Soak the stain in cold water (hot water will set it!), then rub with dish soap; rinse, then add a dab of hydrogen peroxide. After pre-treating, wash as recommended using an enzyme-based detergent.
How to Remove the Most Common Stains
If only clothing could stay stain-free all of the time (or even some of the time). Until then, knowing how to fight back against spills and stains can help you keep your favorite clothes looking their best.
Before you treat, learn the ABC’s of stain removal:
- Act ASAP: Pre-treating washable garments with a stain remover as soon as possible can help keep a fresh stain from becoming a forever one. (If it’s dry-clean only, leave it to the professionals.)
- Beware Before You Treat: Test your stain remover in a discreet place to be sure it doesn’t do more damage than your stain — like strip away color. Then toss it in the wash with a high-performing laundry detergent.
- Check Before You Dry: Before you transfer it into the dryer, check to see if the stain is really gone. If not, pre-treat and wash it again, because dryer heat can set the stain permanently.
Now that you’re ready, here’s how to break down the 8 most common laundry stains:
1.Blood Stains
2.Coffee Stains
Blot the stain with a paper towel, then soak stained items for 15 mins in 1 quart lukewarm water, ½ teaspoon liquid dish soap and 1 tablespoon white vinegar. Wash as normal with an enzyme-based liquid laundry detergent. For maximum stain-fighting power, add ARM & HAMMER™ Super Washing Soda to the washer drum before adding your clothes.
3.Grass Stains
Mix 1 part white vinegar to 2 parts water, then rub it into the grass stain; use a toothbrush to lightly scrub the solution into the stain, then rinse. Next, throw items in the wash with an enzyme-based liquid laundry detergent. In order to effectively remove the grass stains , use a cycle with cold water.
4.Grease Stains
Cover the stain with colorless liquid dish soap (if your dish soap has a color, dilute it in water first); rinse the stain in cold water while using your fingers or a toothbrush to rub dish soap into the stain; cover area with white vinegar and rinse again.
Cover the stain with colorless liquid dish soap (if your dish soap has a color, dilute it in water first); rinse the stain in cold water while using your fingers or a toothbrush to rub dish soap into the stain; cover area with white vinegar and rinse again.
5.Marker Stains
Blot the fresh marker stain with a paper towel; dip a cotton ball into rubbing alcohol, then dab onto stain with a paper towel behind the fabric to prevent it from bleeding through; dip fresh cotton ball into cold water and apply to the area before tossing items in the wash.
6.Ketchup/Sauce Stains
Using a knife or fork, remove any excess ketchup or sauce to avoid rubbing it into fabric. Then run cold water through the back of the tomato sauce stain to help push it out; rub your chosen enzyme-based liquid laundry detergent into area with a toothbrush, then dab peroxide onto stain using a sponge. Wash as you usually would, according to the item’s label.
For added stain-boosting power, add ARM & HAMMER™ Super Washing Soda to the washer drum before adding your clothes.
7.Sweat Stains
For collars, combine 4 tablespoons of ARM & HAMMER™ Baking Soda with ¼ cup water and dab onto the sweat stain. For underarm sweat stains, mix baking soda with enough water to make a paste, brush into stain with a toothbrush, then let dry before tossing items in the wash. Use ARM & HAMMER™ Plus OxiClean™ Odor Blasters, Fresh Burst™, which helps eliminate sweat stains and lingering body odors.
8.Wine Stains
Blot wine stain with a towel; combine equal parts hydrogen peroxide and dish soap, then dab onto stain; let sit for 2 minutes, then blot again. Or, cover stain with a layer of salt, then pour club soda on top. Let sit for an hour, brush salt off and blot. After pre-treating, wash on a cold cycle with your chosen enzyme-based liquid laundry detergent.
9.Crayon Stains
Scrape away excess crayon. Apply dish soap to the stained area(s) and rub it in using fingers or a toothbrush. Wash on heavy soil setting in warm water (or as directed by the item’s label) and use an enzyme-based liquid laundry detergent for maximum stain-fighting power.
10.Juice and Fruit Stains
Mix 3 tablespoons ARM & HAMMER™ Baking Soda with 1 tablespoon water and apply paste to grape and cranberry juice, plus other fruit stains. Allow paste to sit for 15 minutes then rinse with warm water. Rub several drops of an enzyme-based liquid laundry detergent directly onto the stained areas and let sit for five minutes; rinse with warm water and toss items into the wash.
11.Chocolate Stains
Scrape excess chocolate away from the fabric then rinse the area in cold water. Rub several drops of an enzyme-based liquid laundry detergent directly onto the chocolate stains; soak in cold water for 30 minutes before washing according to the item’s care label.
Does the kind of detergent you use matter for stain removal?
Using the right kind of laundry detergent is an essential part of stain removal. Stains can be complex combinations of dirt and oils, and not every detergent targets each. A liquid laundry detergent with multiple enzymes can target and break down complex molecules so they can be lifted from fabrics and rinsed away.
ARM & HAMMER™ Plus OxiClean™ Stain Fighters liquid laundry detergents have enzymes and hydrogen peroxide for effective and efficient stain removal. The next time you’re faced with sticky set-in stains, turn to the stain-removing power of a detergent with OxiClean™.
What wash cycle should you use when removing common stains?
Pre-treating stains is only part of the removal process, and it’s important that you wash fabrics and other items in the right cycle – and the right detergent - to vanquish stains. The following chart gives a guideline for using hot or cold water for certain stains, but always check your item’s care label for specific instructions:
Warm | Cold |
---|---|
Crayon Stains | Blood Stains |
Juice/Fruit Stains | Coffee Stains |
Grease Stains | Grass Stains |
Marker Stains | |
Sweat Stains | |
Ketchup/Tomato Stains | |
Red Wine Stains | |
Chocolate Stains |
Bonus tip: Break down stains with baking soda
You know that box of ARM & HAMMER™ Baking Soda in your cabinet? It’s been trusted for more than 170 years to help break down most stains and get clothes fresh and clean.
To make a pre-treating paste for common laundry stains, combine 6 tablespoons of ARM & HAMMER™ Baking Soda with ⅓ cup warm water. Test it on the garment first to check for colorfastness (color bleeding or fading) then rub the paste onto the stain, let dry, then toss in the wash.
No matter how careful you are, it’s just not possible to avoid staining your clothes. What is possible, however, is fighting back with these tried-and-true tips.
Learn how to do your laundry like a pro
Trying to be an expert in the laundry room? Use the following resources to help give your washing and drying a boost so you can enjoy the benefits of fresh-smelling, stain-free clothes.
- How to Do Laundry Step-by-Step
- What Is Laundry Stripping?
- 7 Laundry Tips & Tricks to Master Washing & Folding Clothes
Try ARM & HAMMER™ Liquid & Powdered Detergents to Remove Stains