Nina knows the best ways to remove common stains from clothes.
No matter if it’s grass stains from working outside or getting pasta sauce on my favorite shirt, Nina knows how to get it out. So, when I moved out of home, I asked Nina to share her secrets, and now I’m going to share them with you…
Nina’s Golden Rules for Removing Common Stains from Clothing
- Act quickly! – The sooner you treat the stain, the more likely you are to be able to remove it. Treating the stain immediately and allowing it to soak for 15-20 minutes before you put it in the washing machine will get the best results
- Do not put a stained garment in the dryer – If the stain hasn’t lifted after being soaked and washed, putting it in the dryer may bake the stain in, making it impossible to remove.
- Check the care labels – Before using the methods below, check the care labels on your laundry to make sure that it won’t ruin your washing.
Removing Grass Stains
Mix one part distilled white vinegar to one part water then, coat the stain, let it sit (Nina suggests 30 minutes), scrape, and rinse with lukewarm water. Then, with the detergent, repeat the procedures of scrubbing, letting settle, and rinsing.
Removing Coffee Stains
For a fresh coffee stain, try running it under cold water first. Run the water through the front of the stain and also from the back. Once you’re sure the stain is gone, you can wash as normal.
If that does work then blot the coffee using either a one part vinegar, one part water solution, or some water and detergent before washing.
Removing Blood Stains
As quickly as possible, soak the stain in cold water. If the stain is fresh, run it under cold running water to remove as much of the blood as possible.
Use hydrogen peroxide to sponge the stain or rub bar soap into the stain and scrub by hand in cold water.
To avoid setting the stain, wash on a cold wash cycle (using a hot cycle will set the stain). If the stain lingers after a cold wash cycle, repeat the method with a fabric safe bleach.
Removing Oil and Grease Stains
Add a generous amount of dishwashing liquid to hot water and soak for 10 minutes. Then scrub the stain in the hot water (remember to wear gloves as the water will still be hot.
Once most of the stain has been removed, wash the garment on a hot wash cycle, you can also consider adding a degreaser to your washing detergent to help break down the fats/oils.
Removing Red Wine Stains
Mix together equal parts dishwashing liquid and hydrogen peroxide (careful with this method as hydrogen peroxide can bleach clothes). Allow the mixture to soak into the wine stain for a few minutes. The stain should start to dissipate almost straight away. After allowing the mixture to soak into the stain, wash the clothes as usual.
Removing Sweat Stains
Combine 1 cup white vinegar and 2 cups warm water. Allow the stained fabric to soak in the mixture for 30 minutes.
Wash using a hot wash cycle using regular laundry detergent. Do not use bleach as it will make the stain worse.
Remove common stains from your clothes at Nina’s Laundrette
Visit our Northcote Laundromat to do your washing today.