How To Get Common Stains Out Of Fabric

September 22, 2022/Aaron D. Coleman

Spills happen! When you find a stain on your favorite sweater, try the following tips on how to get common stains out of fabric. From berry stains to wine stains and everything in between, these tips will help you keep your fabrics and linens looking their best for years to come.

Berries

  1. Mix a solution of 2 parts distilled white vinegar and 1 part water.
  2. Pour the solution onto the stain and let it sit for 5 minutes.
  3. Use a toothbrush or other small-bristled brush to rub the solution into the fabric.
  4. Rinse the fabric under cold water, then wash and dry as usual.

Blood

  1. Rinse the fabric under cold water to remove any remaining blood.
  2. Blot the fabric with a dry towel until most of the moisture is absorbed.
  3. Apply hydrogen peroxide directly to the stain on the fabric.
  4. Rinse the fabric under cold water and then wash and dry as usual.

Chocolate

  1. Mix a solution of 2 parts distilled white vinegar and 1 part water.
  2. Pour the solution onto the stain and let it sit for 5 minutes.
  3. Use a toothbrush or other small-bristled brush to rub the solution into the fabric.
  4. Rinse the fabric under cold water, then wash and dry as usual.

Coffee

  1. Blot the fabric with a dry paper towel until most of the moisture is absorbed.
  2. Rinse the fabric under cold water for 5 minutes.
  3. Apply liquid laundry detergent to the stain.
  4. Use a toothbrush or other small-bristled brush to rub the detergent into the fabric.
  5. Rinse the fabric under cold water and then wash and dry as usual.

For stubborn stains, try mixing a solution of equal parts water and distilled white vinegar with powder laundry detergent until you create a paste. Apply the paste to the stained fabric, rub it in with a toothbrush or other small-bristled brush, and let it sit for 5 minutes. Rinse the fabric under cold water, and then wash and dry as usual.

The sooner you can treat the stain, the better. Even a few hours can make a big difference in how difficult a stain is to remove.

Fruit Juice

  1. Dab distilled white vinegar onto the stained fabric using a cotton ball or cotton pad.
  2. Rince the fabric in cold water, then wash and dry as usual.

Grass

  1. Mix a solution of two parts water and one part distilled white vinegar and apply to the stain.
  2. Use a toothbrush or other small-bristled brush to rub the solution into the fabric
  3. Rinse the fabric under cold water and then wash and dry as usual.

Grease

  1. Rinse the stained fabric under cold water.
  2. Apply dye-free or colorless liquid dish soap to the stain.
  3. Use a toothbrush or other small-bristled brush to rub the dish soap into the fabric.
  4. Rinse the fabric under cold water and then wash and dry as usual.

Blot, don’t scrub. Scrubbing a stain can damage the fibers of the fabric, and cause the stain to set deeper into the fabric.

Ink

  1. Put a paper towel underneath the stained fabric to prevent ink from bleeding through.
  2. Blot the fabric with a dry paper towel to absorb any remaining ink.
  3. Apply rubbing alcohol to a cotton ball or cotton pad and dab onto the stain.
  4. Dip another cotton ball into cold water and dab onto the stain.
  5. Repeat until the ink is lifted.
  6. Wash and dry as usual.

Ketchup/Condiments

  1. Scrape off any of the condiment that remains on the fabric.
  2. Rinse the back of the stained fabric under cold water.
  3. Apply liquid laundry detergent to the stain.
  4. Use a toothbrush or other small-bristled brush to rub the detergent into the fabric.
  5. Apply hydrogen peroxide to a cotton ball or cotton pad and dab onto the stain.
  6. Rinse the fabric under cold water and then wash and dry as usual.

Mud

  1. Wait for the mud to dry.
  2. Shake the fabric to remove dry dirt.
  3. Apply liquid laundry detergent to the stain.
  4. Use a toothbrush or other small-bristled brush to rub the detergent into the fabric.
  5. Rinse the fabric with cold water, then wash and dry as usual.

Nail Polish

  1. Blot the fabric with a dry paper towel, cotton ball, or cotton pad to absorb any remaining nail polish.
  2. Apply a small amount of nail polish remover to a sponge or washcloth and blot the stain moving from the outer edges inward.
  3. Rinse the fabric under cold water, then wash and dry as usual.

Avoid damaging your fabric further. Before treating the entire stain, spot test your cleaning solutions or products on a part of the fabric that is easily hidden, like a hem or seam allowance.

Sweat

  1. Mix a solution of 1/4 cup water and 4 tablespoons of baking soda.
  2. Use a toothbrush or other small-bristled brush to rub the solution into the fabric.
  3. Rinse the fabric under cold water and then wash and dry as usual.

Toothpaste

  1. Scrape off any remaining toothpaste from the fabric.
  2. Blot the stained fabric with a warm wet washcloth.
  3. Apply a small amount of liquid laundry detergent to the washcloth and blot the stain again.
  4. Rinse the stain with warm water, then wash and dry as usual.

Wax

  1. Scrape off any remaining wax.
  2. Place the stained fabric in between two thin washcloths or towels.
  3. Use an iron or a hair dryer to heat the fabric through the top towel.
  4. Apply rubbing alcohol to a cotton ball or cotton pad and dab onto the stain.
  5. Repeat on the opposite side of the fabric.
  6. Wash and dry as usual.

Wine

  1. Blot the fabric with a dry paper towel to absorb any remaining liquid.
  2. Mix a solution of equal parts liquid dish soap and hydrogen peroxide.
  3. Dab the solution onto the stain using a cotton ball or cotton pad.
  4. Let sit for 2-3 minutes, then repeat.
  5. Wash and dry as usual.

Wine stains can also be removed from fabric using salt and club soda. Simply cover the stain with salt, pour the club soda over the salt, and then sit the stained fabric sit for one hour. Then, remove the salt and blot the fabric dry with a dry towel. Afterward, you can wash and dry the fabric as usual.

Using the tips above, you can remove even the most stubborn stains from your favorite fabrics and keep them looking clean and beautiful. Platinum Star Services can help keep your entire home neat and tidy. Our top-rated cleaning services are guaranteed to give you back your precious free time. While we clean your home, you’ll have the freedom to focus on the things you love most. Give us a call and book your cleaning today!

Posted in

Aaron D. Coleman