Expert stain removal tips

Effective stain removal requires prompt action, the right cleaning agent for the specific stain and fabric type and avoiding heat (like from a dryer) until the stain is completely gone. 

General Rules for All Stains

• Act Quickly: Fresh stains are much easier to remove than set-in ones.

• Blot, Don't Rub: Rubbing pushes the stain deeper into the fabric and can damage fibres. Instead, gently blot with a clean cloth, working from the outside of the stain toward the centre.

• Test First: Always test any stain remover on an inconspicuous area of the garment (like an inside seam) to check for colourfastness.

• Check Before Drying: Heat from a dryer or iron will permanently set most stains. Ensure the stain is completely gone before applying any heat.

• Rinse from the Back: For many liquid stains, flushing with cold water from the back of the fabric helps to push the stain out of the fibres. 

Stain-Specific Treatment Guide

The appropriate treatment depends heavily on the type of stain.

Stain Type 

Recommended Treatment

Key Tips

Protein (Blood, Sweat, Egg, Grass)

Rinse immediately with cold water. Pre-treat with an enzyme-based detergent or hydrogen peroxide on light fabrics, then launder.

Never use hot water, as heat will cook the protein and set the stain permanently.

Oil/Grease (Cooking oil, butter, makeup, lipstick)

Blot excess. Sprinkle with an absorbent powder like baking soda or cornstarch; let it sit for 15 minutes to an hour. Apply a degreasing agent like liquid dish soap and gently work it in before washing with the hottest water safe for the fabric.

Avoid hot water initially; apply dish soap directly.

Tannin (Coffee, Tea, Red Wine, Fruit Juice)

Blot excess. Apply a solution of white vinegar and water, or soak in club soda. For tough red wine, sprinkle salt to absorb moisture, then rinse with cold or boiling water (if safe for the fabric).

Acids are your ally. Avoid using soap first on wine stains, as it can set them.

Dye/Ink (Ink pens, berries, mustard)

Place the stain facedown on clean paper towels. Apply rubbing alcohol (or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer/hairspray) to the back of the stain, blotting frequently until no more ink transfers. Rinse thoroughly and launder in cold water.

Test alcohol on a hidden area first, as it can affect some fabric dyes.

Combination (BBQ sauce, chocolate)

Scrape off solids first. Flush with cold water, then pre-treat with liquid detergent or an enzyme cleaner. Launder as usual.

These stains have mixed components (protein, oil, dye) and may require a two-step approach.

Recommended Products

• White Vinegar: A versatile, mild acid good for tannin stains, sweat, and general deodorizing.

• Baking Soda: Excellent for absorbing grease and odours, typically used as a paste or powder.

• Hydrogen Peroxide (3%): A mild bleaching agent effective on protein and dye stains on white/light-coloured fabrics.

• Liquid Dish Soap: A strong degreaser, excellent for oily stains.

• Enzyme Cleaners/Detergents: Commercial products containing enzymes (e.g., OxiClean™ Versatile Stain Remover or specific enzyme-based liquid detergents) are very effective at breaking down organic stains like blood, sweat, and food. 

Always follow the garment's care label instructions and seek professional help for delicate fabrics like silk or wool when in doubt. 

These stain removal resources explain how to treat common clothing stains, including those from protein, oil, and dye:

Foxy laundry has the products, machinery and expertise to safely remove most stains, however, please note there are limitations.  Please note these suggestions are home remedies rather than industry chemicals we use! Knowledge of stain removal takes lots of training and practice to make sure items are not damaged. Older or your attempts to remove a stain at home could impede our results.  If in doubt leave it to Foxy Laundry in Bournemouth!

Read other articles in our Blog Section