With the right tools and methods, most stains can be removed from washable clothes. When a spill or stain happens, blot—do not rub—with a clean towel right away. If the garment is dry clean-only, then take it to a dry cleaner—do make sure you point the stain out to your cleaner and tell them what it is so they can treat it properly. For machine-washable items, try treating the stain yourself, but always use caution. If a stain is severe or you are afraid of ruining the item, take it to a cleaner.
For cotton and polyester: Apply makeup remover recommended by the manufacturer. If stain persists, dampen spot and rub with a bar of soap. Machine wash according to garment care label. For washable silk and wool: Same as for cotton and polyester, but air dry and take garment to a professional if stain remains.
For cotton and polyester: Scrape off any excess with a dull knife. Place garment stain side down on a towel. Apply commercial stain remover specialized for oils, such as Carbona Stain Devil. Lipstick will bleed through onto towel. If stain remains, pre-treat with liquid laundry detergent. Rub in with water until suds form. Rinse thoroughly. Use an eye dropper to apply a half-vinegar, half-water solution. Machine wash according to garment care label. For washable silk and wool: Same as for cotton and polyester, but air dry and take garment to a dry cleaner if stain remains.
For cotton and polyester: Stretch fabric over a bowl. Mix one cup of household ammonia with one gallon warm water and pour over stain. If stain remains, let sit for 30 minutes – four hours. Rinse in warm running water. Machine wash in warm water. Air dry and repeat steps if necessary. This stain may be permanent. For washable silk and wool: Take garment to a dry cleaner; this stain may be permanent.
For cotton and polyester: Rinse thoroughly with cold water. In a plastic bucket, mix a solution of ½ cup liquid laundry detergent with color safe bleach or bleach alternative per one gallon of water. Soak garment for up to 30 minutes. Machine wash according to garment care label. If stain remains, apply a half-vinegar half-water solution. Rinse and machine wash again. For washable silk and wool: Flush stained area with cold water. Treat with a gentle liquid laundry detergent, such as Ivory Snow, and let sit 10 minutes. Apply water and rub until suds form. Flush with cold water again. Use an eye dropper to apply a half-vinegar, half-water solution. Flush with cold water again. If stain remains, take garment to a dry cleaner.
For cotton and polyester: Brush off flakes and residue with a soft bristle brush or dry terrycloth towel. Pre-treat with liquid detergent and let sit for 30 minutes. Machine wash with double the recommended amount of detergent in the hottest water safe for the fabric. Air dry and repeat if necessary. For washable silk and wool: Brush off flakes and residue with a soft bristle brush or dry terrycloth towel. Apply a half-vinegar half-water solution with an eye dropper. Flush with cool water. If stain persists, take garment to a dry cleaner.
For cotton and polyester: Flush the stain with cold water. Pre-treat spot with an enzyme treatment, such as Era Plus. Let sit for 30 minutes. Machine wash according to garment care label. For washable silk and wool: Flush the stain with cold water. Use an eye dropper to apply a half-vinegar, half-water solution. Flush with cold water again. If stain remains, take garment to a dry cleaner.
For cotton and polyester: Soak garment in cool saltwater for a few hours. Rinse thoroughly. Mix one tablespoon of ammonia with ½ cup water. Apply solution to stain. Machine wash according to garment care label. If stain remains, mix a solution of ½ cup liquid laundry detergent per one gallon of water in a plastic bucket. Soak garment for up to 30 minutes. Rinse and machine wash again. For washable silk and wool: Dab cold salt water onto stain. Flush with plain cold water. Use an eye dropper to apply a half-vinegar, half-water solution. Flush with cold water again. If stain remains, take garment to a dry cleaner.
For cotton and polyester: Scrape off large globs with a dull knife. Rub in glycerin and let sit until remaining sap has softened. Place garment stain side down on a towel and tap to loosen sap. Rinse. If stain persists, apply commercial stain remover appropriate for the fabric. Machine wash. For washable silk and wool: Same as cotton and polyester, but take garment to a dry cleaner if stain remains after treating.
