Blog

Get a splash Bacon fat over your favorite shirt is a special kind of disappointment. You could give up and put up with the stain, resulting in a new, ultimately less-loved piece of clothing, or go down fighting. We encourage the latter and have some very effective cleaning tips to get rid of any kind of pesky stain.

Whether blood, grass, red wine, sweat or grease stains, here are steps to remove almost any stains with household items you probably already have at home. (For more cleaning tips, see How to clean workout clothes And How to clean your running shoes.)

How to remove oil and grease stains from clothing

Oil and grease stains are difficult, but not impossible, to remove. Dab some detergent on the stain and wash the garment according to the instructions on the label. For stubborn stains, you can also try a combination of dish soap and white vinegar.

The method described below is recommended by many online guides and requires only dish soap and baking soda. And remember: with oil and grease, time is of the essence, so get rid of the stains as soon as you notice them.

1. If there are stains, first dab the stain and remove any excess liquid.
2. Add a few drops of mild dishwashing liquid to the stain. Rub the liquid in with clean fingers until the stain is completely covered with the detergent.
3. Then add a tablespoon of baking soda to the soap and scrub it into the fabric for two minutes (for more effective scrubbing, you can use a soft-bristled toothbrush).
4. Once the mixture forms a paste, allow the solution and the garment to sit for one hour.
5. Rinse the garment in the sink and then wash it in the machine.

How to remove grass stains from clothes

Grass stains are almost inevitable on children’s clothes and can be stubborn. You may be able to wash them out in the washing machine or use a stain remover, but if that doesn’t help, here’s a solution:

1. Soak the garment in a stain remover mixture for 30 minutes. You can use a solution of 2 cups of white vinegar or a mixture of dish soap and hydrogen peroxide.
2. Scrub the area gently with a soft brush.
3. Rinse the mixture thoroughly from the clothing with cold water.
4. Machine wash according to label.

How to remove blood stains from clothes

Blood is notoriously difficult to remove from clothing and may require multiple treatments. However, it is easiest to remove when it is fresh, so act as quickly as possible. Here is one method:

1. As soon as you notice the stain, soak the stained garment in cold water in the sink. (Make sure the water is cold, as hot water will encourage blood proteins to set the stain in the fabric.) If the stain is very fresh, blot away any excess with a paper towel or even run the garment under the faucet to remove as much as possible.
2. Apply a Hydrogen peroxide (20%)Mixture (1 part hydrogen peroxide to 6 parts cold water) or apply a baking soda paste (2 parts baking soda to 1 part water).
3. Rinse the garment in cold water before machine washing.

How to remove sweat stains from clothes

It’s unfortunate, but it happens. But even in the hottest climates, you don’t have to let sweat ruin your clothes with this method:

1. Make a solution of a quarter cup of white vinegar and a cup of water.
2. Soak the sweat stain with the mixture or immerse the garment completely.
3. Allow the garment to soak for a full 30 minutes.
4. Rinse with cold water and machine wash.

How to remove coffee stains

I drink coffee like it’s my job. I love it. But I don’t like the coffee stains that inevitably end up on my work blazer or my favorite business pants when I’m in a rush in the morning. Here’s how to get those coffee stains out:

1. Immerse the stained garment completely in warm water.
2. Dab a mild detergent or a diluted white vinegar mixture (a quarter cup of white vinegar to one cup of water) onto the stain.
3. Machine wash your garment on the hottest setting it will allow.

How to remove red wine stains from clothes

After a night of drinking, you may be shocked to see red wine stains on your favorite blouse or collared shirt. Although it may look dramatic, you can remove red wine stains easily and effectively:

1. Blot the stain with a paper towel to remove excess material.
2. Mix a solution of equal parts hydrogen peroxide and dish soap and work the mixture lightly into the stain with your fingers.
3. Allow the solution to work for 20 minutes to an hour before rinsing.

If you don’t want to use hydrogen peroxide, you can use white vinegar and dish soap instead and follow the steps listed above.

Bottom line

In any case, with a little effort and time, you can achieve a lot and make your clothes look like new again. Just remember not to put the garment in the dryer until the stain is completely gone (so it doesn’t set in), and repeat the above steps as needed to remove the stains.

For more laundry tips, see Why it might be time to give up your favorite laundry project and that the most energy efficient way to wash your laundry.