Clothing Stain Removal

Most stains can be easily removed from clothing with products already in the cupboard such as bleach, Vaseline, ammonia, vinegar and detergent.

You don't always have to rush to the store to buy expensive specialty products. Check out these tips to remove the stains quickly and easily yourself.

Fabric Stains

• Blot the stains as soon as it happens.
• Always pretest the stain removal product on a hidden area first.
• Work on the back of the stain to the front.
• Treat all the stains as soon as they happen. Fresh stains come out easier.
• Be gentle. Avoid rubbing which will damage the clothing fibers.
• Always use cold or warm water. Hot water will usually set a stain
• Do not dry the clothing in the dryer until you are certain the stain is completely removed.
• Silk, spandex and wool should never be bleached.
• Always check the clothing manufactures instructions and follow their directions for stain removal.
• Do not iron the stained clothing until you are certain the stain is gone. Heat will set the stain.
• Air dry the stained clothing until you are certain the stain is gone. Do not put it in the clothes dryer.
• Follow the stain removal process until the stain is completely removed. Wash the garment according to the manufacturers instructions.
• Wash items thoroughly after treating stains to remove stain remover residue.

Butter & Oil

Greasy, oily butter stains are a hard stain to remove. First get a good grease solvent such as goop and apply to the butter stain. Let the clothing sit for about 2 hours. Take some liquid laundry soap or dishwashing liquid and apply a few drops to the stain. Work the detergent into the stain with your fingertips. Be gentle. Launder as usual.

Ketchup and Mustard

Summertime favorites. Ketchup and mustard comes with outdoor fun. You'll need to act quickly, before the nasty condiment stain sets.

1. First remove any excess ketchup or mustard by scraping it off with a butter knife or blot up as much as possible with napkins or paper towels.
2. Rinse or sponge the stain with cold or cool water.
3. Using your fingertips, work in a mild detergent into the stain.
4. Rinse the clothing thoroughly with cold or cool water.
5. Apply a laundry stain remover.
6. Wash and let the clothing air dry.

Removing Gum

Gum can be easily removed by putting the gum stained clothing in the freezer. Leave for at least 6 hours then remove and chip off the frozen gum with a butter knife. Use solvent to remove any residue that remains.

Chocolate Stains

Remove chocolate stains using a grease solvent such as goop, and some detergent and water.

Ink

Ink stains can be easily removed by applying hairspray or rubbing alcohol to the stained clothing. Launder as usual

Pencil Lead

Pencil lead comes out easily with a pretreatment of straight laundry detergent. Massage the detergent in with your fingertips. Wash as usual in cold water.