Save your clothes with my must-have stain-fighting tips

Ketchup or wine on your favorite top? Splashes of oil or grease while cooking? You don’t have to throw it away. Not with our handy stain removal tips, which use simple household items you probably already have on hand.

No matter what type of stain you want to remove, from blood and grass to wine, oil and more, there is hope beyond resigning yourself to finding a new one. favorite item of clothing. In fact, with this guide you can remove pretty much any stain if you act quickly enough. The trick is in the process and the elements you use. We have a complete list of tips and tricks you can follow below.

For more cleaning tips, explore how to clean workout clothes And how to clean your running shoes.

How to Remove Oil and Grease Stains from Clothes

Oil and grease stains are difficult to remove, but not impossible. Dab a little laundry detergent on the stain and wash the garment according to label directions, or try a combination of dish soap and white vinegar for stubborn stains.

The method described below is one that cohorts of online advice-givers swear by and requires only dish soap and baking soda. And remember, time is of the essence when it comes to oil and grease, so tackle stains as soon as you notice them.

1. For any stain, blot the mark first, removing any excess.
2. Apply a few drops of mild dish soap to the stain. Rub the soap with clean fingers until the detergent completely covers the stain.
3. Next, apply a tablespoon of baking soda to the soap and rub it into the fabric for two minutes (you can use a soft-bristled toothbrush for a more effective scrub).
4. Once the mixture forms a paste, let the solution and the garment sit for an hour.
5. Rinse the garment in the sink then machine wash it.

How to Remove Grass Stains from Clothes

Grass stains are almost inevitable on children’s clothes and can be difficult to remove. You may be able to machine wash them or use a stain remover, but if that’s not enough, you can find a solution here:

1. Soak the garment in a stain-repellent mixture for 30 minutes. You can use a solution of 2 cups of white vinegar or a mixture of dish soap and hydrogen peroxide.
2. Gently scrub the stain with a soft brush.
3. Rinse the mixture from clothes thoroughly with cold water.
4. Machine wash according to label.

How to remove blood stains from clothes

Blood is notoriously difficult to remove from clothing and may require multiple treatments. But it’s easier to remove when it’s fresh, so act as quickly as possible. Here is one method:

1. Soak the stained item of clothing in cold sink water as soon as you notice the stain. (Make sure the water is cold, as hot water will encourage proteins in the blood to set the stain in the fabric.) If the stain is very recent, blot up any excess with a paper towel or even wipe the garment under the tap to remove it. as much as you can.
2. Coat the stain with a hydrogen peroxide (20%)mixture (1 part hydrogen peroxide to 6 parts cold water) or apply a paste of baking soda (2 parts baking soda to 1 part water).
3. Rinse the garment in cold water before machine washing.

How to remove sweat stains from clothes

It’s unfortunate, but it happens. Even in the hottest climates, you don’t have to let sweat ruin your clothes with this method:

1. Prepare a solution of a quarter cup of white vinegar with a cup of water.
2. Dip the sweat stain with the mixture or submerge the garment completely.
3. Let the garment soak for a full 30 minutes.
4. Rinse in cold water and machine wash.

How to remove coffee stains

I drink coffee like it’s my job. I love him. But I really don’t like the coffee stains that inevitably get on my work blazer or favorite work pants when I’m in a hurry in the morning. Here’s how to remove those coffee stains:

1. Submerge the stained item of clothing completely in lukewarm water.
2. Dab mild laundry detergent or diluted white vinegar mixture (one-quarter cup white vinegar to one cup water) on the stain.
3. Machine wash on the hottest setting your garment allows.

How to Remove Red Wine Stains from Clothes

After a night out, you might be shocked by the sight of red wine on your favorite blouse or collared shirt. Although it may seem dramatic, you can easily and effectively remove red wine stains:

1. Blot the stain with a paper towel to remove any excess.
2. Mix a solution of equal parts hydrogen peroxide and dish soap and lightly apply the mixture to the stain with your fingers.
3. Let the solution sit for 20 minutes to an hour before rinsing.

If you prefer not to use hydrogen peroxide, you can instead apply white vinegar and dish detergent, and follow the steps listed above.

Conclusion

Either way, a little effort and a little time will go a long way in making your clothes look new. Remember not to put the garment in the dryer until the stain is completely gone (so the stain doesn’t harden) and feel free to repeat any of the above processes if necessary to remove stains.

For more laundry tips, explore why it might be time to ditch your favorite laundry project and the the most energy efficient way to do your laundry.

FAQs