How to Remove Common Stains From Clothes
A practical stain removal guide for coffee, red wine, grease, blood, grass, ink and sweat, with first steps, follow-up treatments and what to avoid.
Key takeaways
- Act quickly, blot instead of rubbing, and test any treatment on a hidden area first.
- Use cold water for protein stains such as blood, because hot water sets them.
- Do not machine dry a stained garment until the stain is gone, because heat can make it permanent.
Most stains come out if you treat them early and use the right method. The right method depends on what caused the mark and what the fabric is. Always check the care label before you begin, and take delicate fabrics such as silk to a professional cleaner.
General rules
- Blot, do not rub. Rubbing pushes the stain deeper and can damage fibres.
- Treat from the back. Hold the stain face down on a clean cloth and flush from the reverse so the stain is pushed out, not through.
- Start with cold water unless you know the stain type needs something else.
- Test first. Try any treatment on a hidden seam to check for colour loss.
- Check before drying. Heat from a dryer or iron sets many stains permanently.
Stain by stain
| Stain | First step | Then |
|---|---|---|
| Coffee or tea | Flush with cool water from the back | Wash with detergent at the temperature on the label |
| Red wine | Blot up the excess, then flush with cold water | Pre-treat with stain remover and wash |
| Grease or oil | Cover with baking soda or cornstarch for 15 minutes, then brush off | Apply a little dish detergent, rub in gently and wash |
| Blood | Rinse with cold water immediately | Wash with an enzyme detergent, never hot water |
| Grass | Soak in cool water with enzyme detergent | Wash as normal once the green fades |
| Ballpoint ink | Dab with rubbing alcohol on a cloth, working from the back | Rinse and wash, and repeat if the mark remains |
| Sweat marks | Pre-treat with enzyme stain remover or a paste of baking soda and water | Leave for 30 minutes and wash |
| Mud | Let it dry completely, then brush off the dry dirt | Rinse and wash |
Why enzyme detergent helps
Enzymes are proteins that break down other substances. Enzyme detergents target protein stains such as blood, egg and milk, and starch stains such as food spills. They work best in cool to warm water and are not suitable for wool or silk, which are protein fibres and can be damaged.
Safety warning
Never mix bleach with vinegar, ammonia or other cleaning products. The reaction can release dangerous fumes. Use one product at a time, rinse thoroughly between treatments and keep rooms ventilated.
When to call a professional
- The label says dry clean only.
- The fabric is silk, velvet or another delicate material.
- The stain is old, set by heat or covers a large area.
- The garment is valuable or sentimental.
Point out the stain and tell the cleaner what caused it, which helps them choose the right treatment. Our care label guide explains the symbols you will see.
