Removing stubborn stains works best when you treat them quickly and use the right method for the stain type. Here’s a practical, no-nonsense guide you can save.
🧺 Golden Rules First
✔ Blot — don’t rub
✔ Use cold water first (heat can set stains)
✔ Test any treatment on a hidden area
✔ Don’t machine dry until stain is completely gone
🩸 1️⃣ Blood Stains
Fresh stain:
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Rinse under cold running water (from back of fabric).
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Apply hydrogen peroxide (white fabrics only).
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Wash in cold water.
Dried stain:
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Soak in cold water + salt or baking soda for several hours.
⚠ Never use hot water — it sets protein stains.
🍷 2️⃣ Red Wine
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Blot immediately.
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Sprinkle baking soda or salt to absorb liquid.
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Pour boiling water through the fabric (white/light fabrics only).
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Wash normally.
Alternative: White vinegar + dish soap.
🛢 3️⃣ Grease & Oil
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Sprinkle baking soda or cornstarch to absorb oil (15–30 minutes).
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Brush off.
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Apply dish soap directly and gently rub.
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Wash warm (if fabric allows).
Dish soap works because it breaks down fat.
🍅 4️⃣ Tomato Sauce / Ketchup
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Scrape off excess.
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Rinse with cold water from back.
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Apply liquid detergent and let sit 10 minutes.
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Wash as usual.
White vinegar can help lift remaining color.
☕ 5️⃣ Coffee or Tea
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Blot with cold water.
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Apply mixture of:
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1 tbsp white vinegar
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1 tbsp liquid detergent
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2 cups warm water
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Sponge, then rinse.
🖊 6️⃣ Ink
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Place paper towel under stain.
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Dab with rubbing alcohol or hand sanitizer.
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Blot gently until ink transfers.
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Rinse and wash.
👕 7️⃣ Sweat & Yellow Underarm Stains
Mix:
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2 tbsp baking soda
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1 tbsp hydrogen peroxide
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1 tsp dish soap
Apply, scrub lightly, sit 30 minutes, wash warm.
🛏 For Linens & White Sheets
Soak in:
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1 cup baking soda
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1 cup white vinegar
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Hot water (if fabric safe)
Then wash normally.
🧼 For Extra Tough Stains
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Use an oxygen-based stain remover (safe for most fabrics).
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Repeat treatment if needed before drying.
If you tell me:
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What type of stain
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How old it is
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Fabric type