Ever experienced the laundry day blues? You know what we’re talking about. The days you find stains that seem impossible to remove and you’re already adding up the cost to replace those items.
The truth is, not all stains are created equal. If you’ve had lackluster experience removing stains, it’s probably because the spot wasn’t treated properly. Below you will find some commonly used “recipes for success” for eliminating certain stains. If you’re unsure about your material, test in a discreet area of the fabric first. It can increase your chances of success if you allow the stain to soak for 30 minutes and rinse before laundering. If the stain is still there, repeat before laundering.
Common Stain Removal Recipes
Deodorant
Soak in white vinegar for up to an hour, scrub, then launder.
Oil/Grease
Cover with baking soda, baby power or cornstarch to soak up the grease.
Blood
Soak the stain in a mixture of vinegar and warm water, then dab.
Coffee
Blot, then dab with a mix of warm water, dish soap and white vinegar.
Red Wine
Cover with salt or baking soda, then blot. Repeat if needed.
Ink
Apply white toothpaste, then rub in vigorously with a piece of fabric.
Paint
Dab with paint thinner, rinse, treat with a stain remover, then launder.
Grass
Mix baking soda, hydrogen peroxide and a few drops of dish soap. Soak for several hours.
Chocolate
Cover with laundry detergent for 10 minutes, then soak in cold water before laundering.
If you find a stain and you’re not sure what it’s from, vinegar and baking soda is your best choice. As suggested above, allow mixture to sit about 30 minutes before rinsing. Repeat if needed.
Removing stains doesn’t have to be impossible. It’s just a matter of using the right recipe!
