Time is of the essence when treating laundry stains. If you can treat a stain while it is fresh, the odds of removing it completely are in your favor. Sometimes it is as simple as dabbing a little of cold water on the stain, if the fabric is washable. Here are some quick tips to help remove some of the most common types of stains on washable fabric:

Blood Stains –

For fresh blood stains, it is as simple as soap and cold water or club soda. Wet the stained area and with a clean cloth, work in a little soap, or even mild shampoo. Rinse with more cold water and repeat, until gone. If you catch the stain quickly enough, you might not even need the soap. Remember to let the item air dry only, until you are sure the stain is gone. The heat of the dryer will set in a stain. When completely dry, check the item for any residual stain and treat again, if need be.  If the stain could not be treated when fresh, or is still there after using soap and water, try using a laundry pre-treatment such as Oxi-Clean Stain Remover and then launder as usual. I have also heard of using a solution of equal amounts of Hydrogen Peroxide and water, but have personally gotten mixed results. Hydrogen peroxide can have a bleaching affect on colored fabrics, so it is not a method I would suggest.

An old tip - using the tablespoon of ammonia and 1/2 cup cold water combination, after using soap and water, then rinsing. For colorfast items, try a paste of 6 tablespoons baking soda and ½ cup water.

Grass Stains –

Treat with a pre-wash stain remover, or soak in an enzyme containing product (like OxiClean). If the stain remains, you can try sponging the stain with rubbing alcohol (test fabric in an inconspicuous area first). If stain still remains, launder in hottest water recommended by care label, with bleach that is safe for that fabric.

Stains from Grease, oil, mayonnaise and salad dressing –

Apply stain remover to the back of the stain and blot with a clean white cloth and rinse. Launder in the warmest water allowable for fabric.

Ketchup or Barbeque Sauce –

Run cold water through the back of the stain as soon as possible, to try and force the stain out of the fabric. Gently rub liquid detergent into the stain, then rinse and let air dry. For any remaining stain, pre-treat with a laundry stain remover and launder with a bleaching product, safe for the fabric. Lemon juice may work – but use on whites only.

Mildew Stains–

If you cannot use bleach on the fabric, you may not be able to save it. Try washing the item using bleach that is safe for the fabric and in the hottest temperature allowable. Use Hydrogen Peroxide on any remaining stain, rinse and launder again. Drying the item in the sun may help to lighten the stains, but it will also lighten the fabric. Mildew is near impossible to remove completely. Anyone who has had success and would like to share their tips, feel free to contact us!

Sweat Stains –

Pre-treat the area with an enzyme containing product ( Oxi-Clean Stain Remover ) and rub in well. Wash in the warmest water allowable for fabric. Air dry the item until you know that the stain has been removed.

Red Wine Stain – 

If you can get to it right away, pour cold water or cold soda water through the back of the stain. You can also try a mixture of equal parts hydrogen peroxide and Dawn dishwashing detergent (test a hidden area of the fabric first for colorfastness!) and dab it on the stain, rinse, launder and repeat if necessary before drying. Remember, never dry any fabric before the stain has been removed. Drying, especially with heat, will set in the stain. If you make a habit of spilling red wine, you may want to keep a bottle of Wine Away handy!

Laundry Mishap-

Your red sock was mistakenly mixed in with your whites and now you have a load of pinks! Whatever you do, don't dry anything yet! Accidents happen, and color bleeding from a dark item onto a light or white article of clothing is very common - that is why I always keep a box of Rit® Color Remover or Rit® Color Brightenerin my laundry room cabinet; it’s not expensive and a good idea to have on hand. This product helps to remove color from dye-transfer stains on washable 100 % white fabrics.

Again, these suggestions are for washable fabrics only. If you stain a dry clean only item, it is best to blot up as much liquid as possible with a clean cloth and get it to a professional dry cleaner as soon as possible.