Stains on clothing can be a daily frustration, but with the right techniques and products, you can easily remove even the most stubborn stains, such as coffee, chocolate, dirt, and berries.
Here is Camilla's ultimate guide to removing the most persistent stains. The best part is that it only requires water, soap, and a good dose of patience. It will work out in the end!
General Stain Removal:
It’s always best to treat a stain as soon as it happens. Rinse the stain with cold water and gently blot with a clean cloth. If the stain doesn’t come out completely, baking soda can be helpful. Sprinkle a small amount of baking soda on the stain, let it sit for about 2 minutes, and then rinse with cold water.
Avoid rubbing: Rubbing can spread the stain and make it set deeper into the fabric.
Grease and Oil
Use dish soap to dissolve grease. Apply a small amount directly to the stain, gently rub, and let it sit for a few hours before rinsing with warm water. Repeat if the stain doesn’t disappear the first time.
Coffee and Tea
Immediately rinse the stain with cold water, apply dish soap, and dab the stain. If the stain has dried, soften it with a bit of dish soap before washing. Repeat until the stain is gone before washing the clothing as usual.
Chocolate
Gently remove excess chocolate with a knife and avoid rubbing it further into the fabric. Rinse with cold water and apply dish soap directly to the stain, making sure it is well covered. Rinse again with cold water and wash as usual.
Red Wine
Cover the stain with plenty of salt to absorb the liquid. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes, then rinse with cold water. Wash as usual.
Ink
Apply a small amount of rubbing alcohol to the stain using a cotton swab or cloth. Gently dab until the stain begins to lift. Rinse and then wash as usual.
Berries and Fruit Juice
Immediately rinse the stain with cold water. Then use a mixture of baking soda and water, or lemon juice, to remove any remaining traces. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes and rinse with cold water.
Grass
Mix a solution of water and dish soap to dissolve the stain. Rinse with cold water and wash as usual.
Blood
Blood is one of those stains where cold water is crucial to prevent the color from setting. Warm water can cause the stain to coagulate and become harder to remove. If the stain doesn’t disappear, make a paste of baking soda and water, apply it to the stain, let it sit for 30 minutes, and then wash as usual.
General Tips for Stain Removal
Read the label: Always check the care instructions of the textile before tackling stains.
Stain remover: A good all-purpose stain remover spray or stick can be useful and effective for many types of stains.
Repetition: Don’t give up—some stains require multiple attempts. If a stain doesn’t come out after the first attempt, repeat the process before drying the clothing. If the stain is still there after washing, avoid drying the garment in a tumble dryer, as the heat can set the stain permanently.
Cold water: Generally, use cold water, as hot water can set the stain and make it nearly impossible to remove.
Act quickly: The longer a stain sits, the harder it can be to remove.
Natural Stain Removal Tips
Lemon and sunlight: For white clothes stained with colorful foods like carrots or pumpkin, try applying lemon juice to the stain and then laying the clothing in the sun. This helps to naturally bleach the stain. Sunlight is generally a good post-treatment for stains.
Baking soda: Baking soda can also help neutralize odors and lift stains. Make a paste of baking soda and water, apply it to the stain, and let it sit for an hour before washing the clothing.
Enjoy!
