There's nothing worse than a big stain on the clean white clothes you just washed. Stains always seem to be worse when you find them on white clothes. You can't cover or avoid stains, but there are ways you can try to remove blemishes. There are many different types of stain remover in white clothes, which vary depending on the cause of the stain. While there is never a definite guarantee regarding smudge problems, one of the following methods may work well.
Step
Method 1 of 5: Using Stain Remover Before Machine Washing
Step 1. Find out the cause of the stain
When you're thinking about how to treat a stain, the first thing you should do is find out what's causing it. The main thing to determine is whether the stain is an oily stain or not. It's important to know this because the type of stain will affect the first step you should take.
- Most chemical-based stain removers are designed to clean all types of stains. Knowing whether the stains on your clothes are oily or not primarily aims to direct the action that must be taken immediately.
- A good homemade stain remover used to clean certain types of stains is discussed in method 3.
Step 2. If the stain is oily, avoid using water
If the stain is oily, avoid the urge to wash it directly under cold water. Oil resists water, so water coming into contact with the stain can make the stain stronger. Instead, use a dry paper towel to gently clean the stain. Oily stains come from a variety of sources, but the most common sources include:
- Stains from grease.
- Mascara.
- Lipstick.
- Foods that contain a lot of oil or butter.
Step 3. If the stain is not greasy, wash it off with cold water
If the stain is from a non-greasy source then the first thing to do is to gently wipe off the excess stain and wash it in cold water. Hold the garment under running tap water so that the water hits the back of the stain. This will help clean the stain from the back. Immediately washing the stain on the surface with water will actually press the stain into the fabric even more. Typical types of non-greasy stains commonly found on white clothing include:
- Sweat stains.
- cosmetics with non-oil based ingredients.
- Non-greasy food.
- Blood.
- Dirt or mud.
Step 4. Use a stain remover on the surface of the stain
You can buy cleaners in the form of sprays or sprays, liquids, and powders at your nearest convenience store. There is a wide variety of cleaning products available. So, if you can, look for products that are specifically designed to remove stains on white clothes. The next step is to simply put powder or stain remover liquid on the surface of the stain, according to the instructions on the product packaging.
- Some products recommend that you apply the cleaner to the edges of the stain. However, there are also a few others that need to be spiked in the middle of the stain.
- In general, you don't need to use too much cleaner for small stains.
Step 5. Put the clothes in the washing machine
Once you've applied the stain with a stain remover, all you have to do is put the clothes in the washing machine and wash as usual. Be sure to read the instructions carefully before you start washing, to check if the cleaning product you have requires the clothes to be washed at a certain temperature.
Method 2 of 5: Making Hydrogen Peroxide Cleaning Liquid
Step 1. Get some hydrogen peroxide and dishwashing liquid
There are many stain removers that you can make yourself. However, there is a type of cleaner that is particularly effective and simple, and requires only ingredients such as hydrogen peroxide and dishwashing liquid. The recipe is very easy, just pour hydrogen peroxide (3/4%) and dishwashing liquid in a 2:1 ratio into a bucket. The ratio used may be small, but it will depend on how much cleaner you want to make.
- You can try using it on oily or greasy stains, as well as regular dirt and food stains.
- This homemade cleaner works well on cotton, canvas, and other fabrics.
- However, it is not recommended to use it on silk or wool materials.
Step 2. Mix the liquids together and pour into a spray bottle
Once you've mixed the hydrogen peroxide and dishwashing liquid in the bucket, take an empty, cleaned spray bottle. Carefully pour the cleaning liquid into the bottle. You may need a funnel to do this, especially if you are pouring the liquid from a large bucket.
Step 3. Do a spot test
It is recommended that you test all stain removers first, especially those that you make yourself using chemicals, in small amounts. A spot test means testing a small amount of the cleaning mixture on an inconspicuous part of the fabric.
- This test is done to make sure the stain remover doesn't discolor or damage the material.
- This mixture should be safe for all colors, but still do a test before starting to clean the stain.
Step 4. Spray the cleaner directly onto the stain
Tighten the spray bottle cap, and try to spray it once into the sink. Once it feels safe, spray the cleaning liquid directly onto the stain. Spray liberally on the stain and let the liquid soak for a few minutes or more, depending on your patience.
- Rinse with cold water.
- If necessary, repeat this process for more difficult-to-remove stains.
Step 5. Consider soaking the clothes if the stain is difficult to remove or is larger in size
If the stain is larger and cannot be removed with just a spray cleaner, you can substitute this method for a method that is more suited to your needs. The thinner version of the stain remover is great for soaking stained clothes. Simply add hydrogen peroxide and dishwashing liquid in equal ratios to a bucket filled with hot water.
- Put the clothes in the liquid and let them soak.
- Rinse, and repeat if needed.
- Rubbing the stain area gently while the garment is still submerged will help remove the stain.
Method 3 of 5: Remove Stains on White Clothes with Natural Ingredients
Step 1. Use baking soda
Store-bought chemical stain removers are very effective at cleaning stains; however, they can also irritate the skin and some people may prefer natural alternatives. Baking soda is one of the classic stain removers. Baking soda is well known as something to use in the event of a spill that results in a stain. Just make a paste of baking soda with water, then apply it over the stain to let it soak in.
You can also combine baking soda with white wine vinegar
Step 2. Use lemon juice
Lemon juice is known to be a particularly effective way of removing sweat stains that don't look great on your white shirts and t-shirts, let alone under your armpits. Mix equal proportions of water and lemon juice and apply it on the stained area of the garment.
- Lemon juice and salt work well for removing mildew and rust stains on white clothes.
- Adding some lemon juice to a white laundry can generally make clothes look newer.
Step 3. Use white wine
Red wine is one of the worst stains when it spills on your white clothes. Surprisingly, however, a good way to remove stains from red wine is to spill some more wine on your clothes. This time take some white wine and carefully pour it over the stain. White wine is excellent for cleaning red wine stains. Using a kitchen towel, gently wipe the edges of the stain to prevent the stain from spreading.
Doing this won't make the stain go away right away, but it will help the stain come out after washing it as usual
Step 4. Use white chalk to clean oily stains
Oily stains are especially difficult to treat because water will only make them worse. A natural method to get rid of oily stains is to use white chalk. Rub the white chalk onto the cloth, but don't be too harsh. By doing this, the chalk will absorb the oil so the clothes won't absorb the oil.
- Remove any excess chalk before putting the clothes in the washing machine.
- Use only cold water. Then, don't put the clothes in the dryer or the oil won't come off.
Method 4 of 5: Using Bleach to Fight Stains
Step 1. Distinguish between oxidizing bleach and chlorine bleach
Oxidizing bleach is less harsh than chlorine bleach, making it much more fabric friendly. Hydrogen peroxide is an example of an oxidizing bleach that is often used to clean stains. Chlorine bleach is a stronger type with a more potent toxic substance, so it should be used with caution.
- Bleach that contains chlorine will tarnish the color of the fabric, but this type of bleach won't have much of a problem with white fabrics.
- If you use bleach regularly when washing in the washing machine, you may notice some yellowish marks appearing on white clothes.
Step 2. Use bleach only to remove stubborn stain areas
If you notice a particularly difficult stain on a white surface, it will help to use bleach carefully. After doing the spot test, gently dab bleach on the back of the stain with a cotton swab or also known as a cotton bud. Then lay the cloth face down, using a kitchen towel as a base. Don't push down on the fabric or rub against it.
- After using bleach on the stain, wash as usual.
- Wear rubber gloves if you use bleach like this.
Step 3. Add bleach to your laundry
A common use of bleach to bleach white clothes but that also works well for removing stains is to add bleach to your laundry. Always make sure to read the label on the package to see the recommended amount of bleach to add to your laundry. In addition to checking the bleach label, check the label on the clothes you're washing to see if they can be cleaned with bleach. For example, you shouldn't use bleach when washing silk or wool.
Method 5 of 5: Using Ammonia to Remove Stains
Step 1. Add ammonia to your laundry
Ammonia is an alkaline liquid that is great for removing grease and dirt stains from soil or mud. You can use it in the same way as you would bleach, by adding a small amount of ammonia to the laundry. Ammonia is also a strong chemical, and is often found as an ingredient in cleaning products, although it can also be purchased in individual products.
- NEVER mix bleach with ammonia as the reaction will produce a highly toxic and potentially lethal vapor.
- Remove stains in a well-ventilated room and wear gloves if you are using ammonia.
Step 2. Use liquid ammonia turpentine
If you want to apply ammonia directly to the stain, you can mix it with an equal proportion of turpentine to make a good cleaning fluid. Once you've made a small amount of this cleaning mixture, pour it over the stain and let it soak. You can leave it on for up to eight hours first, before washing it off.
- Be sure to separate these clothes from other clothes when you are going to wash the stain for the first time after applying the cleaning liquid.
- Concentrated ammonia will damage and stain clothes.
Step 3. Clean stubborn stains with ammonia rubbed with a foam sponge
Stubborn stains can be cleaned with ammonia directly at the source. Gently wipe the stain with a foam sponge that has been dipped in liquid ammonia. This is especially recommended for cleaning stains that come from body fluids, such as blood, sweat, and urine. After wiping the stained area, wash as usual.
Warning
- With all of the methods listed above, make sure that you will first test the cleaner on a small area.
- If you use a strong chemical, be sure to clean the stain in a well-ventilated room.
- Wear gloves when using bleach or ammonia.
