6 Quick Ways How to Remove Stains in Minutes

We’ve all been there. One careless moment, and now there’s red wine on the carpet, coffee on your shirt, or muddy footprints across the floor. Whether you're a busy mum, a tenant in panic mode, or a landlord prepping a property, stains can feel like a disaster. But take a deep breath—we’ve got your back. In this guide, you’ll learn how to remove stains in minutes using fast, effective methods trusted by professional cleaners.

1. Coffee and Tea Stains on Clothing

Blot the stain immediately with a clean cloth—don’t rub, as that sets it deeper. Then, soak the fabric in a solution of warm water, washing-up liquid, and white vinegar. Let it sit for 15 minutes. Rinse and wash as usual. For older stains, pre-treat with a stain remover like Vanish UK.

2. Red Wine on Carpets

Quickly blot up as much liquid as possible. Sprinkle salt over the stain and let it absorb the wine for 10 minutes. Then vacuum the area and apply a mix of hydrogen peroxide and washing-up liquid. Gently blot and rinse. This works best if tackled immediately.

Professional cleaners, like Glohus Cleaning Hertfordshire, often use industry-grade spot removers and extraction tools for persistent wine stains in carpets.

3. Grease and Oil in the Kitchen

Blot the excess oil, then sprinkle baking soda or cornstarch on the stain and let it sit for 15–20 minutes. Brush it off and apply washing-up liquid directly to the stain. Scrub with a sponge and rinse with hot water. For fabrics, launder with the hottest setting safe for the material.

More helpful tips on eco-friendly oil stain removal can be found at Good Housekeeping UK.

4. Ink on Clothes or Upholstery

Place a paper towel under the stained fabric, then dab with isopropyl alcohol using a cotton ball. Blot, don’t rub, until the ink lifts. Rinse well and repeat if necessary. Be careful with delicate fabrics—always patch test first.

Upholstered surfaces may need professional attention. Glohus offers one-off or scheduled stain removal treatments for sofas and chairs.

5. Mud and Dirt on Carpets

Let the mud dry completely, then vacuum up the debris. Mix a solution of water and mild detergent, then blot the area using a cloth. Repeat until the stain lifts. Avoid scrubbing, which pushes dirt deeper into fibres.

Use a dedicated carpet cleaner for tough stains. For ongoing issues, Friends of the Earth has guides for chemical-free carpet care.

6. Speed Clean with Store-Bought Solutions

If you're short on time, a trusted stain removal spray like Dr. Beckmann or Astonish can save the day. Follow the label instructions and always test a hidden area first. Keep one in your kitchen and one in your bathroom for quick access.

Having a basic stain-response kit handy—microfibre cloth, white vinegar, baking soda, a brush—can make all the difference in an emergency.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the fastest way to remove a stain?

Act quickly! Blot the spill, apply the right cleaning agent, and rinse. The sooner you treat it, the better your results.

Can I use bleach on fabric stains?

Only on white fabrics and with caution. Bleach can damage coloured clothing and sensitive materials.

What natural ingredients work best for stains?

Baking soda, vinegar, lemon juice, and salt are all excellent natural options for treating household stains.

Do professional cleaners handle stain removal?

Yes. Services like Glohus include stain removal as part of regular or deep cleans.

Need Help With Tough Stains?

Some stains need more than elbow grease. Let the professionals step in! Glohus Cleaning offers expert solutions for carpets, upholstery, and kitchens. Book your service today for a home that feels fresh, fast.

External Resources:
- Good Housekeeping UK
- Friends of the Earth UK
- Vanish UK