9 Bizarre Stain Removal Hacks You Need to Know

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We may joke about putting blood, sweat, and tears into our everyday activities. Still, it's no joke when we say that we don't want any of that staining - well anything. Unfortunately, no matter how hard we try, sometimes we can't avoid the bumps and grinds that get undesirables from floor to ceiling and everywhere in-between. But while we've all cried and cursed over mistakes made, and wished we could rewind time, we're here to let you know that even the toughest stains aren't the end of the world. So before you toss it out, make a trip to the dry cleaners, or hire that overpriced cleaner take a look around your house, and see if the solution lies right in front of your eyes.

Before you get any crazy ideas, we are not talking about that oversized jug of bleach sitting in the back that you haven't touched in over a year. Let's face it, while bleach can solve a lot of problems, it's more the wrecking ball of cleaners and isn't quite suited for the more delicate jobs. Stop crying over spilled whatever, dry your tears, and discover that something as simple as a can of Coke to olive oil could be the solution to all your problems.

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1: The Pause That Refreshes Even Our Clothes: Coca Cola

We all know that grease and bloodstains can be some of the hardest and most annoying to try and remove, so whoever thought of soaking those pesky problems in a cold can of Coca Cola we salute you. To remove a blood stain, apply Coca Cola directly to the affected area and let it soak for 30 - 120 minutes (depending on how stubborn the stain is) before throwing it in the wash. The phosphoric acid helps to remove the stain while also acting as a deodorizer. Sure it might not be the most orthodox solution, but when times are tight, why not refresh all aspects of life with a little sip of Coke?

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2: Rub Away Rust With a Little Lemon Juice

Anyone who owns a particularly beautiful knife set knows that it is a cardinal sin to run through the dishwasher. Still, we've all had that one roommate - am I right? Luckily for you, when you start to see those spots of rust appear rather than reaching for the offender's neck, grab a little lemon juice. Depending on the size of the knife, pour some lemon juice into a glass and let your knives soak for a few minutes. The acid in the lemon juice should loosen up the rust making it easier to scrub away.

Unsplash by Taisiia Shestopal@taisiia_shestopal

3: "What gives a girl power and punch? Is it charm, is it poise? No, it's hairspray."

Every mother has a story involving permanent markers, am I right? From clothes to carpets to walls, we lose track of the little darlings, and next thing you know, the Louvre's next masterpiece is scribbled all over the hallway. But before you spend hours scrubbing bookmark this simple pro-tip. The secret? Hairspray. As soon as possible, which is usually the case with stains, spray the mark liberally and let it sit for one to two minutes before rinsing with clean, warm water. If it's a particularly tough stain, it might take a few rounds, but it still beats repainting the entire wall.

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4: Pure Spirit, Pure Solution – Vodka

Who knew that Vodka could make not only other people look better, but your home as well? With no chaser required, this drink staple is the ideal cleaner for removing mold and mildew that might have built up in your bathroom while you weren't looking. Fill a spray bottle with your average bottom-shelf variety and spray liberally on any problem areas you might have. After about ten minutes, all you need is to scrub away with a sponge.

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5: From Healthy Snack to Healthy Cleaner

If you're looking for a more natural way to remove those stubborn water stains, than look no further than your favorite afternoon snack, orange. We all love the delicious snack that is rich in vitamin C and smells fantastic, but few realize the cleaning benefits that the oranges peel can contain. Next time your kitchen sink needs a good shine, use the skin from your last snack, and polish away until the fixtures are shining like new.

Unsplash by Nathan Dumlao@nate_dumlao

6: Toilet Bowl Cleaner? Oh-Yeah!

The best treat on a scorching hot day, nothing screams "childhood" more than Kool-Aid, so who would have guessed that this popular drink could follow us into adulthood and … clean our toilets? Yes, you heard that correctly! If you're dealing with stubborn toilet bowl stains than a pack or two of either lemon or orange-flavored Kool-Aid is just the solution you were looking for. Pour the packet into your toilet bowl and scrub away those unsightly stains. The powder's citric acid and rough texture will help break down and dissolve those stubborn stains in no time.

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7: When DIY Hair Dyes Go Wrong

While there are several benefits to dying your hair at home, one of the biggest challenges new DIY dyers face is when they realize that they've gotten the color all over their forehead, neck, and hands. Believe me when I tell you that those stains are not easy to remove, but rather than looking like a Smurf or Oompa Loompa for the next few weeks while it fades naturally from your skin, reach for some good old fashion olive oil. Olive oil is a natural cleanser that is ideal for those who suffer from sensitive skin. Pour a small amount onto a cotton ball and gently rub it into the affected area. In this case, longer is better, so it's best to apply right before you go to bed and then wash it off with warm water in the morning.

Unsplash by Jason Tuinstra@wjtuinstra

8: Rub a Little Salt in That Wound

Period stains can be a literal bloody mess at times, but it's something that happens to every woman at some point down the road, so ladies, this one is for you. If you find yourself waking up or walking around when Aunt Flo calls, don't worry. Your favorite undergarments or jeans aren't lost forever. One of the best ways to draw blood out of fabrics, especially super-absorbent ones, is simply salt. Make a paste of salt and water and allow it to sit on the affected area until dry. Then scrape off the paste and rinse with cold water.

Unsplash by Manki Kim@kimdonkey

9: Pantyhose to the Rescue

If you wear deodorant, you've probably had that dreadful moment when you pull your favorite shirt over your head to find streaks of white along the bottom. No matter how much the commercials promise us that they are different and this will never happen to you, it inevitably comes to pass. Well, got an old pair of pantyhose lying around the house, or maybe your mother does. All it takes is a good one-two rub, and those stains will slide right off. Sometimes all it takes is a simple solution.