Everyday Stains
Stains are an everyday part of life. Sometimes, the best things to attack stains can be found right in your home. The best way to treat a stain is to tackle it as soon as possible. New stains are easier to remove than old stains.
Before tackling any stain, read the fabric label and follow the directions for correct water temperature to prevent shrinkage or damage to the fabric. Spot-test on delicate fabrics, such as silk, to avoid ruining the garment. To avoid setting the stain in the fabric, don’t put the clothes in the dryer until you’re certain the stain is gone.
Removing Blood Stains
Blood stains are an organic protein stain that can present a challenge. If the stain is dried on, gently scrape or brush off any caked-on blood before applying any products.
One way to remove a blood stain is to soak the garment in cold water. Before soaking, remove any dried blood, using your finger to gently rub off the excess. Place the stained fabric in a bucket of cold ice water and let it sit for a few minutes. Use a fine bristle brush or toothbrush to gently break up the stain. Flush by running cold water on the back side of the stain. Repeat until the stain is gone. Once the stain is removed, launder as usual.
The next method only requires water and a bar of soap. Wet the stain, then rub the bar of soap directly over the stain, producing lather. Gather the fabric on either side of the stain, and rub the stain against itself. The friction will help loosen the blood. Rinse the fabric with cold water, and repeat the process as needed. Launder as usual.
Another method is to use 3% hydrogen peroxide. Hydrogen peroxide is an oxidizing agent that breaks down the stain. Place a paper towel under the stain to absorb the blood and excess liquid. Pour a small amount of peroxide directly on the stain, or apply with a cotton swab or ball, and wait for the bubbling action. To help work out the stain, gently rub the fabric together. Rinse under cold water. Since peroxide may discolor some fabrics (especially darker items), test the peroxide on an inconspicuous spot. Launder as usual.
Enzymatic cleansers also work well as a pre-treatment.
Take delicate fabrics to a dry cleaner if you're unsure how to treat them.
Removing Paint Stains
Water-based paint, which includes latex and acrylics, is easier to remove than oil-based paint.
To remove water-based paint stains, rinse the stain from the back side of the garment in warm water to flush the paint from the fabric. Next, saturate the stain with a combination of detergent and warm water. If you're unsure about the solvent and whether it'll discolor or ruin the fabric, test it on a small, inconspicuous area first. Then, wash as you normally would.
Oil-based paint is more durable than water-based paint, making it a bit tougher to remove. Your first line of defense is to read the paint can label for the recommended solvent to use as a thinner. Don’t use water on an oil-based stain. If the paint is still wet, use a clean cloth and dab the spot with paint thinner. If you’re unsure how the thinner will work on the fabric, do a spot test first.
If the fabric contains triacetate or acetate, don’t use any products containing acetone as this could ruin the fabric. Paint thinners are harsh. Wear gloves to protect your hands. Also, use in a well-ventilated area.
Once oil-based paint dries on clothes, it may be impossible to remove it.
Removing Red Wine Stains
To remove a red wine stain, turn to your kitchen pantry for salt. First, gently blot the stain with a clean white cloth to remove excess liquid. Next, cover the stain with salt to absorb the color. An even more effective option: Leave the salt on the stain overnight.
Another way to get rid of a red wine stain is with tonic water. The caveat for this is to pour the tonic water over the stain after the stain has dried, then blot. Repeat the process until the stain is gone. Follow up by washing with a mild detergent.
Removing Grease or Oil Stains
To remove grease or oil, blot the stain gently with a paper towel to remove excess oil. Sprinkle the stain with a thick layer of corn starch, salt, baking soda or talcum powder. Let it sit for about an hour. Use a soft bristle brush to gently scrub the absorbent, then brush away the absorbent. Rub the dishwashing liquid into the stain and let it stand for a few minutes. Next, soak the garment in hot water for an additional 30 minutes, then turn the garment inside out and rinse the back of the stain under hot running water thoroughly until the stain is gone. Wash the clothing in the laundry as usual with the hottest water the garment will allow.
Another method for removing grease and oil is to apply petroleum-based dish washing liquid directly to the stain. Rub it in and wait a few minutes for it to saturate. Next, wash the garment according to the garment label. Before putting it in the dryer, check to see if the stain is gone. If not, repeat the above steps.
Removing Ink Stains
If you’ve used an ink pen, chances are you’ve gotten an ink stain somewhere on your clothes. To remove ballpoint pen ink, use a sponge with rubbing alcohol to dot the stain. As with other stain-cleaning methods, place the stained materials on a pile of clean paper towels, stain side down, as you apply the alcohol. Rinse the garment with cold water and launder as usual. Make sure the stain is completely dissolved before putting it in the dryer.
Felt-tip-pen ink stain is more stubborn and more daunting to remove. First, rinse the stained section of the garment under cold water to flush out as much of the ink as you can. Next, fill a sink, bucket, etc., with hot water, and add liquid bleach-free laundry detergent, a splash of ammonia and let it soak for up to an hour. If the stain persists, soak the stain overnight.
Removing Nail Polish Stains
Acetone-based nail polish remover (or plain acetone) works on washable fabrics other than acetate, modacrylic or triacetate. Lay the fabric on a table, stain side down. Place a paper towel under the stain to absorb the excess liquid. Use an absorbent white cloth, paper towel or cotton swab and dab the nail polish or acetone on the back of the stain. To avoid pushing the color deeper into the fabric or spreading the stain, don’t rub. Once the stain is removed, wash the garment as you normally would.
Acetone can ruin the finish on tabletops, countertops, etc. Don’t skip the important step of placing a cloth or paper towel under the stain.
Removing Gum Stains
To get yourself out of a sticky situation with gum on your clothes, put the garment in the freezer, gum side up, for about an hour. Once the gum has hardened, gently peel the gum off. If it doesn’t come off easily, scrape it off with a credit card or a blunt knife.
Another option is to place freezer packs or ice cubes on top of the gum and allow it to sit for about 20 minutes. Once hardened, remove the gum as described above.