Removing stains from white clothes is tricky, but not impossible. Before attempting anything, here arethree proven stain-removal techniques for vibrant white clothes each time.
Knowing how to remove stains from white clothes is important. If they aren’t attended to right away, the stains can be very hard to remove.
Don't wait!
Generally, the earlier you treat the stain using these three techniques, the better the results:
- Scrape or brush away any excess food particles.Use a clean dry cloth to blot up any liquids, starting from the stain's outer edge and working inwards.
- Use a wet cloth—with or without a detergent—and press gently on the stain, taking care not to spread the stain.
- If in a restaurant, apply an ice cube to wet the stain area. Once you get home, wash the garment right away.
After washing, check the garment to ensure the stain is gone before drying it:
- If the garment is dried with the stain present, the mark will become permanent. In that case repeat the washing process, or try another stain remover for white clothes.
Common stains
For oil stains: sprinkle corn starch on the stain and let it sit for 10-20 minutes. Scrape the starch with a knife and repeat if necessary. Complete the cleaning by dabbing the stain with a solution of water and lemon juice, hydrogen peroxide or white vinegar, and rinse the spot with cold water again.
- Always check the effects of this solution on a stain on the inside of the garment to make sure it works.
Dye stains from natural foods:such as vegetables are easiest to remove when fresh. For best results, rinse under cold water as soon as possible and then wash under the hottest possible setting for that fabric.
- This same method of cleaning also works for stains from tea, coffee and ink.
Protein stains: which are organic in nature, include items like blood, vomit and sweat. These stains should be treated with an alkaline solution that will digest the protein. Presoak enzyme products can also dissolve fat and break down protein.
- Most detergents contain enzymes and can be used to remove protein stains.
Combination stains:include items like makeup (lipstick, eye shadow, mascara, crayons), sauces (ketchup, barbecue sauce, hot sauce) and salad dressings. The first thing to do with these stains is to rinse off any excess stain under cold running water.
- Gently rub a detergent onto the stain and rinse it out again. Then, apply a stain stick and launder.
Ice cream and other dairy product stains: are considered protein plus organic in nature. The fresh stain should be soaked in water and the garment agitated before washing. If the stain has dried, brush or scrape off any crusted material. You may need to soak for 2-4 hours in cold water with a detergent or a presoak enzyme solution. Follow this up with a warm water wash.
- If the stain is still present, soak for an additional 30-60 minutes and rewash.
- If a colored stain is still present, use a mild bleaching agent during the laundry.
