Life can be messy and stains are a common occurrence and something that you need to deal with as soon as possible. Here we discuss some key actions and how to remove some of the most popular but stubborn stains from our clothes in our stain removal guide:
Top Tips
• Deal with the stain as soon as possible. Having less time for the stain to soak in will make it a lot easier to remove
• Pre-treat the clothes with the stain remover first and then let it soak into the clothes
• Follow up with a normal wash but make sure you are following the fabric care instructions carefully. Use the warmest setting possible for that item of clothing
• Avoid placing in the dryer until the stain is completely removed
Adhesives
Glue and other adhesives are a common stain that many people do not know how to remove. This can cause irreparable damage and can lead to you throwing out your clothes. However, here is how you can treat these stains:
• Apply ice cold water on the clothes to harden the surface
• Once the surface is hard, use a dull knife to scrape off the adhesive
• Use a pre-wash stain remover, rinse and then place in the wash
BBQ Sauce
Especially during the summer season, BBQ sauce can regularly end up on your clothes by accident. If this does happen, do the following
• Working from the back of the stain, flush with cold water
• Add liquid laundry detergent in some water and clean the stain with a soft brush. This action will help break the stain up
• Rinse
• Get a sponge with white wine vinegar and place on the stain
• Rinse again
• Repeat the laundry detergent and white white vinegar steps until the stain is removed as much as possible
• Pre-treat with a stain remover and then place in the wash. If the stain is still visible, add a bleach that is safe to use on clothes.
Chocolate
• As soon as possible, scrape the excess chocolate off
• Soak in cool water when possible
• Use stain remover to pre-treat the clothes
• Place in the wash on the warmest water setting possible for that piece of clothing
Crayon
If you have young children, crayon stains are going to be extremely likely. Here’s how you can tackle them:
• Wash on the hottest water setting possible for that item.
• Add 200g of bicarbonate of soda into your wash along with the detergent.
Grease or Oil
• Place paper towels on the stain to soak up any excess liquid
• Pre-treat with stain remover or liquid laundry detergent
• Place on the hottest setting possible for the clothes
Ink
• Sponge the stained area with rubbing alcohol (place the stain over the top of an open jar or glass and then drop the alcohol onto it
• Rinse thoroughly
• Place in the wash
• This method will only work for some inks. If it's felt tip or ballpoint ink, the stains can sometimes be impossible to remove
Nail Polish
• Place nail polish removal on the stain. Only try a small amount at first and ensure the product does not contain acetate.
• Repeat the process until the stain disappears.
• Rinse
• Place in the wash
• Depending on the type of nail polish, some stains may be impossible to remove
Paint (Water Based)
• Rinse the clothing in warm water whilst the stains are still wet
• Wash on a warm setting
• Do not wait until the paint has dried before removing the stain. If the paint is dry, it cannot be removed.
Wine
• Sponge the stain with cool water for about half an hour
• Pre-treat the stain using a stain remover
• Place on a wash, adding a clothes safe bleach
These are just some of the most common stains you may come across. Treat each stain separately as the best method to tackle the stain can vary significantly. If you have any other tips to include in our stain removal guide then please let us know.
