Greasy stains (Salad Dressing, Butter, Cooking Oil)

Apply a spot stain remover or laundry presoak and let it soak in well. Rub a liquid enzyme detergent into the stain and let stand for several minutes, then launder in the hottest water possible for the item and fabric type.

Sauces (Barbecue, Steak, Tomato Sauce, Ketchup)

Remove as much of stain as possible by scraping with a blunt spoon or dull knife. Then rub a liquid enzyme detergent into the stain and let stand for several minutes, and occasionally rub the stain between your fingers while it is soaking. Rinse the detergent from the fabric. Sponge with a mild bleach, such as white vinegar, hydrogen peroxide, or lemon juice and then rinse well. Repeat this bleaching process until no more stain can be removed. Apply a spot stain remover and let stand for several minutes. Launder with enzyme detergent, and let dry in the sun for added bleaching. If stain remains, let garment soak in enzyme detergent for 30 minutes, or until stain has completely vanished.

Mustard

If this is an old stain, rub glycerin into the stain and let stand until loosened, up to 1 hour, and then follow the following directions:Hold the stain upside down under cold running water to force out as much of the stain as possible from the garment. Rub enzyme detergent into stain, let stand for 30 minutes, then rinse well. Apply a laundry presoak, let stand for 5-10 minutes, and launder with liquid enzyme detergent. If stain remains, let dry in the sun.

Coffee, Tea

Rinse the back of the stain with cold water until you’ve forced out as much of the stain as possible. Rub a liquid enzyme detergent on the stain and let stand for a few minutes, and then launder. If stain remains, make a paste of Borax and water at a ratio of 3 to 1 and let stand for 30 minutes, then brush off. Repeat until you’ve removed as much of the stain as possible. Re-launder with the liquid enzyme detergent.

Bleach

Rinse back of stain immediately and thoroughly to neutralize acid. Mix baking soda and water at a 3 to 1 ratio and rub onto the stain. Rinse well and repeat as needed, then lauder according to garment label

Dyes or Running Colors

Dilute bleach according to label and soak in a nonmetal container for 6-8 hours or until the stain is removed. Test for color fastness first. If color is affected, test again for colorfastness with hydrogen peroxide. If color is not affected, sponge stain with equal parts hydrogen peroxide and water and lay garment in sun. Keep moist with peroxide solution until stain is gone. Launder according to care label.

Yellowing

Fill bucket with warm water and add denture cleaning tablets according to manufacturer’s suggested product to water ratio. Once tablets are dissolved, add garment and soak until yellowing is gone. Rinse well and launder according to care label.

Water Spots

Fill a kettle with water and bring to a boil. Cover spout with cheese cloth in order to prevent droplets from forming on the exterior of the spout. Once the water is boiling, hold the stained fabric over the steam until the area is damp, but not wet. Shake and press the fabric while it is still damp, and rub over it with a dull knife or spoon.

Grass Stains

Place garment stain side down on absorbent cloth and sponge back of stain with rubbing alcohol, replacing pad underneath as needed. Test first for colorfastness. Rinse in cold water. If stain remains, sponge stain with white vinegar and rinse. Repeat this process until stain is completely removed, and launder according to care label.

Blood Stains

Rinse stain immediately and thoroughly with cold salt water. Do not use hot water or the stain will set. Soak in an enzyme detergent and cold water bath for 30 minutes. Rinse well. If the stain remains, moisten cornstarch or baking soda and rub it into the stain to absorb some of the blood. Let the fabric dry in direct sunlight to further bleach the stain. Brush powder off once stain is fully dry, and rinse well with cold water. Apply a laundry presoak and let stand several minutes. Launder with a liquid enzyme detergent.

Deodorant/Antiperspirant Stains

Brush off as much of the white flaky substance as possible by rubbing a dry or damp towel over the stain. If the stain persists, Mix a spot stain remover with lukewarm water and sponge on the fabric. Rinse well and repeat until stain is gone. If the stain damages color, restore by sponging the damaged area with ammonia. On wool or silk, dilute ammonia with water. Rinse well and launder in hottest water possible for fabric.

Makeup

Dampen stain and rub with bar soap. Rub stain with thumbs, and rinse well. If stain remains, treat with a laundry presoak and launder according to care label.