Not all stains are removed with normal washing and so here are some tips on how to remove many different types of staining.
Adhesives – e.g. glue
Use nail varnish remover (except on synthetic fabrics such as acetates). Then wash the garment according to the fabric care label.
Anti-perspirant / deodorant
Pre-treat the stain with a laundry gel and then soak in warm water containing washing up powder. Afterwards wash as instructed on the fabric care label.
Baby food
Soak in warm water containing washing up powder for at least 2 hours, then wash as instructed on the fabric care label.
Ball-point / felt tip pens
Soak overnight in cold water containing laundry gel, then wash according to the fabric care label. For older stains, dab with nail varnish remover (not suitable for synthetic fabrics) then wash as normal.
Beer / lager
Pre-treat with laundry gel then wash at the temperature stated on the fabric care label. For tough stains, dab with a solution of 1 part of vinegar (acetic acid) to 4 parts of water and then rinse thoroughly. Alternatively, treat with a stain remover and wash as normal according to the fabric care label.
Beetroot / blackcurrant / coffee / tea / wine
Soak for 1 hour in cold water, then wash in washing up powder (or tablets). Do not use a colour or liquid detergent. Alternatively, treat with a stain remover then wash as normal according to the fabric care label.
Blood
If the stain is fresh, rinse immediately with cold water and wash in washing up powder according to the fabric care label. For an older, more stubborn stain treat with a stain remover then soak in water containing a laundry detergent for 2 hours. Wash as normal according to the fabric care label.
Butter / cooking oil / grease / lipstick / margarine / mascara / shoe polish / sunscreen
Pre-treat with a laundry gel and leave for 1 hour. Then wash at the hottest temperature allowed on the fabric care label.
Candle wax
Peel off any surface wax then sandwich the fabric with blotting paper/kitchen towel. Use a warm iron to press down on the back of the fabric. Then wash as normal according to the fabric care label.
Chewing gum
Harden the gum by putting the garment into a bag in the freezer, or by putting ice onto it. Break off as much gum as possible. Pre-treat with laundry gel then wash as normal according to the fabric care label.
Chocolate / chocolate pudding / cream / egg / grass / ice cream / jam / mayonnaise / milk
Soak in warm water containing washing up powder, or pre-treat with a laundry gel, then wash as normal according to the fabric care label. Alternatively, use a stain remover according to the usage instructions.
Chilli / curry / mustard
Soak in warm water containing washing up powder solution or pre-treat with a laundry gel. Then wash with washing up powder (or tablets) according to the fabric
care label. Alternatively, use a stain remover according to the usage instructions.
Collars / cuffs / underwear stains
Pre-treat stains with a laundry gel and leave for 1 hour. Then wash with washing up powder (or tablets) according to the fabric care label.
Iron mould / rust
This is difficult to remove from fine fabrics (e.g. wool, silk). For other fabrics sprinkle on salt and squeeze on lemon juice, then leave overnight before washing as normal. For heavier stains use a rust remover then wash as normal according to the fabric care label.
Mud
Let the mud dry and then scrape off as much as possible. Pre-treat the remainder with a laundry gel then wash as normal in washing up powder at the hottest temperature allowed by the fabric care label. Alternatively, use a stain remover according to the usage instructions.
Nail varnish
Use nail varnish remover/acetone (don’t use on synthetic fabrics). Then wash the garment as instructed on the fabric care label.
Paint
To tackle water-based latex, acrylic, emulsion and school paints, rinse stains while they’re still wet using running water, then wash according to the fabric care label. To tackle oil based paint and varnish, sponge with white spirit or a proprietary paintbrush cleaner before washing according to the fabric care label.
Petroleum Jelly
Pre-treat with a laundry gel then wash as normal following the fabric care label. Stains that have set may require several treatments.
Tar and beach oil
Scrape off as much of the stain as possible. Soften the remainder with margarine or butter and wipe away with a clean rag. Treat any residual stain with a proprietary tar cleaner, then wash according to the fabric care label.
Tomato / ketchup / sauce
Soak for 1 hour in cold water. Pre-treat the stain with a stain remover and then wash as normal in washing up powder (or tablets) according to the fabric care label..
Urine
Soak in cold water, then wash in washing up powder according to the fabric care label. Alternatively, treat with a stain remover then wash as normal according to the fabric care label. For added hygiene, use a laundry disinfectant.
Vomit
Remove as much as possible under running cold water. Soak in water containing washing up powder) or pre-treat with a stain remover, then wash as normal according to the fabric care label. For added hygiene, use a laundry disinfectant.
Expert Tips:
- Always check the fabric care label to ensure the suitability of the garment before using any of the treatments.
- Remember any stain is more likely to be removed entirely if it is soaked in cold water before the stain has had time to set in!
Browse through our full laundry range online by clicking the image below or by visiting your nearest Dealz store.
And remember to Like Us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter and sign up to receive our newsletter if you want to keep up to date with all the household offers and competitions!
For more Laundry Savvy advice visit www.brilliantwashing.com