Stain removal is one of the most challenging parts of doing laundry. Learn the basics of removing laundry stains before tackling any beverage stains. The most important tip you can ever receive is ACT FAST! Time is on the side of the “STAIN”!

Red Wine Stain

• Blot do not RUB the stain with a clean towel to absorb any excess wine.
• Put a bowl under the fabric, trying to center the stain over the bowl.
• Use a large rubber band to hold the fabric over the bowl. Pour a generous amount of salt on the stain and let stand for 10 minutes.
• Pour boiling water slowly and carefully on the stain. The bowl under the garment will catch the water. You might need to try this several times to remove the stain.
• Wash garment per manufacturer recommendations. Do not put garment in the dryer until the stain is completely removed. Heat will seal in the stain.

• Blot the stain with a clean towel to absorb excess coffee.
• Make a paste of baking soda and a small amount of club soda. Dab the paste on the coffee stain and let sit for several hours.
• Run cold water over the paste. Repeat if necessary to remove the stain completely.

Tomato Sauce

• Blot with water, add hydrogen peroxide and ammonia to the stain. Let sit for a few hours.
• Wash garment as manufacturer recommends.
• Do not place in dryer unless stain has been completely removed. Might take several treatments to completely remove.

Ink Stain

• Put stained area on top of a clean towel
• Plan A. Dab a small amount of rubbing alcohol on the stain. Stain should transfer ink from the item to the towel.
• Plan B. Test a small amount of nail polish remover and try Plan A. above.

Sweat/Deodorant Stain

• Mix water and lemon juice in equal parts.
• Saturate the stain and put garment in the sun for a few hours. Then wash garment as manufacturer recommends.
• Do not place in dryer unless the stain has been completely removed. Might take several treatments to completely remove.

Gum

• Use a small piece of duct tape and a blunt knife to try to remove excess gum
• Put the article affected by gum in a zip lock bag and put in the freezer for several hours
• Remove from freezer and with a putty knife try to scrape the gum off the garment
• Cover the area covered in gum with Dawn and liquid laundry soap.
• Use a toothbrush to work the soap into the gum
• If gum still remains, try carefully to submerge the area into a pot of very hot water, then scrape off the gum with a putty knife.
• Let garment air dry and repeat as necessary

Preventative Ideas
Liquid laundry detergent might help clothes from keeping their color longer. Powder laundry detergent might make your clothes fade quicker.