Get a barbecue stain on your favorite shirt? You’d be surprised what can remove it, and it’s not Shout® or a Tide® Bleach pen.

Some strange stain removers you may have lying around the house include:

  • Artificial Sweeteners: (Equal, etc.) The powder will absorb the oil from grease stains – use it immediately to blot the stain, at home or at a restaurant.

  • Milk: Soaking a garment (even colors)in milk overnight will remove ink stains. Don’t forget to wash it afterwards.

  • Toothpaste: It’s not just for your pearly whites – non-gel paste can also remove ink stains. Who knew?

  • Shaving Cream: Non-gel (cheap) is surprisingly good at removing tomato sauce stains.