Tuesday, April 6, 2021

How to of the Day

How to of the Day


How to Develop Productive Habits

Posted: 06 Apr 2021 05:00 PM PDT

It can be kind of challenging to force yourself to start a bunch of productive habits out of nowhere. Luckily, with a few minor changes to your environment and workflow, anyone can set the stage for success. All it takes is a little bit of preparation and a healthy dose of positive thinking to become the most productive version of yourself. With the right attitude and a little effort, you'll be crossing tasks off of your to-do list faster than you can write them out!

[Edit]Steps

[Edit]Use a daily planner.

  1. Mapping your day out will keep you focus on what's important. Being productive has more to do with organization than effort, so put 5-10 minutes aside every night (or morning) to map out how you're going to spend the day ahead of you.[1] Fill in the morning with your most time-sensitive or important tasks and set aside time for emails, organization, and breaks.[2]
    Develop Productive Habits Step 1 Version 2.jpg
    • Set concrete goals for each day. Choose 3 important tasks that you want to accomplish and reserve at least 90 minutes to tackle these goals.[3]
    • If you want to build your daily schedule in the morning, get up 5-10 minutes earlier than you normally would to make time for it. Productive days don't start with a rushed morning schedule!
    • Break the day down into sections so that you don't spend hours in the same place or doing the same thing. Moving around regularly and mixing things up will make it easier to sustain focus throughout the day.[4]

[Edit]Stay off of your phone.

  1. Unless you're waiting on an important call, keep your phone on silent. It's super easy to get distracted by random texts, notifications, and social media. If you catch yourself procrastinating on the phone, stop.[5] You're most productive when you're focused and engaged in what you're trying to accomplish, so minimizing the most obvious distractions is essential.[6]
    Develop Productive Habits Step 2 Version 2.jpg
    • If you're compulsively checking social media, there are apps you can download to lock you out of your account part of the day or after you've been scrolling for a while.
    • You can always leave your phone in another room or in a desk drawer if you really want to zero in on something.

[Edit]Declutter your home or workspace.

  1. A clean desk and organized home will help you stay focused. Chaos has a way of drawing your attention away from whatever task you're trying to complete.[7] At the end of each day, spend a few minutes throwing out trash, putting things away, and organizing your workspace or home to get rid of clutter. If you wake up to a clean home or show up at work to a minimalist desk, it'll be easier to build healthy habits.[8]
    Develop Productive Habits Step 3 Version 2.jpg
    • The phrase "out of sight, out of mind" works the other way as well. People tend to be attracted to whatever is in front of them. If there's a stack of important files you need to address sitting on your desk, keep them out and take everything else off of your desk.

[Edit]Complete important tasks before lunch.

  1. Most people are more productive in the morning, so do key tasks early. If your goal for the day is to go grocery shopping, don't put it off until 8 pm when you're likely to be tired. If you want to pitch a new service to a few important clients, make those calls or schedule those meetings before noon. This way, you won't have to fight off any afternoon sluggishness when you're trying to get stuff done.[9]
    Develop Productive Habits Step 4 Version 2.jpg
    • Not only will you get the most important stuff done by scheduling your day this way, but that early feeling of accomplishment will help you maintain momentum throughout the day.
    • If you're struggling to maintain your energy later in the day and you aren't at work, take a short rest. A 20-minute nap is a great way to put yourself back into a productive headspace.[10]

[Edit]Focus on one thing at a time.

  1. Multi-tasking is rarely a productive way to go about things. You're more likely to get things done if you dedicate all of your energy to a single task at a time. Turn the radio off at work, shut the TV off while you study, and don't split your time between answering emails and other work-related tasks.[11] When you switch back and forth between different activities, you lose a lot of energy as your brain recalibrates for the new task. This kind of juggling is not a healthy habit for productivity.[12]
    Develop Productive Habits Step 5 Version 2.jpg
    • You're most productive when you're in that flow where time is flying and you're just totally consumed with what you're doing. It's a lot harder to get into that state if you're constantly jumping between 2-3 different things.[13]

[Edit]Find the value in the boring stuff.

  1. It's hard to be productive if you think you're doing something pointless. Start pushing yourself to find the significance in every single thing you do before you start. For example, if you're just filling out a timesheet for work, remind yourself that you're helping your company keep you accountable. In turn, this helps you stay productive at work, and you want to be productive! You can even tie all of that back to your company's mission and remind yourself why that's important as well.[14]
    Develop Productive Habits Step 6 Version 2.jpg
    • Finding value in the little stuff also improves your overall attitude. If you walk around all day feeling like you're wasting your time, you're never going to get anything done!

[Edit]Take a short break every hour.

  1. Set aside 5-10 minutes to recharge your batteries every hour. Stand up and stretch, step outside for a breath of fresh air, or walk around the hallway for a few minutes. Aside from the fact that this will help you come back to the task at hand feeling recharged, it will also give your body a break from sitting or staring at a screen for too long depending on what you've been doing.[15]
    Develop Productive Habits Step 7 Version 2.jpg
    • Many productive folks are a big fan of the Pomodoro technique. This is where you work in a series of intense bursts by spending 25 minutes focusing on a task and then taking 5 minutes off. This can be a great option if you find yourself losing momentum after every 35-45 minutes or so.

[Edit]Make a daily 5-minute investment.

  1. Start small and let tiny behaviors snowball into regular habits. Force yourself to spend just 5 minutes a day on a new behavior. Next week, double it. For the next week or two, stick to that 10-minutes-a-day rule. After a few weeks, your brain will be so used to spending 10 minutes on this task that it'll become a habit. This is a phenomenal way to get yourself to build small procedural habits, like working out in the morning, or meditating every afternoon.[16]
    Develop Productive Habits Step 8 Version 2.jpg
    • It may be hard to push through that first week if you aren't used to doing something, but stick with it! It will only get easier over time.
    • Completing your tiny habit at the same time every day will also help turn your behavior into a habit.

[Edit]Relax on your days off.

  1. If you never take some time off, you're going to burn yourself out. Make sure that you set aside time to hang out with your friends and family, catch up on that book you've been meaning to read, and do things that you actively enjoy. If you're constantly pushing yourself to accomplish task after task, you're going to run yourself into the ground. Chilling out on your days off is important if you're going to be productive![17]
    Develop Productive Habits Step 9 Version 2.jpg
    • If you're going to try and implement a new system or habit, take a vacation or long weekend off to get some relaxation in. There's some evidence that it's easier to build a new habit after a prolonged period of relaxation.[18]

[Edit]Take care of your body.

  1. Eat a healthy diet, keep a regular sleep schedule, and exercise regularly. Do your best to stick to a balanced diet full of lean protein, vegetables, and whole grains. Aim to get 8 hours of sleep every night and try to go to bed and wake up at the same time every day.[19] Try to get at least 150 minutes of exercise a week in the form of running, biking, or weightlifting to relieve stress and feel great about yourself![20]
    Develop Productive Habits Step 10.jpg
    • It's impossible to build productive habits if you don't feel good. Taking care of your body is important for your overall health, but it's also extremely key if you want to be a productive person.
    • Take care of your mind and soul as well! Meditation and yoga are great ways to stay mentally and emotionally healthy.

[Edit]Reward yourself for building productive habits.

  1. As you're improving your overall productivity, reward yourself for sticking with it. After you fill out your planner for the day, take a minute or two to enjoy a warm cup of coffee. Once you finish filing those reports in the morning, eat a small piece of candy. Giving yourself regular, small rewards for sticking with your productive habits is essential to making those habits permanent.[21]
    Develop Productive Habits Step 11.jpg
    • Time your breaks so that you take them right after you've finished a productive task. Breaks are a great way to reward yourself and you need to take regular breaks anyway. That's a win-win!

[Edit]Video

[Edit]Tips

  • It can take a few months for a behavior to gain momentum and turn into a habit. Don't give up just after a few days![22]
  • Create a "clocking out" ritual by doing the same thing every day before you stop working. People talk about the importance of starting the day, but finishing your work the same way every day will help you compartmentalize and maintain a clear headspace.[23]
  • There's very little evidence that working longer hours will make you more productive. People tend to naturally spread their tasks out over a longer period of time if they have it in their head that they're working late, so don't worry about being the last one out of the office![24]

[Edit]References

  1. https://hbr.org/2019/03/what-makes-some-people-more-productive-than-others
  2. [v161148_b01]. 14 March 2019.
  3. https://www.entrepreneur.com/slideshow/238847#6
  4. https://www.businessnewsdaily.com/11264-habits-highly-productive-smb-owners.html
  5. https://www.cnbc.com/2020/02/14/stanford-scientist-on-proven-habits-that-will-make-you-more-productive.html
  6. [v161148_b01]. 14 March 2019.
  7. https://www.fastcompany.com/3051540/15-habits-that-will-totally-transform-your-productivit
  8. https://observer.com/2016/09/five-ways-to-hack-your-workspace-for-productivity/
  9. https://www.forbes.com/sites/ilyapozin/2013/08/14/9-habits-of-productive-people/?sh=27edc16f2d3f
  10. https://www.fastcompany.com/3051540/15-habits-that-will-totally-transform-your-productivit
  11. https://www.forbes.com/sites/ilyapozin/2013/08/14/9-habits-of-productive-people/?sh=27edc16f2d3f
  12. https://www.apa.org/research/action/multitask
  13. [v161148_b01]. 14 March 2019.
  14. [v161148_b01]. 14 March 2019.
  15. https://www.fastcompany.com/40475204/youre-taking-breaks-the-wrong-way-heres-how-to-fix-that
  16. https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/297331
  17. https://www.cnbc.com/2019/03/29/what-successful-people-like-bill-gates-and-jeff-bezos-do-on-weekends.html
  18. https://www.npr.org/2012/03/05/147192599/habits-how-they-form-and-how-to-break-them
  19. https://www.inc.com/rhett-power/food-sleep-exercise-why-you-seriously-need-all-3-to-be-successful.html
  20. https://www.cdc.gov/physicalactivity/basics/adults/index.htm
  21. https://www.forbes.com/sites/quora/2018/02/13/the-science-behind-adopting-new-habits-and-making-them-stick/?sh=79c5e42c43c7
  22. http://www.today.com/health/think-itll-take-21-days-make-your-resolution-habit-try-2D11826051
  23. https://www.fastcompany.com/90514503/5-habits-of-people-who-are-especially-productive-working-from-home
  24. https://hbr.org/2019/03/what-makes-some-people-more-productive-than-others

How to Criticize Constructively

Posted: 06 Apr 2021 09:00 AM PDT

Giving constructive, critical feedback is an art. It's a way to encourage positive behavior without blaming or attacking the person you're criticizing. If you're going to master the skills required to give constructive criticism, it's essential that you maintain a positive tone and focus on clear, achievable objectives. While there are dozens of ways to give constructive criticism, remember that everyone is different and you should customize the way you give feedback based on what you know about the person you're talking to.

[Edit]Steps

[Edit]Give constructive criticism when you have a good reason to do so.

  1. Before you criticize, ask yourself, "What is the point here?" Identifying what you're hoping to get out of the conversation will help you figure out to where you want to focus the chat. If you don't have a clear objective in mind, you risk overloading the person with excess information, or making them feel like you're boxing them in.[1]
    Criticize Constructively Step 1 Version 7.jpg
    • You may have a specific behavior you want to see changed. For example, your goal may be to get an employee to stop breaking a company rule, or for a student to stop shouting out over classmates when they're excited.
    • Your goal could also be to help somebody improve. For example, you might want to show a co-worker a better way to communicate with customers, or help a teacher you manage get better at classroom management.
    • If you don't have a good answer to the question, "What is the point here?" you may not need to criticize anything. Having a criticism in mind doesn't mean it needs to be shared.

[Edit]Be conscious of your tone.

  1. What you say matters, but how you say it matters a lot, too. If the other person feels like you're coming from a healthy, friendly place, they're going to be much more likely to pick up what you're putting down. It's hard to improve if you think you're being attacked for making a mistake, so keep the voice of your volume down, maintain relaxed body language, and try to make the other person feel respected and appreciated with the tone of your voice.[2]
    • There may be occasions where a harsh or serious tone is called-for. If you catch your child playing with fireworks, or you have an employee cursing in front of customers, it's really important that you emphasize how serious the issue is.

[Edit]Have the conversation in private.

  1. Praise in public and criticize in private for the best results. Nobody likes to hear that they aren't doing a perfect job, so have this conversation privately to put the person you're criticizing at ease. You could invite the person into your office with a smile on your face, or ask someone to swing by during lunch for a quick chat.[3]
    Criticize Constructively Step 2 Version 7.jpg
    • If you criticize someone in front of other people, they may feel like they're being attacked or publicly-shamed. The odds are much higher that you have a productive conversation if nobody else is around to witness it.

[Edit]Lead with something complimentary.

  1. Find something awesome to say about the other person. If you're critiquing someone's sales numbers, start by explaining that you see the hard work they're putting in. If you're going to critique someone for being rude, start by sharing how you appreciate their passion. Leading with a positive note will put the other person in a more receptive headspace before you get to the heart of the issue.[4]
    Criticize Constructively Step 3 Version 7.jpg
    • If you're critiquing a child, you may say, "I love you very much and I appreciate how much work you've been putting in at school, but I just got off the phone with your teacher…"
    • If you're talking to an employee, you could say, "I've seen you crushing it on the sales calls, and I think you're doing a great job, but we need to talk about your punctuality…"
    • To critique a friend, you might say, "I know you care about me and you know that I care about you, but something has been bugging me recently…"

[Edit]Use "I" statements to keep things positive.

  1. Phrase your critique using "I" to keep them from being defensive. If you come right out and start a bunch of criticisms with "you," the other person may feel like you're attacking or cornering them. Start with "I" to frame things around your perspective. This way, it won't feel like you're trying to impose your beliefs or ideas on them, and they'll be much more likely to absorb what you're getting at.[5]
    • For example, instead of saying, "You need to stop talking to your dad that way," you might say, "I don't feel good when I hear you talking like that to your father."
    • If you were critiquing your friend, you wouldn't want to say, "You never pick up the phone when I call." It might be more productive to say, "I feel like we're not really talking as often as I'd like."

[Edit]Give them a chance to self-critique.

  1. One way to broach the critique is to let the other person start. You might ask them a hypothetical question about what they might say if you acted the way they have, or encourage them to look at their behavior from a fresh perspective. This is a particularly good idea if you're worried about the other person feeling attacked or boxed-in. This may also be a good idea if you aren't sure the other person knows if they've done anything wrong.[6]
    Criticize Constructively Step 5 Version 7.jpg
    • If your employee has been getting in trouble at work, you could say, "If you were in charge and you had an employee with multiple customer complaints, how would you address that situation?" or, "If you had to evaluate your performance, what would you say?"
    • If you were talking to your child, you might say, "If you saw one of your classmates acting like this, what would you think of them?"
    • If you were talking to a friend, you could ask, "How do you feel when your friends talk behind your back?"

[Edit]Relate the criticism to their goals.

  1. Emphasizing the benefits of following your feedback will get them on board. If your criticism feels totally disconnected from the other person's goals, they won't be as receptive to it. Ask yourself, "What does this person care about?" Before (or after) you critique them, explain how the feedback you're giving them will help them achieve their goals to get them to buy in.[7]
    Criticize Constructively Step 4 Version 7.jpg
    • If you're meeting with an employee that's often behind on their work, you might say, "I know you're looking for a promotion, so I thought we could chat a bit about things you could change to get where you want to be. How does that sound?"
    • If a co-worker is underperforming at work, you could say, "I know you've mentioned that you're trying to improve your sales numbers, and I had an idea that may help with that. Do you want to chat about it?"
    • If you were talking to a child, you might say, "I know you want to go to summer camp with your friends, but if you don't get your grades up, you may end up in summer school."

[Edit]Criticize the behavior, not the person.

  1. It's easier for someone to change if they don't feel personally attacked. People don't always behave in a way that lines up perfectly with who they are or how they see themselves. By focusing strictly on what the other person has done, it'll be much easier to get them to change. If they feel like you're putting them down or challenging who they are as a person, they're not going to respond well.[8]
    Criticize Constructively Step 6 Version 7.jpg
    • For example, instead of telling a struggling salesperson, "You don't have a good rapport with the customers," you might say, "I think you could improve the way you communicate with the customers."
    • As another example, instead of telling a poorly-dressed co-worker, "You look sloppy," you could say, "I don't know if I would choose to wear that to work. Let me explain…"
    • This is especially important if you're critiquing a partner or family member. Don't tell your partner, "You're so mean to me!" say, "I don't appreciate it when you talk to me that way."

[Edit]Be honest about how serious the issue is.

  1. If the reason you're critiquing them is a big deal, say so. At the same time, if the subject you're discussing isn't critically important, acknowledge that as well. If someone is just violating a super-minor policy at work and they probably don't even know they're doing it, don't treat it like the end of the world. However, if someone is behaving in a way that's jeopardizing someone's safety or their job security, it's important to drive the point home. Adjust the tone and language based on how essential the criticism is.[9]
    Criticize Constructively Step 7 Version 7.jpg
    • You might tell an employee who shows up a few minutes late, "Look, I know it seems like a little thing, but I'd appreciate it if you clock in exactly at 9:00 am, and not 9:04 or 9:02."
    • For something serious, like a worker cursing at rude customers, you might say, "I've got to level with you here. It's extremely important that you don't talk to customers like that. It impacts the reputation of this company."
    • If you're critiquing a child, it's important to emphasize why you're trying to correct them. If they're doing something dangerous, they need to know how serious it is.

[Edit]Acknowledge external circumstances.

  1. Respecting other factors will help the other person take responsibility. If they've been going through a tough time at home, let them know you understand they're struggling with some personal stuff. If they acted out because they were being antagonized, admit that you might have behaved the same way but still need to say something. This is key when it comes to getting people to internalize the essence of what you're getting at.[10]
    Criticize Constructively Step 8 Version 5.jpg
    • For example, if you're critiquing your partner because they're skipping out on housework, you might say, "I know you're trying to catch up at work, and I appreciate you for contributing to our home, but I'd love some help with the dishes every now and then."
    • If you're talking to a child, you might say, "I know you get excited sometimes and it can be hard to control yourself, but I'd appreciate it if you don't act out like the next time you have friends over."
    • You might tell a tired late-night worker, "I know these night shifts are really tough, and it's hard to get enough rest, but when I see you sleeping on the job, we have to talk about it."

[Edit]Be concrete about future changes.

  1. Give the other person specific steps to take. If your criticism is nebulous or abstract, they're going to have a hard time using your criticism in any kind of constructive way. Once you've walked through the criticism, provide actionable suggestions that the person might take to improve in the future. You could even offer to help them take those steps![11]
    Criticize Constructively Step 9 Version 5.jpg
    • For example, you might tell an employee who keeps forgetting a part of their uniform, "So, the next time you get ready to leave the house for work, remember to check your bag for the name-tag. If you do forget it, come see me before your shift starts and I'll give you a backup."
    • If you have a roommate that's not pulling their weight, you could say, "Stacy is handling the kitchen and I'm going to clean the bathrooms. Can you take care of the yard work every week?"

[Edit]Tell them you believe in them.

  1. You can lead or close with this, but make them feel supported. If the person being criticized feels like you don't believe in them, they're going to leave the conversation feeling bad about themselves. If your goal is to help them change for the better, remind them that you appreciate their hard work and know they're capable of what you're suggesting.[12]
    Criticize Constructively Step 10 Version 5.jpg
    • For example, you could close out a chat with a struggling student by saying, "I know how smart and kind you are. I believe in you, and I'm sure you can do this!"
    • You might tell an employee who's struggling with confidence, "You're a real asset to our team, and I know you've got what it takes to improve."

[Edit]Respond to concerns with understanding.

  1. Giving the other person a chance to respond is essential. If they don't feel like they have a voice, they're not going to walk out of the conversation feeling like they've been given a fair shake. Give the other person an opportunity to respond or explain how they feel. Even if you think they're wrong, or focusing on the wrong part of the criticism, it's important for them to feel like you're listening.[13]
    Criticize Constructively Step 11 Version 5.jpg
    • You could close out with something like, "Does all of this sound fair to you?" or, "How do you feel about all of this?" and just let the other person share.
    • If they seem resistant by the end of the conversation, you could even close with something like, "I totally get why you're frustrated. I'd be frustrated too, but we still need to address this."
    • If they get defensive or upset that you're critiquing them, try to reel things in a bit and remind them you're just trying to help. You might say, "I'm not trying to put you down here. I'm just trying to help, and I'm sorry if it doesn't feel that way."
    • If someone gets so bent out of shape that they start yelling or something, keep calm, try to help them relax, and just let it go. They're clearly not in a headspace where this is going to be a productive conversation.

[Edit]Tips

  • The "feedback sandwich" is solid if you aren't critiquing someone at work, but in an office setting, many professionals will spot this maneuver right away because it's so popular. This may have an unintended consequence of making your criticism feel insincere.[14]

[Edit]Related wikiHows

[Edit]References

How to Remove a Hot Sauce Stain

Posted: 06 Apr 2021 01:00 AM PDT

If you love the spicy thrill of putting hot sauce on everything, chances are you've had to deal with a spill or two. The oils and red pigment from the chili peppers in hot sauce can turn a small splatter into a stubborn stain, but don't give up hope! Whether you need to clean hot sauce from your clothing, carpet, or countertops, these solutions might just do the trick.

[Edit]Steps

[Edit]Cleaning Hot Sauce Stains out of Clothing

  1. Scrape off any excess hot sauce as soon as possible. Try using a spoon, butter knife, credit card, or even a paper towel to rub away as much of the hot sauce as you can. The stain will be easiest to treat if you get to it right away, but even if it dries before you notice it, start treating it as soon as you're able to.[1]
    Remove a Hot Sauce Stain Step 1.jpg
    • The more hot sauce that's present, the more likely the stain will be to spread once you start trying to clean it, which is why scraping off the excess is important.
  2. Coat large, fresh stains with baking powder, then rinse with cool water. To absorb some of the oil from the stain, sprinkle a generous layer of baking powder over the entire surface of the stain. Leave it in place for at least 15 minutes, then turn the garment inside-out and rinse the back of the stain with cold running water.[2]
    Remove a Hot Sauce Stain Step 2.jpg
    • While this isn't likely to take the stain out of the garment, it can make it easier to clean, since it helps remove some of the oil.
    • You can also use cornstarch if you don't have any baking powder on hand.
    • Rinsing the stain from the back will help flush the oil out of the fabric without spreading the stain.
  3. Rub liquid laundry detergent out of the stain and let it sit for 3-5 minutes. Pour a small amount of liquid laundry detergent onto the garment, then gently rub the detergent onto the surface of the stain. Wait for about 3-5 minutes, then turn the garment inside-out and rinse the spot under cold running water. When you're finished, launder the garment as usual.[3]
    Remove a Hot Sauce Stain Step 3.jpg
    • Do not use bar soap or powder detergent. You'll likely have to scrub to get these to cover the spot, which could set the stain deeper into the fabric.
    • This is especially useful for cleaning a stain that's dried, although it will work on fresh hot sauce stains, as well.
  4. Clean the spot with rubbing alcohol for a quick fix. If you want to lighten a hot sauce stain quickly, blot the area with rubbing alcohol and clean paper towels. Continue blotting until most of the stain is gone. Your garment should dry quickly once you're finished![4]
    Remove a Hot Sauce Stain Step 4.jpg
    • You can also use hand sanitizer or white vinegar if you don't have rubbing alcohol available. Just make sure the hand sanitizer is clear and fragrance-free so it won't stain your clothes.
  5. Wash the garment as usual once you lighten the stain. No matter which stain removal method you use, once you get the majority of the hot sauce out of the garment, run the clothing through your washing machine on a cool cycle. Examine the garment closely once you finish washing it. If the hot sauce is completely gone, put the clothing in the dryer or hang it up to dry. If there's still a faint stain, continue treating the garment until it's gone.
    Remove a Hot Sauce Stain Step 5.jpg
    • Washing the garment in cool water will prevent the stain from setting into the fabric if it isn't completely gone.
    • If you prefer, you can hand wash the garment instead.
    • Drying the clothing can set in the stain, which is why it's important to check before you put it in the dryer.

[Edit]Getting the Stain out of Carpet or Upholstery

  1. Blot up or scrape off any excess hot sauce. If you spilled hot sauce in your carpet or splattered it on your couch, try to remove as much of the stain as you can. To do that, blot the area with a clean, dry cloth if the stain is fresh, or scrape off any dried hot sauce with a butter knife, spoon, or paper towel.[5]
    Remove a Hot Sauce Stain Step 6.jpg
    • This will help keep the stain from getting larger when you add your cleaner.
  2. Mix of water and of liquid soap. In a small bowl or shallow container, mix cool, clean water with a small amount of liquid dish soap. Then, stir the mixture gently with a spoon or your hand so it's thoroughly combined.[6] of white vinegar to the mixture.}}
    Remove a Hot Sauce Stain Step 7.jpg
    • If you use warm water, the stain could set deeper into the fabric.
  3. Dampen a white cloth with the mixture and wring out the excess. Take a clean, white cloth and dip it in the soapy water you just mixed up. Then, wring out the cloth until it stops dripping.[7]
    Remove a Hot Sauce Stain Step 8.jpg
    • In general, when you're cleaning carpet or upholstery, it's best to use as little water as possible to avoid spreading the stain or leaving water spots.
    • Using a white cloth will ensure that you don't transfer any dye from the towel to the upholstery.
  4. Dab the stain with the wet cloth from the outside in. Blot the outside edges of the stain first, working in toward the center. Continue patting the stain, switching to a clean portion of the cloth as needed until the spot is gone. You can also dip the cloth in the soapy water and wring it out again if it starts to dry out.[8]
    Remove a Hot Sauce Stain Step 9.jpg
    • To keep up with what side of the cloth you've already used, try folding it into quarters before you start. Work on the first side, then flip the cloth over and use the second side once that's dirty. Then, turn the last fold inside-out and you'll have 2 clean sections of the cloth to work with.
  5. Blot the area with cold water and a clean cloth to remove the soap. Once you've gotten the stain out of the carpet or upholstery, pour out your soapy water and replace it with clean, cold water. Dip a clean, white cloth in the cold water and wring it out, then blot away any soapy residue that's left behind.[9]
    Remove a Hot Sauce Stain Step 10.jpg
    • Over time, the soap will lead to a large dirty-looking stain if you don't remove it.
  6. Dry the area with a clean cloth. After you blot up the soap, take a clean, dry towel and pat the area dry, absorbing as much of the water as possible. If any dampness remains, let the spot air dry overnight.[10]
    Remove a Hot Sauce Stain Step 11.jpg
    • The cloth you use to dry the area should be white as well. Colored towels may leave behind residual dye that could stain your carpet or upholstery.

[Edit]Treating Hard Surfaces

  1. Soak plastic containers in rubbing alcohol to remove hot sauce stains. If the stains are on the inside of a container, fill the container with enough rubbing alcohol to completely cover the stained area. If the stain is on the outside, fill a larger container with the rubbing alcohol, then submerge the smaller container in the alcohol. Let it sit overnight, then rinse thoroughly with cold water.[11]
    Remove a Hot Sauce Stain Step 12.jpg
    • You can also use hand sanitizer, bleach that's diluted 1:10 with water, or white vinegar.[12]
  2. Cover small plastic items with lemon juice and put them in the sun. To bleach hot sauce stains off of dishes, toys, or other small items, rub lemon juice over the stain. Then, put it outside on a sunny day for 1-2 hours. The stain should be noticeably lighter, and it may even disappear entirely.[13]
    Remove a Hot Sauce Stain Step 13.jpg
    • Lemon juice alone may lighten the stain, although it's more effective in combination with the sunlight.
  3. Apply baking soda paste to remove hot sauce from countertops. If you spilled hot sauce on your counter and it stained, try mixing baking soda with just enough water to make a thick, grainy paste. Spread the paste over the entire surface of the stain and let it sit for at least 30 minutes, although for stubborn stains, you may want to leave the paste on overnight. Then, rinse the area with cool water.[14]
    Remove a Hot Sauce Stain Step 14.jpg
    • You can also try using the baking soda paste as a scrub to clean hot sauce stains.
    • A paste made of denture tablets or effervescent antacids may be effective, as well.[15]
  4. Use table salt to scrub stains from smooth surfaces. Pour salt over the surface of the stain. Then, take a damp cloth and rub it into the salt in a circular motion. The abrasiveness of the salt scrub should help work the stain out of the surface.[16]
    Remove a Hot Sauce Stain Step 15.jpg
    • For instance, you can use this to scrub countertops, tabletops, or dishes with stubborn hot sauce stains.
    • Because this scrub is abrasive, avoid using it on any surface that would be easily scratched, like marble or lacquered surfaces.

[Edit]References

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