When your little ones come home in their sports uniforms or when you change out of your work clothes, you may often find dirt, sweat, and other marks lingering on the fabric. If not treated properly, these can permanently stain your clothes with unsightly blemishes. Here’s how to remove five different types of clothing stains that you’ll commonly find on laundry day.
1. Grass Stains
Kids’ outdoor adventures often lead to stubborn green grass smudges on clothing. To remove grass stains, mix a solution of one part vinegar and two parts of water. Then, gently scrub the stain with a toothbrush.
Pretreat with stain remover, and wash in cold water to get out those stubborn green marks. Be sure to avoid hot water as it can set the stain permanently.
2. Grease Stains
Whether they’re from a cooking mishap or eating fast food, grease stains can quickly ruin clothing. To prevent the grease from seeping into your clothes, sprinkle baking soda or cornstarch on the grease patch, let it absorb the oil, then gently brush it off. Pretreat with dish soap, rub gently, and wash in warm water to break down the grease.
3. Mud Stains
Unlike many different types of clothing stains, mud stains are easier to remove once they’re fully dry. Brush off the loose dirt, then soak the garment in a solution of warm water and laundry detergent for thirty minutes. After soaking, scrub the area with a soft brush before washing it in the machine with a stain-removing detergent.
4. Ink Stains
Removing ink stains from pens or getting out tattoo ink stains can be difficult, but when treated quickly, you can remove these marks with ease. For ink stains, place a paper towel under the fabric to prevent bleeding. Gently dab the stain with rubbing alcohol using a cotton ball. Once you’re done, handwash the area with laundry detergent before tossing it in the washer.
5. Juice or Sauce Stains
Bright red sauces and juices are another type of stain you’ll wantto removequickly from your clothes. Before it soaks into your garment, blot the stain with a clean cloth to absorb excess liquid. Rinse the back of the stain under cold running water, then treat it with a mixture of dish soap and white vinegar. Finally, wash the garment on a cold cycle to lift the stain.
When you see your little ones stain their clothes, treat the mess quickly. The longer the stain lingers, the further it’ll seep into the fabric and permanently stick to the clothes. Catching stains quickly will make cleaning easier, so treat your clothes with care and watch out for stubborn stains on laundry day.
