How To Remove Stubborn Stains From Clothing and Linens

 

Stubborn stains can be frustrating, but with the right techniques and products, you can restore your clothing and linens to their former glory. Here’s a comprehensive guide to tackling even the toughest stains using common household items and proven methods.

General Guidelines for Stain Removal

Act Quickly: Treat stains as soon as possible to prevent them from setting.

Blot, Don’t Rub: Gently blot the stain with a clean cloth to absorb excess liquid or residue.

Test First: Always test any cleaning solution on a small, inconspicuous area to ensure it doesn’t damage the fabric.

Check Before Drying: Ensure the stain is completely removed before drying, as heat can set stains permanently.

Common Stains and How to Remove Them

1. Coffee and Tea Stains
What You Need:

White vinegar or lemon juice

Baking soda

Dish soap

Steps:

Rinse the stained area with cold water immediately.

Apply a mixture of 1 teaspoon of white vinegar or lemon juice with 1 tablespoon of baking soda directly to the stain.

Gently rub it in and let it sit for 10 minutes.

Wash the item as usual with laundry detergent.

2. Grease and Oil Stains
What You Need:

Dish soap

Cornstarch or baking soda

Steps:

Sprinkle cornstarch or baking soda over the stain to absorb excess grease. Let it sit for 15 minutes.

Brush off the powder and apply a few drops of dish soap directly to the stain.

Rub gently and rinse with warm water.

Launder the item as usual.

3. Wine Stains
What You Need:

Salt

White vinegar

Laundry detergent

Steps:

Blot the stain with a paper towel to absorb excess wine.

Sprinkle salt over the stain to absorb moisture and let it sit for 5 minutes.

Rinse with cold water and apply a mixture of white vinegar and laundry detergent.

Wash the fabric on a cold cycle.

4. Blood Stains

What You Need:

Hydrogen peroxide

Cold water

Salt

Steps:

Rinse the fabric under cold running water immediately.

Apply hydrogen peroxide directly to the stain and let it bubble for a few minutes.

For delicate fabrics, make a paste with salt and water and gently rub it onto the stain.

Rinse thoroughly and launder.

5. Ink Stains
What You Need:

Rubbing alcohol or hand sanitizer

Cotton swabs

Steps:

Place a clean towel under the stain to absorb excess ink.

Dab rubbing alcohol or hand sanitizer onto the stain with a cotton swab.

Let it sit for 5–10 minutes and rinse with cold water.

Launder the item on a cold cycle.

6. Sweat and Deodorant Stains
What You Need:

Baking soda

White vinegar

Hydrogen peroxide

Steps:

Make a paste with 3 parts baking soda and 1 part water and apply it to the stain.

Let it sit for 30 minutes, then rinse with warm water.

For tougher stains, mix equal parts hydrogen peroxide and white vinegar, apply, and let it sit for 10 minutes before washing.