You can soak the clothes to remove the stubborn stains. However, keep in mind that not all clothes can be soaked. Therefore, read clothing labels first. Before washing your clothes, you can pre-soak them in the washing machine, or in a separate bucket if you wash them by hand.
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Method 1 of 3: Pre-Soaking in the Washing Machine Before Washing
Step 1. Soak the clothes first before washing
You can soak the clothes directly in the washing machine tub if you plan to use the washing machine to wash your clothes afterwards. All you need to do is add detergent to the water that has been added to the drum, then soak the clothes for 20-30 minutes in the water and detergent mixture.
- It will be easier for you to soak your clothes in a top load washing machine than a side load washing machine. However, you can try checking if the pre-soak function or feature is available on the side-loading washing machine.
- Pre-soaking in the washing machine is more practical because you don't have to move the clothes after they've been soaked. However, you don't have to soak your clothes in the washing machine if you plan to wash them manually (by hand).
Step 2. Fill the washer tub
Start the wash cycle with an empty tub so that the tub can be filled with water. When the jar is half full, stop washing so you can prepare for soaking.
Step 3. Add detergent or stain remover product
Use the product in the amount normally required for washing clothes. Shake or stir the water to dissolve the cleaning product. After the detergent has dissolved evenly and the water is foamy, the clothes are ready to be put in.
The recommended amount of detergent is usually listed on the product bottle. If the product comes with a lid, you can usually follow the recommended dosage using the cap
Step 4. Soak the clothes
Put all the clothes you want to wash in the washing machine tub. Make sure all clothes are submerged in the water and detergent mixture. Soak clothes for up to an hour (or for the recommended duration).
- Soak clothes longer to remove stubborn stains. If the garment has a strong material (eg denim or canvas), you can soak it for several hours to increase its stain-fighting power.
- Don't soak clothes for too long! Fabrics with perishable fibers such as wool and cotton can be damaged or crushed when exposed to stain-repellent agents for long periods of time. This is important to remember, especially if you are using a specialty/industrial-scale product such as bleach.
Step 5. Rinse the soaked clothes to remove any detergent residue
After an hour has elapsed, take the clothes out of the washing machine and rinse thoroughly to remove any residual detergent or stain-fighting products. This step is usually considered optional if you really want to run the wash cycle immediately after the clothes have been soaked.
Step 6. Wash clothes as usual
If the soaking process doesn't work to remove the stain, you can soak the garment again. However, make sure you treat your clothes with care. Soaking or scrubbing specifically on the affected area may be able to eradicate stubborn stains.
Method 2 of 3: Soaking Clothes in Separate Containers
Step 1. Fill the container with water
Use a bucket, tub, or other container deep enough to completely submerge the garment. Some containers or soaking media that can be used are the washing area sink, clean bucket, or even a baby bath. Fill the container with enough water so that the clothes can be thoroughly soaked, but make sure you don't overfill the container so that the water spills out or is wasted when the clothes are put in. To solve this problem, put the clothes to be soaked in the container first, then fill the container with water.
You'll need to find a container to fill with water that will still hold clothes after the water is added. Don't forget that the weight of the clothes will raise the water level
Step 2. Add a stain remover product or detergent
Use the normal amount you usually add when washing clothes. Shake or stir the water to dissolve the product or detergent.
Step 3. Soak the clothes
Place the garment in the container and push it down so that it is completely submerged. Also push the part of the clothing that sticks out or rises above the water surface.
- If you want to get rid of small stains on certain parts of your clothes, try soaking them only. This way, you don't need a lot of space in the container to soak the clothes.
- If the water overflows, you may have put in too many clothes. Try soaking the clothes gradually, or use several buckets to soak all the clothes at once.
Step 4. Let the clothes soak
The duration of soaking depends on the material of the garment. For example, clothes made of denim can be soaked for several hours, and clothes made of wool and cotton should not be exposed to stain-removal products for more than 20-30 minutes. Do a light soak (20-30 minutes) if you plan to wash your clothes as usual. Soak clothes longer if you want to remove stubborn stains more intensively.
Step 5. Wash the soaked clothes as usual
Rinse clothes before washing to remove detergent residue. If the soaking process doesn't work to remove the stain, it's a good idea to soak the clothes again. However, make sure you treat your clothes with care. Soaking or scrubbing specifically on the affected area may be able to eradicate stubborn stains.
Method 3 of 3: Soaking Carefully
Step 1. Read care labels before soaking clothes
This is a step that must be followed. Some types of fabric are manufactured in such a way as to be resistant to immersion, but other types of fabric will deteriorate if soaked. In general, thick, durable fabrics can usually be soaked safely. Meanwhile, clothes with thin or easily damaged materials may be better brushed or laundered carefully.
Be careful when you soak woolen clothes. This fabric is very soft and thin. If soaked for too long, wool clothes are at risk of shrinking
Step 2. Treat the stain directly
If the stain on your clothes is serious and stubborn, you can usually apply a small amount of detergent or a stain remover product directly to the stain. Do an internet search to determine the best way to treat a particular stain (eg grass, blood, food, or urine stains).
