Isn’t it the worst when you look down and see a fresh stain on your favorite shirt? Whether it’s that morning coffee splash, a mystery mark from the kids’ playtime, or a little makeup mishap, stains are just a part of life.
I know how frustrating it can be, which is why I put together that quick visual guide you might have seen on Pinterest. But sometimes, you need a little more than a one-sentence fix.
So, I wanted to share a bit more detail on how to tackle those common stains head-on. Let’s get those clothes looking spotless!
1. Coffee / Tea
That morning cuppa is essential, but spills happen! The key here is speed. Flush the stained area immediately with cold water from the back of the fabric – this helps push the stain out rather than setting it deeper. Then, gently rub in a bit of liquid laundry detergent or a dedicated stain pre-treater.
Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes before washing the garment as usual in the warmest water safe for the fabric. Always check if the stain is gone before drying, as heat will set it permanently.
2. Red Wine
Oh, the dreaded red wine spill! Don’t panic. First, gently blot the stain with a clean cloth or paper towel – never rub, as this spreads it. If you have it, apply a commercial wine stain remover
. Alternatively, you can generously cover the fresh stain with salt or baking soda to absorb as much liquid as possible; let it sit for a few minutes, then vacuum or brush it off. Pre-treat any remaining stain with liquid detergent before laundering in cold water.
3. Grass
Kids playing outside, picnics in the park… grass stains are common! These are tricky because they’re pigment stains combined with protein. Your best bet is an enzyme-based stain remover or liquid laundry detergent containing enzymes – these break down the proteins.
Apply it directly to the stain, gently rub it in, and let it sit for at least 15-30 minutes (or according to product directions). Then, wash the item in the warmest water recommended for the fabric.
4. Mud
Mud needs a different approach – patience! Let the mud dry completely. Trying to wipe away wet mud often just smears it deeper into the fibers.
Once it’s dry, use a soft brush or scrape off as much of the dried dirt as possible.
Then, pre-treat the remaining stain with liquid laundry detergent, gently rubbing it in. Let it sit for about 15 minutes before washing as usual.
5. Ink (Ballpoint)
Ink can be intimidating, but ballpoint is often manageable. Place a clean white cloth or paper towel under the stained area.
Lightly dab the ink stain with rubbing alcohol using another clean cloth or cotton ball (always test on an inconspicuous area first to ensure it doesn’t damage the fabric or color!).
Keep dabbing and moving to clean sections of your cloth and the paper towel underneath until the ink stops transferring. Rinse thoroughly, then launder as usual. Hairspray used to work, but formulas have changed, so alcohol is more reliable.
6. Grease / Oil
Salad dressing, cooking splatters, bike grease – oil stains look bad but are often treatable because soap is designed to break down grease!
Apply liquid dish soap (like Dawn, which is excellent at cutting grease) directly onto the stain, enough to saturate it.
Gently rub it in and let it sit for 10-15 minutes.
Then, wash the item in the hottest water safe for the fabric, as heat helps lift the oil. Check before drying!
7. Blood
The absolute key with blood is COLD water. Hot water will cook the protein and set the stain permanently. Rinse the stain immediately and thoroughly with cold running water from the back of the fabric.
If the stain persists, you can often treat it with a 3% hydrogen peroxide solution – apply carefully, let it bubble (it’s lifting the stain), then rinse with cold water.
Be cautious with peroxide on dark colors as it can sometimes cause fading (test first!). Enzyme cleaners are also very effective on blood. Launder in cold water.
8. Tomato Sauce
Pasta night mishaps! First, gently scrape off any excess sauce solids with a dull knife or spoon. Then, flush the stain from the back with cold water. Pre-treat the area by gently rubbing in liquid laundry detergent or applying white vinegar or lemon juice and letting it sit for about 10-15 minutes. Rinse again, then wash in the warmest water safe for the fabric.
9. Makeup (Foundation/Lipstick)
For foundation or lipstick, carefully scrape off any excess product. Pre-treat the stain before washing. Good options include rubbing in a bit of shaving cream (the foamy kind), micellar water on a cotton pad, or a dedicated makeup remover.
You can also use liquid laundry detergent. Work the pre-treater in gently, let it sit for 10 minutes, then launder as usual.
10. Sweat
Those yellow underarm stains are caused by the reaction between antiperspirant ingredients and sweat. Try making a paste of baking soda and water (about 3 parts baking soda to 1 part water). Apply the paste to the stained areas, let it dry for 30 minutes to an hour, then scrub gently with an old toothbrush before washing.
Alternatively, soaking in a solution of equal parts white vinegar and water for 30 minutes before washing can also help.
11. Chocolate
A sweet treat that leaves a mark! Scrape off any solid chocolate pieces first. Rinse the stain from the back with cold water.
Pre-treat with liquid laundry detergent or an enzyme cleaner, gently rubbing it into the stain. Let it sit for at least 10-15 minutes. Wash in the warmest water safe for the fabric.
12. Berries
Berry stains are vibrant! Flush the stain immediately from the back with cool water. Avoid soap initially, as it can sometimes set berry stains.
Soak the garment in a solution of equal parts white vinegar and cool water, or lemon juice and cool water, for about 30 minutes. Rinse thoroughly, then apply liquid laundry detergent, let sit briefly, and wash as usual.
Remember, always check the garment’s care label first, and tackle stains as quickly as possible for the best results! Good luck with your stain-busting!