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The Worst Stains and How to Get Them Out

Why is it that new sweaters and oil stains seem to go together like peanut butter and jelly? And the only thing more disappointing than a big, ugly stain on the front of a favorite shirt is pulling it out of the wash later to see that it’s still there.

Never fear, here are tried and true stain removal techniques, for everything from grease and oil, to permanent marker and wine. Don’t want to risk damaging your clothes? Dry cleaners in Richmond can get just about any stain out of any fabric.

Fresh Oil Stains

Fresh is best when it comes to removing oil stains; the quicker you can get to it, the easier the stain will be to remove.

What you’ll need:

• Paper towels
• Dish soap
• Hot water
• Toothbrush
• Baking soda

Step 1: Remove as much of the oil as you can by blotting – do not rub the stain! – with a paper towel.

Step 2: Place the fabric on a flat surface and apply a few drops of dish soap. Many people swear by blue Dawn, but whatever you have on hand will work. Work the soap into the fabric by rubbing the material lightly or by using a toothbrush.

Step 3: For stubborn stains, sprinkle a little baking soda on top of the dish soap and continue scrubbing.

Step 4: Let the soap/baking soda paste sit for about an hour. Afterward, rinse and soak in hot water – unless the fabric (like wool) specifically calls for cold water – and let it sit for another 30-60 minutes.

Step 5: Run the garment through a regular wash, but skip the dryer; high heat will set the stain if it hasn’t been fully removed. Let the item air-dry instead.

If this didn’t work, you could try steps 1 through 5 a second time. Otherwise, read on for set-in oil stains.

Dried or Set-in Oil Stains

Set-in or stubborn oil stains can be removed using the same steps as above, but before beginning, treat the stain with a little bit of WD-40. The WD-40 helps break down the oil making it easier to remove. Use a piece of cardboard between layers of fabric to keep the rest of your garment clean.

Grease, Grass, and Other Stains

While oil might be the trickiest of all stains, it’s not the only laundry room challenge. Here are tips for getting rid of some other common stains:

• Grass – Create a mixture of 1 part vinegar and 2 parts water, then rub it into the stain. Wash normally.
• Grease – Pre-treat with a liberal dose of diluted dish soap, scrubbing it into the stain. For stubborn grease stains, rinse with white vinegar before washing.
• Wine – Gently blot out as much liquid as possible, mix equal parts hydrogen peroxide and dish soap, and cover the stain. Let sit for a few minutes and blot again. If you don’t have hydrogen peroxide on hand, use a paste made from salt and baking soda and follow the same steps.

Speed is usually crucial to stain removal, but even set-in stains can be taken care of. Try these tips, or visit your local dry cleaners in Richmond for professional stain removal.