Warning

Don’t mix stain removal products.

Be Wary of Bleach

Be wary of color removal withbleach.

Bleaching only one stained spot on a garment may result in uneven color removal for the entire garment.

10 Stain Removal Tips

The Spruce / Hilary Allison

Consider using color-safe bleach or anoxygen cleanerif either is approved on the garment tag.

Wash Stain-Treated Items

Wash your stain-treated laundryafter you’re satisfied with your results.

Stain removal can take time.

Brown spray bottle next to cut lemon slices in front of laundry detergent bottles and glass bowl with bleach

The Spruce / Michelle Becker

Sometimes repeat treatments may be required, and patience is always key.

Dry cleaning solvents are toxic chemicals and should be handled by the pros in appropriate facilities.

Plus, a professional dry cleaner will be more likely to remove the stain without damaging your clothing.

Care tag checked form inside of gray shirt

The Spruce / Michelle Becker

It may be more challenging, but can remove a stain that is already dried.

Try soaking in a stain remover formulated for set stains.

Let it sit for the recommended length of time and proceed to washing.

Faucet pouring water over gray shirt with stain

The Spruce / Michelle Becker

you might also use a 1:1 vinegar and water solution and saturate the area.

Gently work at the stain with a bristle brush before washing.

Hydrogen peroxideis effective for removing certain stains from clothes, such as protein- and plant-based stains.

Gray shirt with stain sprayed with brown bottle containing stain remover

The Spruce / Michelle Becker

It can work as a mild form of bleach on dye-transfer stains.

Always test your fabric in an inconspicuous area before using hydrogen peroxide to ensure color-fastness.

Pour a small amount on the stain and soak for about 10 minutes.

Proceed to wash.

Red food stains can be removed from clothing.

Soak a fresh red stain in cold water until lifted as much as possible and then launder.

If the stain persists, wash again with a bleach safe for fabric.

Dangers of Mixing Common Cleaning Products.

Toxic Use Reduction Institute.

Using Bleach in Laundry.American Cleaning Institute.