1. Chlorine Bleach and Color-Safe Bleach
Diluted household bleaches are among the most effective stain removers for clothing and linens. Always check clothing labels for directions on the use of bleach. When diluted properly, bleaches are safe for fabrics including cotton, linen, rayon, and synthetics such as nylon and polyester. Be sure to use color-safe bleach ($8, Target) on anything that isn’t white.
2. Color Remover
3. Dry-Cleaning Fluid or Petroleum-Base Pretreatment Solvent
4. Mild Dishwashing Detergent
To hand-wash stained fabrics, turn to dishwashing liquid (not dishwasher liquid). Some dishwashing liquids ($3, Target) can help break up grease and separate it from the fabric. They’re also effective for loosening food stains (including fruit). Dishwashing liquid is sometimes combined with glycerin—use 1/4 cup of each, mixed with 1-1/2 cups of water, as a general stain-removing mixture.
5. Nonsudsing Household Ammonia
Non-sudsing ammonia, such as the kind used for cleaning glass doors and windows, works great for stains that have odors, such as urine or perspiration, as well as fatty or greasy stains. For most fabrics, dilute the ammonia with an equal amount of water. Non-sudsing ammonia can be used on wool and silk. Although ammonia can be used on latex paint stains, it should never be used on garments containing latex, since the ammonia can dissolve it. Important Safety Tip: If you’re using liquid ammonia with another cleaner, always make sure the other product does not contain any type of bleach. Ammonia and bleach combine to form an extremely toxic gas that can be deadly.
6. Paint Remover
Select the type of paint remover you need based on the type of paint that caused the stain. For latex paints: Treat the area while the stain is wet. Soaking in cold water can help remove water-based latex paint. Latex-specific spot removers ($10, The Home Depot) are available for stubborn stains. For oil-based paints: Treat the stain while it is wet. Use a paint thinner ($18, The Home Depot) recommended for the type of paint. Petroleum-based solvents can be used as a pretreatment before laundering.
7. Petroleum Jelly
Petroleum jelly can help when water-based glues or adhesives are stuck to clothing. Rubbing petroleum jelly ($2, Target) into the glue spot will help loosen its hold on the fabric. Rinse the fabric and reapply the jelly until all traces of the adhesive are gone, then wash in hot water. For ink stains, petroleum jelly can be used to form a barrier around the stain while it’s being treated, in order to avoid spreading the ink to adjoining threads. Blotting petroleum jelly onto lipstick stains is also effective.
8. Prewash Spot Removers
Prewash spot removers are applied to garment stains before laundering. These removers work in a variety of ways. Cleaning agents or surfactants loosen stains and improve their ability to be carried away by water. Enzymes work on protein stains, such as blood, to make them easier for laundry detergent to clean. Other pretreatments turn stains more alkaline, so they can be more easily cleaned, while pretreatment bleach improves whiteness. Prewash products are available as aerosols, sprays, sticks, liquids, gels, foams, powders, or wipes. Some are meant only for laundry room use, while others can be carried when you’re away from home, to be used as convenient, immediate stain treatments—for example, the Tide To Go Stain Remover Pen ($3, Target).
9. Rust Removers
10. White Vinegar
Common white vinegar offers a number of solutions for stains in the laundry room. Here are some handy recipes to keep on hand for fighting specific stain problems. Collar rings: Make a solution of 1/4 cup salt, 1 cup vinegar, and 3 quarts warm water. Soak the stained garment for an hour. Cough syrup: Use a solution of 1 quart warm water, 1/2 teaspoon liquid dishwashing detergent, and 1 tablespoon white vinegar. Soak the stain for 15-30 minutes, then rinse and launder as usual. Salt stains: Mix 1 part vinegar with 3 parts water and dip cloth into the solution for wiping salt stains off shoes and leather garments. Urine stains on mattresses: Sponge the area with a mixture of water and detergent. Rinse with a mixture of vinegar and water; let dry. If an odor remains, sprinkle the area with baking soda and let stand for 24 hours. After the mattress is dry, vacuum away the baking soda.
