If you've never had a stain ruin your favorite garment, consider yourself lucky. Stains can force your favorite clothes back into your closet if you don't know how to treat them properly. But if you're unlucky enough to leave your clothes stained, there are some important ways to reverse your bad luck. The following steps will allow you to deal with stains on your clothes, and ensure that your clothes stay as clean as they were before.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Pretreat to Prevent Stain Deposits
Step 1. Check the label
Labels often provide useful knowledge about how to remove stains from certain clothes. In addition, the information provided on the label will ensure that you do not mishandle or damage the garment with an improper washing technique.
Step 2. Treat the stain with water
Before you start washing, always soak the clothes first and keep the stains wet with cold water. This will prevent the stain from drying out, making it "settle down" and becoming much more difficult to remove.
- If possible, keep the stained area completely submerged in water.
- If it is not possible to soak the stain, blot the stain with water. Do not rub, as rubbing will spread the stain on the fabric, creating a larger stain than the original stain.
Step 3. Avoid contact with heat
Most types of stain will settle faster due to heat. Therefore, avoid placing the stained material near a heat source or in direct sunlight, and only use cold water and solvents when treating it.
Step 4. Avoid pressure
Do not wring the cloth too vigorously or brush vigorously. Otherwise the stain can go deeper into the fabric, away from the surface.
Method 2 of 3: Choosing an Appropriate Stain Remover
Step 1. Assess the type of fabric
The type of fabric that is stained will determine the type of solvent needed to remove the stain. Labels on clothing usually indicate the correct type of fabric and washing procedure, but if not, proceed based on the type of fabric visible.
Step 2. Remove the stain from the cotton
The best solvents from cotton are commercial detergents (ie Tide) and weak acids (vinegar). While bleach can be safely used on white cotton fabrics, it is very harsh and can damage clothes.
Step 3. Remove the stain from the wool
Wool can be soaked, but only when laid flat, as wool is prone to stretching and deforming. Only use detergents that are safe for wool; any acid and bleach can damage the wool. Take woolen clothing as soon as possible to the dry cleaners to have the stain removed with a professional stain remover.
Step 4. Remove stains from synthetic materials
Synthetic materials include clothing made from fibers such as acrylic, nylon, olefin, polyester, and others. To be on the safe side, use standard laundry detergent with these fabrics, unless instructed otherwise by the label. Do not try to use traditional materials, as these can dissolve and damage the plastic used in these fabrics.
Step 5. Remove the stain from the silk
Stains on silk are very difficult to remove, and must be treated with extreme care. Soaking the silk in cold water can be useful for preventing precipitation, but be sure to avoid cleaning the silk only where it is soiled. If individual water droplets are left behind while attempting this, they may cause a permanent discoloration.
Step 6. Use water
Basically, water is safe to use on any fabric, but water is primarily only useful for preventing precipitation. Water can moderately reduce the effect of stains (hair dye, lipstick, etc.), but requires a long soaking time for the grease or oil to take effect. You'll likely need to use a stronger cleaning agent than water alone for most stain removal attempts.
Step 7. Use salt
Salt can be effective when placed over the stain, to draw out the stain. It can be effective on a variety of stains, including blood, red wine, and more.
Step 8. Use hydrogen peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide can be useful for reducing pigment stains, such as those from lipstick and grass. However, hydrogen peroxide doesn't work very well on fats.
Step 9. Use bleach
Chlorine bleach is only safe for use on white fabrics, and generally only on cotton.
Step 10. Use detergent
Detergent is very effective against most stains, especially on grease and oil stains, such as those from food. In addition, detergent is safe for use on most fabrics, but be sure to double check the label of the stained garment and the type of detergent you are using.
Step 11. Use a mild acid
Mild acids are excellent for removing sticky glue and adhesive tape, as well as mild coffee, tea and grass stains.
Step 12. Use glycerin
Use glycerin on ink and dye stains. Glycerin draws stains from fabrics and is often found in sold “stain sticks.”
Step 13. Use mineral spirits
Mineral spirits are best used on grease stains, such as those from tar, paint, asphalt, and engine grease. Mineral spirit should only be used on strong (hardy) fabrics.
Step 14. Use an enzyme cleaner
Enzyme cleaners are commonly sold cleaners, safe for use on inorganic fibers, such as cotton. These cleaners are mostly used to remove organic stains, such as blood, sweat, egg yolk, urine, etc.
Method 3 of 3: Applying a Stain Remover
Step 1. Use absorbent
Using an absorbent, such as salt, can gently pull the stain from your clothes. Sprinkle salt, baking soda, talc powder, or cornstarch over the stained area, and leave for fifteen minutes. Then remove the layer and rinse.
Step 2. Use a solvent
Turn the stained garment upside down, so that the stain is on the side away from you. Then, apply your chosen stain remover to the back side of the stain. The solvent will soak in and push the stain toward the fabric's surface.
Step 3. Place the clothes on a paper towel
Place the stained side of the cloth on a paper towel. This allows the solvent to push the stain from the fabric into the absorbent surface. Then, the stain-causing agent will come out of the fabric.
Step 4. Leave the clothes that have been smeared with the solvent
This will give the solvent time to work, let the clothes face down on the paper towels for about an hour. However, "don't" let the cloth dry, or the stain can settle, making all the efforts you put in before go to waste.
Step 5. Rinse the clothes
After you have completed all the steps above, immediately put it in the washing machine, or wash it thoroughly by hand. This allows solvents and stains to be rinsed off the clothes so your clothes come back clean and spotless.
