I’m a cleaning whizz and here’s my stain-removing hero – you already have it in your bathroom
IF you’ve had a mattress for longer than a few years, then it’s likely that it’s already covered in several stains.
And it’s tempting to ignore them – especially when we already have so much on our plates and one hundred other things to do.
Even just the thought of scrubbing away at the stubborn stains can be enough to leave us exhausted.
But luckily we don’t have to scrub for hours to get rid of the annoying marks.
One cleaning expert has revealed that one product actually works wonders to remove stains with little effort.
And the best thing about it is that you may already have it in your bathroom cupboard.
Deyan Dimitrov, CEO of Laundryheap, explained that shaving foam is the secret cleaning “hero” that is hiding in the cabinet.
All you need to do is apply a generous amount of shaving cream to the stained area and then massage it into the fabric with a soft brush, or even a hand.
Shaving cream isn’t just for your morning routine, it’s also an underrated cleaning product
Deyan Dimitrov
Let it sit for an hour and then blot away the shaving cream with a soft, slightly damp, colourless cloth.
Or if you try using shaving foam to remove staining from an item or piece of clothing, then just pop it into the washing machine.
Deyan said: “Shaving cream isn’t just for your morning routine, it’s also an underrated cleaning product.
“The unique properties of shaving cream make it a ‘secret weapon’ for tackling a variety of cleaning tasks around the house.
“Shaving cream is a lifesaver when it comes to removing stains from fabrics on your mattress or otherwise.”
But it’s not just clothes and mattresses that shaving foam can get stains out of – it also works incredibly well as a sneaker cleaner.
Deyan added: “Shaving cream will make your shoes look brand new again, whether they are made of leather or canvas.
“This trick works particularly well on white shoes.”
To get your shoes sparking white again, just take the laces out and coat it in the shaving foam.
Leave it to sit for a few minutes and then use a soft brush – like an old toothbrush – to massage it onto the leather or canvas.
The unique properties of shaving cream make it a ‘secret weapon’ for tackling a variety of cleaning tasks around the house
Deyan Dimitrov
Then all you need to do is wipe away the shaving cream with a soft cloth. Or you can pop them in the washing machine afterwards for a deep clean.
And it’s good news for parents because you can even use shaving foam to remove gum from fabrics and surfaces painlessly.
This is because the “combination of surfactants and emollients helps to soften the gum, allowing you to scrape it away gently.”
Tips for removing ‘summer stains’
A LAUNDRY expert has revealed how to keep your clothing pristine after enjoying some fun in the sun
Alex Econs is a garment cleaning expert and the founder of Icon Printing and he shared his advice for getting out “summer stains,” including grass and sweat.
He advised using:
- Sun cream marks – use washing up liquid or laundry detergent for sun cream
- Sweat stains on hats – machine wash with other small lightweight items like socks, underwear, or T-shirts
- Clothes that have turned yellow – try a natural vinegar-based solution
- Green grass stains – rubbing alcohol acts as a solvent to this pigmentation and will remove the worst of the stain.
- Sand marks – wash items in fabric conditioner before you go
- Icy treats – “Stains from natural juices should lift simply from soaking in cold water with a squeeze of lemon juice
Again, just lather on the cream and let it soak in for a few minutes and then scrape away gently using a dull knife or credit card before wiping away with a damp cloth.
Experts also revealed that shaving foam can be used to get rid of mildew stains in the shower.
Deyan said: “Mildew stains on shower curtains and tiles can be tough to remove.
“But shaving cream’s surfactants help to break it down, making the cleaning process a breeze.”
Once you’ve applied the foam to the stains, leave it to sit and then scrub it with a brush before rinsing thoroughly with water.