Whether it’s drops of coffee on our work clothes or spilled red wine on a favorite shirt, stains are a part of life. But the right removal techniques don’t have to make them a permanent part of our clothing. We’ll review how to remove common stains like coffee, grass, and red wine to keep clothes looking their best.
How to Remove Common Stains Safely and Effectively
Sure, you can toss those grass-stained pants in the washer and cross your fingers. But certain types of stains and how to remove them can require specific methods to save your clothing. Here’s how to remove common stains with proper pre-treating, the right supplies, and the correct water temperature.
How to Remove Grease Stains
Greasy foods can be messy, dripping on our clothes despite our best efforts to contain them. Here’s how to remove grease stains with dish soap and white vinegar, a natural stain remover for clothing:
- Cover the stain with clear liquid dish soap (if your dish soap isn’t clear, dilute it with water first).
- Soak the area with cold water.
- Rub the water and soap into the stain with a toothbrush.
- Rinse with white vinegar.
How to Remove Blood Stains
The key to effectively removing blood stains is to treat them as quickly as possible. However, if that’s not possible, our stain removal guide includes simple steps to remove both new and old stains:
- Rinse the stain with cold water only. Hot water can cause the stain to set.
- Soak the clothing in a mixture of cold water and detergent for 10-15 minutes.
- If traces of the stain remain, spot treat them with ammonia, hydrogen peroxide or an enzyme-based detergent. Be sure to test these products on a hidden area of your clothing first.
For dried blood stains use the pre-wash cycle on your washer with warm water and an enzyme-based detergent. If you don’t have a pre-wash cycle, soak the clothing in a solution of enzyme-based detergent and warm water for 30 minutes. Follow with a regular wash cycle.
How to Remove Grass Stains
Using baking soda to remove stains has long been successful for a variety of substances, including the ubiquitous grass stain. Follow these steps to use baking soda safely and effectively on grass-stained clothing:
- Dip a clean towel in rubbing alcohol and gently dab the stain.
- Coat the stain with a mixture of baking soda and detergent and allow to sit for 30 minutes.
- Brush the mixture into the stain with a toothbrush.
- Machine wash on a regular cycle with cold water.
How to Remove Red Wine Stains
Spilled red wine on light fabric is a dramatic sight that looks instantly permanent. Fortunately, stain removal hacks with common household ingredients can effectively remove red wine stains:
- Blot the stain with a dry towel.
- Mix a 1:1 solution of hydrogen peroxide and dish soap and dab onto the stain.
- Allow the solution to sit for 2 minutes before repeating.
If you prefer not to use hydrogen peroxide, cover the stain with a layer of table salt and pour club soda directly on top. Allow to sit for 1 hour, brush away the salt and blot the stain with a dry towel.
How to Remove Coffee Stains
Knowing how to remove common stains like coffee comes in handy when rushing in the morning. Here’s how to quickly remove coffee stains from clothing:
- Immediately soak the stain in warm water.
- Dab detergent or diluted white vinegar onto the stain. Avoid using powdered detergent or bar soap, as this can set coffee stains.
- Machine wash on the hottest setting recommended for your clothing fabric.
- Repeat, if needed.
The team at Sharper Service Solutions has advice for any laundry concern. From how to remove common stains to providing an expert washing machine repair, we can help!
