How to Remove a Variety of Food and Drink Stains from Clothing.

Removing Food and Drink Stains from Clothing

Food stains and drink stains from clothing is not uncommon. As a matter of fact it’s a fact of life, we’ve all been there. How many times have you been to a summer barbecue and slopped something on your clothes?

Kids playing outside and coming back in with grass stains or blood stains on their clothes. A relaxing lunch with your besties and you’ve spilled coffee.

We’ve all been stained – kids and adults alike. Stains aren’t always simple but they can be dealt with and effectively removed.

Stains are most easily removed if the stain is still wet, not set, or if the item hasn’t been washed and dried.

Below are some common stains and how to remove them.

Common Rules for Stain Removal

Different stains require different techniques. Not all of these rules may apply to you but they are some of the common rules for removing stains from clothes.

1. Always treat stains as quickly as possible.
2. Dry clean only clothes should be taken to a professional cleaner. If you’re not sure about stains to other delicate fabrics, take these in as well.
3. Read the label for manufacturer instructions.
4. If food has been spilled, scrape up excess with dull object.
5. If necessary, place something between the stain and clean fabric. This way you won’t transfer the stain.
6. Blot or dab the stain with absorbent material, like paper towel, to remove as much material as possible.
7. Rinse with water (from back of stain) to further remove excess stain.
8. Determine what kind of stain you have.
9. Choose appropriate cleaning agent.
10. If necessary, test cleaner in inconspicuous area first.
11. If the stain is a tough one, pretreatment may need to sit for 10 to 15 minutes prior to putting in the washing machine.
12. Do not put clothes in the dryer until you know the stain is gone. Let air dry first.

Now, on to some common stains and how to remove them.

Red Punch Stains or Soda Stains

Red soda or punch is a common stain that has gotten the best of many an article of clothing. But the stain can be removed.

1. Rinse the stained area with cool water.
2. In a mixing bowl, mix together 4 cups cool water, 1 Tablespoon white vinegar and 1/2 teaspoons liquid laundry detergent or something like Dawn dish washing liquid.
3. Soak the stained area for 10 to 15 minutes. Every few minutes while soaking, you can take a clean toothbrush and gently run it over the stain, then continue soaking.
4. Rinse again in cool water.
5. If any coloring remains, try dabbing with 3 percent hydrogen peroxide.
6. Wash as usual.

Coffee or Tea Stains

Coffee and tea can be considered tough stains. As with most stains, first rinse the stained area with cool water.

1. If you have white vinegar, wet a clean towel and dab at the stained area.
2. If you don’t have white vinegar, try using a mild dish detergent and gently rub the stained area with a clean toothbrush or your fingers.
3. Rinse again with cool water.
4. If any coloring remains, pretreat and wash as usual.

Greasy Food Stains

Grease stains from food like bacon grease, sausage, burger etc. can be a pain if it wasn’t caught before going in the wash and then dried but if you catch it in time, it’s fairly easy to remove.

1. Absorb as much grease as you can with paper towel.
2. Apply Dawn dish detergent to the stain. How much depends on how large the stain is.
3. Use your fingertip to work it in.
4. Rinse and repeat with Dawn dish soap if necessary.
5. If you repeat the Dawn treatment, leave on and wash as usual.

Maple Syrup and Honey Stains

Who doesn’t love maple syrup and honey? They are sticky, sweet, and delicious and who hasn’t slopped one or the other of these on their clothes? Fortunately, these kinds of stains are not hard to remove.

1. If the stain hasn’t completely soaked in, use the dull edge of( something like a butter knife) and scrap off excess.
2. From the back of the spill, rinse under warm water.
3. Pour on a little liquid laundry detergent and use your fingers or a toothbrush to gently work in the detergent.
4. Let sit to penetrate about 5 minutes.
5. Rinse and repeat if necessary.
6. If any discoloration remains, use a laundry pretreatment then launder as usual.

Related Articles:

Guide for Removing Stains from a Variety of Fabrics

Emergency Stain Removal Tips

5 Common Stains and How to Remove Them