Stain Removal from Clothes

Stain removal from clothes is important to keep your wardrobe looking presentable. Understanding how fabrics need to be treated is essential to the stain removal process.

Stain removal keeps your clothes new.

The first thing you should do when considering stain removal from clothes is what your clothes are made of. Look at the label found in the collar or side seam of the garment. It will tell you what fabrics it is made of and the best way of cleaning the garment.

The label will also give other important information such as "Dry Clean Only" or "Lay Flat to Dry" or "No Chlorine Bleach." These tips offer important clues to stain removal. For example, if the garment says that you shouldn't use chlorine bleach, you won't want to use bleach to remove that ketchup stain. Garments that say "Dry Clean Only" should be taken to the dry cleaners to remove stains if possible.

Most stains can be removed with the same basic procedure. It is best to remove a stain before it dries and sets. When laundering stained clothing, be sure to check that the stain has been completely removed before putting the garment in the dryer. Heat from the dryer will set the stain and make it very difficult to remove it later. Additionally, you should not use hot water for the same reason.

First blot the stain, do not rub, to absorb excess liquid before it soaks in deeper. Rubbing will just rub the stain in deeper; it will not remove it. For solid stains, such as mud, you should scrape it off with a butter knife before you attempt to clean the stain.

If it says dry clean on the tag, you will need to get the garment to the dry cleaner within 48 hours of the stain. Leather or fur garments should also be taken to a professional for stain removal.

Once the garment has been pre-cleaned by blotting or scraping, lay the garment on a paper towel or old towel that can be stained without worry, stain side down on the towel. Then wet the stain with liquid laundry detergent or with a vinegar-water solution.

As the staining substance is rinsed to the towel underneath, you will need to move the garment to clean spots on the towel, applying more stain removal solution until the spot is clean. Now launder as usual.

Sometimes simple household products are perfect for removing stains without having to purchase a stain removal product. For example, hydrogen peroxide removes organic stains such as blood. Be sure to test this in a hidden spot before using on your clothes, however. Peroxide can bleach dark fabrics. Another example of a simple stain remover is white vinegar. It can be used full-strength on underarm stains or diluted with water and sprayed on tomato-based stains or mustard. Vinegar also removes grass stains. Bleach should be used with care. It has been shown to cause respiratory problems. Only use bleach if there is no other alternative.

The type of stain you have will dictate how it is removed. Protein-based stains such as mud, milk or urine should be dissolved in cold water before laundering. Agitate the garment in cold water until the stain is gone. Then wash as usual in warm water. Hot water will set the stain in the fabric.

Tannins such as coffee, tea or berries can be removed with liquid laundry detergent and warm water. Oily stains can be removed with a dishwashing liquid (not dishwasher detergent) and then washed as usual.

In most cases, stain removal from clothing is simple if you act quickly. Avoid using hot water because it will cook in the stain and make it impossible to remove later. Bar soap should also be avoided. Home remedies such as vinegar, peroxide or lemon may bleach fabric so they should be tested on an inside seam first before using it on the stain. If you aren't sure what the stain is, but it is on a washable item of clothing, commercial stain removers applied before normal laundering will usually do the trick.

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