There are a variety of tried and true Ways to remove stains from clothesBut it can be a little difficult to get rid of stains once the clothes go through the dryer. Fortunately, it is not impossible to remove stains from clothes after they withstand the heat of the dryer.
“Drying doesn’t cure stains as completely as people think,” says Rhonda Wilson, quality lead cleaner at FreshSpace Cleaning. “This can make it tricky, but with the right treatment and a little patience the stain can still be removed.”
The best ways to remove stains from clothes that have already been through the dryer include pre-treating and soaking the clothes with strong ingredients like baking soda and hydrogen peroxide before washing them again.
We’ve compiled a list of expert-approved stain removal methods that you can use to eradicate stubborn stains and revive your once-ruined clothes.
Treat with baking soda and dish soap
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Baking soda is a particularly powerful stain remover.So my personal method of removing stains is a simple combination of baking and dish soap.
First of all, spread your clothes so that the stain is exposed. Sprinkle a layer of baking soda over the stain, then sprinkle on a few drops of dish soap. I mix both solutions together and use a toothbrush or my fingers to work it into the fabric until it becomes a pasty consistency.
Leave the paste on for five to 10 minutes, giving it time to break up the stain, then wash as usual. I find this method to be especially effective for oil and grease stains.
Be sure to check the stained area before taking it to the dryer, as you may need to repeat the process to completely remove the stain.
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Pretreat with oxygen bleach and laundry detergent
Bleach is another particularly strong cleaning solution that can be used to remove stains from clothing. However, many people, including myself, prefer to use natural alternatives that are not as harsh.
fortunately, oxygen bleach This can serve as a happy medium for individuals who want a cleaner that is more environmentally friendly. chlorine bleach And yet still very effective.
In fact, Rhonda Wilson, Quality Lead Cleaner at FreshSpace Cleaning, often uses oxygen bleach in conjunction with everyday laundry detergent to remove tough, dried stains.
“I soak it in warm water with detergent and oxygen bleach to help loosen it,” she says. “Sometimes, I like to leave it on for 15 minutes to let the bleach work. Then, I rub it off. If the stain is still there, repeat the process because sometimes it takes a few tries. Once it’s gone, wash it again as usual.”
Treat with hydrogen peroxide and dish soap
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bought from shop stain remover Of course, in general they are very effective in removing stains. However, if you’re dealing with a stain that has set in, you may need a stronger solution to get it out.
to make Homemade Laundry Stain Remover Strong enough to get rid of stains exposed to the heat of the dryer, mix two parts hydrogen peroxide with one part dishwashing liquid in a spray bottle. Stir gently, but do not shake, as this will cause the contents of your bottle to foam.
Spray DIY stain remover on the stained fabric, scrub it in with a toothbrush or your fingers, then leave it on for five to 10 minutes and remove the stain.
Finish this method by washing the item as you normally would, but be sure to check the stained area before taking it to the dryer.
If you find that this DIY stain remover isn’t working, consider modifying your solution slightly to include baking soda. Mix two parts hydrogen peroxide with one part dish soap and one part baking soda, then repeat the process.
FAQ
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Yes, with the right products and a little extra time, you can remove many long-standing stains on clothes by pre-soaking and treating the clothes before washing.
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Vinegar and hydrogen peroxide are both strong and effective stain removers. That said, many people argue that hydrogen peroxide is better at dealing with tough, set-in stains.
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Hydrogen peroxide and Dawn dish soap together create a powerful stain remover that works on a wide variety of fabrics. The solution will foam and fade as it works, but always be sure to test on an inconspicuous part of the fabric, as this solution can be damaging to delicate fabrics.