*Please note that if more than one method of stain removal is listed for a certain stain, that only one at a time should be used.
Fruit / Berries
- Sponge with cold water before the stain has a chance to set. .
- Stretch fabric over a large bowl and pour on boiling water from a height of 1-3 feet.
or
- For non-washable garments, dab stain with a little eucalyptus oil and let sit for several hours. Sponge with liquid laundry soap and a bit of water.
- Sponge old stains with a little white vinegar.
Grass / Flower
- Sponge on a mild solution of rubbing alcohol and water. If stain is still visible use a mild solution of hydrogen peroxide and water.
- Wash as usual.
Grease (cooking oils or salad dressing)
- Cover stain with a paste of cornmeal, cornstarch or baking soda and water to absorb the grease and let sit. Wash as usual.
or
- Pour on boiling water before washing. .
- Dab with a little water and ammonia.
Lipstick
- Rub stain with cold cream or shortening and wash in club soda.
Coffee / Tea (black)
- Stretch the stained part of the fabric over a bowl and pour on boiling water from 1-3 feet. .
- Dab with white vinegar.
Blood
- Soak stained fabric in very cold water for ½ hour
- Apply a paste of cornmeal, cornstarch and let sit until dry. .
- Brush dried past away and wash as usual
or
- Wet stain with cold water and cover with table salt and let sit for 1-2 hours
- Wash as usual.
Ink
- Dab stain with rubbing alcohol and allow to soak for ½ hour. .
- Blot with cheesecloth and wash as usual.
or
- Spray stain with enough hair spray to saturate the stain. .
- Dab with a damp cloth and repeat if necessary
- Wash as usual.
Cosmetics
- Pour liquid laundry detergent onto stain and rub until a thick foam appears. Rinse and repeat. .
- If yellow stains are still visible, dab with a mixture of equal parts water and hydrogen peroxide. .
- Wash as soon as stain is no longer visible.
Machine Oil / Grease
- Rub stain with shortening and wash as usual.
Rust
- Soak fabrics with rust stains in lemon juice and lay out in the sun
- Wash as usual when they are dry. (Do not use this method if washing instructions say to avoid bleach)
Ring Around the Collar
- Wet collar with warm water and rub with some cream of tarter. Wash as usual.
or
- Rub the collar with shampoo until a thick lather forms. Wash as usual.
Mud
- Allow mud to dry completely, then gently brush it off. .
- Sponge away remaining dirt from the back of the fabric with soapy water and wash as usual.
Baby Formula
- Apply a paste of unseasoned meat tenderizer to the stain and allow it to sit for several hours. Wash as usual.
Tomato Based Sauces
- Soak fabric in cold water for ½ hour
- Rub on liquid laundry detergent onto wet stain until a thick lather forms
- Wash as usual.
Tips
- Rhubarb removes rust. Cut 4-5 rhubarb stalks into chunks and boil in 1 cup of water until the rhubarb is soft. Pour the juice over rust stains and wash as usual.
- It is better to use a mild solution on a stain several times than to use a strong solution once. .
- Never rub a stain. Use light brushing strokes so you will not leave a ring. .
- Always test a hidden spot on fabric to make sure it is color-safe before treating a stain.
