Accidental spills and stains are an inevitable part of life, but they don’t have to mean the end for your favorite garments. With prompt action and the right techniques, you can effectively remove a variety of common stains. Here’s a comprehensive guide to tackling some of the most stubborn offenders:​

General Stain Removal Tips:

• Act Quickly: The sooner you address a stain, the better your chances of removing it.​
  
• Blot, Don’t Rub: Gently blotting prevents the stain from spreading and embedding deeper into the fabric.​
  
• Test First: Always test any cleaning solution on an inconspicuous area to ensure it doesn’t damage or discolor the fabric.​
  

1. Red Wine Stains

Difficulty: High

Materials Needed:

• Salt​
  
• Club soda​
  
• Hydrogen peroxide​
  
• Dish soap
  

Treatment Steps:

1. Blot the Stain: Immediately blot the spill with a clean cloth to absorb excess wine.
   
2. Apply Salt: Generously sprinkle salt over the stain to absorb remaining liquid.​
   
3. Rinse with Club Soda: Pour club soda over the salted area and let it sit for a few minutes.​
   
4. Apply Cleaning Solution: If the stain persists, mix equal parts hydrogen peroxide and dish soap, apply to the stain, and let it sit for 10 minutes.​
   
5. Launder: Wash the garment as usual, checking to ensure the stain is gone before drying.​
   

2. Coffee Stains

Difficulty: Moderate

Materials Needed:

• Cold water​
  
• White vinegar​
  
• Liquid laundry detergent
  

Treatment Steps:

1. Rinse with Cold Water: Hold the stained area under cold running water to flush out as much coffee as possible.​
   
2. Apply Vinegar Solution: Mix one tablespoon of white vinegar with one tablespoon of liquid laundry detergent and two cups of warm water.​
   
3. Blot the Stain: Using a clean cloth, apply the solution to the stain, blotting gently.​
   
4. Rinse and Launder: Rinse with cold water and launder as usual.​
   

3. Grass Stains

Difficulty: High

Materials Needed:

• Rubbing alcohol​
  
• Liquid laundry detergent​
  

Treatment Steps:

1. Pre-Treat with Alcohol: Dampen a cloth with rubbing alcohol and gently dab the stain to break down the chlorophyll.​
   
2. Apply Detergent: Rub liquid laundry detergent into the stain and let it sit for 15 minutes.​
   
3. Launder: Wash the garment in the hottest water safe for the fabric.​

4. Grease and Oil Stains

Difficulty: High

Materials Needed:

• Cornstarch or baking soda​
  
• Dish soap
  

Treatment Steps:

1. Absorb Excess Oil: Sprinkle cornstarch or baking soda on the stain and let it sit for 15 minutes to absorb the oil.​
   
2. Brush Off Powder: Gently brush off the powder.​
   
3. Apply Dish Soap: Apply dish soap directly to the stain, gently rub it in, and let it sit for 10 minutes.​
   
4. Launder: Wash the garment in the hottest water appropriate for the fabric.​
   

5. Ink Stains

Difficulty: High

Materials Needed:

• Rubbing alcohol​
  
• Paper towels​
  

Treatment Steps:

1. Place on Paper Towel: Lay the stained area face down on a paper towel.​
   
2. Apply Rubbing Alcohol: Using a cotton ball, apply rubbing alcohol to the back of the stain, pressing gently to transfer the ink to the paper towel.​
   
3. Replace Paper Towels: As the paper towel absorbs the ink, replace it with a clean one and repeat until the stain is gone.​
   
4. Rinse and Launder: Rinse the fabric with cold water and launder as usual.​
   

6. Tomato-Based Stains

Difficulty: Moderate

Materials Needed:

• Dish soap​
• Hydrogen peroxide​
  

Treatment Steps:

1. Remove Excess Sauce: Gently scrape off any excess tomato sauce without spreading the stain.​
   
2. Rinse with Cold Water: Flush the stained area with cold water from the back to push the stain out.
   
3. Apply Dish Soap: Apply liquid dish soap to the stain, gently rub it in, and let it sit for 10 minutes.​
   
4. Use Hydrogen Peroxide: For persistent stains, apply hydrogen peroxide, let it sit for a few minutes, then rinse.​
   
5. Launder: Wash the garment as usual.​
   

7. Chocolate Stains

Difficulty: Moderate

Materials Needed:

• Dish soap​
  
• Hydrogen peroxide​
  

Treatment Steps:

1. Remove Excess Chocolate: Gently scrape off any remaining chocolate without spreading the stain.​
   
2. Rinse with Cold Water: Flush the back of the stained area with cold water to remove as much as possible.​
   
3. Apply Dish Soap: Apply liquid dish soap to the stain, gently rub it in, and let it sit for 5 minutes.
   
4. Use Hydrogen Peroxide: If the stain lingers, dab a small amount of hydrogen peroxide onto it, let it sit for a few minutes, then rinse.
   
5. Launder: Wash as usual, checking to ensure the stain is gone before drying.
   

Final Tips for Stain Removal Success

• Avoid Heat Before Stains Are Gone: Heat can set stains permanently, so always check before tossing items into the dryer.
• Use Oxygen-Based Stain Removers: For tough stains, an overnight soak in an oxygen-based cleaner mixed with water can help lift stubborn marks.
• Repeat If Necessary: Some stains may require multiple treatments before disappearing completely.

No matter how careful we try to be, stains happen! But with the right techniques and a little patience, your favorite clothes, tablecloths, and furniture can look fresh and stain-free again.

Related: How to Save $50 or More By Making Your Own Household Cleaners!