This Stain Removal Database Will Change Your Life. Trust Us.

We gave you the secret to removing red wine stains from your upholstery, but as you gear up to spend more time indoors, there are a number of other things bound to meet an unfortunate end on your beloved sofa.

Lucky for you, the textile experts at the University of Illinois Extension have been hard at work not only figuring out how to remove all manner of spillable substances, but organizing them into possibly the most comprehensive stain-removal database we've ever seen.

"Things like grass stains are always a problem, [as well as] red dye and wine for people who are entertaining a lot," explained Jane Scherer, Director Of Web Development for the University Of Illinois Extension, in a call with The Huffington Post. The database, which was first launched online in 2008, was updated last year with some 20 new stains, based on calls her office had been getting.

As U of I explains on its site, each solution contains the supplies you will need and the preferred method for cleaning the stain.

Behold, 3 items we're bookmarking from the database before our next holiday get-together:

Candle Wax
Because nothing says fall more than a pungent, seasonally-specific candle.

University of Illinois Extension Stain Solution:

What You Will Need:
Dry cleaning solvent
Ice cube

Steps To Clean:

1. If the wax is still soft, freeze it by applying an ice cube wrapped in a small plastic bag, and then scrape off the excess wax.
2. Using a clean white cloth, sponge the stain with the dry cleaning solvent.
3. Blot until the solvent is absorbed.
4. Repeat Steps 2 and 3 until the stain disappears.

Soot
Those of us lucky enough to have a fireplace will damn sure be putting that baby to use this time of year.

University of Illinois Extension Stain Solution:

What You Will Need:
Detergent

Steps to Clean:

1. Mix one (1) tablespoon of liquid dishwashing detergent with two (2) cups of cool water.
2. Using a clean white cloth, sponge the stain with the detergent solution.
3. Blot until the liquid is absorbed.
4. Repeat Steps 2 and 3 until the stain disappears.
5. Sponge with cold water and blot dry to remove the detergent solution.

Mixed Drinks
Entertaining, cocktails -- this isn't rocket science, and neither is cleaning up a spilled drink...

University of Illinois Extension Stain Solution:

What You Will Need:
Ammonia
Detergent
3% Hydrogenperoxide

Steps To Clean (Stains On Carpet):

1. Remove as much of the stain as possible by blotting with a white paper towel or scraping with a dull knife, then neutralize with an ammonia solution (1 tablespoon of clear household ammonia to 1/2 cup of water.). Saturate spot with the ammonia solution using a spray bottle. Do not wet backing. Blot with a white paper towel to remove excess moisture.
2. Apply a small quantity of detergent solution to the spot. (To make the detergent solution mix 1/4 teaspoon of a hand dishwashing detergent which does not contain lanolin or bleach with 1 quart of water) Use a blotting motion to work the detergent into the affected area. If spot is being removed continue applying detergent and blotting with a white paper towel until spot is removed.
3. Rinse with tap water using a spray bottle, blot to remove excess moisture.
4. Spray lightly with water, do not blot this time; apply pad of paper towels and brick and allow to dry.
5. If there is still some stain on the carpet and blotting is not removing it, then moisten the tufts in the stained area with 3% hydrogen peroxide. Let stand for on (1) hour. Blot and repeat until carpet is stain free. Light will cause peroxide to change back to water so no rinsing is necessary. Apply pad of paper towels and weight down with brick.

H/T Apartment Therapy