How to remove common stains at home
We’ve all been there – enjoying a delightful meal, sipping on our favourite beverage, or engaging in outdoor activities, only to find an unwanted stain on our clothes. While stains can be frustrating, fear not! With a little know-how and some everyday household items, you can become a stain slayer and bid farewell to those stubborn marks. In this blog, we’ll walk you through different types of stain removal techniques that you can easily execute at home, saving your favourite clothes and fabrics from the clutches of stains.
NOTE: While these are effective methods to remove stains off your fabric, we recommend that you use a professional dry-cleaner as certain fabrics and materials require special care and they might get damaged even further. Please proceed with caution and take appropriate precautions before trying to get the stains off.
Additional Tips:
- Always test any stain removal method on a small, inconspicuous area of the fabric first to ensure it doesn’t cause damage or discoloration.
- Avoid using hot water on protein-based stains (sweat and body oils) as it can set the stain.
- Do not use bleach on petrol or oil-based stains, as it can react with the oil and worsen the stain.
- For tough stains, consider repeating the process or seeking professional dry-cleaning services.
- Coffee and Tea Stains: A morning coffee spill or an afternoon tea mishap can quickly lead to unsightly stains. To combat coffee and tea stains, act fast and blot the excess liquid with a paper towel. Mix a solution of equal parts white vinegar and water, dab it onto the stain, and gently blot again. Rinse with cold water, and voila! Your clothes will be free of coffee and tea stains.
- Grease and Oil Stains: Grease and oil stains are common culprits, especially after a delicious meal. Sprinkle a generous amount of cornstarch or talcum powder on the stain and let it sit for a few minutes to absorb the oil. Afterward, brush off the powder and apply a mixture of dishwashing soap and warm water. Gently rub the stain, rinse, and repeat until the stain disappears.
- Ink Stains: Ink stains can seem daunting, but don’t fret. To tackle ink stains, dampen the area with rubbing alcohol or isopropyl alcohol, and blot it with a clean cloth. Repeat the process until the ink starts to lift. Then, wash the fabric as usual to remove any remaining residue.
- Wine and Fruit Juice Stains: Spilling wine or fruit juice on your clothes can be disheartening, but there’s a simple remedy. Blot the stain gently with a paper towel, then soak the fabric in cold water for about 15 minutes. Create a mixture of hydrogen peroxide and a few drops of dish soap, apply it to the stain, and let it sit for 5-10 minutes before rinsing with cold water.
- Grass Stains: For those active individuals who love outdoor activities, grass stains are no stranger. Remove grass stains by creating a paste of baking soda and water and applying it directly to the stain. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes before scrubbing gently with a toothbrush. Wash the garment in cold water to say goodbye to those green marks.
- Blood Stains: Blood stains can be tricky, but prompt action is essential. Rinse the stained area with cold water as quickly as possible to prevent the blood from setting. Create a mixture of hydrogen peroxide and a small amount of liquid soap and apply it to the stain. After a few minutes, rinse the fabric in cold water and repeat the process if necessary.
- Sweat Stains: Rinse the stained area with cold water immediately to prevent the stain from setting. Create a mixture of equal parts white vinegar and water. Apply the vinegar solution to the stain and gently rub it with your fingers or a soft brush. Let it sit for 15-30 minutes. Wash the garment as usual with laundry detergent and cold water.
- Body Oils: Sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda or cornstarch on the oil stain. Gently rub the powder into the stain using your fingers or a soft brush. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes or overnight for stubborn stains. Shake off the excess powder and apply a few drops of dishwashing liquid directly onto the stain. Rub the dishwashing liquid gently into the fabric. wash the garment in the washing machine with hot water and an enzyme- based laundry detergent.