How to remove stubborn stains from clothes
Clothes with white or light-colored sections are difficult to get completely clean. If the white/light areas become soiled in a way that does not come out in a regular wash, the clothes look dingy and old. Here we show you how to easily remove dirt from heavy outerwear.
Watch the clip below and we’ll explain how to do it. The stains on these clothes are mostly caused by grease and soot – both are easiest to remove with soap.
You need
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- Superfatted, alkaline soap
- Brush
- Washing machine
- Laundry detergent
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Other stains
Alkaline
- Greasy stains – pre-treat with soap and wash in the machine according to the care instructions.
- Chocolate, greasy food, and splashes from frying are examples of greasy stains.
- Paint stains – soak in soapy water, work on the stains with a laundry brush, then wash in the machine.
- Soot – Remove with soap.
- Grass – remove with soap and a brush.
- Resin, tar – rub in plenty of greasy soap.
- Dirt ring on a sweater/shirt – pre-treat with soap.
Acidic
- Remove sweat with a little vinegar and water, then wash according to the care instructions. Very stubborn stains may need more treatment. If the clothes smell strongly of sweat, you can soak them overnight in water with vinegar before washing them in the machine.
- Berries and fruit – boiling water, possibly with a little citric acid (note that citric acid bleaches fabric)
- Rust – vinegar or citric acid.
SALT
- Remove bloodstains with cold water and salt. If possible, soak in salt water.
ALCOHOL
- (e.g. denatured alcohol) Felt-tip pen, ink, and printing ink are easiest to remove with alcohol.