Before using a cleaner
- Blot or scrape the stain as soon as possible.
- If the stain is still wet, rinse with plenty of water to dilute the stain.
- Do not use warm or hot water on sugary stains. Use cold water.
- Always read clothing labels to determine what is advisable. Try first on an unexposed area of the clothing or fabric.
Basic fabric stain remover recipes
Option 1:
Use 3 percent hydrogen peroxide solution to spot clean. Let dry. Repeat if necessary.
Option 2:
Blot stain with club soda or cornstarch.
Option 3:
Scrub with a dab of dish soap.
Option 4:
Mix equal parts white distilled vinegar and water. Use to remove tough stains including perspiration, rust, jam, coffee, juice, beer, ketchup, barbecue sauce, urine and pet stains.
Option 5:
Combine:
1 part liquid vegetable oil-based soap
1 part vegetable oil-based glycerin
8 parts water.
Pour into a spray bottle and shake well. Wash and rinse in cool water only.
Common fabric stain solutions
Pen ink: Dab with vegetable oil-based glycerin or rub with a cream of tartar paste and let stand for 15 minutes before washing.
Fruit and berry stains: Pour boiling water on the stain. Do this in a tub or basin to contain splashes and protect from further staining.
Grass stains: Try rubbing alcohol first, following with dishwashing liquid or wet spotter. Rinse, then soak in laundry enzyme product and water.
Protein stains (milk, cream, mayonnaise, egg, blood): Soak for at least 30 minutes in a laundry enzyme product, then wash in cool water. If blood stains persist after the enzyme treatment, try hydrogen peroxide before washing again.
Red wine: Blot up as much as you can as quickly as possible. Apply a thick layer of salt and rinse after salt has absorbed the spill. In a pinch, white wine or club soda do an OK job. For dried stains, try rubbing alcohol.
Tomato sauce or tomato juice: Blot up excess. Apply club soda with a soft cloth and continue to blot. Launder if possible.