We’ve all been there—someone spills something, and now there’s a weird stain that won’t budge. Whether it’s the mystery gunk on the carpet, juice on the couch, or the dreaded spaghetti sauce on the floor, those stains can really test your patience. And if you’ve got kids running around, especially the ones who treat your floors like a canvas, then you know stains are part of daily life.

Fortunately, while some stains require you to call in the calvary in the form of floor care experts and professional upholsters, help is in your cupboards more often than you’d think.

Baking Soda

Baking soda is especially good for absorbing smells and lifting up stains, whether it’s on your carpet, mattress, or tile.

Got kids who thought dragging muddy shoes across your floorboards was a fun game? No worries. Mix a bit of baking soda with water to make a paste and gently scrub the stained area. For tougher messes, sprinkle baking soda directly onto the spot, let it sit for 15–20 minutes, then vacuum it up. It works great for greasy or sticky messes and can even help with crayon marks if your walls have been turned into art galleries.

Pro tip: add a little vinegar to the mix and watch the fizz do the work for you.

White Vinegar

Speaking of vinegar, white vinegar deserves its own spotlight. It cuts through grime, kills bacteria, and can dissolve even some of the most stubborn stains. It’s also kid-safe and doesn’t leave behind harsh chemical smells, which is a win if you’ve got little ones crawling around.

Let’s say your child spilled grape juice on the hardwood floor and casually walked away like nothing happened. Grab a spray bottle, mix equal parts white vinegar and water, and spritz the area. Let it sit for a few minutes, then wipe it up with a soft cloth. If the stain is still hanging on, repeat the process and finish with a bit of dish soap and water.

You can also use this vinegar solution on clothes, carpets, and even bathroom tiles.

Hydrogen Peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide might not be your go-to cleaner, but it’s great for tackling tough stains like blood, wine, or ink. And don’t worry—it’s safe for most surfaces, as long as you test a small patch first.

Say your kid decides to help with arts and crafts and ends up staining the wooden floor with marker or paint. Dab some hydrogen peroxide on a cloth and gently rub the spot. You’ll see the stain lift almost instantly. It’s also great for getting rid of those mystery stains in the bathroom or on light-colored upholstery.

Just be sure to store it away safely, since it’s a bit stronger than your average cleaning product.

So next time a stain happens, look around before you panic.