Stain Removal Techniques with Rajiv Surendra (A Complete Guide)

Rajiv isn't daunted by stains because he has developed techniques that get rid of them fully! From ketchup to coffee, from pen ink to olive oil, Rajiv shares his methods for tackling some of the toughest stains you might encounter.
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★ TABLE OF CONTENTS ★
00:00 | Introduction: Setting the Stage for Stain Mastery
00:15 | Importance of Mental Attitude Towards Stains
01:00 | Understanding the Psychological Impact of Stains
02:00 | Personal Experience with Various Stains: Motor Oil
03:00 | Personal Experience with Various Stains: Bicycle Grease
04:00 | Personal Experience with Various Stains: Acrylic Paint
05:00 | Initial Response to Stains: The Crucial First Moments
05:30 | Importance of Not Wiping Immediately: Letting It Settle
06:15 | The Science Behind Stain Adhesion: Why Patience is Key
07:00 | Handling Stains in Public: Techniques for Immediate Action
07:45 | Importance of Quick Thinking and Resourcefulness
08:30 | Stain Removal Technique: Using Paper Towel for Blotting
09:15 | The Art of Scraping: Gentle Yet Effective
10:00 | Importance of Keeping the Stain Wet: Preventing It from Setting
11:00 | The Dilemma of Dealing with Stains in Public Restrooms
12:30 | At Home: Continuing Stain Removal Process
13:15 | Utilizing Towels and Soap for Further Stain Treatment
14:00 | Understanding Stain Composition: Tailoring Solutions (Ketchup example)
15:00 | Identifying Appropriate Solvents for Different Stains
16:00 | The Crucial Role of Water Temperature in Stain Removal
17:00 | Using Rubbing Alcohol: Effective Against Acrylic and Oil Paint
18:00 | Navigating Through Stain Removal Charts: A Comprehensive Approach
19:00 | Recommended Stain Removal Products: The Power of Dish Soap
20:00 | Harnessing the Precision of a Toothbrush for Stubborn Stains
21:00 | Demonstrating Aggressive Stain Removal Technique with Dish Soap
22:00 | Diluting the Stain: Importance of Water and Soap Combination
23:00 | Persistent Stain Removal: Why Consistency Pays Off
24:00 | Rotational Approach: Alternating Techniques for Stubborn Stains
25:00 | Final Tips for Stain Removal Success: Prevention and Mastery
💡 TOPICS IN THIS VIDEO 💡
•Importance of attitude towards stains
•Initial steps when a stain occurs
•Techniques for removing specific stains (ketchup, oil, food and beverage stains)
•Considerations for different fabric types
• Importance of good Dish soap
•Understanding solvents for different types of stains (water-based, alcohol-based)
•Testing stains before applying treatment
•Techniques for removing pen and marker stains
•Importance of thoroughness and patience in stain removal process
•Avoiding damage to fabric during stain removal
If you enjoy Rajiv's videos and would like to see more, please contribute to the
gofundme campaign that is raising the funds to produce the content on this channel: gofund.me/fbcb3a22
✅ Instagram: / rajivsurendra
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✅ Twitter: / rajivsurendra
🔴 ** ABOUT THIS CHANNEL **
Welcome to my KZbin Channel! I've been immersed in the creative and domestic arts for all my life and its a real honor to be sharing my interests with you.
Click here to subscribe: / rajivsurendra
🔎 HASHTAGS
#stainremoval
#Rajivsurendra
#diy

[@mcalislr]

Great video! If I could add on to the toothbrush technique please...if you turn the garment inside out, you are doing 2 things, You are actually pushing the stain out of the shirt instead of deeper into the shirt.And you are not disturbing the fibers on the outside of the shirt so that it can appear a little worn in that area after cleanup.😊 Take care

[@rajivsurendra]

Thank you for this! Makes sense and I never thought of this!

[@tricial4330]

I was fortunate enough to have a very frugal and intelligent, Scottish grandmother. Frugal and savvy. She taught me several of the same techniques, as well as, lemon juice and sunshine to bleach stains on some items-especially table linens, cloth napkins etc. She also would purposely stain her white lingerie with tea leaves to tint them to the "nude" color she wanted when the ones she wanted were difficult to find. You made me laugh this morning, protein stains on bedsheets, lol! You're awesome.

[@Boopierthanmost]

Giving nude tint by tea, why didn't anyone think about this before!!! 🤯 That's insanely amazing idea.

[@tricial4330]

@@Boopierthanmost 😃 She was born the same year the Titanic sunk. So, that tells you I am O-L-D. But, the wisdom and common sense of that generation was unparalleled in most cases.

[@Boopierthanmost]

​@@tricial4330 that's true. When it comes to frugal living, homemade recipes and DIYs, no one can beat old generation.

[@elenabchrist4226]

Yes! Sunshine is most powerful whitener. Seeing is believing. Love from sunshine state FL. Love Rajiv content wide and inspiring inclusive

[@hollywebster6844]

Many, many times I have found myself in a restaurant bathroom, bent over the sink, flushing my stained shirt with water! It really helps save your clothing to swallow your pride and tackle the stain right away. I find wearing a wet shirt is less embarrassing than wearing a stained one. The water eventually dries. 😅

[@SparkzMxzXZ]

Stain removal is literally one of my mini passions in life

[@flatcreek4665]

Rajiv…thank you! You have NO IDEA how much I needed this lesson! I am a Messy Marvin! I don’t think I can eat a meal or even brush my teeth without wearing it.

[@kimclarke5018]

What would we all do without Rajiv in our lives to teach us things.

[@cherylriera6325]

You're right, he is amazing!

[@MsDonkeydoodle]

i get so excited to watch every video on this channel!

[@madelainemorch9049]

Me too 😊

[@rajivsurendra]

I get excited by people getting excited for these videos!

[@ellenw6390]

Love this! Here’s a tip for ballpoint pen. Spray the mark with hairspray. It instantly disappears! I keep a travel-sized bottle on hand for this reason alone. I’ve done this for years and it works every time.

[@user-wq2bs5tw9p]

I found this channel about a week ago from the laundry bluing episode- so you can imagine how jazzed I was to see this uploaded!

[@MercyUS]

Imagine applying these concepts of “perseverance, care, value” to our cultural stains. Rajiv you rock!🦋

[@mcbits580]

Way to kill the vibe with ridiculous virtue signaling

[@Blu.saph.dimante]

I had to stop the video after the ‘grandpa came back from the war’ part because I was laughing so hard! Only you can mix stain removal and hilarity! I appreciate you so much! ❤

[@Vieweratlarge]

I was also taught by a dry cleaner you can stretch the stained area over a bowl or jar, rubber band it off and do the soaping, tamping, rinsing until clean. Really works!

[@shermarkham6376]

The smooth jazz at the intro was calming. My mother was the Queen Of Stain Removal! 👑

[@mysteriousu5528]

Dear Rajiv, Good morning. What a great way to start the weekend by watching your video🤣❤. That's wonderful and thank you. One of my good family friend runs a hotel now and had a dry cleaning business once. His white shirt will be effing awesome, always crisp and pure white. I asked him how the hell he keeps it like that. He told me that I can use scotch guard for anything except silk. He told me to use it before the first use by spraying it inside and outside and let it dry. He told me that it forms a very thin layer between the fabric and the dirt/stain. When you get stain or dirt, it just washes away. He told me I can use for whites, leather, suede, cotton, linen but will spoil the silk! People would bring white wedding gowns with some stains to him for cleaning. He would charge hefty! They would ask "Why are you charging this high?" He would reply "If I screw your wedding gown, you will sue me". I use it for whites as I have lots in tops, dresses, midi, maxi. If you haven't tried it, try and let us know.

[@elizabethtallman3280]

I am clumsy too! I wear an apron at home. Dish soap and hydrogen peroxide help with blood stains.

[@theamandizchannel]

In chile we use sodium bicarbonate in oil stains right away and let it dry. Alternatively if you’re out in a restaurant you can also request a bit of sparkling water to wet the stain, and add salt on it, again let it dry and wash at home. Hope that helps! :)

[@jgirldo2691]

I just love when you do voices! Makes me laugh every time. It's so natural and refreshing. You are such a natural. Fabulous content video.

[@yamaksy]

I hope during editing you noticed the few ketchup sprits on the left sleeve as well! You are my KZbin highlight of the week!

[@dandanakadon7779]

me thinks it's about time we floated a petition to remake life of Pi with Rajiv as the lead . if this guy can make stain removal interesting I wonder how much magic he would ve infused into the movie .

[@Kaybye555]

Hi Rajiv, here in Mexico we have a special type of soup called Zote. You would love it. We use it for all whites, shoes and even some colored clothing. Instead of that dish soap, I use Zote for everything. I always keep a bar at home. It became so popular, people in Corean started to import to their country. The also use it for laundry but they use it for skin bleaching. It is safe to use as body soap (though I'm not particularly a fan of that use). I hope you can one day get your hand in one and try it. I would love your opinion

[@katepavelle9465]

Laughing here - I did ask for a stain removal technique video just a while ago in a comment on a video from 1 year ago (Use your nice things.) And here it is! Thank you from a somewhat distracted and messy person 🥰

[@gailmonso9393]

Rajiv. This is just what I needed. Was working in the kitchen. Got nicked unawares, picked up my white jeans. Now I can get the blood off the white pants😢

[@tessknows]

Thank you for another helpful video, Rajiv. I was feeling really ground down by a tough work week and family stuff, but your videos always help me to aspire to take life a little slower and to be more mindful and observant of little things.

[@rajivsurendra]

Thank you for watching. It makes me happy to know that other people feel good by watching our videos.

[@elenamigaldi7404]

Same here! Perfect timing Rajiv! ❤️

[@ednawilliams3608]

Hi Rajiv, the wall behind you is so beautiful that it distracted me from your stains. I found myself wanting to move the flowers to the left and the chair to the right. LOL. Love your style.

[@utahdan231]

The flowers are tall today. Usually they are much lower.

[@MiuMiuG]

I once got a a few spots of bleach on my black trousers while cleaning the bathroom. They were new. Why I wore them to clean the bathroom, we'll never know! But I took them off, laid the trousers flat in the bathtub and trickled more bleach over to form abstract lines. Once I laundered them, I had patterned trousers - very Jackson Pollock. Funnily enough, people used to compliment and ask where I got them :) Generally though, I'm a clumsy clot.

[@differentperspective4124]

Stain removal zen

[@Objective1408]

Hello~ this channel is exactly what I was in need of. My grandfather passed away recently, and he often shared these wonderful techniques and skills with me! :) It is so fantastic (and nostalgic in my case) that this channel exists. The way that you carry yourself in these videos is very classy and distinguished! I hope you continue to make videos for many years to come, thanks for sharing!

[@bonnerdebbie]

Great information Rajiv, I also have hydrogen peroxide in my stain removal arsenal. Thank you!!

[@svenbickel3682]

I have to thank u! My husband splattered Balsamico over his white Shirt and considered it ruined. I tried your method and it turned out spotless. He is as excited as me. Sometimes little things have Deep impact. Love your Videos and style. Greetings from Switzerland Sabine

[@hollywont9447]

Math enthusiast, bad ass MC, and expert stain remover.

[@dipanshipatil8220]

Kindly make video on dry cleaning heavy and precious fabric . This cloth wash and care knowledge is absolutely to hit the core.

[@Rositasparks]

Rajiv, as always thanks for the tips and tricks! You are a great way to start the day! ❤

[@suzansim8002]

Just what I needed!!

[@singularessence]

I’ve needed this video in my life for so many years

[@lizgee6206]

Just found your Chanel and I’m obsessed🎉 it is so informative and so relaxing all at the same

[@margretherandall5689]

Thank you , your method worked well🎉

[@ranji8084]

Great knowledge sharing Rajiv. As always very helpful video ❤️🙏

[@barrettfarmky1218]

I was about to write you asking for this! Bam!! Here it is. 🌟 Can set-in stains be removed? Just more of this technique? Just curious. BTW - You have an old soul, your talents and appreciate for things antiquated and basic are refreshing. Keep them coming!! ❤ 🌹

[@Wintersnow147]

Great tips

[@melaniederima2314]

Loving all those as tenacious as I am with stains. We will prevail!💪

[@elenshi437]

This is my favorite video now. I'll definitely try all the options. Thank you! 💜

[@moonbeet]

This is the most beautiful video I've ever watched about removing stains... and super helpful! Thank you, Rajiv.

[@mavlonkarlsefni]

Thank you, brother

[@moussabby]

Thanks so much for such a thorough, comprehensive, helpful and light-hearted video, Rajiv! Now I know everything I did wrong, every, time. And what not to do next time!

[@santinabrothers]

Thank You TIPS!!! ❤💥

[@cynthia2233]

Thank You for this helpful information! My sister has always been the Queen of stain removal! I have become better at it over the years! I keep a certain dish soap in my laundry closet along with a toothbrush, the old towels are in the cabinet next to it. I was even able to get an old stain off of the front of my favorite sweatshirt the other day!

[@nostraa6125]

Wearing WHITE while teaching stain removal was a great choice. Adds to pursuasion and credibility.😊

[@handmadeheatstudio]

I completely agree with the “I’m going to get you out” attitude. I have a very expensive raw silk dress that I have gotten THE WORST spills on: latex paint ALL OVER. I burnt the back standing too near the fireplace. It took many tries for each one…but…I eventually was able to get it all out. I’m still amazed to be honest…but the attitude and persistence works 😍

[@senaittewolde6429]

Rajiv! Oh hi, I so enjoy your videos. I would love if you could give tips on how to use those crappy laundry machines in apartments, any tips I.e presoaking items in our tub before washing because it’s not a good washing machine and it costs $3 per load, so not cheap if you’re doing a lot of laundry. Would also love a video on how to hang pleated curtains or any curtains really…I know this is a big topic but I bet you learned so much from your mom ❤ Also, where did you get all those white trays lined with blue? I like them. Wishing you have a lovely day Rajiv!

[@ch3xmix]

13:02 - Really great tip. Wish I knew this sooner!

[@plateitsimple]

すばらしい Vlog ❤

[@ssparozic3463]

Thank you for your suggestions and analysis of stains. Any suggestions for leather? So many people are willing to give up and discard the garment before trying. My mother always rubbed the stain with wet Ivory bar soap - no dyes or perfumes. Then, rub the fabric together. It works. I’ve removed cherry juice stains among others with this method. I’ve made holes in garments using a brush while removing stains.

[@Katiedora122]

Yeah, I approach stains the same way I approached my printer when I had a paper due in my next class, which is to say: very quietly without any sudden movements, lol. I'm also well known among my friends for always having some type of stain removal stick in my purse (mostly because I have spilled so many drinks on myself over the years). It has mostly worked for me, but I definitely need to add to my supply cabinet.

[@rajnipankhania6932]

This is exactly why I have a gorgeous collection of white button down shirts that just hang in my closet; the minute I wear one, I just know I’m too clumsy and will end up with a stain …..and until today, didn’t have the slightest clue how to treat those stains. Thank you for this!

[@vanessaleighl7093]

I could only watch you go through the process of removing several stains in real time. Even though I am the original clumsy grrrrrl. Adore your sharing and devouring your advice always.

[@justalittleguy733]

the way i was thinking of just writing to you to ask for advice on this topic. my first bottle of mrs stewart bluing also arrived in the mail last week. thanks as always, rajiv, for your wonderful videos.

[@EcomCarl]

Rajiv approach to stain removal is spot on! Keeping calm and confident while treating stains can make all the difference. Who knew dealing with spills could be so empowering? 💪👕

[@Englishroserebecca]

Once I bought a really expensive skirt. I fell in love with it in the shop and I had never had anything expensive before. Always buy from charity shops etc. The first time I wore the skirt I sat in chewing gum which spread around as it was a hot day. I ruined the skirt trying to remove it. 😢😢😢

[@ramonagutierrez1671]

@@Englishroserebecca Sorry happened to you! Here, same accident ! How I cried for my cashmere sweater!😢

[@Englishroserebecca]

@@ramonagutierrez1671 we needed Rajiv 😃😃

[@l.c.6282]

Thanks for this. My daughter often brings over her laundry with stained clothes, especially stained white clothes that she borrowed from her roommates and apparently I’m suppose to work miracles with these dried stains. I’ll send her this video perhaps she’ll listen to you. Here’s hoping.

[@thejillykilly]

Can you do a video on fiber types, pros and cons?

[@joancook8454]

Great video! Spots on your left sleeve next to where your cleaning 😱 I’m sure you saw it 😂❤

[@noralockspeed]

Heidi!!!! You are now the cleanest of them all! Love you still! 😂❤

[@runemagged21]

hahaha the old timey war reference is perfect.

[@lllovesalll]

I love it when you talk to Heidi!! 😅 Ok everyone, see you at the print counter at Staples!!

[@r21167]

I'm clumsy as well! I usually put soap on emergency stains too. If I'm at home I'll soak it in the sink. Just dabbing on soap and water has saved many of my tshirts from tomato sauce stains etc haha I've never had a bloodstain remain after soap, a cold soak, and a cold wash.

[@meshamybelle]

The biggest tip I learned is to never dry anything that may have a stain on it. The heat of the dryer will set it in and it will never come out. As long as you don’t dry it you have a chance to remove any stain. For ink pen I was taught to use hairspray. I’m guessing it’s probably because it’s got a lot of alcohol in it. My favorite stain busters are Zote laundry bar for most things and Skout’s Honor pet stain remover.

[@reflectcw]

The little voice while removing the ketchup stain 🤣 Love ya Rajiv and love these insightful videos! This one in particular couldn't have come at a better time as I'm trying to remove a pen stain from a pair of pants.

[@doanetriggs6254]

What great tips. If out dining, I can guarantee you that if you’ll ask for corn starch, talc or flour and put it on the spot, they will absorb the oil.. I use talc on silk and have avoided sending many, many items to the cleaners. In spite if trying everything from tea tree or eucalyptus oil, to Goo Gone, I haven’t found anything that takes out the stain from rubber bumpers, which can be gotten when loading the car. Sorry, I didn’t realize that you had also included cornstarch. Do you have any advice??

[@beautyhai]

Thank you for this video, I have always struggled with this but have gotten better taking care of my own attire. However, I'm still struggling with how to remove stains from my little kids' clothes. It's not possible to immediately tend to the stain(s) when they've made them at school, and I really don't know how to get out black Sharpie and other magic marker pens after multiple attempts of cold water and any methods I've searched for. If anyone would be so kind to share some tips for kids clothes in general, I would very much appreciate it

[@jenniereinhardt4900]

Laundry room motto: "Don't succumb to the stain! --Rajiv"

[@DwarfDragonwulf]

Thank you, Rajiv. Unfortunately it hasn't worked today, but I received some news the other day that no one would be ok receiving. My head is still spinning with the news that I received.

[@watthaile2053]

Sorry

[@rachelfinder]

We always called my dad The Stain Master. I learned a lot from him, but nowhere near as much as this. The blotting is my new super weapon! And cornstarch. I get oil stains on my shirt all the time when I'm cooking.

[@lehewitt]

Why I have a giant collection of aprons😂. Ounce of prevention….

[@salzburgat]

Rajiv, how would you remove Make-up stains ? It sometimes happens, that I got a little Spot of Make-up on my Blue Jeans and when I wet the stain, it becomes white. Any tip would be highly appreciated.

[@savannahsmiles67]

I hope you caught the ones one your sleeve as well!

[@paddlegal3097]

Reminds me of when we were at a wedding reception and I spilled red wine on my husband's beige linen suit jacket. Yep, you're welcome. I took it to the bathroom and applied Shout. We stopped at the drug store and I bought a bottle of club soda. Then right there in the middle of the parking lot I let that jacket have a good dose. The stain did come out. I will forever hear you say don't rub, tap.

[@deborahsvenson8114]

There is a wonderful product called WineOff. My husband consistently spills wine, so I bring a little spray bottle of WineOff as hostess/host gifts to all my friends to rescue their tablecloths. I have a LARGE bottle at home. 🍷

[@AndYourLittleDog]

i got a chair at auction. it's a heavy natural colored twill and had a few yellow stains that were barely visible but it had old lady stink. i've used an entire bottle of Folex, sprayed it with peroxide and used the bissel furniture cleaner machine with its own product and everytime i clean it (so far 6 times) more weird yellow stains appear when it's dry. I am at the end of my tether. The smell is gone though.

[@mariawelling4194]

Hi Rajiv 👋, please tell us why some of the dish soaps have a hint of color, eg.blue, etc.?

[@knoopsylvia]

❤

[@create-hx7pe]

I have (mysterious) yellow stains on my Nikes that are made out of a nylon tent material. How can I get these stains off?

[@Morpha-Ahprom]

💖

[@BigHairyCrank]

Great tips. I'm a slob and half of what I eat ends up on my clothes. If only PVC wasn't so hot to wear.

[@marsbeads]

When I get an oily stain on my clothes, usually when out eating, I quickly put salt on it. I press it in and keep on there as long as possible to absorb some of that oil/grease until I get home to treat it.

[@conniesmith3837]

Your so funny. Thank you for the laugh😂

[@tki6087]

Knowing that Rajiv is also clumsy like me is the biggest validation I could've gotten. As a watercolor artist, you can imagine the state of my clothes 😂

[@judithgrace8359]

If it’s a washable fabric and you’re at home, Shout works wonders. Just wait about 5 to 10 min before washing. Also for an oil stain, I put baby powder on it when I get home, rub it in gently and let it sit over night, most of the oil is absorbed by the talc and the I proceed to the next step.

[@user-rs2vz1yc5o]

Yo

[@berritandersen288]

🙏

[@jacquelinemcgowan8164]

You bashing that t shirt was hillarious😂😂😂

[@JeannieS59]

Very Informative!!! I love how you put product into beautiful glass, out of plastic. Also, can you do a video on natural fiber clothes ? Better for environment

[@torontocan]

🙏🏾

[@theamandizchannel]

I’m just 8 min into this video and the amount of anxiety… LOL! Hahahaha love it tho!

[@emes8742]

So, cold water for spattered brains?

[@theselyn]

Me watching this video while i am eating fries with kimchi sauce and tomato sardines 😂

[@forthewynaugsburg2181]

lol immersion therapy for the ocd's xoxo

[@jmwilson6792]

I wish I saw this video before my boyfriend came last weekend. Semen stains everywhere.

[@desertrose128]

❤ can you show how to remove coffee/ tea stains from china cups? Thx!

[@rajivsurendra]

Bleach.

[@annesheridan6081]

Bicarbonate and a sponge works without resorting to bleach. If it's not enough, then use bleach, but usually, with patience, it works.

[@maureenloper589]

Put baking soda on a damp cloth and wipe. Works like a charm.

[@desertrose128]

@@rajivsurendra just straight? Soak?? Thx!

[@desertrose128]

@@maureenloper589 thanks 😊

[@pelicanseaweed5818]

couldn't you wet it at home with a spray bottle? That would be quicker. Unless the wetting with the toothbrush does something apart from wetting...?

[@lunalyn911]

Rajiv, got curry on my light pink silk dress. tried lemon juice and baking soda but was so oily, didn’t work. 😢

[@sharonperry8978]

Not sure if this will work for you but I used Dawn Power Wash on an oil stain I had on a polyester blouse and it took the stain out. I didn’t notice the stain until I got home from vacation so it sat for a couple of days. It took me 3 applications but the stain came out. I sprayed the Dawn on the stain and let it dry then rinsed out and then hung to dry ( couldn’t tell if the stain was gone until the blouse was dry). Repeated two more times and now blouse is good as new.

[@micajahsmom]

I just bought a pairs of used jeans online. They absolutely reek of perfume. How do i get that smell out??? Please help me.

[@anniekingsbury6842]

Dust with Bi Carbonate of soda and leave overnight. Shake off and launder gently. If possible dry outside in wind and sun. The dryer will set the perfume.

[@micajahsmom]

@@anniekingsbury6842 thanks for the suggestion. I line dry everything so I don't worry about the smell getting set in by the heat of a dryer. I will try his right now. Thanks.

[@cherllc7226]

Ok Rajiv... where you been hiding the camera in my house? lol

[@Miek80]

My adrenaline level went straight up omg you are living a risky life ;)