Demystifying Stain Removal

by Marissa Zumbo, February 2022

Think fast!

When it comes to stains, it’s best to treat them as quickly as you can. Most stains will come out, even if they’re a bit older, but the faster you treat the stain, the more likely it’ll be erased.

As usual, you want to be mindful of the fabric you’re treating (as some things may be dry clean only). First and foremost, check the care labels, then proceed based on the type of stain.

Stain Removal by Type

Blood

  • For fresher stains, immediately soak the fabric in cold water.

  • Use dish soap on the stain, rinse under cold water, and then launder regularly.

  • For an older stain on a light colored fabric, rub the stain with hydrogen peroxide and rinse under cold water.

  • Repeat this several times and then launder regularly.

  • If the blood is on a dark fabric though, stick with dish soap, as opposed to hydrogen peroxide.

Sweat

  • In a bucket or wash basin, mix a powdered enzyme cleaner like OxiClean with warm water. Soak the stained fabric in it for an hour or overnight if it’s a harsh stain.

  • When it’s done soaking, rinse and then launder regularly.

  • Hang dry outside or in a sunny area if possible.

  • If you don’t have Oxiclean on hand (which is what we use at the mat, btw), you can use a mix of 1 part distilled vinegar and 1 part water.

  • Whatever you do, DO NOT USE CHLORINE BLEACH on sweat stains.

  • Use a laundry brush to remove as much debris as possible from the stain area.

  • With lesser stains, soak in a 1:1 vinegar and water solution for 15 minutes before laundering.

  • For more serious stains, pre-treat the area with dish soap then rinse with cold water.

  • For really persistent stains, let the garment soak in Oxiclean for at least an hour and then launder again.

Grass & Mud

Oil & Grease

For a fresh stain

  • Cover the area with baking soda or cornstarch to soak up the oil or grease.

  • Let that sit for 15-45 minutes then shake off the powder.

  • Lather the stain in dish soap and let sit for a few minutes.

  • Rinse the dish soap out with cold water and then launder normally.

  • Air dry the fabric and make sure the stain is gone before applying heat.

If the stain is older

  • Jump right to soaking it overnight in an oxygenated bleach (like Oxiclean).

  • Rinse the clothing in cold water and check on the stains.

  • If the stains are still there, you might want to pre-treat with a grease fighting product like Pine Sol.

  • Then launder as usual.

  • Air dry the fabric and make sure the stain is gone before applying heat.

Ink, Lipstick, & Liquid Makeup

  • Create a border of petroleum jelly around the stain to stop it from spreading as you treat it (more for ink and liquid makeup).

  • Dab the area with isopropyl alcohol repeatedly until the stain is gone. Once the stain has been lifted, launder regularly.

  • If the stain is older or being difficult, soak it overnight in an Oxiclean or similar solution before laundering.

Condiments, Coffee, Chocolate, & Most Other Foods

  • Blot any excess liquid/residue from the stain. For coffee, you can immediately wash it under cold water, but for most condiments and chocolate, apply and scrub with dish soap first (then run under water).

  • Rinse the stain comprehensively again in cold water to remove any soap.

  • If you feel it’s necessary, dab isopropyl alcohol on the stain repeatedly to lift more of the residue from the clothing.

  • Launder regularly.

Are those stains still sticking around? For super persistent ones, you might have to move forward with an overnight soak. Check the care labels and product instructions first. Here are some fan favorite products:

  • OxiClean – An oxygen bleach (which is different from other bleaches) that is safe on colors. Again, this is the stain remover we use the most at the laundromat.

  • Borax – A boron compound that is also great for long-soaking stain removal.

  • Powdered Cascade – Great for stubborn stains on white or light fabrics.

There’s an endless amount of products, options, and home remedies we could recommend, but I think we’ve blasted you with enough stain fighting power today.

Go forth and remove stains!

SIGN UP FOR BLOG POSTS TO BE DELIVERED DIRECTLY TO YOUR EMAIL!

Sources Cited for Article:

https://www.acleanbee.com/ultimate-guide-to-clothing-stain-removal/

https://cleaning.lovetoknow.com/laundry-tips/how-remove-old-stains-from-clothes