Wine, Coffee & More: Cheap Ways to Get Stains Out of Clothes

Splashes of hot cooking oil, wine spills, and other hard-to-remove substances are all unfortunate mishaps that lead to unsightly stains on our favorite closet staples. But despite these troublesome spots and smudges, the show must go on! Learn about the most stubborn stains and how to eliminate them from your beloved shirts and fabrics.

How to Get Coffee Stains Out of Fabric

If your morning coffee misses your mouth and lands on your shirt, your first instinct may be to blot it out with a cloth and a healthy dose of soap. Unfortunately, in some cases, doing this can permanently set the stain! But don’t panic — use the tried-and-true tips below to remove stains before they set!

Removing Fresh Coffee Stains:

If you’ve spilled coffee on your shirt or pants, find a private place to remove them ASAP. Once off, run the stained fabric under a steady stream of cold water. Afterward, throw your garment in the washer at the highest but safest temperature for the fabric. Remember, to prevent your clothing from shrinking, be sure to observe the instructions on the tags before putting it in the dryer.

Removing Dried-Up Coffee Stains:

Sometimes, accidents occur while away from home, and coffee stains that sit long enough to dry can prove a bit tricky to remove. Don’t fret; we’ve got you covered. If you notice a dried stain, follow these steps.

1. Pre-treat the stain with an even mixture of cold water and heavy-duty detergent or dish soap.
2. Soak for 30 minutes in cold water.
3. Apply a stain remover, and let it sit for about 5 minutes before washing.
4. Repeat these steps if the stain is still present before putting it in the dryer, as heat can reset the stain.

How to Get Blood Stains Out of Clothes

Whether your little league champion scraped a knee on the way to victory or you sliced your finger instead of the onion, bloodstains happen. But they can be removed from clothes as long as you use the right process.

Removing Fresh Blood Stains:

The quicker you begin removing blood from an article of clothing, the higher your chances of success. Start by gently blotting the stain with a clean cloth to remove any excess, and then hold your garment under cold running water until the stain is gone. If it isn’t gone after ten minutes, try the method below.

Removing Set-in Blood Stains:

To clean dried blood stains, you can use an assortment of different products you may already have at home, but be sure to test these ingredients in a discreet section of your clothing to ensure they’re safe to use and won’t cause fading or discoloration. Start by scraping away any dried clumps, and then choose one of the following products to remove the stain:

• Hydrogen Peroxide: If you’re dealing with light-colored garments, go over the stain with hydrogen peroxide and let it sit for ten minutes before washing.
• Saline Solution: If you frequently wear contact lenses, you’re in luck! Simply soak the blood-stained fabric in saline solution for about 45 minutes, or longer if needed. Once the stain is gone, launder as usual.
• Baking Soda: Make a paste by mixing two parts baking soda with one part cold water, and cover the stain. Let the mixture sit for approximately 30 minutes, and gently scrub off any excess before washing.

How to Get Oil Stains Out of Clothes

Frying food for the family can be a rewarding task, but when a splash of hot grease soars onto your white shirt or linen pants, the experience can go downhill quickly. Don’t worry. These stains can look scary, but they aren’t as challenging to remove as one might think. The steps below can help eliminate practically any oil stain out there, so give them a try if your next meal prep gets a bit… slippery.

1. Blot the stain to remove excess oil.
2. Cover the stain with a thick layer of baking soda, and leave it for approximately 45 minutes. Baking soda is excellent for absorbing pretty much anything, but it’s especially helpful when removing oil from clothing.
3. Scrub the spot using an old toothbrush. If the baking soda begins to clump, you’re on the path to victory!
4. Add a few drops of dish soap, and use your fingers to knead the spot gently. Let the fabric sit for about 5 minutes.
5. Wash as usual, but air dry the fabric until you know the stain is completely removed; if it hasn’t, repeat the steps above.

How to Get Rid of Deodorant Stains

Is deodorant still clinging for dear life under the pits of your shirt? There are many everyday household products with deodorant-fighting superpowers, so maybe your top hasn’t seen its final days just yet. Before using any of these ingredients, we recommend that you test them out on a concealed section of the fabric to ensure discoloration does not occur.

• Hydrogen Peroxide and Dish Soap: Mix about six tablespoons of peroxide with a few drops of dish soap. Use a toothbrush to scrub until you can no longer see the stain. Then, wash your shirt as usual.
• Baking Soda and Warm Water: Use equal parts baking soda and water to make a loose paste, cover the stain with the mixture, and let it sit for about two hours before washing.

Breeze Through Stain Removal with Whirlpool

Stains happen, and so does life — don’t let it go to waste hand-washing your laundry! With a Whirlpool Chrome Shadow and its array of stain-fighting features, you can load your laundry and move onto the more exciting part of your day in no time. Visit your nearest Rent-A-Center for the perfect washer and dryer, or start your order online today.