While staining our clothes is just another good reason to buy more, that’s not usually the most practical answer. Here are some helpful tips to remove stains for good:
Grass Stains
Spring is approaching, which means more time outside, and probably a grass stain or two. To remove the stain, create a solution using one part vinegar and two parts water. Scrub the solution into the stain using a toothbrush and then wash as normal.
Wine…er…Adult Grape Juice
Just spilled red wine on your brand new white couch? Take out the salt and sprinkle it on the stain generously. The salt will absorb the wine. For older stains, saturate the area with hot water then apply an Oxi product for two to 10 hours. Do not use white wine to clean up red wine. Many people have tried it, and it just doesn’t work. Wine is wine, no matter what color it is. This trick should remove the stain just fine!
Vomit
If your little one suffers from motion sickness and has vomited all over the upholstery in your new minivan, you have quite the chore ahead of you. First, remove the solid debris of vomit. Then, liberallycover the area with baking soda and leave it for at least 15 minutes; it will absorb the odor. Roll down the windows if you can to improve ventilation. Vacuum the excess. Next, create a solution using a tablespoon of dishwashing detergent, a half a cup of white vinegar and two cups of warm water. Generously apply this to the area and scrub with a wash cloth. Check back in an hour, and if the stain or odor remains, repeat the steps.
Permanent Marker
Be careful when you are crossing off items on your to-do list, because you could end up with one more. If you’ve managed to get permanent marker on your clothes, place the fabric stain-down on paper towels. Sponge rubbing alcohol around the stain and then apply it directly to the stain. Change the paper towels underneath frequently, continuing to transfer as much of the ink to the paper towel. Rinse thoroughly and then wash as usual.
Oil
Fried chicken and grease splatters seem to go hand in hand. If you’ve been sprayed with cooking oil, remove as much as you can with a spoon. Then apply liquid detergent (either dish soap or laundry detergent) and let it soak for five minutes. The soap will break down the oil. Next, wash the fabric in hot water, as long as it’s safe for the fabric. Make sure the stain is fully removed before drying. If the stain remains, repeat the soak/wash process.
If the oil has stained a delicate fabric, cover the stain with baby powder or cornstarch and keep it in a warm place overnight. The powder mixed with the warmth will absorb the oil. The next day, after brushing away the powder, if the oil is still there, repeat the steps. Then wash the garment according to label directions.
Strawberries
A red, ripe, juicy strawberry is delicious, but often drips onto clothing. Rinse the garment with cold water. Mix one tablespoon of white vinegar and half a teaspoon of liquid laundry detergent with one quart of cool water. Soak in this solution for 15 minutes and then rinse.
Extra helpful tips:
- Never mix chlorine bleach and ammonia; the resulting fumes are hazardous.
- Drying a stained fabric will set the stain.
- Always check the laundry care tag on your clothes before attempting to remove stains