Guide to Removing Stains
Guide to Removing Stains
None of us wakes up thinking, “I can’t wait to practice my stain removal skills today.” However, life has a way of putting those skills to the test. Whether it’s coffee on your shirt, red wine on the tablecloth, or the kids spilling Kool-Aid across the carpet, stains happen.
Over time, I’ve become something of a stain removal expert. From my spouse’s “oops” moments to my kids’ “uh-oh” spills, I’ve learned what works, what doesn’t, and how to rescue clothes, upholstery, and linens from disaster.
This guide to removing stains covers the basics of stain removal and explains how to treat common stains on different types of fabrics. You’ll find tips for removing food and drink stains, grease and oil, ink, glue, paint, chocolate, mustard, and other common household stains.
Stain Removal Basics
Before jumping into fabric-specific solutions, it helps to understand a few basic stain-removal principles. Following these guidelines will give you the best chance of removing a stain without damaging the fabric.
- Treat the stain as soon as possible. The longer a stain sits, the more difficult it can become to remove.
- Blot instead of rubbing. Rubbing can spread a stain and work it deeper into the fibers.
- Remove solid material first. Use a dull-edged tool, such as a butter knife or spoon, to gently lift food, chocolate, mud, or other solids from the fabric.
- Use the correct water temperature. Cold or cool water is a good starting point for many stains, but there are exceptions. Always follow the stain-removal instructions for the specific stain and fabric.
- Avoid the dryer until the stain is gone. Heat from a dryer can set some stains permanently. Air-dry the item until you are sure the stain has been completely removed.
- Follow the care label. The manufacturer’s instructions are especially important when cleaning delicate, dry-clean-only, or non-washable fabrics.
- Test first. Before using a stain remover, cleaning solution, or solvent, test it on an inconspicuous area to make sure it does not damage the fabric or change its color.
- Work from the outside toward the center. This can help keep the stain from spreading.
- Use a clean section of cloth as you work. This prevents you from transferring the stain back onto the fabric.
- Place an absorbent cloth underneath the stain. This gives the stain and cleaning solution somewhere to transfer instead of allowing it to spread to another part of the fabric.
- Be patient. Some stains require more than one treatment. If the first treatment does not completely remove the stain, allow the fabric to dry naturally and reassess before trying another method.
How to Remove a Stain from Clothing and Washable Fabrics
For most washable clothing and fabrics, start by removing as much of the stain as possible before applying a cleaning solution.
Step 1: Remove Excess Material
If the stain contains food, chocolate, mud, wax, or another solid substance, gently lift it away with a dull-edged utensil. Avoid scraping aggressively because you can damage the fibers or spread the stain.
For sticky substances, allowing the material to harden can sometimes make it easier to remove. In some cases, placing the item in the freezer can help harden sticky residue so it can be lifted away.
Step 2: Blot the Stain
For liquid stains, blot with a clean, absorbent cloth or paper towel. Work from the outside of the stain toward the center.
Do not scrub unless the fabric and stain-removal method specifically call for gentle agitation.
Step 3: Rinse or Flush the Stain
When appropriate for the fabric, rinse the stained area with cool or cold water. For many washable fabrics, flushing the stain from the back of the fabric can help push it away from the fibers rather than further into them.
Step 4: Apply the Appropriate Stain Remover
The best stain remover depends on both the type of stain and the fabric. A laundry detergent, dish soap, commercial stain remover, absorbent powder, or another treatment may be appropriate depending on the situation.
Always check the fabric care label and test the cleaning solution first.
Step 5: Wash According to the Care Label
After treating the stain, launder or hand wash the item according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Do not put the item in the dryer until you are sure the stain is gone. If you can still see the stain after washing, treat it again before drying.
Stain Removal for Different Fabrics
Not every stain-removal method is safe for every fabric. Wool, silk, synthetics, cotton, and linen can react differently to water, detergents, solvents, and stain removers.
The sections below provide stain-removal guidance by fabric type.
Washable Wool
Alcohol Beverages and Soft Drink Stains – Cool Water / Cleaning Fluid / Cool Water
Candy and Syrup Stains – Lift / Cool Water / Cleaning Fluid
Fruit / Berry Stains – Lift / Cool Water / Cleaning Fluid / Cold Water / Stain Remover
Glue – Let Dry / Lift / Cool Water / Cleaning Fluid
Gravy – Lift / Cool Water / Cleaning Fluid
Ink Stain – Cleaning Solvent / Cleaning Fluid
Iodine – Cool Water / Cleaning Fluid / Stain Remover
Milk / Ice Cream – Cool Water / Cleaning Fluid / Cool Water
Oil and Grease – Lift / Absorbent / Cool Water / Cleaning Fluid / White Vinegar
Salad Dressing – Lift / Cool Water / Cleaning Fluid
Sap / Pitch – Freeze / Lift / Cleaning Solvent (Rubbing Alcohol or Nail Polish Remover)
Tea / Coffee Stain – Cool Water / Cleaning Fluid / Cool Water / Water and White Vinegar (50/50) / Cool Water
Tomato Juice / Ketchup – Lift / Cool Water / Cleaning Fluid / Cool Water / Stain Remover
Fruit Juice / Wine Stains – Cool Water / Cleaning Fluid / Cool Water
Non Washable Wool
Alcohol Beverages and Soft Drink Stains – Cool Water / Cleaning Fluid / Cool Water
Candy and Syrup Stains – Lift / Cool Water
Fruit / Berry Stains – Lift / Cool Water / Cleaning Fluid / Cool Water / Stain Remover
Glue – Let Dry / Lift / Cool Water / Cleaning Fluid
Gravy – Lift / Cool Water / Dry Cleaning Solvent
Ink Stain – Cleaning Solvent / Cleaning Fluid
Iodine – Cool Water / Cleaning Solvent and Water
Milk / Ice Cream – Cool Water / Cleaning Fluid / Cool Water
Oil and Grease – Cleaning Fluid
Salad Dressing – Lift / Cool Water / Cleaning Fluid
Sap / Pitch – Dry Clean
Tea / Coffee Stain – Cool Water / Water and White Vinegar (50/50) / Cool Water
Tomato Juice / Ketchup – Lift / Cool Water / Dry Clean
Fruit Juice / Wine Stains – Dry Clean
Washable Silk
Alcohol Beverages and Soft Drink Stains – Cool Water / Cleaning Fluid / Cool Water
Candy and Syrup Stains – Lift / Cool Water / Cleaning Fluid
Fruit / Berry Stains – Lift / Cool Water / Cleaning Fluid / Cool Water / Stain Remover
Glue – Let Dry / Lift / Cool Water / Cleaning Fluid
Gravy – Lift / Cool Water / Cleaning Fluid
Ink Stain – Cleaning Solvent / Cleaning Fluid
Iodine – Cool Water / Cleaning Solvent and Water
Milk / Ice Cream – Cool Water / Cleaning Fluid / Cool Water
Oil and Grease – Absorbent / Cool Water / Cleaning Fluid / White Vinegar
Salad Dressing – Lift / Cool Water / Cleaning Fluid
Sap / Pitch – Dry Clean
Tea / Coffee Stain – Cool Water / Cleaning Fluid / Cool Water / Water and White Vinegar (50/50) / Cool Water
Tomato Juice / Ketchup – Lift / Cool Water / Cleaning Fluid / Cool Water / Stain Remover
Fruit Juice / Wine Stains – Cool Water / Cleaning Fluid / Cool Water
Non Washable Silk
Alcohol Beverages and Soft Drink Stains – Cool Water / Cleaning Fluid / Cool Water
Candy and Syrup Stains – Lift / Cool Water
Fruit / Berry Stains – Lift / Cool Water / Cleaning Fluid / Cool Water / Stain Remover
Glue – Let Dry / Lift / Cool Water / Cleaning Fluid
Gravy – Lift / Cool Water / Dry Cleaning Solvent
Ink Stain – Cleaning Solvent / Cleaning Fluid
Iodine – Cool Water / Cleaning Solvent and Water
Milk / Ice Cream – Cool Water / Cleaning Fluid / Cool Water
Oil and Grease – Cleaning Fluid
Salad Dressing – Lift / Cool Water / Cleaning Fluid
Sap / Pitch – Dry Clean
Tea / Coffee Stain – Cool Water / Water and White Vinegar (50/50) / Cool Water
Tomato Juice / Ketchup – Lift / Cool Water / Dry Clean
Fruit Juice / Wine Stains – Dry Clean
Washable Synthetics
Alcohol Beverages and Soft Drink Stains – Cool Water / Cleaning Fluid / Cool Water
Candy and Syrup Stains – Lift / Lukewarm Water / Cleaning Fluid
Fruit / Berry Stains – Lift / Cold Water / Cleaning Fluid / Cold Water / Stain Remover
Glue – Let Dry / Lift / Cool Water / Cleaning Fluid
Gravy – Lift / Cool Water / Cleaning Fluid
Ink Stain – Cleaning Solvent / Cleaning Fluid
Iodine – Cold Water / Cleaning Solvent and Water
Milk / Ice Cream – Cold Water / Cleaning Fluid / Cold Water
Oil and Grease – Absorbent / Lukewarm Water / Cleaning Fluid / White Vinegar
Salad Dressing – Lift / Warm Water / Cleaning Fluid
Sap / Pitch – Freeze / Lift / Cleaning Solvent (Rubbing Alcohol or Nail Polish Remover)
Tea / Coffee Stain – Cold Water / Cleaning Fluid / Cold Water / Water and White Vinegar (50/50) / Cold Water
Tomato Juice / Ketchup – Lift / Cold Water / Cleaning Fluid / Cold Water / Stain Remover
Fruit Juice / Wine Stains – Rubbing Alcohol and Cool Water (3/1 mix)
Non Washable Synthetics
Alcohol Beverages and Soft Drink Stains – Cool Water / Cleaning Fluid / Cool Water
Candy and Syrup Stains – Lift / Warm Water
Fruit / Berry Stains – Lift / Cold Water / Cleaning Fluid / Cold Water / Stain Remover
Glue – Let Dry / Lift / Cool Water / Cleaning Fluid
Gravy – Lift / Cool Water / Dry Cleaning Solvent
Ink Stain – Cleaning Solvent / Cleaning Fluid
Iodine – Cold Water / Cleaning Solvent and Water
Milk / Ice Cream – Cold Water / Cleaning Fluid / Cold Water
Oil and Grease – Cleaning Fluid
Salad Dressing – Lift / Warm Water / Cleaning Fluid
Sap / Pitch – Dry Clean
Tea / Coffee Stain – Cold Water / Water and White Vinegar (50/50) / Cold Water
Tomato Juice / Ketchup – Lift / Cold Water / Dry Clean
Fruit Juice / Wine Stains – Dry Clean
Cotton and Linens
Alcohol Beverages and Soft Drink Stains – Cool Water / Cleaning Fluid / Cool Water
Candy and Syrup Stains – Lift / Lukewarm Water / Cleaning Fluid / Launder
Fruit / Berry Stains – Lift / Cold Water / Cleaning Fluid / Cold Water / Stain Remover
Glue – Let Dry / Lift / Cool Water / Cleaning Fluid
Super Glue – Let Dry / Lift / Cool Water / Acetone
Gravy – Lift / Cool Water / Cleaning Fluid
Ink Stain – Cleaning Solvent / Cleaning Fluid
Iodine – Cold Water / Cleaning Fluid / Stain Remover
Milk / Ice Cream – Cold Water / Cleaning Fluid / Cold Water
Oil and Grease – Absorbent / Lukewarm Water / Cleaning Fluid / White Vinegar
Latex Paint – Lift / Warm Water / Cleaning Fluid / Warm Water
Acrylic and Oil Paint – Lift / Paint Thinner or Turpentine / Cleaning Fluid
Salad Dressing – Lift / Warm Water / Cleaning Fluid
Sap / Pitch – Freeze / Lift / Cleaning Solvent (Rubbing Alcohol or Nail Polish Remover)
Tea / Coffee Stain – Cold Water / Cleaning Fluid / Cold Water / Water and White Vinegar (50/50) / Cold Water
Tomato Juice / Ketchup – Lift / Cold Water / Cleaning Fluid / Cold Water / Stain Remover
Fruit Juice / Wine Stains – Boiling Water / Stain Remover
Understanding Stain Removal Products
Stain-removal instructions sometimes use terms such as absorbent, cleaning fluid, acid, or solvent. Understanding what these terms mean can make the stain-removal process easier to follow.
Absorbents
Absorbents are powders that can help draw oils and grease away from some fabrics.
Examples include:
- Cornstarch
- Talcum powder
Cleaning Solutions
Cleaning solutions used for stains can include:
- Liquid laundry detergent
- Dish soap
- Fabric-safe commercial stain removers
Acids
Some stain-removal methods use mildly acidic products such as white vinegar. However, vinegar is not appropriate for every fabric or stain, and it should never be assumed to be a universal stain remover.
Solvents
Some stains require a solvent to help dissolve the substance. Solvents can be much stronger than ordinary household cleaners and may damage certain fabrics, finishes, dyes, or coatings.
Always check the fabric manufacturer’s instructions before using a solvent.
Common Household Stains and How to Remove Them
Some stains seem to appear over and over again. The following sections cover several common household stain problems and the methods I’ve used to deal with them.
How to Remove Kool-Aid Stains
As a child, my mother always kept a cold pitcher of Kool-Aid in the refrigerator. I loved it, however, coordination was not my strong suit. As a result, cherry Kool-Aid often ended up on my white school blouses. Fortunately, my mother always managed to remove the stain.
If you’re dealing with a Kool-Aid stain today, treat it as soon as possible.
- First, boil water in a teakettle and carefully pour it over the backside of the stain. Using a strainer over a pot can help keep hands safe. Always keep kids and pets away during this step.
- If staining remains, apply a thin paste of OxiClean and water. Let it sit for 10–15 minutes.
- Next, wash as usual and allow the item to air dry. If any stain remains, try hydrogen peroxide, let sit for 15 minutes, rinse, and launder again. Only use the dryer once the stain is fully gone.
How to Remove Chocolate Stains from Clothing
At some point, nearly every parent discovers their child covered in chocolate. At first, it seems cute, until you notice the stains.
Because chocolate contains both pigments and fats, removing a chocolate stain may require more than one step.
Begin by scraping off excess chocolate with a dull-edged tool.
Next, sprinkle cornstarch or talcum powder over the area to absorb grease.
Continue applying and removing powder until the grease is gone.
Then, rinse with lukewarm water from the backside of the stain.
Afterward, apply dish soap or liquid detergent and gently work it in.
If needed, use rubbing alcohol and allow it to sit before rinsing.
Finally, check carefully before drying. Repeat steps if necessary.
How to Remove Mustard Stains
Oops, it was a quick lunch and we opted for the quick and easy hot dog. And what’s a hot dog without yellow mustard? I know mustard has slipped out of my hot dog a time or two, and I’m sure it’s bound to happen again.
Yellow mustard contains turmeric, which can act as a strong dye and leave a stubborn yellow stain. The sooner you treat a mustard stain, the better.
- Use a spatula or butter knife to lift up any solids that remain on the item. Be careful not to spread the mustard creating a larger area to clean.
- Flush the remaining mustard from the backside of the fabric as completely as you can with cold water.
- Mix together 1 tablespoon Dawn dish soap (that’s what I have on hand) and 2 tablespoons Hydrogen Peroxide (3%). Use the spoon to put this mixture on the stained area and work it into the stain with your fingers or a clean toothbrush. Let sit for 10 to 15 minutes.
- Run the item under cold water. You should see definite signs of the stain lightening. Repeat Step 3 and 4 if necessary.
- If you still see a slight stain after using the dish soap and hydrogen peroxide, rinse completely with cold water, pour just the hydrogen peroxide or you can try white vinegar over the stain, cover, let sit another 10 to 15 minutes then check.
- Launder in as hot of water as the item can tolerate.
If you cannot get to the stain immediately, at the very least, remove as much as you can by blotting it with cold water. Fully clean the mustard stain when you get home.
When a Stain Won’t Come Out
Some stains simply take more work than others. If a stain remains after the first treatment, don’t assume that using more of the same product will solve the problem.
Instead:
- Check the fabric care label again.
- Identify what caused the stain.
- Make sure the cleaning method is appropriate for the fabric.
- Try a second treatment if the fabric allows it.
- Consider a professional cleaner for delicate, expensive, vintage, or dry-clean-only items.
Never mix cleaning products together. If you want to try a different stain-removal product, rinse the fabric thoroughly between treatments and follow the product’s directions.
Guide to Removing Stains: Patience Matters
Stains are inevitable, but they don’t have to be permanent. This guide to removing stains gives you the basic stain-removal principles, fabric-specific information, and practical solutions for some of the most common household stains.
Act quickly, choose a method that is appropriate for both the stain and the fabric, and don’t rush the process. Patience, proper testing, and keeping stained items out of the dryer can make all the difference.
