Stains on clothes can be a nightmare, especially if they're not removed right away. Sometimes, the stains are minor and can be easily removed at home with a couple of simple household products. Other times, they can be so severe that it's best to call in a professional stain-removal expert.
How to Remove Stains from Clothes
The first step to removing a stain is to use the right stain remover. If you don't have the time or energy to figure out how much of each ingredient you need, then a pre-mixed product like Shout Advanced Gel Stain Remover ($13) or OxiClean Versatile Stain Remover ($9) will be your best bet.
How to Remove Ink Stains
Ink stains are the hardest to remove, and it's likely that you'll have to use a couple of different cleaning products to get them out.
First, try using a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol and gently rub the stain.
If this does not work, try placing an ice cube on top of the ink for about 15 minutes. This will help break up some of those pesky ink molecules so they can be easily washed away with warm water and soap.
How to Remove Grease and Oil Stains
The most important thing to remember when removing grease and oil stains is not to panic. Once you've identified the stain, take a deep breath and follow these steps:
- Use a grease-cutting dish soap.If the stain is dry, it's best to work on it before any more time passes so that it doesn't become permanent. Dishwasher detergents are also effective at removing grease stains from clothes because they contain powerful degreasing agents that break down fats and oils.
How to Remove Juice Stains
If you're looking for a stain remover that will remove juice stains, try baking soda and a toothbrush. First, apply the baking soda over the stain and let it sit for 30 minutes. Afterward, scrub with a toothbrush or old brush until the stain is gone.
How to Remove Chocolate Stains
Chocolate can be one of the most difficult stains to remove from clothing, so here are some tips on how to deal with them:
- Use warm water
- Use a cloth or sponge and wipe off as much staining chocolate as possible before attempting any method below
- Soak in warm soapy water for 15 minutes or until stain disappears (do not use bleach)
- Apply stain remover according to package directions (this may take several applications), then rinse thoroughly after each application
How to Remove Coffee or Tea Stains
- Scrape off as much of the stain as possible using a spoon.
- Spray the stain with a spot remover and let it sit for several minutes.
- Wipe off with a clean cloth, then rinse in warm water. If the stain remains, spray again and rub with a bar of soap until gone.
How to Remove Blood Stains
To remove blood stains from clothing, you can use a combination of cold water and detergent. The type of detergent you choose will depend on whether or not your clothes are washable or dry-clean only. If you plan to hand wash your garment, it is best to use a detergent that is made for washing blood stains.
How to Remove Deodorants Stains
To remove deodorant stains:
- Use a cotton ball or soft rag to wipe the area with water.
- Wipe it again with vinegar and let it dry for about 10 minutes before rinsing off the area with water and drying it well.
How to Remove Powdered Cosmetics Stains
The first step towards removing a powdered makeup stain is to use a damp cloth. If the stain is stubborn, try using a commercial powdered makeup remover. Still no luck? Try using an alcohol-based face wash or baby shampoo if you have it on hand (just be careful not to get the product in your eyes).
How to Remove Perfume Stains
To remove a perfume stain, you’ll need:
- a dry cleaning solvent that is specific to the type of stain
- an inconspicuous area on which to test the solvent
Using these tools and materials, you can follow these steps to achieve clean results:
How to Remove Lipstick Stains
Use a cotton swab: Dip the end of a cotton swab in rubbing alcohol and rub it on the lipstick stain.
Dip a cotton ball into dish soap: Soak a small, clean cotton ball with dish soap, then wipe the lipstick off.
Use a damp cloth to wipe away the stain: Wet the stain with water before wiping it away with a clean cloth dipped in soapy water or rubbing alcohol (if you're using liquid).
How to Remove Perspiration Stains
Use a detergent. Wash the item with warm water and your favorite gentle liquid laundry detergent on top of your regular bedding load (or alone) without any other additives like bleach or fabric softener; then blot up excess moisture with a clean towel before hanging your garment to dry completely before wearing again! Repeat as many times as necessary until no more yellowing remains."
How to Remove Sweat Mark Stains
Use a hair dryer on high heat (or whatever setting is right for your hair dryer) and point it at the stain. This will help lift any excess moisture from the fabric so that when you put pressure on it later with a cleaning product, it won't seep back into the area where there should be no sweat mark at all!
How to Remove Permanent Marker Stains
To remove the stain, use a dry cloth or paper towel to rub the area vigorously. You can also soak the fabric in cold water for around 20 minutes, then wash as usual. If neither of these methods work, try using rubbing alcohol to remove ink from clothing. To do this, blot at least three times with a clean white cotton ball dipped in rubbing alcohol and wring out excess liquid from each time you blot
How to Remove Crayon Stains
When it comes to your children's artwork, crayons are the enemy. But you can use rubbing alcohol to remove stains from these colorful sticks of wax.
First, blot up any excess wax with a dry towel before applying your alcohol treatment. Then pour some rubbing alcohol onto the stained area and let sit for a few minutes (soak if necessary). Wipe away any remaining residue with another clean cloth and rinse with cold water. Wash as usual!
How to Remove Mud Stains
If the mud is dry, try using a cloth that is moistened with water and dishwashing liquid. Rub it gently into the stain until it disappears.
If this doesn’t work, try using bleach on the stain—just make sure you test out a small area first to see if it will discolor or fade your carpet before applying it to the whole carpet!
How to Remove Grass Stains
If you find yourself with grass stains, there are several ways to get rid of them. The most common approach is to make a paste out of laundry detergent, baking soda or vinegar.
How to Remove Wine Stains
If the stain is still there, try a little club soda to help lift it. If that doesn't work, try using a little salt.
Use a cloth or paper towel to blot up as much of the wine as possible from your fabric. Then sprinkle some salt over the wet area and let it sit for about 15 minutes before washing in warm water with detergent and rinsing thoroughly (you may have to repeat this process).
How to Remove Beer Stains
- Use Cold Water to Remove Beer Stains
- Take a clean, soft cloth and soak it in cold water.
- Pat the stain with the wet cloth until you've removed as much of the stain as possible.
- Use Soap and Water to Remove Beer Stains
How to Remove Ketchup Stains
Ketchup stains can be difficult to remove, but with these steps, you can get them out of your clothing.
- Use a spoon to remove as much ketchup as possible.
- Dampen the stain with water and then apply a small amount of liquid laundry detergent directly onto the stain. Rub it in gently (you don't want to spread!); then let it sit for up to two hours before washing again in cold water and air-drying completely.
How to Remove Hair Dye Stains
To remove hair dye stains, you'll first want to ensure that the stain is not too old and has had some time to set. If it is not fresh, use a mixture of rubbing alcohol and water (1 part alcohol to 2 parts water) on a cotton ball or rag. Let the solution soak into the stain for several hours so that it can penetrate deep into the fibers of your carpeting. Then, wash as usual with warm water and detergent.
How to Remove Adhesives Stains
Use an adhesive remover. If you can't get the glue off with water or steam, try using an adhesive remover. These products typically come in spray bottles, so be sure to read the instructions on how much product to spray on your clothes before you start working with it. Make sure that you're not allergic or sensitive to any of the ingredients in the adhesive removers!
Conclusion
We hope this guide has helped you understand how to remove stains from clothes. If you have any other questions or comments, feel free to reach out and we’ll be happy to help!
