How to Remove Every Stain Like a Pro

If there is one thing we as a global society can agree on it’s that stains are the worst. Just about anything and everything can stain your clothes and it usually happens at the worst times possible. So how do you remove stains?! Most people use stain removers like Spray ‘n Wash and Oxi Clean Max Force stain removal spray. These stain removers can usually do the job. If you catch the stain early, putting laundry soap directly onto the stain, rubbing it in a little and then tossing it in the washing machine as soon as possible will also do well at removing the stain. But if you’re in a hurry or you just don’t have the money, here are some easy home-remedies for removing stains.

Blood:

Did you know that you can use Windex to remove blood from clothing?! It sounds like a My Big Fat Wedding joke, but it’s actually true. You can use this method on either fresh or dried blood. Spray Windex onto the area, rub it in and then toss it in the washing machine on COLD water.

You can also try using baking soda. Baking soda, like vinegar, is a great natural cleaning agent.  Rinse as much blood out of your garment as possible. Then rub some baking soda into the bloody area. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes and then rinse it with COLD water. This may take a few times depending on how dry the blood is.

NOTE: Dried blood is a lot harder to get out of clothes than wet blood. The quicker you get to it, the better.

WARNING: Never put the garment into the dryer unless you know the stain is gone. If you do, the dryer will set the stain and make it almost impossible to get out.

Grass:

Grass is a stain that has to be put through the washing machine. You can use white vinegar or baking soda to remove it. Combine 2 parts water with 1 part vinegar or baking soda (you might try 2 tablespoons water and 1 vinegar/baking soda to start and then make more if needed). Apply this cleaning solution to the stains and let it sit for 10-15 minutes. Then rub the solution into the fabric and toss it in the washer. (source)

WARNING: Never put the garment into the dryer unless you know the stain is gone. If you do, the dryer will set the stain and make it almost impossible to get out.

Makeup:

Different methods dispose of different stains and spills.

For powders like blush and eye shadow, use tape to remove from clothes.

Foundation: Rub shaving cream into the stain until it is gone and then wash.

Lipstick: Rub nail polish remover into stain until it’s gone and then wash.

Mascara: Use dish detergent (such as Dawn) to rub it out of your clothes.

NOTE: If something extreme happens and an entire bottle of makeup ends up in your washer/dryer and explodes all over everything you can go to the hardware store and buy some industrial strength acetone to remove it. Apply, rub and wash.

WARNING: Never put the garment into the dryer unless you know the stain is gone. If you do, the dryer will set the stain and make it almost impossible to get out.

(source: Becky Swain)

Ink:

Growing up, I always thought ink was impossible to get out of clothes, but that’s not true! You can use alcohol or hairspray to remove ink stains. Who knew? To remove with alcohol, use cotton balls (or fabric like rags or clean wash clothes). Apply alcohol to one cotton ball/rag and put the dry one inside the fabric. Use the wet cotton ball/rag to dab the stain. The dry cotton ball/rag on the other side will prevent the ink from spreading.  Dab as needed, but don’t scrub because scrubbing can actually drive the ink further into the fabric. When you’re done, put the garment through the washer.

WARNING: Never put the garment into the dryer unless you know the stain is gone. If you do, the dryer will set the stain and make it almost impossible to get out.

 

Sauces:

If you can get to the stain right away, a little water and soap will usually take care of any sauce stain. You can even use hand soap to wash with.

If it’s been an hour or may you may need a more intense process to fully remove the stain. Once you get home, wash the garment with soap and water to remove as much of the stain as possible. Then use equal parts baking soda and water to create a paste and rub it into the stain. Let it fit for a few minutes then put it through the washing machine.

WARNING: Never put the garment into the dryer unless you know the stain is gone. If you do, the dryer will set the stain and make it almost impossible to get out.

 

Oil-Based Paints:

Paint is incredibly difficult to get out of clothes so there can be no promises made, but if the paint is oil-based, you may have luck using dish detergent to get at least the worst of it out. To do this, get the stain wet and apply dish soap. Rub between your fingers until the paint begins to leave. Rinse and repeat as needed.

WARNING: Never put the garment into the dryer unless you know the stain is gone. If you do, the dryer will set the stain and make it almost impossible to get out.

 

Juices/Grease:

Most juice and grease stains can be removed with soap and water. For greases, use dish soap and scrub until it’s no longer visible. If the stain doesn’t appear to be moving, then create a paste from equal parts baking soda and water (1 tablespoon of each is usually enough). Rub the paste into the clothing and let it sit for 10 minutes, then put it in the washing machine.

WARNING: Never put the garment into the dryer unless you know the stain is gone. If you do, the dryer will set the stain and make it almost impossible to get out.

Anything Sticky:

Sometimes, you have no idea what it is, but it’s sticky and gross and you want it gone. Anything sticky can be removed with dish detergent and water. Get the sticky part wet and add dish soap directly to it. Scrub with your fingers (or rubbing the fabric together) until the sticky stuff is gone. Then rinse. You can put it through the washing machine if you want, but you should be good to wear it right away.

 

Are there any stains I missed? What are methods you’ve used in the past that worked? Share your stain removing knowledge and experiences in the comments below and add any suggestions you may have to inspire my next post.

Thanks to Haylee for inspiring this post!