Remove all types of stains from clothes: blood, grease, grass, oil and more

Is there anything more frustrating than bacon fat on your favorite shirt? Or red wine on your favorite pair of pants for date night? When this inevitably happens, you can either give up and succumb to the stain, crowning a new, ultimately lesser, favorite shit — or you can go down fighting. We encourage the latter, and we’ve got some surefire cleaning tips for getting rid of every type of nasty, stubborn stain, from blood and grass to wine, oil, and more.

Regardless of the substance, here are steps to remove almost anything each stains with household items you probably already have around the house. For more cleaning tips, check out how to clean sportswear And how to clean your running shoes.

How do you remove oil and grease stains from clothes?

Oil and grease stains are difficult to remove, but not impossible. Dab some detergent on the stain and wash the garment according to the instructions on the label, or try a combination of dish soap and white vinegar for stubborn stains.

The method outlined below is one that cohorts of online consultants swear by, and requires only dish soap and baking soda. And remember, time is of the essence when it comes to oil and grease, so tackle stains as soon as you see them.

1. For stains, first dab the stain and remove any excess product.
2. Apply a few drops of mild dishwashing detergent to the stain. Rub the soap in with clean fingers until the detergent completely covers the stain.
3. Then add a tablespoon of baking soda to the soap and rub it into the fabric for two minutes (use a soft toothbrush for this, this is even more effective).
4. Once the mixture forms a paste, let the mixture and the garment sit for an hour.
5. Rinse the garment in the sink and then wash it in the machine.

How do you remove grass stains from clothes?

Grass stains are almost inevitable on children’s clothes and can be tricky to remove. You may be able to wash them out in the washing machine or use a stain remover, but if that doesn’t work, here’s a go-to solution:

1. Soak the garment in a stain-fighting mixture for 30 minutes. You can use a solution of 2 cups of white vinegar or a mixture of dish soap and hydrogen peroxide.
2. Gently scrub the area with a soft brush.
3. Rinse the mixture thoroughly from the clothing with cold water.
4. Machine wash according to care label.

How do you remove blood stains from clothes?

Blood is notoriously difficult to remove from clothing and may require multiple treatments. However, it is easiest to remove when it is fresh, so act as quickly as you can. Here is one method:

1. As soon as you see the stain, soak the garment in cold water in the sink. (Make sure the water is cold, as hot water will cause the proteins in the blood to set the stain into the fabric.) If the stain is very recent, blot any excess stain with a paper towel or hold the garment under running water to remove as much of the stain as possible.
2. Cover the stain with a hydrogen peroxide (20%)mixture (1 part hydrogen peroxide to 6 parts cold water) or apply a baking soda paste (2 parts baking soda to 1 part water).
3. Rinse the garment with cold water before machine washing.

How do you remove sweat stains from clothes?

It’s unfortunate, but it happens. Even in the hottest climates, you don’t have to let sweat ruin your clothes with this method:

1. Make a solution of 1/4 cup white vinegar and 1 cup water.
2. Dampen the sweat stain with the mixture or completely submerge the garment.
3. Let the garment soak for 30 minutes.
4. Rinse with cold water and machine wash.

How do you remove coffee stains?

I drink coffee like it’s my job. I love it. But I really don’t like the coffee stains that inevitably end up on my work jacket or favorite business pants when I’m in a rush in the morning. Here’s how to get those coffee stains out:

1. Immerse the stained garment completely in warm water.
2. Dab a mild detergent or a mixture of diluted white vinegar (1/4 cup white vinegar to 1 cup water) onto the stain.
3. Wash the garment in the machine at the highest possible temperature it allows.

How to remove red wine stains from clothes?

After a night out, you may be shocked to see red wine on your favorite blouse or shirt. Although it may look dramatic, you can remove red wine stains easily and effectively:

1. Blot the stain with a paper towel to remove any excess product.
2. Mix a solution of equal parts hydrogen peroxide and dish soap and lightly rub the mixture into the stain with your fingers.
3. Let the solution sit for 20 minutes to an hour before rinsing it off.

If you prefer not to use hydrogen peroxide, you can use white vinegar and dish soap instead and follow the steps listed above.

In short

Either way, a little effort and some time will go a long way in making your clothes look like new. Just remember not to put the garment in the dryer until the stain is completely gone (so the stain doesn’t set) and feel free to repeat any of the above processes as needed to get the stains out.

For more washing tips, see why it might be time to ditch your favorite laundry project and the most energy efficient way to do your laundry.