How-To Videos

Not every stain is an easy win. When spraying wasn't enough to remove a stained collar and mystery pocket stain from Gökben's jacket, she stepped up to a full one-hour soak in Stain Solver and hot water. See why second applications, soaking, and a little persistence can sometimes save clothing you thought was permanently stained.

Blood stains can become harder to remove the longer they sit. See how an overnight blood stain was completely removed from a pillowcase using Stain Solver, plus tips for treating blood stains on both white and colored washable fabrics.

Cat doors get used over and over every day, which means they can collect an impressive amount of dirt, grime, paw residue, and whatever else your cat happens to bring along for the ride. Milo’s cat door was a perfect example. Over time, the white plastic frame had developed a noticeable layer of dirt and discoloration, especially around the bottom of the opening where paws and fur regularly make contact. The flexible door flap had also become dull and grimy. Instead of replacing the cat door, we gave it a good cleaning with Stain Solver. And the difference was easy to see.   What We Used For this cleaning project, we used: Stain Solver Hot water A quality spray bottle A cleaning rag That’s it. Step 1: Mix Stain Solver With Hot Water We added approximately 1/2 scoop of Stain Solver to our sprayer and filled it with hot water. The important part is making sure the Stain Solver dissolves completely before spraying. Give the solution time to dissolve, and agitate the sprayer as necessary before getting started. Step 2: Spray the Dirty Cat Door We sprayed the Stain Solver solution onto the dirty areas of Milo’s cat door, including the plastic frame, the lower ledge, and the flexible flap. The goal is to thoroughly wet the dirty surface rather than simply giving it a light mist. Step 3: Keep It Wet for 30 Minutes This is one of the most important parts of cleaning with Stain Solver. We kept the surface wet with the solution for approximately 30 minutes. Stain Solver needs contact time to do its work. If an area begins drying during that period, simply apply additional solution to keep it wet. There was no need for aggressive scrubbing. Step 4: Wipe Away the Grime After approximately 30 minutes, we used a cleaning rag to wipe down the cat door. The accumulated dirt and grime came away, leaving the white frame noticeably cleaner and the entire cat door looking refreshed. The before-and-after difference speaks for itself. Before You Replace It, Try Cleaning It Small household items like pet doors can gradually become so dirty that you stop noticing just how much grime has accumulated. Then one day, you really look at it. Milo’s cat door is a good reminder that something looking old or discolored doesn't necessarily mean it needs to be replaced. Sometimes, it just needs a proper cleaning. The same basic Stain Solver method can be useful for tackling plenty of washable household surfaces: Mix. Dissolve. Apply. Keep it wet. Give it time. Clean it away. Milo gets his cat door back, and we get one less dirty surface in the house. Solve Your Stains. Save Your Stuff.™ FAQs Is Stain Solver safe to use around pets and the environment? When used as directed, Stain Solver is a practical choice for cleaning in homes with pets. It is made from two ingredients, sodium percarbonate and sodium carbonate, and does not contain chlorine bleach, fragrances, or dyes. When mixed with water, sodium percarbonate breaks down into components including oxygen, water, and sodium carbonate. For pet-related cleaning projects, such as Milo’s cat door, keep pets away from the area while the Stain Solver solution is being applied and allowed to work. After cleaning, wipe or rinse the surface thoroughly, as appropriate, and allow it to dry before your pet resumes normal contact with the area. Stain Solver is also designed as an environmentally considerate alternative to many harsher household cleaners. As with any cleaning product, avoid allowing pets to ingest the powder or mixed solution, store the product securely, and follow the directions on the label. How do you clean a dirty cat door? Mix approximately 1/2 scoop of Stain Solver with hot water in a spray bottle and allow it to dissolve completely. Spray the dirty areas thoroughly, keep the surface wet for approximately 30 minutes, and then wipe away the loosened dirt and grime with a cleaning rag. How long should Stain Solver stay on a dirty surface? For this cat door cleaning project, the Stain Solver solution was kept wet on the surface for approximately 30 minutes. If the solution begins to dry, apply more to maintain contact with the dirty surface. Do you need to scrub when cleaning a cat door with Stain Solver? Aggressive scrubbing was not necessary for Milo’s cat door. After the Stain Solver solution remained wet for approximately 30 minutes, the dirt and grime could be wiped away with a cleaning rag. How much Stain Solver should you put in a spray bottle? For this project, approximately 1/2 scoop of Stain Solver was mixed into the sprayer with hot water. Be sure the powder is completely dissolved before spraying. Can a dirty pet door be cleaned instead of replaced? Depending on its condition, yes. Dirt and grime can make a pet door look much older than it actually is. Milo’s cat door looked significantly better after being treated with Stain Solver and wiped clean.  

Outdoor furniture is supposed to make your patio more inviting. But after a season of pollen, dirt, rain, spills, and everyday outdoor exposure, those once-bright cushions can start looking anything but inviting. That’s exactly what Nush A. was dealing with. Her white patio chair cushions had picked up visible dirt and discoloration, particularly around the areas that see the most use. Instead of replacing the cushions or accepting that dingy look, she put Stain Solver to work. The before-and-after difference speaks for itself. Watch here video here >>  From Dingy Outdoor Cushions to a Fresh, Clean Patio In Nush’s video, you can see the discoloration across the white cushions before she begins cleaning. She applies the cleaning solution directly to the fabric with a spray bottle, works the solution into the areas that need extra attention, and then thoroughly rinses the cushions with a garden hose. The result? The white cushions look dramatically brighter and cleaner, giving the entire patio chair a refreshed appearance. It’s a good reminder that outdoor cushions that look worn out may simply need a thorough cleaning. Before you replace it, try cleaning it.   How to Clean Outdoor Cushions with Stain Solver Nush’s demonstration is short, but the basic process is one you can use on many water-washable outdoor cushions and patio fabrics.   1. Start with a Dry Cushion Whenever possible, begin with dry fabric. Starting dry allows the Stain Solver solution to penetrate the material without immediately being diluted by water already in the cushion. Stain Solver recommends checking the fabric manufacturer’s care instructions and testing an inconspicuous area before treating the entire cushion.   2. Mix Stain Solver with Warm or Hot Water For most cleaning projects, the standard Stain Solver mixture is 1 tablespoon of Stain Solver per 1 cup of warm or hot water. For a 32-ounce spray bottle, that works out to approximately: 4 tablespoons of Stain Solver + 32 ounces of hot water Stir or shake the mixture until the powder is completely dissolved before spraying.   3. Apply It Evenly Nush uses a handheld spray bottle, which works especially well for cushions because it gives you control over where the solution goes. Rather than dumping cleaning solution onto the fabric, spraying helps distribute it more evenly across the surface. Be sure to treat the entire visibly dirty area. On a generally dingy cushion, cleaning a larger section rather than one tiny spot can also help prevent an obvious clean patch surrounded by older dirt.   4. Give Stain Solver Time to Work This is one of the most important parts of the process. Stain Solver's oxygen-based cleaning action begins once the powder is mixed with water. Giving that solution sufficient contact time allows it to work on the dirt and organic staining in the fabric. For many cleaning projects, Stain Solver recommends approximately 30 minutes to 2 hours of dwell time, depending on how dirty the material is. Keep the treated fabric wet during that time rather than allowing the cleaning solution to completely dry. A video demonstration may condense the process into a few seconds, but when you try it yourself, don't rush the wait.   5. Lightly Agitate Stubborn Areas if Needed Nush also works the solution into the cushion where additional cleaning is needed. Not every outdoor cushion requires heavy scrubbing. Often, giving Stain Solver enough time to work can reduce the amount of physical effort required. For particularly dirty spots, light agitation with an appropriate soft brush, sponge, or cloth can help loosen stubborn buildup.   6. Rinse Thoroughly Once Stain Solver has had time to work, thoroughly rinse the cushion with clean water. Nush uses a regular garden hose, which is generally all that is necessary. Make sure you rinse away the cleaning solution as well as the dirt it has loosened.   7. Let the Cushions Dry Completely Allow outdoor cushions to dry thoroughly before returning them to regular use or storing them. Good airflow and adequate drying time are especially important with thick cushions that can retain water internally.   A Spray Bottle Can Make Outdoor Cushion Cleaning Easier Nush’s video also demonstrates one of our favorite ways to use Stain Solver. Spray it. A sprayer makes it much easier to: Apply solution evenly Target heavily soiled areas Avoid unnecessarily soaking the cushion Reapply a light mist if the surface begins drying Cover larger cushions efficiently For bigger outdoor projects, a one-gallon pump sprayer can make the same process even easier. Stain Solver can also be used on many other outdoor surfaces, including furniture, rugs, patios, decks, railings, and siding when the material is appropriate for the cleaner.   Don't Assume Dingy Means Done Outdoor cushions live a tough life. They encounter pollen, dust, humidity, food, drinks, dirty shoes, pets, leaves, and everything else Mother Nature throws at your patio. Eventually, even good outdoor furniture can start looking tired. But dirty isn't necessarily damaged. Nush’s patio chair is a great example of what can happen when you give something a chance to be cleaned before deciding it needs to be replaced. A little Stain Solver, some water, a sprayer, patience, and a good rinse gave those white cushions a fresh start. Clean it. Refresh it. Keep it. Before you spend money replacing an outdoor cushion, patio chair, rug, or another washable outdoor item because it looks dirty, see what a thorough cleaning can do. You might already own exactly what you need.   FAQ: Cleaning Outdoor Cushions with Stain Solver Can I use Stain Solver on outdoor cushions? Stain Solver can be used on many water-washable outdoor fabrics and cushions. Always check the manufacturer's cleaning instructions first and test a small, inconspicuous area before treating the entire item. Stain Solver specifically advises against using it on wool or silk. How much Stain Solver should I mix for a spray bottle? A common starting ratio is 1 tablespoon of Stain Solver per 1 cup of warm or hot water. A 32-ounce spray bottle would therefore use approximately 4 tablespoons.  How long should Stain Solver sit on an outdoor cushion? For many cleaning applications, allowing approximately 30 minutes or longer gives the oxygen-based cleaner time to work. Heavier buildup may require additional time. Keep the area wet while the solution is working. Do I have to scrub outdoor cushions? Not necessarily. Giving Stain Solver sufficient dwell time may reduce how much scrubbing is required. Light agitation can be helpful for stubborn dirt or stains. Do I need a pressure washer? No. Nush’s demonstration uses a regular garden hose for rinsing. For fabric cushions, a garden hose also avoids the aggressive force that can come with pressure washing. Should I rinse Stain Solver out of outdoor cushions? Yes. After the solution has had time to work, rinse the cushion thoroughly with clean water and allow it to dry completely.

Outdoor rugs take a beating. Rain, dirt, pollen, foot traffic, leaves, pets, moisture, and everything else that comes with life outside can slowly turn a good-looking outdoor rug into something that looks like it is ready for the trash. That is exactly what happened to Tom’s rug. But instead of replacing it, Tom added Stain Solver to his annual outdoor cleaning routine, and the before-and-after difference speaks for itself. The dirt and discoloration lifted away, helping Tom save a lot of cleaning time and, more importantly, the cost of buying a new outdoor rug. Clean it. Refresh it. Keep it. Can You Clean an Outdoor Rug with Stain Solver? Yes, many water-washable outdoor rugs can be cleaned with Stain Solver. Always check the rug manufacturer’s cleaning instructions first, and test the solution in a small, inconspicuous area before treating the entire rug. Stain Solver is an oxygen-based powder cleaner that is mixed with warm or hot water before application. For many cleaning projects, it is allowed to work for 30 minutes or longer before the surface is thoroughly rinsed. Tom’s rug is a great example of how simple that process can be. Tom’s Outdoor Rug Before Cleaning Over time, Tom’s outdoor rug had developed significant dirt and greenish discoloration. The change happened gradually, which is common with outdoor surfaces. When you see something every day, you may not realize just how dirty it has become until you start cleaning it. The BEFORE photo makes the buildup easy to see. Rather than throw the rug away and buy another one, Tom decided to make it part of his annual outdoor cleaning. How Tom Cleaned His Outdoor Rug Tom kept the process pretty simple. He mixed Stain Solver with warm water, put the solution into a 1-gallon pump sprayer, sprayed the rug, and let Stain Solver work for approximately 30 minutes. Then he thoroughly rinsed the rug with a garden hose. That was it. In Tom’s case, the dirt and stains rinsed away without requiring a power washer or aggressive scrubbing. His experience demonstrates why allowing the cleaning solution enough time to work can be just as important as the application itself. And when the rug dried? Take another look at that AFTER photo. Instead of shopping for a replacement rug, Tom was able to put the one he already owned back into service. How to Clean an Outdoor Rug with Stain Solver If you have a washable outdoor rug that could use some attention, here is a straightforward process to try. 1. Check the Rug First Review the manufacturer’s care instructions to make sure the rug can be cleaned with water. It is also a good idea to test Stain Solver on a small, inconspicuous area before cleaning the entire rug. 2. Remove Loose Dirt and Debris Sweep, vacuum, or shake loose dirt, leaves, and other debris from the rug before applying your cleaning solution. This allows Stain Solver to concentrate on the dirt and discoloration that remains in the rug. 3. Mix Stain Solver with Warm or Hot Water Mix Stain Solver with warm or hot water until the powder is completely dissolved. For most general cleaning applications, our standard ratio is: 1 cup of Stain Solver per 1 gallon of water Smaller batches can be made using 1 tablespoon per 1 cup of water. 4. Apply the Solution Evenly A pump sprayer works especially well for a project like an outdoor rug because it allows you to apply the solution evenly instead of dumping too much liquid onto one area. Spray the rug thoroughly so the areas you want to clean are wet with the Stain Solver solution. 5. Give Stain Solver Time to Work This is important. Do not spray the rug and immediately rinse it. Tom allowed Stain Solver to work for approximately 30 minutes. If you are cleaning outside on a warm or sunny day, keep an eye on the rug. If the solution starts to dry, lightly mist it again. Keeping a cleaning project wet during the dwell period gives Stain Solver more opportunity to work on the dirt and discoloration. 6. Rinse Thoroughly When the dwell time is complete, thoroughly rinse the rug with clean water. Tom simply used a garden hose. You want the rinse water to carry away the loosened dirt along with the remaining cleaning solution. 7. Let the Rug Dry Completely Allow the rug to dry completely before returning furniture to it or putting it back into regular use. And then compare your own before-and-after photos. You may be surprised by just how much dirt had accumulated. Annual Cleaning Can Help You Keep What You Already Own Tom’s outdoor rug illustrates something we talk about frequently at Stain Solver: Sometimes the best cleaning project is the one that keeps you from having to replace something. Outdoor rugs, cushions, patio furniture, decks, patios, and other exterior surfaces are exposed to dirt and weather month after month. Periodic cleaning can help keep those areas looking their best instead of waiting until they look permanently stained or worn. Stain Solver is currently recommended for a range of outdoor cleaning applications, including decks, patios, outdoor furniture, siding, and other washable exterior surfaces. Making those projects part of an annual outdoor cleaning routine can make a big difference. Tom did. And instead of replacing his outdoor rug, he cleaned it. Clean it. Refresh it. Keep it. Have an outdoor rug, cushion, patio, deck, or piece of outdoor furniture that has seen better days? Give Stain Solver a chance to solve the stain before you replace it.   FAQs Can Stain Solver be used on outdoor rugs? Stain Solver can be used on many water-washable rugs and outdoor fabrics. Check the manufacturer’s care instructions first, and test a small, inconspicuous area before cleaning the entire rug. How long should Stain Solver sit on an outdoor rug? For Tom’s outdoor rug, he allowed Stain Solver to work for approximately 30 minutes before rinsing it. Many Stain Solver cleaning projects benefit from 30 minutes or more of dwell time. Keep the treated area wet while the solution is working. Do I need a pressure washer to clean an outdoor rug? Not necessarily. Tom cleaned his outdoor rug using a pump sprayer and rinsed it with a regular garden hose. A pressure washer was not necessary for his project. Should I scrub an outdoor rug after applying Stain Solver? It depends on the amount and type of buildup. Tom’s rug did not require aggressive scrubbing. Giving Stain Solver adequate dwell time before rinsing may reduce the amount of physical cleaning required. Can I apply Stain Solver with a pump sprayer? Yes. A quality pump sprayer can provide more even coverage, help prevent over-application, and make it easier to keep a large outdoor surface wet during the cleaning process. What else can I clean during my annual outdoor cleaning? Stain Solver can be used on many washable outdoor surfaces, including outdoor furniture, cushions, decks, patios, siding, rugs, and other exterior cleaning projects. Always check the surface manufacturer’s instructions and test first.

One of the simplest ways to get better results with Stain Solver is to put it in a quality sprayer. Whether you are cleaning a carpet stain indoors, freshening up outdoor furniture, tackling dirty siding, or working on a patio or deck, a sprayer can make applying Stain Solver easier, more even, and more controlled. The basic Stain Solver process is already simple: Mix. Spray. Wait. Rinse. Using a sprayer makes each part of that process even easier, as long as you use a quality sprayer that won't clog due to the dissolved Stain Solver material remaining in the hot water mixture. We have tried a few sizes and they are available for purchase from us, or you can use your favorite reliable brand. Using a high-quality sprayer is especially important with a powdered cleaning product like Stain Solver because the solution must be thoroughly dissolved and move freely through the sprayer without interruption. The dip tube plays a critical role because it draws the mixed solution from the bottom of the bottle and delivers it to the trigger mechanism and nozzle. Inferior sprayers often use narrow, poorly designed, or low-quality dip tubes and internal components that can become clogged by small amounts of undissolved product or residue. This becomes even more important at the nozzle, where the solution must pass through much smaller openings to create a proper spray pattern. Any undissolved particles or buildup can restrict those tiny passages, causing weak, uneven spraying, sputtering, or stopping the spray entirely. A well-made sprayer with a quality dip tube and nozzle helps maintain steady solution flow, produces a consistent spray pattern, and makes applying Stain Solver faster, easier, and far less frustrating. Shop ours here.  Watch as Luke and Josh briefly discuss why they use sprayers and which ones they prefer in this short video >> 1. Get More Even Coverage When you pour cleaning solution directly onto a surface, it is easy to soak one area while barely covering another. A sprayer gives you much more control. Instead of dumping solution onto a stain, carpet, cushion, deck, or patio, you can apply a consistent layer across the entire area you are trying to clean. That is especially helpful when you are working on larger surfaces. The goal is not necessarily to use as much Stain Solver solution as possible. It is to make sure the cleaning solution reaches all of the area that needs to be cleaned. A sprayer makes that much easier. 2. Keep the Surface Wet While Stain Solver Works This may be the biggest advantage of using a sprayer. Stain Solver needs time to work. For many cleaning jobs, we recommend allowing Stain Solver to remain on the stained area for at least 30 minutes, and some jobs can benefit from a longer dwell time. Stain Solver's oxygen-based cleaning action starts when the powder is mixed with warm or hot water, so giving that solution time to work is important. The challenge, especially outdoors, is evaporation. On a warm day, a deck, patio, siding, outdoor cushion, or piece of lawn furniture can begin drying before your 30 minutes are up. That is where the sprayer really comes in handy. If you notice an area beginning to dry, simply give it another light mist of Stain Solver solution. You do not need to completely re-saturate the surface. You are just keeping it wet so Stain Solver has more time to work. This technique is particularly useful on patios and other outdoor surfaces, where keeping the surface wet during the dwell period can improve the cleaning process. 3. Avoid Over-Applying the Solution More cleaning solution does not automatically mean better cleaning. Pouring Stain Solver onto a surface can make it easy to use far more than you actually need. On carpet and upholstery, for example, you may put significantly more liquid into the material than necessary. A sprayer lets you control exactly where the solution goes and how much you apply. You can wet the entire stained area without unnecessarily flooding it. That means: More controlled application Less wasted cleaning solution Less unnecessary saturation Easier coverage of vertical surfaces Easier reapplication when an area starts drying We have seen the same advantage when using Stain Solver on carpet. Spraying helps distribute the solution across the stained area while reducing the chance of dumping too much liquid into one spot. 4. Mix Stain Solver Right in the Sprayer A sprayer can also eliminate another step. For many jobs, you can mix your Stain Solver solution directly in the sprayer. Stain Solver's standard starting ratio for most cleaning jobs is: 1 tablespoon of Stain Solver per 1 cup of warm or hot water That ratio scales easily: Water Stain Solver 1 cup 1 tablespoon 1 quart 1/4 cup 1/2 gallon 1/2 cup 1 gallon 1 cup These are the standard mixing ratios published in our Stain Solver usage instructions. For a one-gallon pump sprayer, for example, you can add the appropriate amount of warm or hot water and 1 cup of Stain Solver, then make sure the powder is completely dissolved before spraying. For a smaller hand sprayer, simply scale the recipe down. The important part is getting the Stain Solver thoroughly dissolved in the water before you begin spraying. 5. A Sprayer Is Especially Helpful Outdoors If you clean outside with Stain Solver, a pump sprayer may quickly become one of your favorite cleaning tools. Think about the surfaces around a typical home: Decks Patios Concrete Pavers Vinyl siding Railings Fences Outdoor furniture Patio cushions Hammocks Outdoor rugs A sprayer makes it much easier to cover large or irregularly shaped surfaces without continually dipping a brush into a bucket or trying to pour cleaning solution evenly. It is particularly helpful on vertical surfaces such as siding, railings, fencing, and outdoor furniture because you can direct the solution exactly where you need it. For outdoor fabrics, spraying also makes it easy to reapply Stain Solver as necessary to keep the material wet while the solution works. Don't Rush the Wait One of the most common mistakes when cleaning is wanting to scrub immediately. With Stain Solver, patience can actually save you work. Mix the solution, spray the surface thoroughly, and give the oxygen-powered cleaning action time to work on the stain. Check it after about 30 minutes. If you notice the surface beginning to dry, mist it again. Then scrub lightly if the particular job needs it, and rinse thoroughly with clean water. For many jobs, that simple process can reduce how much physical scrubbing you need to do. Mix. Spray. Wait. Rinse. You certainly do not need a sprayer for every Stain Solver job. Soaking is still a great option for clothing and smaller washable items, and some cleaning jobs are easier with a bucket. But when you need to apply Stain Solver across a surface, a sprayer is hard to beat. It gives you: Even application. Better control. Less waste. Easier reapplication. Longer wet contact time. And because you can mix Stain Solver with warm or hot water and get right to work, it keeps the entire process simple. Mix. Spray. Wait. Rinse. That is a pretty easy way to solve a stain. Shop our sprayers here >> FAQs Can you put Stain Solver in a sprayer?Yes. Stain Solver can be mixed with warm or hot water, dissolved thoroughly, and applied with a hand or pump sprayer. How much Stain Solver do I put in a one-gallon sprayer?For most general cleaning applications, the standard mixture is 1 cup of Stain Solver per 1 gallon of water. Why should I keep Stain Solver wet while it works?Keeping the treated area wet gives the mixed solution time to continue working on the stain. A sprayer makes it easy to lightly reapply solution if the surface begins drying. How long should Stain Solver sit before rinsing?Many Stain Solver cleaning applications benefit from about 30 minutes of dwell time, although some stains may benefit from longer treatment. The official guidance allows 30 minutes to 2 hours for many applications. Can I save leftover Stain Solver solution in my sprayer?It is better to mix what you expect to use for the job. Once Stain Solver is mixed with hot water, its effectiveness diminishes over a few hours.