How to remove these tough stains from your clothes
Stains happen, but don’t despair. We’ve got you covered with easy stain hacks using everyday ingredients.
A drop of bolognese sauce on a pristine new cardigan. A splash of wine on a white blouse. A lipstick mark on a lapel. Unless you have superhuman powers of poise and foresight, stains on our clothes are almost inevitable. But it doesn’t mean you need to discard your favourite garment.
Here’s a handy guide to removing the most common stains you’re likely to encounter.
Tips:
- Treat stains as soon as possible so that they don’t have a chance to set.
- Before treating a stain, check the care instructions on your clothing item’s label. For washable items, use the instructions below. For items that are dry-clean only, blot the stain and get it to your dry-cleaner asap.
- The first wash after treating a stain should be in cold water, as hot water generally sets stains (depending on the stain type). Check the stain is fully removed before exposure to heat in a tumble dryer, too.
Here’s how you can tackle these stubborn stains:
Grease or oil
- Blot the stain with a paper towel to remove excess oil.
- Mix some dishwashing liquid with baking soda and rub into the stain.
- Follow this with a few squirts of lemon juice.
- Work the mixture into the fabric. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes.
- Rinse, then wash as usual.
Also read: 5 cleaning projects to take on this summer
Red wine
- Blot immediately with a clean cloth or paper towel to remove as much wine as possible.
- Pour salt over the stain to absorb the wine, leaving it for at least 20 minutes.
- Now for the fun part – use an elastic or string to stretch the stained area across the top of an empty pot.
- Pour boiling water over the stained area (this is one instance where hot water works). Repeat until stain is removed.
- Wash as usual.
Pen ink
- Blot the area with tissue to lift as much ink as possible.
- Apply rubbing alcohol (you can use hand sanitiser) or hairspray, dabbing gently.
- For tougher stains, mix baking soda with a little water to make a paste, let it sit, then rinse.
- Wash the item in cold water.
- When the stain is fully removed, wash as usual.
Coffee and tea
- Blot the area to remove excess liquid.
- Combine dishwashing liquid and white vinegar (alternatively: baking soda and water).
- Dab or rub gently into the fabric and let it sit for about an hour.
- Rinse with cold water, then wash the item as usual.
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