Stain Removal

With the right tools and methods, most stains can be removed from washable clothes. When a spill or stain happens, blot—do not rub—with a clean towel right away. If the garment is dry clean-only, then take it to a dry cleaner—do make sure you point the stain out to your cleaner and tell them what it is so they can treat it properly. For machine-washable items, try treating the stain yourself, but always use caution. If a stain is severe or you are afraid of ruining the item, take it to a cleaner.

Crayon

For cotton and polyester: Place the garment stain side down on a towel. Spray the back of the stain with WD-40. After five minutes, flip over and spray front of stain. Rinse in cold water. Rub liquid dish soap, such as Dawn, into stain and rinse again. If stain persists, apply a commercial stain-remover appropriate …

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Chalk

For cotton and polyester: Shake or gently vacuum garment to remove loose particles and chalk dust. Place garment stain side down on an old towel or paper towels. Gently dab rubbing alcohol on the back of the stain. Chalk residue should transfer onto bottom towel. If stain persists, pre-treat with liquid dish soap (such as …

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Candle Wax

For cotton and polyester: Scrape off hardened wax with a dull knife. Stretch fabric over a bowl. Carefully pour boiling or very hot water over the stain from a height of about one foot. Air dry. If stain remains, place garment stain side down on an old towel. Place another towel on top. Gently press …

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Ballpoint pen / ink

For cotton and polyester: Apply glycerin to stain and let sit 10 minutes, then treat with gentle liquid laundry detergent, such as Ivory Snow, and water. Rub until suds form, then rinse. Machine wash in warm water. For washable silk and wool: Same as cotton and polyester, but do not rinse—dab water until suds are …

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Vomit

For cotton and polyester: Rinse in cold water to dilute the stain. Mix a solution of ½ cup liquid laundry detergent with bleach alternative per one gallon of water in a plastic bucket. Soak garment for up to 30 minutes. Machine wash with bleach alternative and one cup of baking soda in warm water. For …

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Urine

For cotton and polyester: Rinse in cold water to dilute the stain. Mix a solution of ½ cup liquid laundry detergent with bleach alternative per one gallon of water in a plastic bucket. Soak garment for up to 30 minutes. Machine wash with bleach alternative and one cup of baking soda in warm water. For …

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Sunscreen

For cotton and polyester: Apply spot remover to the stain according to package instructions. Pre-treat with liquid dish soap, such as Dawn. Machine wash according to garment care label. For washable silk and wool: Same as cotton and polyester, but air dry and take garment to a dry cleaner if stain persists.

Perspiration

For cotton and polyester: Pre-treat with liquid laundry detergent. Machine wash according to garment care label. If stain persists, apply a half-vinegar half-water solution. Mix a solution of ½ cup liquid laundry detergent per one gallon of water in a plastic bucket. Soak garment for up to 30 minutes. Machine wash again in hottest water …

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