Guide to Removing Stains
How to Remove Stains and Tips for Cleaning Different Types of Stains.
Removing and Cleaning Up 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. Ultimately, this guide to removing stains covers the basics and explains how to treat specific stains on different types of fabrics.
Guide to Removing Stains – The Basics
Before jumping into fabric-specific solutions, it helps to understand a few universal stain-removal principles. In general, the following guidelines will give you the best chance of success.
- First and foremost, the sooner you treat a stain, the better your chances of removing it. Acting quickly helps prevent stains from setting into the fabric.
- When cleaning, always blot or dab with a clean cloth or paper towel. Rubbing, on the other hand, can spread the stain and push it deeper into the fibers.
- In most cases, cold water should be used when rinsing or pre-treating a stain. Hot water can set certain stains and make them harder to remove. That said, there are exceptions, and hot water should only be used when specifically instructed. Similarly, heat from a dryer can permanently set stains, so it’s best to avoid high temperatures until the stain is completely gone.
- Whenever possible, follow the care instructions on the garment label.
- If needed, non-washable or dry-clean-only items should be taken to a professional if you’re unsure about treating them yourself.
- Before washing, use a dull-edged tool, such as a butter knife, to lift and remove blobs of food.
- Additionally, always test stain-removal methods on an inside seam of colored garments to check for colorfastness.
- To prevent spreading, place a paper towel or clean cloth under the stained area while working.
- For best results, work from the outer edge of the stain toward the center.
- Finally, remember that some stains require multiple treatments. Patience is key, so repeat the process if necessary.
Guide to Removing Stains from a Variety of Fabrics
As with all stains, the quicker you can address them, the better your results will be. To begin, always blot – never rub – using absorbent materials to remove as much liquid as possible. In the case of food stains, a dull-edged utensil may be needed to lift solids before treatment. In some situations, placing items in the freezer can help harden residue, making it easier to scrape away.
Once excess material has been removed, rinse from the backside of the fabric. Then, using a clean or lint-free cloth, gently work on the stain while absorbent materials soak up cleaning solutions. As you go, rinse as needed and move to a clean section of cloth. For tougher stains, allowing a cleaning fluid or stain remover to soak for 10 minutes or longer may be necessary.
Additionally, placing a clean cloth under the stain can prevent it from transferring to other areas. If the stain persists, a second treatment method may be required.
When finished, launder or hand wash according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Most importantly, never place the item in the dryer until you’re sure the stain is gone, as heat can permanently set it.
Absorbents, Cleaning Fluids, Solvents O My
You may have noticed that stain removal instructions often reference absorbents, cleaning fluids, or solvents. To clarify, here’s a simple breakdown of commonly used options:
- Absorbent: Cornstarch or talcum powder
- Acid: White vinegar or lemon juice
- Cleaning Fluid: Dish soap (Dawn), liquid laundry detergent (OxiClean, Tide, Persil), or Woolite
- Commercial Stain Removers: Zout, OxiClean, Tide Ultra or Stain Pen, Persil, Shout
Cleaning Solvent: Hairspray, rubbing alcohol, alcohol-based hand sanitizer, acetone nail polish remover, dry-clean solvent.
Guide to Removing Stains
Now that you’re familiar with the basics, the following sections outline stain-removal methods by fabric type. As a reminder, “lift” simply means removing solid residue before cleaning.
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
Additional Stain Removal Tips
No guide to removing stains would be complete without addressing a few common, real-life scenarios. Below, you’ll find practical solutions for some of the most frequent household stain offenders.
Kids and 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 Kool-Aid stains today, here’s what to do:
- 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.
Removing a Chocolate Stain from Clothing
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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 grease, removing it requires a few extra steps:
- 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.
Cleaning a Mustard Stain
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, among other things, is a dye. Mustard will instantly leave a stain. As soon as you can, treat the stain.
- 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.
Guide to Removing Stains = Patience
Stains are inevitable, but they don’t have to be permanent. With this guide to removing stains, you now have practical tips, proven methods, and fabric-specific strategies to tackle nearly any mess. Act quickly, choose the right approach, and remember – patience and proper testing make all the difference. We hope this guide to removing stains has been helpful!
