How to Remove Dirt and Mud Stains

Despite our best efforts, dirt and mud get everywhere, causing unsightly stains. Follow these tips to make a clean getaway.

How to Remove Dirt and Mud Stains From:
Acetate, Burlap, Fiberglass, Rayon, Rope,
Silk, Triacetate, Wool

Let mud dry, then brush (the method of using a stiff-bristled brush to sweep staining material up onto a piece of paper) off the excess. This should remove the stain, but if any remains sponge (the method of using a dampened pad to apply light strokes, moving outward from the center of the stain) the area with water and apply a few drops wet spotter and a few drops white vinegar. Cover with an absorbent pad dampened with wet spotter. Let stand as long as any stain is being removed. Change the pad as it picks up the stain. Keep stain and pad moist with wet spotter and vinegar. Flush (the method of applying stain remover to loosen staining material and residue from stain removers) with water and repeat wet spotter/flushing until no more stain is removed. If stain remains, apply rubbing alcohol to the area and cover with an absorbent pad dampened with alcohol. (Do not use alcohol on acetate, rayon, or triacetate.) Let the pad stand as long as any stain is being removed. Change the pad as it picks up the stain. Keep the stain and pad moist with alcohol. If stain persists, moisten the area with an enzyme presoak (follow directions on label; caution, some enzyme presoaks are not designed for use on silk or wool.) Cover with a clean pad that has been dipped in the solution and wrung almost dry. Let it stand for 30 minutes. Add enough solution to keep the area warm and just moist. When no more stain is being lifted, flush thoroughly with water and allow to dry.

How To Make Wet And Dry Spotters
Dry spotter:
To make a dry spotter, combine 1 part coconut oil (available at pharmacies and health food stores) and 8 parts liquid dry-cleaning solvent. This solution may be stored if the container is tightly capped to prevent evaporation of the solvent. Mineral oil may be substituted for the coconut oil, but is not quite as effective.
Caution: Dry-cleaning solvents are poisonous and may
be flammable.

Wet spotter:
To prepare a wet spotter, mix 1 part glycerine, 1 part white dishwashing detergent, and 8 parts water. Shake well before each use. Store wet spotter in a plastic squeeze bottle.

How to Remove Dirt and Mud Stains From:
Acrylic Fabric, Cotton, Linen, Modacrylic,
Nylon, Olefin, Polyester, Spandex

Let mud dry, then brush off excess. Laundering should remove any remaining stain. If more treatment is needed, sponge the stain with rubbing alcohol. (Do not use alcohol on acrylic or modacrylic.) Flush with water. If stain persists, sponge it with a dry-cleaning solvent, K2r Spot Lifter or Afta Cleaning Fluid. Allow to dry, then launder.

How to Remove Dirt and Mud Stains From:
Acrylic Plastic, Alabaster, Aluminum, Asphalt,
Bamboo, Brass, Bronze, Cane, Ceramic Glass/Tile,
Chromium, Copper, Cork, Enamel, Glass, Grout,
Iron, Linoleum, Marble, Paint (flat or gloss),
Plexiglas, Polyurethane, Porcelain Dishes,
Porcelain Fixtures, Stainless Steel, Tin,
Vinyl Clothing, Vinyl Tile, Vinyl Wallcovering, Zinc

Scrape (the method of using a dull tool to gently lift off excess solid or caked-on stains) any excess with a dull knife or spatula. Wipe the surface with a cloth or sponge dipped in warm sudsy water. Rinse well and wipe dry.

How to Remove Dirt and Mud Stains From:
Bluestone, Brick, Concrete, Flagstone, Granite,
Limestone, Masonry Tile, Sandstone, Slate, Terrazzo

Carefully remove excess. Wash with a solution of washing soda (not soap) and water. Use a cloth or soft-bristled brush to help clean. Rinse thoroughly with clear water and allow to dry.

How to Remove Dirt and Mud Stains From:
Carpet (synthetic or wool)

To avoid forcing it further into pile, allow mud to dry before treating it. Gently brush loose soil, then vacuum as usual. If a stain remains, spray with an aerosol carpet shampoo. When the shampoo has dried, vacuum.

How to Remove Dirt and Mud Stains From:
Felt, Fur (natural or synthetic),
Leather, Suede

Allow mud to dry, then gently brush off. Mix a solution of mild soap in lukewarm water. Swish to create a great volume of suds. Apply only the foam with a sponge. Wipe area with clean dry cloth.

How to Remove Dirt and Mud Stains From:
Silver

Wash as soon as possible in hot sudsy water. Rinse in hot water and dry immediately with a soft cloth to prevent tarnish.

How to Remove Dirt and Mud Stains From:
Wallpaper

Brush off any excess dirt. With a cloth or sponge dampened with cool clear water, wipe the stained area. Overlap strokes to avoid streaking. Gently pat dry.

How to Remove Dirt and Mud Stains From:
Wood

Remove any excess dirt with a brush. Mix dishwashing detergent in hot water and swish to make a great volume of suds. Dip a cloth in only the foam and apply to the stain. Rinse with a clean cloth dampened with clear water. Polish or wax as soon as possible.

Dirt and mud can make a mess of things, but these stain removal tips will get your household surfaces spotless.

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