Stains, Stains and More Stains

This blog is dedicated to my client who is forever worrying about how to deal with stains she gets on her clothing. For many of us the worry of wearing new clothes, especially white clothes, in the summer may send us in to a tizzy, or better yet lead us to not wear a particular item. I frequently remind clients that purchased clothes are actually meant to be worn and are not a closet dust collector. If by chance you stain your clothing, then follow these simple directions or just write it off to a great meal, too many adult beverages, or my favorite saying sh#t happens! Happy washing and let me know how these tips work for you!

When applying stain-removing solutions to fabric, it's best to work at the stain from the back of the fabric and not the front. This way the stain won't spread deeper into the fabric.

Mystery Stain Removal from Clothing

For stains of an unknown origin, try following these steps: First, rinse the stain in cold water. Pretreat with a prewash, then rinse again. Now wash the garment with an all-fabric bleach, in water that's as hot as the manufacturer recommends, adding extra detergent. Let it air dry, and if the stain is still there, soak in cold water for half an hour. Sponge it with a cleaning solvent, let it sit for 5 minutes, and then rinse again. Repeat all of the above if the stain persists.

If your stain is on white clothing, you should be able to restore your clothes to white, and not damage the fibres of the fabric, by soaking them in lukewarm water and color safe or oxygen bleach for 24 hours, then rinse them with vinegar and water. Mix using one tablespoon of vinegar to one quart of water. After treating your stained clothing overnight, wash them in hot water with chlorine bleach added. This should refresh them to their original white state. If possible, dry them in the sun.

Washing White Clothes

When washing white clothes, hot water works the best, since your detergent will dissolve and work the most effectively at this temperature. Water rinses equally well at any temperature, however, so be sure to rinse all your clothes using cold water to save on hot water. If your clothes are not particularly soiled, you could probably get away with using hot water every second or third washing to save on hot water as well. Be sure to always follow the washing directions given on the label of your clothes for best results.

Deodorant and Perspiration Stains

Yellow underarm shirt stains are likely caused by a combination of deodorant and perspiration. Many deodorants and antiperspirants contain aluminum salts. When these salts are combined with laundry detergent, especially in cooler water settings, they are not easily dissolved, and they remain on the fabric.

To remove the stains, try soaking the shirts in warm water with an enzyme pre-soak product or rubbing the soiled area with white vinegar. Wash in the hottest water safe for the fabric. If the stain remains, dampen and sprinkle stain with meat tenderizer. Let stand for about an hour, and launder again. To avoid new stains from forming, always wash the shirts in the hottest water safe for the fabric. Also, allow antiperspirant to dry completely before dressing.

Follow these tips, and make your clothes last for the entire season without having to buy new!