(Originally Published January 19, 2018)
Spilled coffee all over your new blouse on your drive to work? Got a glob of ketchup on your favourite tie? It can feel embarrassing when this happens to you, but there are many ways to rescue your stained shirt while at work when you can't wash it right away. Here are some great tips that will help save your favourite outfits! For more clean office tips, contact the experts at Kitchener Clean today!
There are many great resources and videos that show you how to remove stubborn stains from your clothes. You may be surprised about all the different and unique methods! Check out the video below to see how an egg and warm water quickly remove a dark coffee stain from a shirt!
However, like we see in the video above, many of these simple stain removing hacks still require you to wash your shirt or outfit after. Though you may have removed the coffee stain, it is probably not a great idea to walk around the office all day with raw egg on your shirt! Even though there are a lot of methods that do require you to wash immediately, there are many other trusted methods that work without the need to wash. These methods will come in handy on those long days at work or when you just need to make a great impression - without any extras tagging onto your clothes.
If you are prone to stains, or even if you are not, an emergency stain removal kit is a great idea to keep tucked away in one of your desk drawers. TheSpruce.com recommends these items for your very own emergency stain removal kit:
(Source)
Most of the items you will probably have sitting around your home already. There are different brands of stain removal pens you can purchase depending on your preference. Check out the following list for just a few options you can currently find on Amazon.ca:
These items in total can cost up to $50.00 but will last a long time and can be used over and over again!
A SHIRT STAINED WITH COFFEE, WINE, AND INK - RETRIEVED FROM FLICKR.COM FROM YOURBESTDIGS.COM
Now that you have your stain removal kit, it's important to know how to remove specific stains. A bad grease stain and a coffee stain cannot be cleaned in the same way! Because many people are at work sometimes for breakfast, lunch, and even dinner, there is a good chance you will end up spilling some kind of food on your clothes at some point! There are also other work-related stains, such as makeup or ink stains that can be less than desirable to have on your clothes. Learn how to catch those stains and clean them before they become permanent!
Working as quickly as possible, grab your clean towel or hand cloth and begin dabbing at the stain, trying to remove excess liquid without spreading it around. Depending on the size of the stain, you can also choose to use a cotton swab instead. Bring out your handy stain removal pen (or wipes) and follow the instructions listed on the pen. Use the dry end of your cloth to remove any liquid. (source)
Grease or oil stains can be frustrating to remove. The biggest thing to remember is that grease/oil repels water! Do not use water when trying to remove grease stains - it won't help. Instead, Sprinkle some of the corn starch you have stashed away in your emergency stain removal kit and let it sit for about 10 minutes. Then, shake it out. Like with all stains, it's a good idea to still wash the stained article of clothing when you get home. However, this should help reduce or completely remove the grease. (source)
If you find yourself at a fun and fancy office party, there's a good chance you'll get to have some delicious desert! However, chocolate stains can be difficult to deal with. If you find yourself with a big chocolate stain, grab your dull knife and begin chipping away at all the chocolate you can remove. After that, apply your stain removal pen. Next, take a damp cloth or towel and dampen the stained area. Finally, use your cotton swab to soak up some rubbing alcohol and dab at the stain. (source)
Just like oily foods, many mascaras and lipsticks are actually oil-based. Therefore, it's best to avoid water for this one too. Other types of make up are not oil based and for those water can be useful. The best method for most kinds of make up is to use your stain removal wipes or pen and wash when you get home. (source & source)
Pen stains may be one of the most common office stains! Leaky pens can get all over your shirts, pants, and even your tie or scarf! If you notice an ink stain, immediately apply rubbing alcohol on the stain using cotton swabs. Make sure you work from the outside in. When you are satisfied with the removal, take a damp cloth and wipe away the leftover alcohol. (source)
Looking and feeling great at work can help you feel productive, happy, and satisfied in the workplace. Knowing that you have a planned solution in case an embarrassing stain does happen can help reassure you!
At Kitchener Clean, we know that looking and feeling your best at works goes far beyond your clothes. A clean and healthy work environment can make a big difference in any office and help ensure all workers feel and look their best.
At Kitchener Clean, we are dedicated to helping create safe and healthy work environments! We also believe that everyone should be entitled to breathe clean, chemical-free air at work.
That's why we are dedicated to providing non-toxic and environmentally friendly cleaning solutions that are safer than traditional cleaning methods. Gentle, yet highly effective, our EcoLogo or Green Seal products are especially beneficial for people with asthma, chemical and allergic sensitivities as well as for our planet. Being “green” doesn’t mean being less clean.
Hiring an experienced cleaning company who knows to clean all the usually forgotten nooks and crannies and how to avoid mold and dust build-up will help keep your office space clean and your workers healthy!
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