Whether it’s spilled coffee or pesky grass spots on your children’s clothing, stains are a part of life that we can’t avoid. But, with the proper stain removal techniques, they don’t have to be a permanent part of your clothing. Below we share practical ways to fight back against common stains to keep your clothes looking their best.
How to Remove Stains
Before you begin the stain removal process, keep in mind the ABCs of stain removal:
- Act ASAP – Pre-treating garments with a powerful stain remover as soon as possible will help ensure the stain doesn’t set into the fabric.
- Be Aware Before You Treat – Test your stain remover in a small inconspicuous area before treating the entire garment; you could end up causing more damage to the fabric than the actual stain. Then, promptly toss it into the washing machine with a high-performing detergent and cold water.
- Check Before You Dry – Before you toss the stained clothing into the dryer, check to see if the stain is gone. If it’s still visible, repeat the process. Dryer heat can set the stain permanently.
Now that you know the ABCs of stain removal, let’s talk about some of the most common stains and how to remove them.
Oil and Grease Stains
Oil or grease stains can be difficult to remove. Sometimes, rubbing laundry detergent and water into the stain before washing will do the trick. However, if you’re dealing with a stubborn grease stain, you can try a combination of clear dish soap and vinegar or dish soap and baking soda.
Blood Stains
The key to effectively removing blood stains is to work quickly. Soak the stain with cold water, then rub it with soap. Rinse, then add a dab of hydrogen peroxide and a few drops of ammonia.
Grass Stains
Grass stains can be challenging to remove because of the carotenoids, chlorophyll, and xanthophyll, which cause the spot to bind to the fibers in your clothing. When treating grass stains, mix one part white vinegar with two parts water and rub it into the stain using a toothbrush. Machine wash in cold water on a regular cycle.
Coffee Stains
To remove coffee stains, immediately soak the clothing in cool or warm water. Dab with liquid detergent or diluted white vinegar, then rinse. Avoid using powdered detergent, as this can set the stain. Machine wash on the hottest setting recommended for your clothing fabric and repeat if needed.
Sweat Stains
To rid your clothes of these unsightly stains, all you need is a bottle of white vinegar. Mix ¼ cup of vinegar with one cup of water and drench the stain in the mixture. Then, allow it to soak for 30 minutes. Rinse, and if the stain is gone, move the clothing into the washer.
Stain Removal Experts at Bakers Centre Laundry
Any time, day or night, Bakers Centre Laundry is here to make your life easier and your garments cleaner. Take advantage of our 24-hour laundromat and drop off your dirty laundry with our experts for fast and affordable wash, dry, and fold service. We’re knowledgeable in all types of fabrics, including delicate and specialty materials, so if you’re still wondering how to remove stains, our team is happy to help! Stop by our convenient laundromat today.
