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Learn how to get stains out of both machine-washable and nonwashable fabrics using our simple tips.
Evennotoriously difficult stains like red wineor ink can be removed from most fabrics.
Credit:BHG / Michela Buttignol
It’s also generally best to blot the stain rather than rub it.
Blotting helps draw the stain out of the fabric while rubbing pushes the stain deeper and can damage fibers.
This will let you know whether the cleaning method will damage the fabric.
Credit:Brie Goldman
For washable items, treat the stain as quickly as possible, before it has a chance to set.
Use the recommended cleaning method for that particular bang out of stain (outlined below).
Usually, theselaundry stain removerswill recommend cold or lukewarm water, as hot water often sets stains.
Credit:Brie Goldman
The heat of the dryer can set the stain and make it permanent.
Be sure to point out the stain and explain what it is when you drop it off.
How to treat machine-washables:For fresh stains, soak in cold water, then launder.
Credit:Brie Goldman
For dried stains, pretreat or soak in warm water with aproduct containing enzymes, then launder.
These types of laundry products are often recommended for protein-based stains, such as blood.
Check the labels for this ingredient, as most enzyme products will promote their ability toremove these stains.
Credit:Brie Goldman
How to treat nonwashables:Flush the stain with cold water.Apply diluted white vinegarto the stain with an eyedropper.
Rinse the spot with cool water.
How to treat machine-washables:Pretreat in warm water with a product containing enzymes.
Credit:Brie Goldman
Or treat with a prewash stain remover before laundering.
If the stain remains, rewash the item with bleach that’s safe for the fabric.
How to treat nonwashables:Apply diluted white vinegar to the stain with an eyedropper.
Flush the spot with cool water.
How to treat machine-washables:Soak the stain in cool water.
Pretreat with a prewash stain remover, a liquid laundry detergent, or a paste of detergent and water.
Launder with chlorine bleach, if safe for the fabric, or color-safe bleach.
How to treat machine-washables:Rub the deodorant stain with a damp cloth, sponge, or baby wipe.
If the stain persists, use a cotton ball dipped inrubbing alcohol.
Once the residue has disappeared, launder as normal.
If that doesn’t do the trick, try a damp cloth or wet sponge.
How to treat machine-washables:Lightly brush off as much powder from the garment as possible.
Pretreat with stain remover or liquid laundry detergent.
Launder using the hottest water safe for the fabric.
How to treat machine-washables:Pretreat them with a stain remover or liquid laundry detergent.
Launder using the hottest water safe for the fabric.
How to treat machine-washables:Work liquid dish soap into the stain with a clean cloth.
you’ve got the option to also use a pretreatment stain remover before laundering with hot water.
This method also works to get oil stains out of jeans.
How to treat nonwashables:Take to a professional dry cleaner, orfollow these instructionsfor specific fabrics.
Tips for Treating Ink Stains on Fabric
When totreat an ink stain:As soon as possible.
How to treat machine-washables:Pretreat with stain remover and launder as usual.
If the stain remains, place the item on clean paper towels.
Sponge the area around the stain with denatured alcohol before applying the solvent to the stain.
Frequently replace the paper towels as they get soaked.
Rinse well and launder.
Hold the fabric taut so the ink spot doesn’t spread.
Drip alcohol through the stained fabric.
As the solvent leaves the fabric, the ink will drop into the container.
Rinse well and launder.
Apply to the stain.
Let stand 30 minutes, adding more solution to keep the stain moist.
How to treat machine-washables:Soak the garment in cold water for 30 minutes.
Lightly apply white vinegar to the stain.
Let it sit for another 30 minutes.
How to treat nonwashables:Take to a professional dry cleaner.
How to treat machine-washables:Do not use water.
Blot mineral oil onto the stain, and let the treated item sit for 15 minutes.
Blot the excess oil, then sponge with 1 part ammonia and 2 parts water.
How to treat nonwashables:Treat nonwashable items, except wool or silk, the same way as washables.
Wool and silk cannot be treated with ammonia and must be dry-cleaned.
Let it sit for several minutes, then wash in the hottest water temperature recommended for the fabric.
If possible, let the garment air dry in direct sunlight, whichcan also help kill mold spores.
Repeat this process as needed, then launder as usual.
If the stain persists, take the item to a professional dry cleaner.
How to treat machine-washables:Immediately scrape off any excess nail polish with a dull knife or spatula.
Take care not to smear the polish as you scrape.
Take to a professional dry cleaner, or place the stain facedown on several layers of clean paper towels.
Apply polish remover to the back of the stain.
Replace the towels as they accept the polish.
Repeat if the stain begins to lift.
How to treat nonwashables:Immediately scrape off any excess nail polish with a dull knife or spatula.
Take care not to smear the polish as you scrape.
Take to a professional dry cleaner.
How to treat nonwashables:Blot excess stain and take the fabric to a dry cleaner.
How to treat machine-washables:Rinse in warm water while the stain is still wet.
How to Remove Sweat Stains on Clothing
When totreat a sweat stain:As soon as possible.
How to treat machine-washables:Apply ammonia to fresh stains, or white vinegar to old stains; rinse.
Launder using the hottest water safe for the fabric, or wash with an enzyme product or color-safe bleach.
(Nevermix ammonia and bleach.)
Hydrogen peroxide is a natural bleaching agent, so this method should only be used for white fabrics.
How to treat nonwashables:Apply diluted white vinegar to the stain with an eyedropper.
Flush the spot with cool water.
This method works well to get sweat stains out of hats.
How to treat machine-washables:Cover the stain with salt and stretch the fabric over a bowl.
Pour boiling water onto the stain.
If stain remains, apply diluted white vinegar with an eyedropper.
Flush with cool water and launder.
If the stain persists, apply a paste of vinegar and baking soda for 30 minutes.
Rinse again with cold water before laundering.
How to treat machine-washables:Apply diluted white vinegar to the stain with an eyedropper.
Flush the spot thoroughly with cool water.
Pretreat with a prewash stain remover and launder.
If the fabric is bleach-safe, soak in a diluted bleach solution instead.
Launder it immediately in a cold-water cycle, using regular detergent.
If possible, air dry the item in the sun to help fade the turmeric, then wash again.
How to treat nonwashables:Flush the spot with cool water.
If the stain persists, take the garment to a professional dry cleaner.
The best way to prevent stains from becoming permanent is to treat them immediately.
There are many very effective stain-removing products on the market.
Some may be better for natural fabrics while others are more effective on synthetics.
The best overall stain remover for most fabrics and stains is a 50-50 mix of white vinegar and water.
Keep a spray bottle of this mixture on hand for quick treatment of most household stains.
