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• Enzyme

  These important stain fighters occur throughout nature.

• Vomit

  Remove as much as you can immediately and dilute with water, experts say. Then follow these tips.

• Detergent

  A cleaning agent that, unlike traditional soap, works well in hard water.

• Chelating agent

  A "builder" that gets dissolved minerals out of the way of laundry detergent.

• Ketchup spills

  Fast action will help reduce chances this spot will become permanent.

• Microbes

  The scientific name for what many people call germs or bugs. Microbes contribute to bad smelling bathrooms, but also function as nature's cleaning agents.

• Soap

  The old standby is mild enough for personal use, but doesn’t work too well in hard water.

• Builders

  These additives build on the power of detergent in a number of ways.

• Juice spill

  Even ugly blotches will come out completely using the right methods.

• Water softener

  A powder can help with laundering in hard water. There’s also a more permanent solution.

• Urine

  Act quickly to prevent this spot from drying and becoming a permanent problem.

• Borax

  Cleaner and brighter, thanks to this booster.

• Phosphates

  Once widely used to soften water for use in washing machines, some makers have reduced use of these chemicals.

• Spills, spots

  A guide to the best ways of preventing stains on floors, rugs, carpet and upholstery.

• Rug, area

  These efficient dirt collectors need regular cleaning to stay in good shape.

• Mud

  Spatters, spatters everywhere? Whatever you do, don’t spread them around.

• Ink spot

  Fast action can prevent spots from becoming permanent stains.

• Chlorine bleach

  This laundry aid is also an effective disinfectant, but be careful.

• Surfactant

  It makes water wetter!

• Non-stick cookware

  Easy does it. Leave the gritty cleansers and rough pads to more demanding jobs.

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