An Alcohol Solution

Granite is naturally 95-98% stain resistant, but it will still need cleaning, of course. There are a lot of different cleaners, but make sure whatever you choose is phosphate free. Acidic cleaners can scratch the countertop. A solution of water, isopropyl rubbing alcohol, and dish detergent makes a cheap and easy cleaning solution. In a quart size bottle, mix a few drops of the dish detergent, one fourth cup of alcohol, and the rest water. Spray it on the counter top and make sure to wipe with a soft cloth. The result will be a clean and shiny countertop.

Simple Soap and Water

If you don’t have any rubbing alcohol on hand, you can use plain dish detergent and water to clean your granite. When using this method, make sure to thoroughly rinse the granite with a soft cloth. Soap buildup can occur, dulling the finish of the granite, if it is not rinsed thoroughly. Soap and water will not leave the countertop shiny like the alcohol solution or a store bought granite cleaner.

Store Bought Cleaners

If you want don’t want to worry about soap buildup, and don’t want to make your own cleaner, there are plenty of stone cleaners out there. Just make sure to choose one with a neutral ph and use a soft cloth. Dampen the cloth and wipe the granite countertops with the cleaner you have chosen.

Removing Stains

Organic stains, such as coffee, tea, and food can be removed with 12% hydrogen peroxide and a few drops of ammonia. Baking soda and water will remove oil and grease stains, and ink stains can be removed with bleach or hydrogen peroxide.

Prevention

In addition to cleaning, you can do some things to avoid damage to your countertops. Don’t leave or spill soft drinks, vinegar, or lemon juice on the granite surface. Avoid placing acidic fruits and vegetables directly on the granite. Use a cutting board instead. The acid in these foods can cause scratches.

There are some simple solutions to keeping your granite looking beautiful, but remember that prevention is the best way to avoid problems.

The Soap-and-Bleach Method

Lay your yoga mat out on the kitchen floor (or outside in the grass) and fill a bucket with warm water, a good squirt of dish detergent, and a cap full of bleach. Using a sponge with a scrub layer, really wash down your yoga mat hard, being sure to scrub into the foam as hard as you can so as to work the bleach water down into where any nasty bacteria might be hiding. Chances are, they’re the culprit of the smell. Once done, wipe it down with a clean, wet cloth and let dry overnight.

But wait. What if you’re a crunchy hippie and bleach isn’t your style? That’s great! You deserve high praise and a different method all together.

The E.O. and Sunshine Method

Try this: Mix five to ten drops of a naturally antimicrobial essential oil (such as lavender or grapefruit seed) into about a full spray bottle of warm water. Shake hard to incorporate, and then heavily dampen the yoga mat. Let sit for a few moments before firmly wiping down with a clean wet cloth. Let sun throughout the midday by unrolling it in a yard or driveway. The sun is also antimicrobial and should help remove odors or light staining.

The Easy Way Out

If all else fails, bring the mat into the shower with you. If your soap and shower puff are good enough for you, they’re good enough to wash down your mat. Rinse it off right in the stream of water and let hang over the rod overnight to dry. Hey, two birds with one stone!

Regular maintenance of your yoga mat will keep you from being the bane of the yoga studio, and it might make asking out that cute student next to you a world easier. Especially if you’re no longer trying to place the blame for your stinky mat on them.

The trick is getting to the grease stain in time. If you let the grease dry, chances are the stain is going to set and you will have the hardest of times removing it if you ever do get it out at all. There are many great degreasers and stain treatments out on the market that can be used before you wash your grease stained garments. If you take your clothes out of the washer and you still see the stain, treat it again and do not dry it until you have completely removed the stain.
Liquid dish detergent also helps in removing grease as it removes grease from pots and pans when washing your dishes. Letting liquid dish soap set on the stain and then rubbing while rinsing thoroughly can remove a grease stain.
Hair spray is also a known degreaser as well. Spraying some hairspray directly onto the grease stain and rubbing, rinsing and repeating before putting it in the washer machine can completely eliminate the stain. Hairspray also works great for getting ink out of clothing as well!

White vinegar is another great stain remover, it helps to get out grease and many other stains from clothing.
Chances are you have at least one of the above mentioned sitting around your house somewhere. Many of these products can help clean set grease stains as well although they may never be able to completely remove an old grease stain.
Remember, the main trick to getting out a grease stain and saving your garment is to start to remove the stain before it dries, it will make your odds of having your clothing stain free again that much higher if the stain never gets a chance to set. Good luck and happy stain fighting!

Liquid Dish Soap

This multi-purpose cleanser works just as well on laundry stains as it does on your dishes. The best bet is Dawn, but most brands will do the trick. As soon as possible after the rust stain occurs, rub some of the liquid soap into the affected area and let it sit for about fifteen minutes. Then proceed to launder the garment as directed by the manufacturer. This method is most effectual on cotton or linen.

Lemon Juice

An effective, natural treatment for washable fibers such as polyester, olefin, or nylon is lemon juice. Apply juice from one lemon to the stain and give it a few minutes, but do not let it sit long enough to dry. Rinse the area with water, then launder the item as usual. For an even stronger effect, use some salt with the lemon, which will help absorb the rust as the lemon juice draws it out.

Cream of Tartar

This handy little substance can be found in the spice aisle of a grocery store, but it may be surprising to discover it has more uses as a cleanser than a recipe ingredient! Wet the rust-stained portion of the garment and apply a bit of cream of tartar to make a paste on the affected area. Let it sit and work its wonders for about half an hour, then launder the garment as directed.

If the rust stain is still visible after one round of treatment, give it another go of liquid dish soap, lemon juice, or cream of tartar and launder again, perhaps alternating the methods. Once the garment is clear of all rust, place in the dryer or lay it out to dry and wear as usual!