The Most Common Stains and How to Treat Them

As powerful and convenient as our washing machines are, sometimes they just don't cut it when it comes to removing tougher stains. Unfortunately, that means you sometimes need to take matters into your own hands and find alternative means to get rid of those persistent marks and blotches! The different ingredients that make up some of the most common offenders mean that a 'one size fits all' approach doesn't always work. It can be tricky to get your head around the various remedies for each type of stain, so we've put together this overview of our best tips and tactics. Get ready to revitalize your garments and furnishings with this practical guide to stain removal!

Red Wine

The mix of tannins, acid, and pigment-causing chromogens in red wine makes it one of the most notoriously difficult stains to erase. Although its deep color can send you into a panic, especially when it spills on a light-colored garment, there are a few ways to undo the damage. As soon as possible, cover the stain with a drying agent like salt or baking powder. Once it's dried, blot it with a blend of club soda and white vinegar. If it persists, mix three parts hydrogen peroxide with one part dish soap and allow it to sit on the stained area for up to an hour before washing it out.

Coffee

Much like wine, coffee is full of tannins and acids that make it rather stubborn once it clings to a fabric. Coffee's natural oils don't help matters, so breaking these down is essential. Place the stained item under running cold water to prevent it from setting. If you do this right away for around 15 minutes, you'll usually see the stain start to dissipate gradually. Afterward, blot the stain with either liquid detergent or dish soap and leave it in cold water for up to 30 minutes before gently rubbing the affected area.

Grease

Because grease is insoluble in water, traditional cleaning methods have limited success in getting it out of clothes. It sticks to the fibers and can linger even after several wash cycles. Start by treating the stain directly with dish soap diluted with a little water, as the soap will help to break down the grease. After letting it soak, transfer it to the washer and wash it on the highest heat you can, depending on what the care tag recommends. 

Blood

When the proteins and hemoglobin in our blood react with the air, they attach to clothing as soon as they come into contact with it and can set pretty quickly. Mix together some cold water and table salt until they combine to form a thick, paste-like consistency. Cover the stain in the paste and allow it to work its magic for up to 20 minutes. If needed, you can gently scrub the mixture further using a toothbrush before rinsing it in cold water and placing it in the laundry machine.

Grass

The pigment in grass means it leaves a nasty stain, particularly on natural fabrics like cotton. Thankfully, there are a few different cleaning agents that are effective. Add one part white vinegar to two parts water, and slowly rub the mixture into the stain. After a few minutes, stop working the vinegar in and let it sit for 20 to 30 minutes. Finally, wash it out using cold water. Another option is to follow the same procedure but with a hydrogen peroxide and dish soap mix.

Ink

Unsurprisingly, ink is among the worst culprits for staining, as the very nature of it means that it's typically filled with oils and pigments or dyes. Blotting the area with a wet cloth and following this up with some detergent and rinsing in warm water is best for stains resulting from water-based ink. When you're dealing with more permanent inks, switch the detergent out for rubbing alcohol.

Paint

Similar to ink, both water and oil-based painters can cause hard-to-remove stains, so it's always important to know what type of paint you're dealing with before getting started. For water-based marks, begin by removing as much excess paint as possible by dabbing it with a wet cloth. Then, add dish soap to an old toothbrush and softly work it into the stain for a few minutes before washing it with cold water. A similar approach may work for oil-based paints, but you'll usually need to follow up the dish soap with some detergent and rinse it in hot water instead of cold.

Tomato Sauce

Whether it's the juice of a fresh tomato, a rich pasta sauce, or ketchup, the acidity and pigment of any tomato product can lead to some challenging stains. The classic cleaning combination of baking soda and white vinegar works a treat with these particular stains. Brush the mixture into the stained area, let it soak in for at least ten minutes, and then wash as normal. If it still hasn't budged after a laundry cycle, re-treat it by rubbing a blend of hydrogen peroxide and dish into the stain while dry before washing it with cold water.

Curry

Curry can leave deep-set stains on your clothes, and this is primarily due to curcumin. This is a naturally occurring chemical we find in turmeric, a key ingredient in most curries, and it can cause rather resistant blotches. One of the most effective treatments involves adding white vinegar and dish soap to cold water. Using a clean cloth, dab the mix onto the stain before leaving it to absorb into the fabric for about 30 minutes. You may need to repeat this a few times for hardier stains. 

Learn How to Remove Stains From Your Clothing and Upholstery Effectively

Once you become familiar with the tricks of the trade, you won't need to worry about pesky stains ruining your clothes any longer. More often than not, the right mix of household staples is all you need to keep your favorite pieces clean and stain-free.