse complete items in a solution of hydrogen peroxide, available at chemists (one part 20-vol peroxide to six parts cold water) - but do not soak for more than 30 minutes. Wash and rinse thoroughly.
BLACKCURRANT JUICE
On carpets: blot up as much as possible while still wet, using absorbent paper. Rub with a stain-removing bar and shampoo area. Alternatively, try a proprietary carpet stain remover such as Carpet Power or White Wizard.
On fabrics: rinse under cold water. Pre-soak in a solution of washing soda, then machine-wash at as hot a temperature as fabric allows using a biological detergent. Treat dried stains with a proprietary fruit and wine stain remover such as Stain Devils No 6 before washing. If stubborn stains persist on non-nylon whites, try bleaching with dilute household bleach. Rinse thoroughly.
On upholstery: sponge with cold water and blot dry. Dab dark, dried stains with a solution of hydrogen peroxide, available at chemists (one part 20-vol peroxide to six parts water) - but do not use on nylon and do not leave wet for more than 30 minutes.
BLOOD
On bedding and washable fabrics: sponge with cold water. Machine-wash using a biological detergent and a wash temperature as high as fabric allows. Pre-soak dried stains using a pre-wash detergent or washing soda and wash as above.
On carpets: dab with kitchen towel as soon as possible, then sponge with cold water and blot dry. If stain remains, use a specialist carpet stain remover, such as Carpet Power or Wine Away. Dried stains may need professional treatment - contact the National Carpet Cleaners' Association for advice.
On mattresses: tip mattress on its side and sponge with cold water. Blot thoroughly, then treat with a foam carpet or upholstery shampoo. Rinse and blot dry. Dried stains are difficult to remove.
On non-washable fabrics and upholstery: brush away surface deposit and sponge with cold water. Rinse and blot dry. For stubborn stains use the foam from an upholstery shampoo or have professionally cleaned.
BOVRIL
On carpets: scrape off any deposit. Treat with Bissell OxyKIC.
On fabrics: wash cottons using a 40°C wash and biological powder. Pre-treat silk fabrics with Astonish or Wash-It and woollens with Dylon Stain Solve or Wash-It. Wash as normal.
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