The Ultimate Guide to Removing Laundry Stains
Laundry day is a breeze when all you have to do is throw your clothes into the washer with some detergent. But what about those stubborn stains that just won’t come out? Fear not! With these ten expert tips, you’ll be able to tackle any stain that comes your way, from A to Z.
1. Take Immediate Action
The key to stain removal is to act fast. Fresh stains are much easier to remove than ones that have set into the fabric. Keep an emergency stain removal kit handy with white towels, a small bottle of water, and a stain removal pen or wipes to treat stains immediately. If the stain has dried, don’t worry, you can still remove it with a bit of patience and persistence.
2. Blot, Don’t Rub
When dealing with liquid stains, blot up any excess liquid with a clean white cloth, paper towel, or even a piece of white bread. Avoid rubbing the stained area, as this can make the stain worse. For thick spills, gently lift away excess solids with a dull knife or the edge of a credit card. Never rub at thick, oily stains as it can push the stain deeper into the fabric fibers.
3. Choose the Right Water Temperature
When in doubt, wash with cold water. Hot water can set protein stains like milk, egg, or blood into the fabric. Save hot water for oily stains like mayonnaise or butter. Always read the product labels and clothing care labels before washing, as using the wrong water temperature can make the stain worse. Stick to warm water for most fabrics and always follow the care instructions.
4. Skip the Soap
While soap may seem like a quick fix for stains, it can actually set many stains like berries or fruits. Instead, use liquid dishwashing detergent or laundry detergent to treat the stain before washing. If you don’t have detergent on hand, flush the stain from the back side of the fabric under running water.
5. Check Before Washing
Always check your laundry for stains before washing. Teach your family to let you know about stains or mark them with a clothespin. Pretreat stains with heavy-duty liquid laundry detergent before washing to ensure they come out in the wash.
6. Never Dry a Stain
Inspect wet laundry before placing it in the dryer. If a stain is still visible, do not dry the garment as the heat can set the stain permanently. Reapply a stain remover, let it soak, and rewash the garment before drying.
7. Give Stain Removers Time to Work
Choose an enzyme-based stain remover and test it on a hidden area of the garment before use. Allow the stain remover to sit for at least 10 to 15 minutes before washing to give it time to break down the stain.
8. Use a Gentle Touch
Avoid aggressive rubbing when treating stains to prevent spreading the stain or damaging the fabric. Today’s stain removers are highly effective, so a gentle touch is all you need.
9. Divide and Conquer
Wash heavily stained items separately to ensure the best results. Avoid washing heavily soiled clothes with less-soiled items to prevent stains from redepositing on cleaner clothing.
10. Check Your Settings
Before every load of laundry, check your washing machine’s settings to ensure you are using the most appropriate settings for the garments being washed. Using too little detergent, low water temperature, short washing times, or overloading the washer can result in stains not being properly removed.
By following these ten tips, you’ll be a stain-fighting pro in no time. Say goodbye to stubborn stains and hello to fresh, clean laundry every time!
