Stain Removal Guide: How to Scrub Blood, Grease, Grass, Oil and More From Clothes

Is there anything more frustrating than getting bacon grease on your favorite shirt? Or red wine on your favorite pants for going out? When that inevitably happens, you can give up and give in to the stain, crowning a new, ultimately less-loved garment—or you can fight to save the item.

We encourage the latter and have some high-success tips for removing any type of pesky, stubborn stain, from blood and grass to wine, oil and more. Regardless of the substance, there are a few simple steps you can follow to remove them any one stain with a few household items you probably already have at home.

For more cleaning tips, explore how to clean workout clothes and how to clean running shoes.

How to remove oil and grease stains from clothes

Oil and grease stains are difficult to remove, but not impossible. Apply some laundry detergent to the stain and wash the garment according to the label directions, or try a combination of dish soap and white vinegar for stubborn stains.

The method below is one that groups of online tipsters swear by and requires only dish soap and baking soda. And remember, time is of the essence when it comes to oil and grease, so deal with stains as soon as you notice them.

1. For any stain, first wipe the mark, removing the excess.
2. Apply a few drops of mild dish soap to the stain. Rub the soap with clean fingers until the detergent completely covers the stain.
3. Then apply a tablespoon of baking soda over the soap and rub it into the fabric for two minutes (you can use a soft-bristled toothbrush for more effective exfoliation).
4. When the mixture forms a paste, let the solution and clothes sit for an hour.
5. Rinse the clothes in the sink, then wash in the machine.

How to remove grass stains from clothes

Grass stains are almost inevitable on children’s clothes and are difficult to remove. You may be able to machine wash them or use a stain remover, but if that doesn’t help, you can find a solution here:

1. Soak the garment in the stain-fighting mixture for 30 minutes. You can use a solution of 2 cups of white vinegar or a mixture of dish soap and hydrogen peroxide.
2. Gently scrub the area with a soft brush.
3. Rinse the mixture thoroughly from the clothes with cold water.
4. Machine wash according to label.

How to remove blood stains from clothes

Blood is notoriously difficult to remove from clothing and may require several treatments. But it’s easiest to remove it when it’s fresh, so act as quickly as possible. Here is one method:

1. Soak the stained garment in cold water in the sink as soon as you notice the stain. (Make sure the water is cold, as hot water will encourage the blood proteins to set the stain into the fabric.) If the stain is very recent, wipe off any excess with a paper towel or even run the garment under the faucet to remove as much of it as you can.
2. Coat the stain with a hydrogen peroxide (20%)mixture (1 part hydrogen peroxide to 6 parts cold water) or apply a baking soda paste (2 parts baking soda to 1 part water).
3. Rinse the garment in cold water before machine washing.

How to remove sweat stains from clothes

It’s unfortunate, but it happens. However, even in the hottest climates, you don’t have to let sweat ruin your clothes with this method:

1. Make a solution of a quarter cup of white vinegar with one cup of water.
2. Soak the sweat stain in the mixture or completely submerge the garment.
3. Allow the clothes to soak for a full 30 minutes.
4. Rinse with cold water and machine wash.

How to remove coffee stains

I drink coffee like it’s my job. I love it. But I really don’t like the coffee stains that inevitably end up on my work blazer or favorite business pants when I’m rushing around in the morning. Here’s how to remove those coffee stains:

1. Completely submerge the stained garment in warm water.
2. Dab a mild laundry detergent or a diluted white vinegar mixture (a quarter cup of white vinegar to one cup of water) on the stain.
3. Machine wash on the hottest setting your garment will allow.

How to remove red wine stains from clothes

After a night out, you might be shocked to see red wine on your favorite blouse or collared shirt. Although it may seem dramatic, you can easily and effectively remove red wine stains:

1. Blot the stain with a paper towel to remove excess.
2. Mix equal parts hydrogen peroxide solution and dish soap and gently work the mixture into the stain with your fingers.
3. Allow the solution to sit for 20 minutes to an hour before rinsing.

If you don’t want to use hydrogen peroxide, you can use white vinegar and dish detergent instead and follow the steps above.

Conclusion

Either way, a little effort and time will help your clothes look brand new. Just remember to refrain from putting the garment in the dryer until the stain is completely gone (to prevent the stain from sticking) and feel free to repeat any of the above steps as needed to remove the stain.

For more laundry tips, explore why it might be time to ditch your favorite laundry project and the the most energy-efficient way to wash clothes.

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