Stains are a part of life, but they don’t have to be a permanent addition to your clothes. Simply find the stain you wish to remove below and click on its category for step-by-step instructions on how to remove it. 

For Acrylic, Cotton, Linen, Lycra / Spandex, Nylon, Polyester, Rayon, Washable Silk, Washable Wool.

Household Stains

Ballpoint Ink

To remove pen stains:
Always read the label and follow any directions first.

  1. Check the care label on your garment.
  2. Check an invisible corner of any colored fabrics to be sure that the treatment you choose will not affect the color of the garment.
  3. Stretch the fabric with the stained area over the mouth of a jar or glass.
  4. Drip rubbing alcohol through the stain so the ink drops into the container as the soil is removed.
  5. If necessary, follow up with a wash in color-safe bleach.
  6. Air dry and check the garment carefully for any residue before you put it in the dryer again.
Pencil Stains

To remove pencil stains:
Always read the label and follow any directions first.

  1. Check the care label on your garment.
  2. Pretreat with liquid detergent and wash in warmest water safe for your garment. (FOR WASHABLE SILK & WASHABLE WOOL – EITHER HAND WASH OR USE THE WASHER CYCLE DESIGNED FOR HAND WASHING)
  3. If necessary, repeat treatment.
  4. Air dry and check the garment for any remaining stain. Repeat the procedure if necessary before you place the garment in the dryer.
Crayon

To remove crayon stains:
Always read the label and follow any directions first.

  1. Check the care label on your garment.
  2. Scrape the affected area with a spoon or the back of a butter knife, being sure to remove any excess wax from the fabric.
  3. Place the stained area face down on a white paper towel or a brown paper bag, and place another paper towel on top of the item.
  4. Run a warm iron over the paper towel – the heat will melt the wax, which will be absorbed by the bag or towel.
  5. Keep changing the paper towels until no more stain transfers.
  6. Pretreat the stain, and wash in the warmest water possible for that garment.
  7. Line or air dry – be sure all wax has been removed before you place the garment in the dryer.
Felt-Tip Pen

To remove felt-tip pen stains:
Always read the label and follow any directions first.

  1. Check the care label on your garment.
  2. Check an invisible corner of any colored fabrics to be sure that the treatment you choose will not affect the color of the garment.
  3. Stretch the fabric with the stained area over the mouth of a jar or glass.
  4. Drip rubbing alcohol through the stain so the ink drops into the container as the soil is removed.
  5. If necessary, follow up with a wash in color-safe bleach.
  6. Air dry and check the garment carefully for any residue before you put it in the dryer again.
Glue

To remove glue stains:
Always read the label and follow any directions first.

  1. For water soluble glue, remove by rinsing with cool water and wash according to care label on garment.
  2. For water proof glue, consult the garment’s care label or bring to a dryer cleaner.
Mildew

To remove mildew:
Always read the label and follow any directions first.

  1. Check the care label on your garment.
  2. Soak the garment in a mixture of detergent and water for up to 30 minutes before washing in hottest (FOR WASHABLE SILK & WASHABLE WOOL – WARMEST) water safe for the garment.
  3. If necessary, repeat treatment.
  4. Follow-up with a wash in color-safe bleach for colors, or liquid chlorine bleach for whites. (SKIP FOR WASHABLE SILK & WASHABLE WOOL)
  5. Air dry and check the garment for any remaining stain. Repeat the procedure if necessary before you place the garment in the dryer.
Candle Wax

To remove candle wax:
Always read the label and follow any directions first.

  1. Check the care label on your garment.
  2. Scrape the affected area with a spoon or back of a butter knife to remove any excess wax.
  3. Place the stained area face down on a white paper towel or brown paper bag, and place another paper towel on top of the garment.
  4. Run a warm iron over the paper towel-the heat will melt the wax, which will be absorbed by the towel or bag.
  5. Keep changing the paper towels until no more stain transfers.
  6. Pretreat stain with liquid detergent, then wash in the warmest water safe for the garment.
  7. Air dry and check the garment for any remaining stain. Repeat the procedure if necessary before you place the garment in the dryer.
 

 

Shoe Polish

To remove shoe polish stains:
Always read the label and follow any directions first.

  1. 1. Check the care label on your garment.
  2. If manufacturers’ directions will not work, take garment to a dry cleaner.

 

Antiperspirant

To remove antiperspirant stains:
Always read the label and follow any directions first.

  1. Check the care label on your garment.
  2. Turn the garment inside-out and pretreat stain with liquid detergent. Let garment sit for up to 30 minutes.
  3. Wash in the hottest water safe for the garment. (FOR WASHABLE SILK & WASHABLE WOOL – EITHER HAND WASH OR USE THE WASHER CYCLE DESIGNED FOR HAND WASHING)
  4. Air dry and check for any remaining stain. Repeat the procedure if necessary before placing the garment in the dryer.
Toothpaste

To remove toothpaste stains:
Always read the label and follow any directions first.

  1. Check the care label on your garment.
  2. Rinse in warmest water safe for your garment.
  3. Pretreat stain with a gentle liquid detergent and wash in the warmest water safe for the garment. (FOR WASHABLE SILK & WASHABLE WOOL – EITHER HAND WASH OR USE THE WASHER CYCLE DESIGNED FOR HAND WASHING)
  4. If necessary, repeat treatment.
  5. Air dry and check the garment for any remaining stain. Repeat the procedure if necessary before you place the garment in the dryer.
Cough Syrup

To remove cough syrup stains:
Always read the label and follow any directions first.

  1. Check the care label on your garment.
  2. Rinse in warmest water safe for your garment.
  3. Pretreat stain with a gentle liquid detergent and wash in the warmest water safe for the garment. (FOR WASHABLE SILK & WASHABLE WOOL – EITHER HAND WASH OR USE THE WASHER CYCLE DESIGNED FOR HAND WASHING)
  4. If necessary, repeat treatment.
  5. Air dry and check the garment for any remaining stain. Repeat the procedure if necessary before you place the garment in the dryer.
Blood

To remove blood stains:
Always read the label and follow any directions first.

  1. Check the care label on the garment.
  2. Rinse in cool water or soak in a solution of cold water and detergent.
  3. Wash in cold water with detergent and an oxygenated bleach for colors, or chlorine bleach for whites.
  4. Repeat process if necessary; make sure all residue has been removed before drying.
 
Collar and Cuff Rings

To remove collar and cuff stains:
Always read the label and follow any directions first.

  1. Check the care label on your garment.
  2. Rub liquid detergent into the stain and let work for up to 30 minutes, then wash in the warmest water safe for the garment. (FOR WASHABLE SILK & WASHABLE WOOL – PRETREAT STAIN WITH A GENTLE LIQUID DETERGENT, THEN WASH THE GARMENT IN THE WARMEST WATER SAFE FOR THE FABRIC – EITHER HAND WASH OR USE THE WASHER CYCLE DESIGNED FOR HAND WASHING)
  3. If necessary, follow-up with a wash with color-safe bleach for colors, or liquid chlorine bleach for whites. (FOR WASHABLE SILK & WASHABLE WOOL – IF NECESSARY, REPEAT TREATMENT)
  4. Air dry and check the garment for any remaining stain. Repeat the procedure if necessary before you place the garment in the dryer.

Baby Stains

Baby Food

To remove baby food stains:
Always read the label and follow any directions first.

  1. Check the care label on your garment.
  2. Check an invisible corner of any colored fabrics to be sure that the treatment you choose will not affect the color of the garment.
  3. Rinse in cold water to dilute the stain and prevent it from setting.4. Soak the garment in a mixture of water and detergent for up to 30 minutes.
  4. Wash in the warmest water safe for the garment. (COLDEST WATER FOR BABY FOOD ON LINEN)
  5. If necessary, repeat treatment, or follow-up with a wash in color-safe bleach for colors, or liquid chlorine bleach for whites. (SKIP BLEACH FOR WASHABLE SILK & WASHABLE WOOL)
  6. Air dry and check the garment for any remaining stain. Repeat the procedure if necessary before you place the garment in the dryer.
Baby Formula

To remove baby formula stains:
Always read the label and follow any directions first.

  1. Check the care label on your garment.
  2. Check an invisible corner of any colored fabrics to be sure that the treatment you choose will not affect the color of the garment.
  3. Rinse in cold water to dilute the stain and prevent it from setting.
  4. Soak the garment in a mixture of water and detergent for up to 30 minutes.
  5. Wash in the warmest water safe for the garment (coldest water for baby food on linen).
  6. If necessary, repeat treatment, or follow-up with a wash in color-safe bleach for colors, or liquid chlorine bleach for whites. (SKIP BLEACH FOR WASHABLE SILK & WASHABLE WOOL)
  7. Air dry and check the garment for any remaining stain. Repeat the procedure if necessary before you place the garment in the dryer.
Baby Poop

To removebaby poop stains:
Always read the label and follow any directions first.

  1. Check the care label on your garment.
  2. Check an invisible corner of any colored fabrics to be sure that the treatment you choose will not affect the color of the garment.
  3. Scrape off any excess.
  4. Soak in cool water with detergent.
  5. Pretreat with a stain remover, or rub in a bit of liquid detergent and wash in the warmest water safe for the fabric, with detergent and oxygenated bleach for colors, or chlorine bleach for whites. (SKIP BLEACH FOR WASHABLE SILK & WASHABLE WOOL)
  6. Air dry and check the garment carefully for any residue before you run it through the dryer (if care label states it can be dried).
Baby Spit-Up

To remove spit-up stains:
Always read the label and follow any directions first.

  1. Check the care label on your garment.
  2. Check an invisible corner of any colored fabrics to be sure that the treatment you choose will not affect the color of the garment.
  3. Scrape off any excess.
  4. Soak in cool water with detergent.
  5. Pretreat with a stain remover, or rub in a bit of liquid detergent and wash in the warmest water safe for the fabric, with detergent and oxygenated bleach for colors, or chlorine bleach for whites. (SKIP BLEACH FOR WASHABLE SILK & WASHABLE WOOL)
  6. Air dry and check the garment carefully for any residue before you run it through the dryer (if care label states it can be dried).

Cosmetics Stains

Cologne

To remove cologne stains:
Always read the label and follow any directions first.

  1. Check the care label on your garment.
  2. Check an invisible corner of any colored fabrics to be sure that the treatment you choose will not affect the color of the garment.
  3. Remove any excess lotion with the back of a butter knife or a spoon.
  4. Soak the stained area in a mixture of detergent and water.
  5. Wash in the warmest water possible for the fabric.
  6. If necessary, follow-up with a wash in color-safe bleach.
  7. Air dry and check the garment carefully for any residue before you run it through the dryer.
Make-Up

To remove make-up stains:
Always read the label and follow any directions first.

  1. Check the care label on your garment.

  2. Check an invisible corner of any colored fabrics to be sure that the treatment you choose will not affect the color of the garment.

  3. Remove any excess cosmetics with the back of a butter knife or a spoon.

  4. Soak the stained area in a mixture of detergent and water.

  5. Wash in the warmest water possible for the fabric.

  6. If necessary, follow-up with a wash in color-safe bleach.

  7. Air dry and check the garment carefully for any residue before you run it through the dryer.

Face Cream

To remove face cream stains:
Always read the label and follow any directions first.

  1. Check the care label on your garment.

  2. Check an invisible corner of any colored fabrics to be sure that the treatment you choose will not affect the color of the garment.

  3. Remove any excess cream with the back of a butter knife or a spoon.

  4. Soak the stained area in a mixture of detergent and water.

  5. Wash in the warmest water possible for the fabric.

  6. If necessary, follow-up with a wash in color-safe bleach.

  7. Air dry and check the garment carefully for any residue before you run it through the dryer.

Hair Spray

To remove felt-tip pen stains:
Always read the label and follow any directions first.

  1. Check the care label on your garment.

  2. Check an invisible corner of any colored fabrics to be sure that the treatment you choose will not affect the color of the garment.

  3. Soak the stained area in a mixture of detergent and water.

  4. Wash in the warmest water possible for the fabric.

  5. If necessary, follow-up with a wash in color-safe bleach.

  6. Air dry and check the garment carefully for any residue before you run it through the dryer.

Lipstick

To remove lipstick stains:
Always read the label and follow any directions first.

  1. Check the care label on your garment.

  2. If stain is heavy, scrape off any remaining lipstick with a spoon or back of a butter knife.

  3. Rub in liquid detergent and soak in a mixture of detergent and water for up to 30 minutes.

  4. Wash in the warmest water safe for the garment.

  5. If necessary, repeat treatment, or follow-up with a wash in color-safe bleach for colors, or liquid chlorine bleach for whites. (FOR WASHABLE SILK & WASHABLE WOOL – JUST REPEAT TREATMENT, IF NECESSARY)

  6. Air dry and check the garment for any remaining stain. Repeat the procedure if necessary before you place the garment in the dryer.

Nail Polish

To remove nail polish:
Always read the label and follow any directions first.

  1. Consider taking the garment to a professional cleaners.

  2. If not, check the garment label.

  3. Check an invisible corner of any colored fabrics to be sure that the treatment you choose will not affect the color of the garment.

  4. Use a non-acetone nail polish remover, and dab on the stain.

  5. Wash in the warmest water safe for the garment.

  6. Air dry and check the garment carefully for any residue before placing it in the dryer.

Hand Lotion

To remove hand lotion stains:
Always read the label and follow any directions first.

  1. Check the care label on your garment.
  2. Check an invisible corner of any colored fabrics to be sure that the treatment you choose will not affect the color of the garment.
  3. Remove any excess lotion with the back of a butter knife or a spoon.
  4. Soak the stained area in a mixture of detergent and water.
  5. Wash in the warmest water possible for the fabric.
  6. If necessary, follow-up with a wash in color-safe bleach.
  7. Air dry and check the garment carefully for any residue before you run it through the dryer.

 

Food Stains

Ketchup/Marinara Sauce

To remove ketchup or marinara sauce stains:
Always read the label and follow any directions first.

  1. Check the care label on your garment.

  2. Pretreat stain with liquid detergent, then wash the garment in warmest water safe for the fabric. (FOR WASHABLE SILK & WASHABLE WOOL – EITHER HAND WASH OR USE THE WASHER CYCLE DESIGNED FOR HAND WASHING)

  3. If necessary, follow-up with a wash in color-safe bleach for colors or liquid chlorine bleach for whites. (FOR WASHABLE SILK & WASHABLE WOOL – JUST REPEAT TREATMENT, IF NECESSARY)

  4. Air dry and check the garment for any remaining stain. Repeat the procedure if necessary before you place the garment in the dryer.

Chocolate

To remove chocolate stains:
Always read the label and follow any directions first.

  1. Check the care label on your garment.
  2. Rub liquid detergent into the stain, then wash in the warmest water safe for the garment. (FOR WASHABLE SILK & WASHABLE WOOL – EITHER HAND WASH OR USE THE WASHER CYCLE DESIGNED FOR HAND WASHING)
  3. If necessary, follow-up with a soak in a mixture of detergent and water, then rewash. (FOR WASHABLE SILK & WASHABLE WOOL – JUST REPEAT TREATMENT, IF NECESSARY)
  4. Air dry and check the garment for any remaining stain. Repeat the procedure if necessary before you place the garment in the dryer.
Egg

To remove egg stains:
Always read the label and follow any directions first.

  1. Check the care label on your garment.
  2. Check an invisible corner of any colored fabrics to be sure that the treatment you choose will not affect the color of the garment.
  3. Scrape off any excess. Rinse the stain in cold water to prevent setting.
  4. Soak the stained area in a mixture of detergent and water (never hot, as protein hardens).
  5. Wash in warm water (not hot) for the fabric.
  6. If necessary, follow-up with a wash in color-safe bleach.
  7. Air dry and check the garment carefully for any residue before you run it through the dryer.
Meat

To remove meat stains:
Always read the label and follow any directions first.

  1. Check the care label on your garment.
  2. Check an invisible corner of any colored fabrics to be sure that the treatment you choose will not affect the color of the garment.
  3. Scrape off any excess. Rinse the stain in cold water to prevent setting.
  4. Soak the stained area in a mixture of detergent and water (never hot, as protein hardens).
  5. Wash in warm water (not hot) for the fabric.
  6. If necessary, follow-up with a wash in color-safe bleach.
  7. Air dry and check the garment carefully for any residue before you run it through the dryer.
Cooking Oil and Butter

To remove cooking oil and butter stains:
Always read the label and follow any directions first.

  1. Check the care label on your garment.
  2. Apply a pretreat for oily stains, or rub liquid detergent into the stain.
  3. Wash in the hottest water safe for the fabric.
  4. Air dry and check the garment for any remaining stain. Repeat the procedure if necessary before you place the garment in the dryer.
Fruit

To remove fruit stains:
Always read the label and follow any directions first.

  1. Check the care label on your garment.
  2. Rinse in cold water to dilute the stain and prevent it from setting.

  3. Soak the garment in a mixture of a gentle detergent and water for up to 30 minutes before washing in warmest water safe for the garment. (FOR WASHABLE SILK & WASHABLE WOOL – EITHER HAND WASH OR USE THE WASHER CYCLE DESIGNED FOR HAND WASHING)

  4. If necessary, repeat the treatment.

  5. Air dry and check the garment for any remaining stain. Repeat the procedure if necessary before you place the garment in the dryer.

Gravy

To remove gravy stains:
Always read the label and follow any directions first.

  1. Check the care label on your garment.
  2. Scrape off any remaining gravy with a spoon or back of a butter knife. If already dried, brush off residue.
  3. Rub in a gentle liquid detergent and soak in a mixture of detergent and water for up to 30 minutes.
  4. Wash in the warmest water safe for the garment. (FOR WASHABLE SILK & WASHABLE WOOL – EITHER HAND WASH OR USE THE WASHER CYCLE DESIGNED FOR HAND WASHING)
  5. If necessary, repeat treatment.
  6. Air dry and check the garment for any remaining stain. Repeat the procedure if necessary before you place the garment in the dryer.
Mustard

To remove mustard stains:
Always read the label and follow any directions first.

  1. Check the care label on your garment.
  2. Scrape off excess solids with a dull knife.
  3. Soak for 10 to 15 minutes in a solution containing a small amount of liquid dish detergent.
  4. After soaking, rinse in warm water.
  5. Machine wash in the warmest water that the care label permits; if the stain still appears, repeat the process, as the toughest stains may require a little extra persistence.
  6. Air dry and check the garment for any remaining stain. Repeat the procedure if necessary before you place the garment in the dryer.
Candy

To remove candy stains:
Always read the label and follow any directions first.

  1. Check the care label on your garment.
  2. Check an invisible corner of the garment to be sure that the treatment will not affect the garment color or finish.
  3. Rinse in warm water to dilute the stain and prevent it from setting.
  4. Rub liquid detergent into the stain, then wash in the warmest water safe for the garment using a gentle detergent. (FOR WASHABLE SILK & WASHABLE WOOL – EITHER HAND WASH OR USE THE WASHER CYCLE DESIGNED FOR HAND WASHING)
  5. If necessary, follow-up with a wash in color-safe bleach for colors or liquid chlorine bleach for whites. (DO NOT DO FOR WASHABLE SILK & WASHABLE WOOL)
  6. Air dry and check the garment for any remaining stain. Repeat the procedure if necessary before you place the garment in the dryer.
Chewing Gum

To remove chewing gum stains:
Always read the label and follow any directions first.

  1. Check the care label on your garment.
  2. Rub some ice on the gummy spot to freeze it.
  3. Use a spoon or back of a butter knife to remove hardened gum.
  4. Soak the garment in a mixture of detergent and water before washing in the warmest water safe for the garment. (FOR WASHABLE SILK & WASHABLE WOOL – EITHER HAND WASH OR USE THE WASHER CYCLE DESIGNED FOR HAND WASHING)
  5. Air dry and check the garment for any remaining stain. Repeat the procedure if necessary before you place the garment in the dryer.

Beverage Stains

Coffee

To remove coffee stains:
Always read the label and follow any directions first.

  1. Check the care label on your garment.
  2. Soak the garment in a mixture of detergent and water before washing in the warmest water safe for the garment. (FOR WASHABLE SILK & WASHABLE WOOL – EITHER HAND WASH OR USE THE WASHER CYCLE DESIGNED FOR HAND WASHING)
  3. If necessary, follow-up with a wash in color-safe bleach. (SKIP FOR WASHABLE SILK & WASHABLE WOOL)
  4. Air dry and check the garment for any remaining stain. Repeat the procedure if necessary before you place the garment in the dryer.

Soft Drinks

To remove soft drink stains:
Always read the label and follow any directions first.

  1. Check the care label on your garment.
  2. Soak the stained area in a mixture of detergent and water before washing in the warmest water possible for your garment.
  3. If necessary, follow-up with a wash in color-safe bleach.
  4. Air dry and check the garment for any remaining stain. Repeat the procedure if necessary before you place the garment in the dryer.

Tea

To remove tea stains:
Always read the label and follow any directions first.

  1. Check the care label on your garment.
  2. Soak the garment in a mixture of detergent and water before washing in the warmest water safe for the garment. (FOR WASHABLE SILK & WASHABLE WOOL – EITHER HAND WASH OR USE THE WASHER CYCLE DESIGNED FOR HAND WASHING)
  3. If necessary, follow-up with a wash in color-safe bleach. (SKIP FOR WASHABLE SILK & WASHABLE WOOL)
  4. Air dry and check the garment for any remaining stain. Repeat the procedure if necessary before you place the garment in the dryer.

Red Wine

To remove red wine stains:
Always read the label and follow any directions first.

  1. Check the care label on your garment.
  2. Rinse in cold water to dilute the stain and prevent it from setting.
  3. Wash garment in warmest water safe for the garment. (FOR WASHABLE SILK & WASHABLE WOOL – EITHER HAND WASH OR USE THE WASHER CYCLE DESIGNED FOR HAND WASHING)
  4. If necessary, follow-up with a wash in color-safe bleach for colors or liquid chlorine bleach for whites. (SKIP FOR WASHABLE SILK & WASHABLE WOOL)
  5. Air dry and check the garment for any remaining stain. Repeat the procedure if necessary before you place the garment in the dryer.

White Wine

To remove white wine stains:
Always read the label and follow any directions first.

  1. Check the care label on your garment.
  2. Rinse in cold water to dilute the stain and prevent it from setting.
  3. Soak the garment in a mixture of a gentle detergent and water for up to 30 minutes before washing in warmest water safe for the garment.  (FOR WASHABLE SILK & WASHABLE WOOL – EITHER HAND WASH OR USE THE WASHER CYCLE DESIGNED FOR HAND WASHING)
  4. If necessary, follow-up with a wash in color-safe bleach for colors or liquid chlorine bleach for whites. (SKIP FOR WASHABLE SILK & WASHABLE WOOL)
  5. Air dry and check the garment for any remaining stain. Repeat the procedure if necessary before you place the garment in the dryer.

Grape Juice

To remove grape juice stains:
Always read the label and follow any directions first.

  1. Check the care label on your garment.
  2. Check an invisible corner of any colored fabrics to be sure that the treatment you choose will not affect the color of the garment.
  3. Rinse in cold water to dilute the stain and prevent it from setting.
  4. Soak the garment in a mixture of water and detergent for up to 30 minutes.
  5. Wash in the warmest water safe for the garment.
  6. If necessary, repeat treatment, or follow-up with a wash in color-safe bleach for colors, or liquid chlorine bleach for whites. (SKIP BLEACH FOR WASHABLE SILK & WASHABLE WOOL)
  7. Air dry and check the garment for any remaining stain. Repeat the procedure if necessary before you place the garment in the dryer.

Other Fruit Juice

To remove fruit juice stains:
Always read the label and follow any directions first.

  1. Check the care label on your garment.
  2. Check an invisible corner of any colored fabrics to be sure that the treatment you choose will not affect the color of the garment.
  3. Rinse in cold water to dilute the stain and prevent it from setting.
  4. Soak the garment in a mixture of water and detergent for up to 30 minutes.
  5. Wash in the warmest water safe for the garment.
  6. If necessary, repeat treatment, or follow-up with a wash in color-safe bleach for colors, or liquid chlorine bleach for whites. (SKIP BLEACH FOR WASHABLE SILK & WASHABLE WOOL)
  7. Air dry and check the garment for any remaining stain. Repeat the procedure if necessary before you place the garment in the dryer.

Outdoor Stains

Gasoline

To remove gasoline stains:
Always read the label and follow any directions first.

  1. Items with flammable substances on them should not be washed in a washer, or dried in a dryer. Wash the item by hand.

  2. Soak the item in a detergent and water solution.

  3. Drain and squeeze out excess water. Mix a new solution of detergent and water.

  4. Rinse in clean water. Air dry. If odor or stain persists, repeat the process.

Motor Oil

To remove motor oil stains:
Always read the label and follow any directions first.

  1. Consider taking the garment to a professional cleaner.

  2. Otherwise, rub stain with liquid detergent and wash in the hottest water safe for the garment.

  3. Repeat the process if the stain persists.

  4. Be sure to rinse out your washer by running a hot water wash with detergent, and no load.

Rust

To remove rust stains:
Always read the label and follow any directions first.

  1. Check the care label on your garment.

  2. Use a commercial rust remover designed for fabrics. Be sure to follow package directions carefully.

  3. Follow-up with a wash in warmest water safe for the garment.

  4. If necessary, follow-up with a wash in color-safe bleach. Do not use liquid chlorine bleach as it will cause rust stains to darken.

  5. Air dry and check the garment for any remaining stain. Repeat the procedure if necessary before you place the garment in the dryer.

For washable wool or washable silk:

  1. Check the care label on your garment.

  2. Soak the garment in a mixture of gentle detergent and water for up to 30 minutes.

  3. Wash in the warmest water safe for the garment. Either hand wash, or use the washer cycle designed for hand washing.

  4. If necessary, repeat the treatment.

  5. Air dry and check the garment for any remaining stain. Repeat the procedure if necessary before you place the garment in the dryer.

Dirt and Mud

To remove dirt and mud stains:
Always read the label and follow any directions first.

  1. Check the care label on your garment.

  2. Brush any excess dirt or mud off of the garment.

  3. Rinse in cold water to flush out the soils.

  4. Wash in the warmest water safe for the garment, using a gentle detergent. (FOR WASHABLE SILK & WASHABLE WOOL – EITHER HAND WASH OR USE THE WASHER CYCLE DESIGNED FOR HAND WASHING)

  5. If necessary, follow-up with a wash in color-safe bleach for colors or liquid chlorine bleach for whites. (FOR WASHABLE SILK & WASHABLE WOOL – JUST REPEAT TREATMENT, IF NECESSARY)

  6. Air dry and check the garment for any remaining stain. Repeat the procedure if necessary before you place the garment in the dryer.

Grass

To remove grassstains:
Always read the label and follow any directions first.

  1. Check the care label on your garment.

  2. Soak the garment in a mixture of detergent and water before washing in the warmest water safe for the garment.

  3. If necessary, follow-up with a wash in color-safe bleach for colors or liquid chlorine bleach for whites.

  4. Air dry and check the garment for any remaining stain. Repeat the procedure if necessary before you place the garment in the dryer.

Perspiration

To remove perspiration polish:
Always read the label and follow any directions first.

  1. Check the care label on your garment.

  2. Soak the garment in a mixture of detergent and water for up to 30 minutes before washing in warmest water safe for the garment. (FOR WASHABLE SILK & WASHABLE WOOL – EITHER HAND WASH OR USE THE WASHER CYCLE DESIGNED FOR HAND WASHING)

  3. If necessary, repeat treatment, or follow-up with a wash in color-safe bleach. (FOR WASHABLE SILK & WASHABLE WOOL – JUST REPEAT TREATMENT, IF NECESSARY)

  4. Sometimes perspiration stains are not perspiration at all, but rather caused by ingredients in deodorant. If the above treatment offers no help, a laundry rust remover could be used on white garments. Be sure to follow package directions carefully. (DO NOT DO FOR WASHABLE SILK & WASHABLE WOOL)

  5. Air dry and check the garment for any remaining stain. Repeat the procedure if necessary before you place the garment in the dryer.

Tree Sap

To remove tree sap stains:
Always read the label and follow any directions first.

  1. Check the care label on your garment.

  2. Pretreat the stain with liquid detergent.

  3. Wash in the warmest water safe for the garment using a gentle detergent. (FOR WASHABLE SILK & WASHABLE WOOL – EITHER HAND WASH OR USE THE WASHER CYCLE DESIGNED FOR HAND WASHING)

  4. If necessary, follow-up with a wash in color-safe bleach for colors or liquid chlorine bleach for whites. (FOR WASHABLE SILK & WASHABLE WOOL – JUST REPEAT TREATMENT, IF NECESSARY)

  5. Air dry and check the garment for any remaining stain. Repeat the procedure if necessary before you place the garment in the dryer.

Suntan Oil/Suntan Lotion

To remove suntan oil and lotion stains:
Always read the label and follow any directions first.

  1. Check the care label on your garment.

  2. Check an invisible corner of any colored fabrics to be sure that the treatment you choose will not affect the color of the garment.

  3. Remove any excess lotion with the back of a butter knife or a spoon.

  4. Soak the stained area in a mixture of detergent and water.

  5. Wash in the warmest water possible for the fabric.

  6. If necessary, follow-up with a wash in color-safe bleach.

  7. Air dry and check the garment carefully for any residue before you run it through the dryer.

Bird and Pet Poop

To remove suntan bird and pet poop stains:
Always read the label and follow any directions first.

  1. Scrape off any excess.

  2. Rinse or soak in cool water with detergent.

  3. Pretreat with a stain remover, or rub in a bit of liquid detergent and wash in warm water with detergent and oxygenated bleach for colors, or chlorine bleach for whites.