There are two important steps to take before removing stains from clothing. The first step is to identify the type of fabric. For example, if the fabric is made of rayon, silk, or delicate Belgian/Parisian lace, you should take it to a reputable dry cleaner. If you’re not experienced in removing stains from these fabrics, don’t attempt to do it yourself, as velvet, rayon, and silk are expensive materials.
The second step is to identify the type of stain. Different stains require different treatments and products. This should be an easy task, as most people can recognize ketchup stains from butter stains and wine stains from grape juice stains.
Maybe we should have said three steps. The third step is, of course, to act quickly! As soon as your clothing gets a stain, don’t let it dry up and settle. The longer it’s been there, the harder it will be to remove.
While we recommend taking stained velvets and silks to a dry cleaner, you can remove stains from other types of fabrics with products already found in your cupboard and laundry room.
Stain Removal Tips for Common Fabrics
Now, let’s get right to removing stains from clothing that you can do yourself:
Stains on Leather
People often think that when leather is stained, only a professional can remove the stain. Not quite. You can remove stains on leather with club soda and an old, clean toothbrush. Simply scrub the stain with the toothbrush using a back-and-forth motion. Be sure to use gentle strokes.
Gum Stains
If the gum has been sitting on the fabric for a long time, try freezing it. Once the gum is rock hard, gently scrape it away. If that doesn’t work, apply egg white directly to the stain.
Ketchup Stains
This is one stain where you need to act quickly. Glycerine, a bit of detergent, and water should do the trick. Follow these steps:
- Run cold water on the stain. Some say it’s more effective to run water from behind the stain, as this pushes the stain out.
- Gently rub a bit of detergent on the stain.
- If the fabric is white and you’ve tested it for colorfastness, use a few drops of vinegar and sponge-rub the stain. You can also use hydrogen peroxide or fresh lemon juice.
- Apply detergent again until the ketchup disappears.
- If the stain is still there, use a stain remover stick, gel, or spray. Let it sit for five minutes, then launder as usual.
- If it’s still not gone, don’t despair. Rub detergent on the stain, soak the fabric in warm water for 30 minutes, then rinse well.
- If the stain persists, visit your dry cleaner and explain the steps you’ve taken.
Butter Stains
Butter stains can be incredibly stubborn, but they’re not impossible to remove. You’ll need a sponge, warm water, your usual shampoo, and a grease solvent (people often use WD-40, but always test it first). Spray the grease solvent onto the stain and let it dry. Then, soak the sponge in warm water and gently rub the stain with a bit of shampoo. Lift the stain off with the sponge.
Blood Stains
If you have fresh blood stains on non-washable fabric, blot the stains with a damp sponge soaked in cold water. The sponge should be damp, not soaking wet. If you acted quickly when the blood first occurred, this method should work. If the stains persist, use a few drops of ammonia with a spotter (note: do not use ammonia on wool or silk, as it will ruin the fabric). Then dry.
For washable fabric, fresh blood stains will come off easily when laundered in the usual manner. If the stains have set, try soaking the fabric in warm water with dishwashing or laundry detergent and ammonia for 15 minutes. Then launder as usual.
Chocolate Stains
Chocolate stains are best handled once they’ve dried on the clothing. To speed up this process, you can place the garment in the fridge. Once the chocolate has hardened, scrape it off with a knife (being careful not to tear the fabric). Run hot water (as hot as you can get it) from behind the stain to push out the chocolate. Apply detergent to the stain and leave it for 10 minutes. Rub the fabric together to create agitation and friction. Rinse with hot water to remove the stain.
Coffee Stains
Using cold water, rinse the area from behind the coffee stain. Apply a few drops of liquid detergent and leave it for 10 minutes. If the coffee stain is old, let the detergent sit on the stain for about 30 minutes. Rinse thoroughly.
If the coffee stains persist, soak the fabric in warm water for 10-15 minutes with liquid detergent, or apply a stain remover gel/spray and let it sit for 5 minutes. Launder as usual (but be sure to check the washing instructions first!).
There’s another way to remove coffee stains from clothing, but it’s a bit more involved. If you spill black coffee, dab the stain quickly with cold water. Place an absorbent cloth underneath to prevent the stain from spreading. Sprinkle baking soda over the stain to absorb excess moisture, then remove the baking soda. Mix one cup of vinegar, 1 tablespoon of dishwashing or laundry detergent, and ½ cup of cold water. Soak a cloth or sponge in the vinegar mixture and dab gently on the coffee stain (avoid rubbing vigorously). Let it stand for 15 minutes, then launder as usual (checking the care label instructions first).
