A spilled glass of wine or a grease splatter can feel like the end of a garment, but most stains are beatable if you know the right approach. From wine to ink to sweat marks, here’s exactly how to treat the toughest stains before they become permanent.
Rule #1: Act Fast
The single biggest factor in stain removal is time. Fresh stains almost always come out easier than set-in ones. Blot, don’t rub, and treat the stain before it dries or goes through the dryer, since heat can permanently bond a stain to fabric fibers.
How to Remove Common Tough Stains
Red Wine
Blot excess liquid immediately, then cover with salt or baking soda to absorb what remains. Rinse with cold water from the back of the fabric and treat with a stain remover before washing.
Grease and Oil
Sprinkle cornstarch or baking soda on the stain to absorb oil, let sit for 15 minutes, then brush off. Apply dish soap directly to the spot, work it in gently, and wash in the warmest water the fabric allows.
Blood
Always use cold water, never hot, since heat sets protein-based stains. Soak in cold water, apply a small amount of hydrogen peroxide or enzyme-based detergent, and rinse thoroughly.
Grass Stains
Apply a mix of white vinegar and water, or a dedicated stain remover, and let it sit for several minutes before washing. Avoid hot water until the stain is fully gone.
Ink
Dab (don’t rub) rubbing alcohol onto the stain with a clean cloth, working from the outside in to avoid spreading it. Rinse and wash as usual.
Sweat and Deodorant Marks
Mix baking soda with water into a paste, apply to the stained area, and let sit for 30 minutes before washing. For yellowing, a mix of white vinegar and lemon juice can help lift discoloration.
Coffee and Tea
Rinse the back of the stain with cold water immediately, then apply a mix of dish soap and white vinegar before laundering as usual.
Makeup and Foundation
Apply a small amount of dish soap or micellar water directly to the stain, gently work it in, and rinse before washing normally.
