How-To Videos

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.

A crisp white shirt can look great right up until you notice the collar. Collar stains, sometimes called “ring around the collar,” have a way of making an otherwise perfectly good shirt look worn, dingy, or ready for the discard pile. The good news is that a stained white collar does not necessarily mean the shirt is finished. We put Stain Solver to the test on a real white shirt with a noticeably stained collar. The process was simple, and after only a 30-minute soak, the difference was easy to see. Watch here >> Why Do Shirt Collars Get So Dirty? A shirt collar spends hours in direct contact with your neck. Over time, perspiration, natural skin oils, makeup, lotions, hair products, dirt, and everyday grime can accumulate in the fabric. Regular detergent may remove some of that buildup, but stubborn discoloration can remain behind, particularly after it has worked its way into the fibers. That is when giving the stain some extra time with an oxygen-powered cleaner can make a difference. Step 1: Mix Stain Solver with Hot Water For this shirt, we started by mixing Stain Solver with hot water. Stain Solver is an oxygen-based powder cleaner made with just two ingredients: sodium percarbonate and soda ash. When mixed with water, it releases active oxygen that helps lift and break down staining material. Make sure the Stain Solver is completely dissolved before soaking the garment. For general mixing guidance, Stain Solver recommends approximately: 1 tablespoon of Stain Solver per 1 cup of water That ratio can be scaled up depending on how much solution you need to completely soak the item. Step 2: Soak the Stained Shirt Next, the white shirt went into the Stain Solver solution. The important part is making sure the stained collar is fully submerged so the cleaning solution can work throughout the fabric instead of merely touching the surface. For this particular collar stain, we let the entire shirt soak for 30 minutes. Then we checked the collar. No stain. The visible discoloration that had been around the inside of the white collar was gone. Stain Solver generally recommends allowing 30 minutes to two hours of contact time depending on the severity of the stain, so tougher or older stains may need additional time. Step 3: Rinse the Shirt Thoroughly Once the collar stain had lifted, we thoroughly rinsed the shirt with clean water. Don't overlook this step. Rinsing helps remove the loosened staining material and remaining cleaning solution before the garment goes into the washing machine. And, yes, we checked the collar again after rinsing. Still no stain. Step 4: Wash Normally After rinsing, the shirt went into the washing machine for a normal wash. We also added one standard scoop of Stain Solver to the wash. That is one of the easiest ways to incorporate Stain Solver into your regular laundry routine. Keep using your normal laundry detergent, and add Stain Solver as an oxygen-powered laundry booster when your clothes need some additional cleaning power. The Result: A White Collar Worth Wearing Again After washing, we took another close look at the shirt. The collar was clean, white, and ready to wear again. No complicated stain-treatment routine. No aggressive scrubbing. And, most importantly, no reason to replace a perfectly good shirt because of one stubborn stained collar. That is exactly what we mean when we say: Solve your stains. Save your stuff. Before giving up on a stained shirt, towel, uniform, or other washable fabric, give the stain a chance to come out. Stain Solver is designed for far more than laundry, but clothing is a great example of why removing a stain can also mean extending the useful life of something you already own. Can I Use This Method on Other Shirts? For washable fabrics, the same basic process can be used for many common laundry stains: Mix Stain Solver completely with warm or hot water. Submerge the stained area. Allow it to soak. Check the stain after about 30 minutes. Continue soaking if necessary. Rinse thoroughly. Wash normally with your regular detergent and add a scoop of Stain Solver. Always check the garment's care instructions first, and test an inconspicuous area when appropriate. Stain Solver should not be used on wool or silk. Don't Toss the Shirt Until You Try to Solve the Stain Collar stains are frustrating because they can make the whole shirt look dirty even when the rest of it is perfectly fine. Before replacing that white shirt, try treating the stain instead. In our test, 30 minutes with hot water and Stain Solver was enough to remove the visible collar stain, followed by a thorough rinse and normal wash. One stain solved. One shirt saved. Ready to tackle your own tough laundry stains? Visit StainSolver.com and put oxygen-powered cleaning to work. _________________________________________________________________________________________________ FAQs How do you remove stains from a white shirt collar? Mix Stain Solver completely with warm or hot water, submerge the stained collar, and allow it to soak. In the demonstration shown here, the collar stain was gone after 30 minutes. Rinse thoroughly, and then wash the shirt normally. How long should I soak a stained shirt in Stain Solver? Stain Solver generally recommends between 30 minutes and two hours, depending on the severity of the stain. Check the garment periodically, and continue soaking if needed. Can I add Stain Solver to my washing machine? Yes. Stain Solver can be added to your regular laundry routine along with your normal detergent to provide additional oxygen-powered cleaning. Does Stain Solver replace laundry detergent? No. For routine laundry, keep using your normal detergent, and use Stain Solver as an additional cleaning booster. Can Stain Solver be used on all fabrics? No. Always check the garment care label first. Stain Solver specifically advises against using the product on wool or silk. What causes ring around the collar? Collar discoloration can develop from a combination of perspiration, natural skin oils, personal-care products, dirt, and other buildup transferred to the fabric during normal wear.

Stain Solver is made in the USA with just two U.S.-made ingredients. Learn what’s inside this oxygen-based cleaner, how it works, and what it can clean.

If you have kids or pets in your home, there’s a good chance you’ve had this thought while cleaning: “I know I want this stain gone, but what exactly am I putting on the floor, carpet, furniture, or clothing my family comes in contact with every day?” It’s a fair question. A toddler crawling across a freshly cleaned floor, a dog stretching out on the carpet you just spot-cleaned, or a child grabbing the same patio cushion you cleaned earlier that afternoon can make you think differently about the products you use around your home. Cleaning power matters. But so does knowing what you’re using. That’s one of the reasons Stain Solver has always taken a different approach. Yes, Stain Solver Can Be Used Around Kids and Pets Stain Solver is an oxygen-based cleaner that can be used around children and pets when used as directed. Our formula contains just two environmentally friendly ingredients, both made in the USA, without fillers, fragrances, or a long list of unnecessary ingredients. That makes Stain Solver especially useful for the places where real family life happens: Carpets and rugs Washable clothing Kids' clothes and sports uniforms Upholstery and cushions Pet messes Tile and grout Outdoor furniture Patios and other washable outdoor surfaces Everyday laundry Bedding and towels In other words, many of the same places where stains happen are also the places where kids and pets spend their time. What Makes Stain Solver Different? Stain Solver doesn't clean by masking a mess with a strong fragrance. Its cleaning power comes from an oxygen-based chemical reaction. When Stain Solver is mixed with warm or hot water, the powder dissolves and begins releasing oxygen-powered cleaning action that helps loosen and lift stains, dirt, grime, and other organic material from washable surfaces. The active ingredient is sodium percarbonate. When sodium percarbonate dissolves in water, it produces hydrogen peroxide and sodium carbonate. The hydrogen peroxide provides the oxygen-based stain-removing action. That's the science behind all those bubbles you see when Stain Solver goes to work. And it also explains why Stain Solver can tackle some surprisingly difficult messes without relying on traditional chlorine bleach. Safe Around Kids and Pets Does Not Mean "Use It On Kids and Pets" Stain Solver is a cleaning product. It is not shampoo, pet wash, hand soap, or something designed to be applied directly to a person or animal. If your dog gets a stain on the carpet, absolutely reach for Stain Solver. If your dog gets something on the dog, don't. The same common-sense rules that apply to other household cleaners still apply here. Don't eat Stain Solver, don't intentionally get it in your eyes, follow the mixing and application instructions, and store the powder appropriately. Our own How-To guide specifically reinforces those precautions while noting that Stain Solver can be used around pets, vegetation, and small children. A Great Choice for the Messes Pets Leave Behind Anyone with a dog or cat knows that pets have an almost supernatural ability to create stains in exactly the wrong place. Carpet. Rugs. Cushions. Bedding. And, of course, that one spot that's nearly impossible to reach. We've previously demonstrated how Stain Solver can be used to tackle pet-related organic stains on rugs and carpets. The process is similar to many other Stain Solver cleaning jobs: remove as much of the original mess as possible, apply properly mixed Stain Solver, give it time to work, then blot or rinse the area as appropriate. The important part is that you're cleaning the surface affected by the pet mess. Kids Create a Different Category of "Real-Life Testing" Parents don't need us to explain this one. Juice. Chocolate. Ketchup. Grass. Mud. Mystery stains that nobody in the house admits knowing anything about. Stain Solver is made for exactly these kinds of everyday cleaning challenges. It can be used on many washable fabrics, carpets, rugs, upholstery and other household surfaces, and it is color- and fabric-safe for many common applications when used according to the directions. That versatility matters because you don't necessarily need a separate specialty product every time the next mess happens. No Added Fragrance Is a Bigger Deal Than You Might Think Sometimes we associate a strong smell with a strong cleaner. But a powerful fragrance doesn't mean something is cleaner. Stain Solver's current formula contains no added fragrance, which means we're not trying to cover one smell with another. The formula is focused on doing the actual cleaning work. For homes filled with kids, pets, laundry, bedding, cushions and everyday fabrics, that simplicity can be a welcome change. Using Stain Solver Correctly Matters Like any cleaning product, getting the best results means following the directions. For many general cleaning jobs, our standard starting ratio is: 1 tablespoon of Stain Solver per 1 cup of warm or hot water. That scales to: 1/4 cup per quart 1/2 cup per 1/2 gallon 1 cup per gallon Stir until the powder is completely dissolved, apply the solution or soak the item, and then give the oxygen action time to work. Many jobs benefit from approximately 30 minutes to 2 hours of dwell time, depending on the stain and surface. One of the biggest mistakes people make with Stain Solver is trying to rush it. Mix it. Apply it. Then let it work. The rinse it. There Are Still Some Things You Shouldn't Clean with Stain Solver Being versatile doesn't mean being appropriate for every material. Stain Solver should not be used on wool, silk, or aluminum, and it isn't an effective solution for rust stains. When you're unsure about a fabric or surface, testing an inconspicuous area first is always a smart idea. Cleaning Power You Can Feel Better About Bringing Into Your Home People shouldn't have to choose between getting something truly clean and feeling comfortable with the product they're using to do it. That matters even more when little hands touch everything, dogs sleep wherever they please, cats climb wherever they're definitely not supposed to be, and freshly cleaned surfaces quickly become part of everyday life again. Stain Solver gives you powerful oxygen-based cleaning with a remarkably simple formula. Two ingredients. No added fragrance. Oxygen-powered cleaning. Made in the USA. And safe for everyday household use around kids and pets when used as directed. Because sometimes the question isn't just: “Will it get the stain out?” It's also: “Do I feel good about using this in my home?” With Stain Solver, we think you should be able to answer yes to both. Frequently Asked Questions Is Stain Solver safe to use around dogs and cats? Yes. Stain Solver can be used for household cleaning around pets when used as directed. It should not, however, be applied directly to your pet. Can I use Stain Solver to clean pet stains on carpet? Yes. Stain Solver is well suited for many organic pet messes on compatible carpets and rugs. Remove the solid or excess material first, then treat the remaining stain according to the directions. Is Stain Solver safe around children? Stain Solver can be used for household cleaning around children when used as directed. As with any cleaning product, the powder should be stored appropriately and should not be eaten or intentionally put in the eyes. Does Stain Solver contain fragrance? No added fragrance is used in the current Stain Solver formula. What is the active ingredient in Stain Solver? The active ingredient is sodium percarbonate. When it is dissolved in hot water, it produces hydrogen peroxide and sodium carbonate, creating the oxygen-based cleaning action that helps remove stains. Can Stain Solver be used directly on a pet? No. Stain Solver is a surface and fabric cleaner. It is not a pet shampoo or grooming product and should not be applied directly to an animal. Are there materials I should avoid? Yes. Do not use Stain Solver on wool, silk, or aluminum. It also is not recommended as a solution for rust stains.

A magic marker stain on a pillow can feel like game over. Bright ink on fabric usually looks permanent, especially when the stain is fresh and bold. But in this case, the villain was a red magic marker and the hero was Stain Solver. A newly made red marker stain on a pillow was treated right away, and the result was a clean-looking fabric surface again.