At one time, spilling coffee on your favorite blouse guaranteed it would be stained forever and end up in the rag bin. However, that's just not the case anymore with so many clever tips and tricks for removing stains. The key to removing stains is learning what to use and how to treat garments before stains set in.
Dealing with Cosmetic Stains
Foundation, eye-shadow and lipstick can easily be removed by pre-treating with liquid detergent. Pour a small amount on the makeup, rub the stain and rinse in water and wash as usual.
Ink Removal
Water-based or ballpoint ink stains can be removed by blotting the excess ink from the fabric and soaking the garment in hot water with liquid laundry detergent for five minutes. Wash on the hottest available setting.
Removing Coffee and Wine Stains
Because coffee and wine spills contain tannins, which stain, garments should be treated immediately. Blot excess liquid off the garment. Soak for about four hours with equal parts of dish soap and hydrogen peroxide. Wash on the hottest setting. Not meant for use on dark fabrics.
The Key to Wax Stains
Put the clothing or tablecloth in your freezer to harden. Chip off the hardened wax. Place a paper bag under and over the stain and iron. Wash as usual.
Blood Stain Removal
Rinse fresh blood out of fabric immediately using cold water and toss it in the washer. For dried blood, purchase an enzyme stain remover to pre-treat the fabric and launder. If stains persist after laundering, you can treat with hydrogen peroxide, which is a bleaching agent.
Tips for Cooking Oil Spills
Soak up the oil using paper towels and apply baking soda to both sides of the fabric. Allow it to sit for a few hours and rinse with water. Launder as normal.
Removing Deodorant Stripes
Deodorant stains can easily be removed by rubbing a little liquid soap into the stains. Leave the soap on for five minutes and put it in the dryer.
No More Grass Stains
Apply an enzyme laundry detergent, rub the cloth together and rinse. Launder on hot setting.