Ink, oil, and grease stains are no match for these stain-fighting solutions.
Acarpet stain removerlike OxiClean is a great one to have on hand.
Never combine bleach and ammonia, as it can create a toxic gas.
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Apply ahydrogen peroxideformula (1/2 teaspoon dish soap and 1/2 cup hydrogen peroxide.
Chocolate
Scrape off any excess.
Then spray with a dish soap solution (see juice) and dab with detergent.
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To loosen the remaining residue, apply a lubricant like glycerin, then scrape it off.
Rinse, and if any gum remains, dab it with dish soap.
Ice Cream
Rinse thoroughly with cool water, then apply a stain pretreatment, such as Shout.
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Fill a sink with more cool water and a few drops of detergent and let soak.
Blot to remove the stain and soap residue.
Wine
For red wine: Coat the stain with salt.
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Boil water and stretch the fabric over a bowl.
Carefully pour the water onto the spot from about a foot above.
(Most everyday detergents contain enzymes).
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Tomato Sauce
Scrape off any excess, then apply a dish soap solution (see juice).
Blot with a damp towel to remove any residue.
If the stain persists, apply a few drops of white vinegar.
Ketchup
Treat with Shout.
If any of the stain remains, use an eyedropper or a cleantoothbrushto apply white vinegar to lighten it.
Salad Dressing
Sprinkle cornstarch on the spot and let sit to soak up oil.
Rinse with cool water.
Apply Shout and let sit for another 15 minutes.
Replace the paper towels frequently to soak up the liquid.
Rinse in cold water.
(Note: If the fabric is acetate or triacetate, take the piece to a dry cleaner).
Lipstick
Spritz the spot with hairspray and let it sit for 10 minutes.
Wipe with a damp cloth to remove any residue and remaining stain.
Dip a soft-bristled brush into the mixture and scrub the inside armpits of the shirt.
After treating, fill a tub with cool water and add one cup of distilled white vinegar.
Add clothes and let it soak for 30 minutes.
Rub in solution using a clean toothbrush.
Dirt or Mud
Scrape off any excess once the stain is dry.
Dilute a gentle detergent, like Woolite, with warm water and rub it on to form suds.
Sap
First, grab a butter knife and gently scrap off an excess sap.
Boil some water and stretch the fabric over a bowl.
Carefully pour the water into the spot from about a foot above.
Next, apply rubbing alcohol with a clean toothbrush.
Open a window for ventilation and dab with a cotton ball and mineral spirits.
Rinse with a dish soap solution (see juice).
Permanent Marker
Use a clean toothbrush to rubAmodexink and stain remover into the spot.
Grease
Cover the entire stain with liquid detergent, then dampen the area with water.
Rub the liquid on the stain spot until it starts to foam up.
If the stain isn’t coming up, scrub with a toothbrush, then rinse the stain with water.
Crayon
Scrape excess crayon off with a fork or butter knife.
Press with a warm iron to release the stain onto the paper towel.
Repeat until all of the stain transfers.
Wash the item on a normal cycle.
Paint
Use a paper towel to wipe away any dried acrylic paint or water-based paint residue.
Sponge on a solution of detergent diluted with warm water.
After the paint softens, remove the excess with a spatula or plastic knife.
Rinse and repeat as needed.
Turn the fabric over and rinse thoroughly with cold water.
Pretreat by soaking in warm water with detergent for 30 minutes.
To disinfect completely, add chlorine bleach or a color-safe bleach to wash and launder in warm water.
For a dry stain: Soak in salt water for a few hours.
Rinse, then treat with an ammonia solution (see juice).
Vomit
Scrape off any excess using a plastic knife.
Treat with Shout and let sit for 30 minutes.
To disinfect completely, add chlorine bleach or color-safe bleach to the wash and launder under warm.
Underarm Yellowing
For a fresh stain: Dab with shampoo.
Apply and let sit for one hour.
Baby Formula
Dab with detergent.
Soak for a few hours.
Collar Ring
Pretreat with Shout.
Pet Urine
Dab with detergent and let sit for 15 minutes.
Other Tips to Remove Stains from Clothes
Have a spill?
Find the best solutions for stubborn stains on the carpet and rugshere.
