Being a vacation rental host entails a lot of responsibilities, and keeping your rental property clean and comfortable for your guests is one of them. But even the most diligent of hosts can't always prevent the occasional makeup stains on towels, sheets, and pillowcases.
One common culprit is mascara, which is oil-based, making it quite hard to get rid of stains. The good news is that it's still possible to remove mascara stains without the use of harsh chemicals, if you act quickly and use the right steps. Here are a few tricks to take care of mascara stains on sheets and towels:
Pre-Treat the Stains
As soon as the mascara stain is detected, you should treat the stained surface before putting the item in the washing machine. The best way to do this is by using a pre-treatment solution or laundry detergent. There are many different varieties on the market, which work effectively to remove all sorts of stains. Make sure to follow the instructions on the product packaging.
Soak in Cold Water
If the pre-treat stain remover solution doesn't do the trick, soak the stained items in cold water for 30 minutes. Coldwater won't set the stain but will help loosen and dissolve the mascara, making it easier to clean. Before using cold water on the stained surface, test a small, out-of-sight part of the fabric to ensure that the color won't run.
Apply Dish Soap
Dish soap contains powerful degreaser agents that are designed to break through oil-based stains like mascara. You can add a few drops of dish soap to the pre-treatment solution or soak the item in cold water and then apply the dish soap directly to the stain. Rub the stain with a clean brush or sponge so that the dish soap can penetrate deep into the fabric.
Rinse and Wash
After treating the mascara stain, rinse the item with cold water several times to remove any remaining soap residue. To be sure the stain has been removed, check under direct sunlight or another bright light. The heat from sunlight may help remove the leftover stains. Once you're happy with the results, wash the item in cold water with a gentle detergent.
Dry Properly
Do not put your sheets or towels in the dryer without checking first to see if the stains have completely gone. The heat of the dryer will set the stain, making it harder to remove in the future. Air drying is a safe alternative, but be sure to stretch the fabric out to avoid wrinkles.
Mascara stains are a common problem that every vacation rental host has, or will, face multiple times. With the right approach and treatment, you can easily get rid of these stains without causing any damage to your sheets, towels, or pillowcases, ultimately reducing your cleaning time and increasing your guest's satisfaction. By following these tips, you're sure to have your rental property's beddings and linens clean and mascara-free, ensuring that your next guest has a comfortable stay, and leaves positive reviews about the cleanliness of your listing.