How to remove stains from clothes

Treat a stain before it dries. Blot most stains, then run cold water through the back of the fabric. Use enzyme detergent on blood, food and sweat, dish soap on grease and makeup, and rubbing alcohol on ink. Wash it, then check the stain before it goes in the dryer, because dryer heat sets stains.

Updated October 23, 2026. Checked against university extension stain guides. Sources

Stain fixer

Pick the stain, the fabric and how long it's been there for steps that suit your clothes.

1What's the stain?

2What's it on?

3Fresh or dried?

Your steps

Blood on cotton, fresh

Water Cold

Blot up what you can with a paper towel. Pressing works better than rubbing.
Hold the stain under cold running water from the back of the fabric, so the water pushes the stain out the way it came in.
Rub a little enzyme laundry detergent or enzyme stain remover into the stain with your fingers and leave it for 15 minutes.
Rinse in cold water. If you can still see it, rub in a drop of dish soap and rinse again.
Wash it in cold water with HeySunday laundry sheets: 1 sheet for a small load, 2 for a medium load, 3 for an extra large or heavily soiled load.
Check the stain before it goes in the dryer. If you can still see any, repeat the steps and let it air dry. Dryer heat sets stains.

What not to do

Don't use warm or hot water until the stain is gone. Heat sets blood.
Don't rub hard. It pushes blood deeper into the weave.

Use one product at a time and rinse between them. Never mix bleach with ammonia, vinegar or other cleaners, as it gives off toxic fumes.

Jump to a stain

Stain removal chart

The water temperature and the first thing to do for 20 common stains, on cotton and most everyday clothes. Tap a stain for the full steps. Whatever the stain, check it before it goes in the dryer. If you can still see any, repeat the steps and let it air dry, because dryer heat sets stains.

Stain	Water	First move
Blood Full guide	Cold only	Flush cold water through the back
Grease or oil Full guide	Hot	Cover it with cornstarch or baking soda
Red wine	Cold to treat, hot to wash	Blot, then flush cold water through the back
Coffee	Cool to rinse, hot to wash	Flush cool water through the back
Tea	Cool to rinse, hot to wash	Rinse it under the cool tap from the back
Grass	Hot	Enzyme detergent, left 15 minutes
Sweat and yellow underarm marks	Cool to treat, hot to wash	Enzyme detergent, left 30 minutes
Makeup and foundation	Warm	Scrape, then dish soap
Lipstick	Warm	Rubbing alcohol over a paper towel
Ink	Warm	Rubbing alcohol, before any water
Chocolate	Cold to treat, warm to wash	Scrape, then flush cold water through the back
Tomato and ketchup	Cold to treat, warm to wash	Scrape, then flush cold water through the back
Mud	Cool to rinse, warm to wash	Let it dry, then brush it off
Deodorant marks	Warm	Rub it with a dry sock
Rust	Warm	Lemon juice and salt, in the sun
Chewing gum	Warm	Freeze it hard
Candle wax	Hot	Let it harden, then scrape
Baby food and formula	Cold	Scrape, then flush cold water through the back
Poop and diaper blowouts	Cold to treat, hot to wash	Scrape, then flush cold water through the back
Vomit	Cold to treat, hot to wash	Scrape, then flush cold water through the back

Download the stain guide (PDF)

Sources: checked stain by stain against guides from Pacific Northwest Extension, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension, University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension, Cornell Cooperative Extension, Mississippi State University Extension and New Mexico State University Extension. How we made this

Stains on wool and silk

Wool and silk need gentler treatment than cotton. Skip enzyme detergent and any bleach, because they damage the fibers. Use cool water, press rather than rub, and lay the garment flat to dry. Take ink, rust and any set-in stain to a dry cleaner and tell them what it is. Each stain below has its own steps for wool and for silk.

How to get blood out of clothes

Use cold water only, because heat sets blood. Flush the stain from the back under the cold tap, rub in enzyme detergent, leave it 15 minutes and rinse in cold water.

Full guide: how to get blood out of clothes

Water Cold only

Blood is a protein, and warm or hot water cooks protein into the fibers. Keep everything cold until the stain is gone.

Fresh blood

Blot up what you can with a paper towel. Pressing works better than rubbing.
Hold the stain under cold running water from the back of the fabric, so the water pushes the stain out the way it came in.
Rub a little enzyme laundry detergent or enzyme stain remover into the stain with your fingers and leave it for 15 minutes.
Rinse in cold water. If you can still see it, rub in a drop of dish soap and rinse again.
Wash it as normal in cold water.

Dried or set-in blood

Soak the stained part in cold water for 30 minutes to soften the dried blood.
Rub enzyme detergent or enzyme stain remover into the stain, then leave it to soak in cold water for a few hours or overnight.
Still there? Soak it for a few hours in cold water with oxygen bleach mixed in as the tub says.
On white cotton, dab 3% hydrogen peroxide onto what's left. It will fizz. Rinse after 5 minutes. Test a hidden spot first on colored cotton.
Wash it as normal in cold water.

What not to do

Don't use warm or hot water until the stain is gone. Heat sets blood.
Don't rub hard. It pushes blood deeper into the weave.

Other fabrics

Steps for polyester and synthetics

Fresh

Blot up what you can with a paper towel. Pressing works better than rubbing.
Hold the stain under cold running water from the back of the fabric, so the water pushes the stain out the way it came in.
Rub a little enzyme laundry detergent or enzyme stain remover into the stain with your fingers and leave it for 15 minutes.
Rinse in cold water. If you can still see it, rub in a drop of dish soap and rinse again.
Wash it as normal in cold water.

Dried or set in

Soak the stained part in cold water for 30 minutes to soften the dried blood.
Rub enzyme detergent or enzyme stain remover into the stain, then leave it to soak in cold water for a few hours or overnight.
Still there? Soak it for a few hours in cold water with oxygen bleach mixed in as the tub says.
Test 3% hydrogen peroxide on an inside seam. If the color holds, dab it on the stain and rinse after 5 minutes.
Wash it as normal in cold water.

Don't use hot water or a hot dryer on polyester. Heat can lock stains into synthetic fibers.

Steps for denim

Fresh

Blot up what you can with a paper towel. Pressing works better than rubbing.
Hold the stain under cold running water from the back of the fabric, so the water pushes the stain out the way it came in.
Rub a little enzyme laundry detergent or enzyme stain remover into the stain with your fingers and leave it for 15 minutes.
Rinse in cold water. If you can still see it, rub in a drop of dish soap and rinse again.
Turn it inside out and wash it as normal in cold water.

Dried or set in

Soak the stained part in cold water for 30 minutes to soften the dried blood.
Rub enzyme detergent or enzyme stain remover into the stain, then leave it to soak in cold water for a few hours or overnight.
Still there? Test oxygen bleach on an inside seam, then soak for a few hours in cold water with it mixed in as the tub says.
Turn it inside out and wash it as normal in cold water.

Don't use chlorine bleach on colored denim. It leaves pale patches.

Steps for wool

Fresh

Blot up what you can with a paper towel. Pressing works better than rubbing.
Hold the stain under cold running water from the back of the fabric, so the water pushes the stain out the way it came in.
Dab on a few drops of wool or silk detergent (one without enzymes) mixed with cool water. Press it in gently with your fingertips.
Rinse with cool water and blot dry with a clean towel.
Hand wash in cool water with a wool detergent, or use your machine's wool cycle. Press the water out in a towel and don't wring it.
Lay it flat to dry, away from radiators and direct sun.

Dried or set in

Soak the stained part in cold water for 30 minutes to soften the dried blood.
Dab wool or silk detergent (one without enzymes) onto the stain, press it in gently and leave it 30 minutes.
Hand wash in cool water with a wool detergent, or use your machine's wool cycle. Press the water out in a towel and don't wring it.
Lay it flat to dry, away from radiators and direct sun.
If the mark is still there once it's dry, take it to a dry cleaner and tell them it's blood. Set-in stains on wool are hard to shift at home without damaging the fibers.

Don't use enzyme detergent, chlorine bleach or oxygen bleach on wool. They damage the fibers.
Don't use hot water, rub hard or wring it. That's how wool shrinks and felts.

Steps for silk

Fresh

Blot up what you can with a paper towel. Pressing works better than rubbing.
Blot the back of the stain with a cloth soaked in cold water. Keep the rest of the garment as dry as you can.
Dab on a few drops of wool or silk detergent (one without enzymes) mixed with cool water. Press it in gently with your fingertips.
Rinse with cool water and blot dry with a clean towel.
Hand wash in cool water with a silk or delicates detergent. If the label says dry clean only, take it to a dry cleaner instead.
Lay it flat to dry, away from radiators and direct sun.

Dried or set in

Soak the stained part in cold water for 30 minutes to soften the dried blood.
Dab wool or silk detergent (one without enzymes) onto the stain, press it in gently and leave it 30 minutes.
Hand wash in cool water with a silk or delicates detergent. If the label says dry clean only, take it to a dry cleaner instead.
Lay it flat to dry, away from radiators and direct sun.
If the mark is still there once it's dry, take it to a dry cleaner and tell them it's blood. Set-in stains on silk are hard to shift at home without damaging the fibers.

Don't use enzyme detergent, chlorine bleach or oxygen bleach on silk. They damage the fibers.
Don't rub or scrub silk. It roughs up the surface and leaves a pale patch.

Checked against Pacific Northwest Extension, Univ. of Kentucky, Texas A&M, Mississippi State and Cornell.

Get the steps for your fabric Link to this stain

How to get grease and oil out of clothes

Soak up the oil first, then use dish soap and the hottest water the care label allows. Cover the spot with cornstarch or baking soda for 15 minutes, brush it off, rub in dish soap and rinse hot.

Full guide: how to get grease out of clothes

Water Hot

Oil doesn't mix with water, so rinsing alone moves it around. Soak it up first, then use dish soap, which is made to break down grease.

Fresh grease or oil

Blot off any oil sitting on top with a paper towel.
Cover the spot with cornstarch or baking soda and leave it 15 minutes to draw the oil out. Brush it off.
Rub a few drops of dish soap into the stain with your fingers and leave it 10 minutes.
Rinse with the warmest water the care label allows.
Wash it as normal in the hottest water the care label allows.

Dried or set-in grease or oil

Wet the stain and work in a few drops of dish soap or a pre-wash stain remover made for oil. Leave it 30 minutes.
Rinse with the warmest water the care label allows.
Old oil stains often take two or three rounds, so repeat the dish soap and rinse if you can still see it.
Wash it as normal in the hottest water the care label allows.

What not to do

Don't put it in the dryer until the stain is completely gone. Dryer heat bakes oil in for good.
Don't scrub it with a wet cloth before you've soaked up the oil. It spreads the stain wider.

Other fabrics

Steps for polyester and synthetics

Fresh

Blot off any oil sitting on top with a paper towel.
Cover the spot with cornstarch or baking soda and leave it 15 minutes to draw the oil out. Brush it off.
Rub a few drops of dish soap into both sides of the stain. Polyester holds on to oil, so leave it 30 minutes.
Rinse with warm water.
Wash it as normal in warm water.

Dried or set in

Wet the stain and work in a few drops of dish soap or a pre-wash stain remover made for oil. Leave it 30 minutes.
Rinse with warm water.
Old oil stains often take two or three rounds, so repeat the dish soap and rinse if you can still see it.
Wash it as normal in warm water.

Don't use hot water or a hot dryer on polyester. Heat can lock stains into synthetic fibers.

Steps for denim

Fresh

Blot off any oil sitting on top with a paper towel.
Cover the spot with cornstarch or baking soda and leave it 15 minutes to draw the oil out. Brush it off.
Rub a few drops of dish soap into the stain with your fingers and leave it 10 minutes.
Rinse with the warmest water the care label allows.
Turn it inside out and wash it as normal in cold or warm water.

Dried or set in

Wet the stain and work in a few drops of dish soap or a pre-wash stain remover made for oil. Leave it 30 minutes.
Rinse with the warmest water the care label allows.
Old oil stains often take two or three rounds, so repeat the dish soap and rinse if you can still see it.
Turn it inside out and wash it as normal in cold or warm water.

Don't use chlorine bleach on colored denim. It leaves pale patches.

Steps for wool

Fresh

Blot off any oil sitting on top with a paper towel.
Cover the spot with cornstarch or baking soda and leave it 15 minutes to draw the oil out. Brush it off.
Dab on a drop of gentle dish soap mixed with cool water and press it in with your fingertips. Don't rub.
Rinse with cool water and blot dry with a clean towel.
Hand wash in cool water with a wool detergent, or use your machine's wool cycle. Press the water out in a towel and don't wring it.
Lay it flat to dry, away from radiators and direct sun.

Dried or set in

Dab on a drop of gentle dish soap mixed with cool water and press it in with your fingertips. Don't rub.
Rinse with cool water and blot dry with a clean towel.
Hand wash in cool water with a wool detergent, or use your machine's wool cycle. Press the water out in a towel and don't wring it.
Lay it flat to dry, away from radiators and direct sun.
If the mark is still there once it's dry, take it to a dry cleaner and tell them it's grease or oil. Set-in stains on wool are hard to shift at home without damaging the fibers.

Don't use enzyme detergent, chlorine bleach or oxygen bleach on wool. They damage the fibers.
Don't use hot water, rub hard or wring it. That's how wool shrinks and felts.

Steps for silk

Fresh

Blot off any oil sitting on top with a paper towel.
Sprinkle cornstarch over the spot and leave it 15 minutes to draw the oil out. Shake it off gently.
Dab on a drop of gentle dish soap mixed with cool water and press it in with your fingertips. Don't rub.
Rinse with cool water and blot dry with a clean towel.
Hand wash in cool water with a silk or delicates detergent. If the label says dry clean only, take it to a dry cleaner instead.
Lay it flat to dry, away from radiators and direct sun.

Dried or set in

Dab on a drop of gentle dish soap mixed with cool water and press it in with your fingertips. Don't rub.
Rinse with cool water and blot dry with a clean towel.
Hand wash in cool water with a silk or delicates detergent. If the label says dry clean only, take it to a dry cleaner instead.
Lay it flat to dry, away from radiators and direct sun.
If the mark is still there once it's dry, take it to a dry cleaner and tell them it's grease or oil. Set-in stains on silk are hard to shift at home without damaging the fibers.

Don't use enzyme detergent, chlorine bleach or oxygen bleach on silk. They damage the fibers.
Don't rub or scrub silk. It roughs up the surface and leaves a pale patch.

Checked against Pacific Northwest Extension, Texas A&M, Univ. of Kentucky, Mississippi State and New Mexico State.

Get the steps for your fabric Link to this stain

How to get red wine out of clothes

Treat red wine in cold water, then wash it hot. Blot up what you can, flush the stain from the back with cold water, rub in liquid detergent for 15 minutes, rinse, then wash in the hottest water the care label allows.

Water Cold to treat, hot to wash

Red wine is a tannin stain, like coffee and tea. Rinse and treat it in cold water first, then wash it in the hottest water the care label allows.

Fresh red wine

Blot with a paper towel or clean cloth to soak up as much as you can. Don't rub.
Flush the stain from the back with cold water.
Rub in a little liquid laundry detergent or a few drops of dish soap and leave it 15 minutes.
Rinse in cold water.
Still there? Soak it for a few hours in cold water with oxygen bleach mixed in as the tub says.
Wash it as normal in the hottest water the care label allows.

Dried or set-in red wine

Soak the stained part in cold water with a little liquid detergent for 30 minutes.
Rinse, then soak for several hours or overnight in cold water with oxygen bleach mixed in as the tub says.
On white cotton, dab on 3% hydrogen peroxide mixed with a drop of dish soap, leave 15 minutes and rinse. Test a hidden spot first on colored cotton.
Wash it as normal in the hottest water the care label allows.

What not to do

Don't start with hot water. Rinse and treat it cold first, then wash it hot.
Don't rub. It spreads wine through more of the fabric.
Don't use chlorine bleach on colored clothes.

Other fabrics

Steps for polyester and synthetics

Fresh

Blot with a paper towel or clean cloth to soak up as much as you can. Don't rub.
Flush the stain from the back with cold water.
Rub in a little liquid laundry detergent or a few drops of dish soap and leave it 15 minutes.
Rinse in cold water.
Still there? Soak it for a few hours in cold water with oxygen bleach mixed in as the tub says.
Wash it as normal in warm water.

Dried or set in

Soak the stained part in cold water with a little liquid detergent for 30 minutes.
Rinse, then soak for several hours or overnight in cold water with oxygen bleach mixed in as the tub says.
Wash it as normal in warm water.

Don't use hot water or a hot dryer on polyester. Heat can lock stains into synthetic fibers.

Steps for denim

Fresh

Blot with a paper towel or clean cloth to soak up as much as you can. Don't rub.
Flush the stain from the back with cold water.
Rub in a little liquid laundry detergent or a few drops of dish soap and leave it 15 minutes.
Rinse in cold water.
Still there? Test oxygen bleach on an inside seam, then soak for a few hours in cold water with it mixed in as the tub says.
Turn it inside out and wash it as normal in cold or warm water.

Dried or set in

Soak the stained part in cold water with a little liquid detergent for 30 minutes.
Rinse, test oxygen bleach on an inside seam, then soak for several hours in cold water with it mixed in.
Turn it inside out and wash it as normal in cold or warm water.

Don't use chlorine bleach on colored denim. It leaves pale patches.

Steps for wool

Fresh

Blot with a paper towel or clean cloth to soak up as much as you can. Don't rub.
Blot with a cloth soaked in cold water, working from the outside of the stain inwards.
Dab on wool or silk detergent mixed with cool water. Press, don't rub.
Rinse with cool water and blot dry with a clean towel.
Hand wash in cool water with a wool detergent, or use your machine's wool cycle. Press the water out in a towel and don't wring it.
Lay it flat to dry, away from radiators and direct sun.

Dried or set in

Soak the stained part in cool water with a little wool or silk detergent for 15 minutes.
Hand wash in cool water with a wool detergent, or use your machine's wool cycle. Press the water out in a towel and don't wring it.
Lay it flat to dry, away from radiators and direct sun.
If the mark is still there once it's dry, take it to a dry cleaner and tell them it's red wine. Set-in stains on wool are hard to shift at home without damaging the fibers.

Don't use enzyme detergent, chlorine bleach or oxygen bleach on wool. They damage the fibers.
Don't use hot water, rub hard or wring it. That's how wool shrinks and felts.

Steps for silk

Fresh

Blot with a paper towel or clean cloth to soak up as much as you can. Don't rub.
Blot with a cloth soaked in cold water, working from the outside of the stain inwards.
Dab on wool or silk detergent mixed with cool water. Press, don't rub.
Rinse with cool water and blot dry with a clean towel.
Hand wash in cool water with a silk or delicates detergent. If the label says dry clean only, take it to a dry cleaner instead.
Lay it flat to dry, away from radiators and direct sun.

Dried or set in

Soak the stained part in cool water with a little wool or silk detergent for 15 minutes.
Hand wash in cool water with a silk or delicates detergent. If the label says dry clean only, take it to a dry cleaner instead.
Lay it flat to dry, away from radiators and direct sun.
If the mark is still there once it's dry, take it to a dry cleaner and tell them it's red wine. Set-in stains on silk are hard to shift at home without damaging the fibers.

Don't use enzyme detergent, chlorine bleach or oxygen bleach on silk. They damage the fibers.
Don't rub or scrub silk. It roughs up the surface and leaves a pale patch.

Checked against Texas A&M, Univ. of Kentucky and Pacific Northwest Extension.

Get the steps for your fabric Link to this stain

How to get coffee out of clothes

Rinse coffee out in cool water, then wash it hot. Flush the stain from the back, rub in liquid detergent for 5 minutes (enzyme detergent if it had milk in it), rinse, and wash in the hottest water the care label allows.

Water Cool to rinse, hot to wash

Black coffee is a tannin stain and comes out best with detergent and warm or hot water. If it had milk in it, rinse it cold first, because milk is protein.

Fresh coffee

Flush the stain from the back with cool water as soon as you can.
Rub in liquid laundry detergent and leave it 5 minutes. If the coffee had milk in it, use an enzyme detergent.
Rinse well in cool water.
Wash it as normal in the hottest water the care label allows.

Dried or set-in coffee

Soak the stained part in cool water with liquid detergent for 30 minutes.
If you can still see it, soak it for a few hours, or overnight, in warm water with oxygen bleach mixed in as the tub says.
Wash it as normal in the hottest water the care label allows.

What not to do

Don't use bar soap or soap flakes. Natural soap can set coffee stains.
Don't put it in the dryer until the mark is gone.

Other fabrics

Steps for polyester and synthetics

Fresh

Flush the stain from the back with cool water as soon as you can.
Rub in liquid laundry detergent and leave it 5 minutes. If the coffee had milk in it, use an enzyme detergent.
Rinse well in cool water.
Wash it as normal in warm water.

Dried or set in

Soak the stained part in cool water with liquid detergent for 30 minutes.
If you can still see it, soak it for a few hours, or overnight, in warm water with oxygen bleach mixed in as the tub says.
Wash it as normal in warm water.

Don't use hot water or a hot dryer on polyester. Heat can lock stains into synthetic fibers.

Steps for denim

Fresh

Flush the stain from the back with cool water as soon as you can.
Rub in liquid laundry detergent and leave it 5 minutes. If the coffee had milk in it, use an enzyme detergent.
Rinse well in cool water.
Turn it inside out and wash it as normal in cold or warm water.

Dried or set in

Soak the stained part in cool water with liquid detergent for 30 minutes.
If you can still see it, test oxygen bleach on an inside seam, then soak for a few hours in warm water with it mixed in as the tub says.
Turn it inside out and wash it as normal in cold or warm water.

Don't use chlorine bleach on colored denim. It leaves pale patches.

Steps for wool

Fresh

Flush the stain from the back with cool water as soon as you can.
Dab on wool or silk detergent mixed with cool water. Press, don't rub.
Rinse with cool water and blot dry with a clean towel.
Hand wash in cool water with a wool detergent, or use your machine's wool cycle. Press the water out in a towel and don't wring it.
Lay it flat to dry, away from radiators and direct sun.

Dried or set in

Soak the stained part in cool water with a little wool or silk detergent for 15 minutes.
Hand wash in cool water with a wool detergent, or use your machine's wool cycle. Press the water out in a towel and don't wring it.
Lay it flat to dry, away from radiators and direct sun.
If the mark is still there once it's dry, take it to a dry cleaner and tell them it's coffee. Set-in stains on wool are hard to shift at home without damaging the fibers.

Don't use enzyme detergent, chlorine bleach or oxygen bleach on wool. They damage the fibers.
Don't use hot water, rub hard or wring it. That's how wool shrinks and felts.

Steps for silk

Fresh

Flush the stain from the back with cool water as soon as you can.
Dab on wool or silk detergent mixed with cool water. Press, don't rub.
Rinse with cool water and blot dry with a clean towel.
Hand wash in cool water with a silk or delicates detergent. If the label says dry clean only, take it to a dry cleaner instead.
Lay it flat to dry, away from radiators and direct sun.

Dried or set in

Soak the stained part in cool water with a little wool or silk detergent for 15 minutes.
Hand wash in cool water with a silk or delicates detergent. If the label says dry clean only, take it to a dry cleaner instead.
Lay it flat to dry, away from radiators and direct sun.
If the mark is still there once it's dry, take it to a dry cleaner and tell them it's coffee. Set-in stains on silk are hard to shift at home without damaging the fibers.

Don't use enzyme detergent, chlorine bleach or oxygen bleach on silk. They damage the fibers.
Don't rub or scrub silk. It roughs up the surface and leaves a pale patch.

Checked against Texas A&M, Univ. of Kentucky, Pacific Northwest Extension and Mississippi State.

Get the steps for your fabric Link to this stain

How to get tea stains out of clothes

Rinse tea out under the cool tap, then wash it hot. Rub in liquid detergent for 5 minutes, using an enzyme detergent if there was milk in it, rinse well and wash in the hottest water the care label allows.

Water Cool to rinse, hot to wash

Tea comes out the same way coffee does. Detergent and warm water lift it, and an oxygen bleach soak handles old brown rings.

Fresh tea

Rinse the stain from the back under cool running water.
Rub in liquid laundry detergent and leave it 5 minutes. Use an enzyme detergent if there was milk in it.
Rinse well.
Wash it as normal in the hottest water the care label allows.

Dried or set-in tea

Soak in warm water with liquid detergent for 30 minutes, then rinse.
If you can still see it, soak it for a few hours, or overnight, in warm water with oxygen bleach mixed in as the tub says.
Old tea rings on white cotton: dab on 3% hydrogen peroxide, leave 10 minutes and rinse. Test a hidden spot first on colored cotton.
Wash it as normal in the hottest water the care label allows.

What not to do

Don't use bar soap or soap flakes. Natural soap can set tea stains.
Don't iron over a tea stain. Heat sets it.

Other fabrics

Steps for polyester and synthetics

Fresh

Rinse the stain from the back under cool running water.
Rub in liquid laundry detergent and leave it 5 minutes. Use an enzyme detergent if there was milk in it.
Rinse well.
Wash it as normal in warm water.

Dried or set in

Soak in warm water with liquid detergent for 30 minutes, then rinse.
If you can still see it, soak it for a few hours, or overnight, in warm water with oxygen bleach mixed in as the tub says.
Wash it as normal in warm water.

Don't use hot water or a hot dryer on polyester. Heat can lock stains into synthetic fibers.

Steps for denim

Fresh

Rinse the stain from the back under cool running water.
Rub in liquid laundry detergent and leave it 5 minutes. Use an enzyme detergent if there was milk in it.
Rinse well.
Turn it inside out and wash it as normal in cold or warm water.

Dried or set in

Soak in warm water with liquid detergent for 30 minutes, then rinse.
If you can still see it, test oxygen bleach on an inside seam, then soak for a few hours in warm water with it mixed in as the tub says.
Turn it inside out and wash it as normal in cold or warm water.

Don't use chlorine bleach on colored denim. It leaves pale patches.

Steps for wool

Fresh

Rinse the stain from the back under cool running water.
Dab on wool or silk detergent mixed with cool water. Press, don't rub.
Rinse with cool water and blot dry with a clean towel.
Hand wash in cool water with a wool detergent, or use your machine's wool cycle. Press the water out in a towel and don't wring it.
Lay it flat to dry, away from radiators and direct sun.

Dried or set in

Soak in cool water with a little wool or silk detergent for 15 minutes, then rinse.
Hand wash in cool water with a wool detergent, or use your machine's wool cycle. Press the water out in a towel and don't wring it.
Lay it flat to dry, away from radiators and direct sun.
If the mark is still there once it's dry, take it to a dry cleaner and tell them it's tea. Set-in stains on wool are hard to shift at home without damaging the fibers.

Don't use enzyme detergent, chlorine bleach or oxygen bleach on wool. They damage the fibers.
Don't use hot water, rub hard or wring it. That's how wool shrinks and felts.

Steps for silk

Fresh

Rinse the stain from the back under cool running water.
Dab on wool or silk detergent mixed with cool water. Press, don't rub.
Rinse with cool water and blot dry with a clean towel.
Hand wash in cool water with a silk or delicates detergent. If the label says dry clean only, take it to a dry cleaner instead.
Lay it flat to dry, away from radiators and direct sun.

Dried or set in

Soak in cool water with a little wool or silk detergent for 15 minutes, then rinse.
Hand wash in cool water with a silk or delicates detergent. If the label says dry clean only, take it to a dry cleaner instead.
Lay it flat to dry, away from radiators and direct sun.
If the mark is still there once it's dry, take it to a dry cleaner and tell them it's tea. Set-in stains on silk are hard to shift at home without damaging the fibers.

Don't use enzyme detergent, chlorine bleach or oxygen bleach on silk. They damage the fibers.
Don't rub or scrub silk. It roughs up the surface and leaves a pale patch.

Checked against Texas A&M, Univ. of Kentucky and Pacific Northwest Extension.

Get the steps for your fabric Link to this stain

How to get grass stains out of clothes

Grass needs an enzyme detergent and time, then a hot wash. Rub enzyme detergent into the stain, leave it 15 minutes, dab rubbing alcohol on any green that's left, then wash in the hottest water the care label allows.

Water Hot

Grass is a mix of green plant color and protein, so an enzyme detergent does most of the work. Give it time to sit.

Fresh grass

Brush off any loose dirt.
Rub a little enzyme laundry detergent or enzyme stain remover into the stain with your fingers and leave it for 15 minutes.
Rinse and check. If there's still green, dab on rubbing alcohol with a cotton pad (test a hidden seam first), then rinse.
Wash it as normal in the hottest water the care label allows.

Dried or set-in grass

Work enzyme detergent into the stain and soak it in warm water for a few hours or overnight.
If you can still see it, soak it for a few hours, or overnight, in warm water with oxygen bleach mixed in as the tub says.
For the last bit of green, dab on rubbing alcohol with a cotton pad (test a hidden seam first), then rinse.
Wash it as normal in the hottest water the care label allows.

What not to do

Don't scrub with a dry cloth. It grinds the green deeper into the fibers.
Don't put it in the dryer until the green is gone.

Other fabrics

Steps for polyester and synthetics

Fresh

Brush off any loose dirt.
Rub a little enzyme laundry detergent or enzyme stain remover into the stain with your fingers and leave it for 15 minutes.
Rinse and check. If there's still green, dab on rubbing alcohol with a cotton pad (test a hidden seam first), then rinse.
Wash it as normal in warm water.

Dried or set in

Work enzyme detergent into the stain and soak it in warm water for a few hours or overnight.
If you can still see it, soak it for a few hours, or overnight, in warm water with oxygen bleach mixed in as the tub says.
For the last bit of green, dab on rubbing alcohol with a cotton pad (test a hidden seam first), then rinse.
Wash it as normal in warm water.

Don't use hot water or a hot dryer on polyester. Heat can lock stains into synthetic fibers.

Steps for denim

Fresh

Brush off any loose dirt.
Rub a little enzyme laundry detergent or enzyme stain remover into the stain with your fingers and leave it for 15 minutes.
Rinse and check. If there's still green, dab on rubbing alcohol with a cotton pad (test a hidden seam first), then rinse.
Turn it inside out and wash it as normal in cold or warm water.

Dried or set in

Work enzyme detergent into the stain and soak it in warm water for a few hours or overnight.
If you can still see it, test oxygen bleach on an inside seam, then soak for a few hours in warm water with it mixed in as the tub says.
For the last bit of green, dab on rubbing alcohol with a cotton pad (test a hidden seam first), then rinse.
Turn it inside out and wash it as normal in cold or warm water.

Don't use chlorine bleach on colored denim. It leaves pale patches.

Steps for wool

Fresh

Brush off any loose dirt.
Dab on a few drops of wool or silk detergent (one without enzymes) mixed with cool water. Press it in gently with your fingertips.
Rinse with cool water and blot dry with a clean towel.
Hand wash in cool water with a wool detergent, or use your machine's wool cycle. Press the water out in a towel and don't wring it.
Lay it flat to dry, away from radiators and direct sun.

Dried or set in

Dab wool or silk detergent (one without enzymes) onto the stain and leave it 30 minutes in cool water.
Hand wash in cool water with a wool detergent, or use your machine's wool cycle. Press the water out in a towel and don't wring it.
Lay it flat to dry, away from radiators and direct sun.
If the mark is still there once it's dry, take it to a dry cleaner and tell them it's grass. Set-in stains on wool are hard to shift at home without damaging the fibers.

Don't use enzyme detergent, chlorine bleach or oxygen bleach on wool. They damage the fibers.
Don't use hot water, rub hard or wring it. That's how wool shrinks and felts.

Steps for silk

Fresh

Brush off any loose dirt.
Dab on a few drops of wool or silk detergent (one without enzymes) mixed with cool water. Press it in gently with your fingertips.
Rinse with cool water and blot dry with a clean towel.
Hand wash in cool water with a silk or delicates detergent. If the label says dry clean only, take it to a dry cleaner instead.
Lay it flat to dry, away from radiators and direct sun.

Dried or set in

Dab wool or silk detergent (one without enzymes) onto the stain and leave it 30 minutes in cool water.
Hand wash in cool water with a silk or delicates detergent. If the label says dry clean only, take it to a dry cleaner instead.
Lay it flat to dry, away from radiators and direct sun.
If the mark is still there once it's dry, take it to a dry cleaner and tell them it's grass. Set-in stains on silk are hard to shift at home without damaging the fibers.

Don't use enzyme detergent, chlorine bleach or oxygen bleach on silk. They damage the fibers.
Don't rub or scrub silk. It roughs up the surface and leaves a pale patch.

Checked against Pacific Northwest Extension, Mississippi State, Univ. of Kentucky, Texas A&M and Cornell.

Get the steps for your fabric Link to this stain

How to get sweat and yellow underarm stains out

Rinse the underarms in cool water, rub in enzyme detergent and leave it 30 minutes, then wash in the hottest water the care label allows. Old yellow marks need a baking soda paste and an oxygen bleach soak first.

Water Cool to treat, hot to wash

Yellow underarm marks build up when sweat and antiperspirant are left in the fabric. Old marks need a baking soda paste and a long soak before the wash.

Fresh sweat and yellow underarm marks

Rinse the underarm area in cool water.
Rub enzyme detergent into the area and leave it 30 minutes. Wash soon, as sweat left in the hamper for days is what turns yellow.
Rinse in cool water.
Wash it as normal in the hottest water the care label allows.

Dried or set-in sweat and yellow underarm marks

Mix 1 tablespoon of baking soda with a little water into a paste. Rub it into the yellow area and leave it an hour.
Rinse, then soak for a few hours or overnight in warm water with oxygen bleach mixed in as the tub says.
On white cotton, dab 3% hydrogen peroxide with a drop of dish soap onto what's left. Leave it 30 minutes and rinse.
Wash it as normal in the hottest water the care label allows.

What not to do

Don't use chlorine bleach on yellow underarm stains. It reacts with sweat and can make the yellow darker.
Don't iron or tumble dry until the yellow is gone. Heat sets it.

Other fabrics

Steps for polyester and synthetics

Fresh

Rinse the underarm area in cool water.
Rub enzyme detergent into the area and leave it 30 minutes. Wash soon, as sweat left in the hamper for days is what turns yellow.
Rinse in cool water.
Wash it as normal in warm water.

Dried or set in

Mix 1 tablespoon of baking soda with a little water into a paste. Rub it into the yellow area and leave it an hour.
Rinse, then soak for a few hours or overnight in warm water with oxygen bleach mixed in as the tub says.
Wash it as normal in warm water.

Don't use hot water or a hot dryer on polyester. Heat can lock stains into synthetic fibers.

Steps for denim

Fresh

Rinse the underarm area in cool water.
Rub enzyme detergent into the area and leave it 30 minutes. Wash soon, as sweat left in the hamper for days is what turns yellow.
Rinse in cool water.
Turn it inside out and wash it as normal in cold or warm water.

Dried or set in

Mix 1 tablespoon of baking soda with a little water into a paste. Rub it into the yellow area and leave it an hour.
Rinse, test oxygen bleach on an inside seam, then soak for a few hours in warm water with it mixed in.
Turn it inside out and wash it as normal in cold or warm water.

Don't use chlorine bleach on colored denim. It leaves pale patches.

Steps for wool

Fresh

Rinse the underarm area in cool water.
Dab on wool or silk detergent (one without enzymes) mixed with cool water and press it in gently.
Rinse with cool water and blot dry with a clean towel.
Hand wash in cool water with a wool detergent, or use your machine's wool cycle. Press the water out in a towel and don't wring it.
Lay it flat to dry, away from radiators and direct sun.

Dried or set in

Mix 1 part white vinegar with 4 parts cool water and dab it on the area. Leave it 15 minutes.
Rinse well in cool water.
Hand wash in cool water with a wool detergent, or use your machine's wool cycle. Press the water out in a towel and don't wring it.
Lay it flat to dry, away from radiators and direct sun.
If the mark is still there once it's dry, take it to a dry cleaner and tell them it's sweat and yellow underarm marks. Set-in stains on wool are hard to shift at home without damaging the fibers.

Don't use enzyme detergent, chlorine bleach or oxygen bleach on wool. They damage the fibers.
Don't use hot water, rub hard or wring it. That's how wool shrinks and felts.

Steps for silk

Fresh

Rinse the underarm area in cool water.
Dab on wool or silk detergent (one without enzymes) mixed with cool water and press it in gently.
Rinse with cool water and blot dry with a clean towel.
Hand wash in cool water with a silk or delicates detergent. If the label says dry clean only, take it to a dry cleaner instead.
Lay it flat to dry, away from radiators and direct sun.

Dried or set in

Mix 1 part white vinegar with 4 parts cool water and dab it on the area. Leave it 15 minutes.
Rinse well in cool water.
Hand wash in cool water with a silk or delicates detergent. If the label says dry clean only, take it to a dry cleaner instead.
Lay it flat to dry, away from radiators and direct sun.
If the mark is still there once it's dry, take it to a dry cleaner and tell them it's sweat and yellow underarm marks. Set-in stains on silk are hard to shift at home without damaging the fibers.

Don't use enzyme detergent, chlorine bleach or oxygen bleach on silk. They damage the fibers.
Don't rub or scrub silk. It roughs up the surface and leaves a pale patch.

Checked against Univ. of Kentucky, Texas A&M and Pacific Northwest Extension.

Get the steps for your fabric Link to this stain

How to get makeup and foundation out of clothes

Treat foundation like a small grease stain, with dish soap and warm water. Scrape off the excess, work in a few drops of dish soap, leave it 10 minutes and rinse in warm water from the back.

Water Warm

Most foundation and concealer is oil-based, so treat it like a small grease stain: lift it, then dish soap.

Fresh makeup and foundation

Scrape off any thick makeup with the edge of a spoon.
Work in a few drops of dish soap, or a little micellar water for liquid foundation. Leave it 10 minutes.
Rinse in warm water from the back of the fabric.
Wash it as normal in warm water.

Dried or set-in makeup and foundation

Wet the stain and work in dish soap. Leave it 30 minutes.
Scrub gently with an old soft toothbrush, then rinse in warm water.
If a mark is left, rub in a pre-wash stain remover and leave it 15 minutes.
Wash it as normal in warm water.

What not to do

Don't wipe at it with a wet wipe. It smears foundation into a bigger patch.
Don't put it in the dryer until the mark is gone.

Other fabrics

Steps for polyester and synthetics

Fresh

Scrape off any thick makeup with the edge of a spoon.
Work in a few drops of dish soap, or a little micellar water for liquid foundation. Leave it 10 minutes.
Rinse in warm water from the back of the fabric.
Wash it as normal in warm water.

Dried or set in

Wet the stain and work in dish soap. Leave it 30 minutes.
Scrub gently with an old soft toothbrush, then rinse in warm water.
If a mark is left, rub in a pre-wash stain remover and leave it 15 minutes.
Wash it as normal in warm water.

Don't use hot water or a hot dryer on polyester. Heat can lock stains into synthetic fibers.

Steps for denim

Fresh

Scrape off any thick makeup with the edge of a spoon.
Work in a few drops of dish soap, or a little micellar water for liquid foundation. Leave it 10 minutes.
Rinse in warm water from the back of the fabric.
Turn it inside out and wash it as normal in cold or warm water.

Dried or set in

Wet the stain and work in dish soap. Leave it 30 minutes.
Scrub gently with an old soft toothbrush, then rinse in warm water.
If a mark is left, rub in a pre-wash stain remover and leave it 15 minutes.
Turn it inside out and wash it as normal in cold or warm water.

Don't use chlorine bleach on colored denim. It leaves pale patches.

Steps for wool

Fresh

Scrape off any thick makeup with the edge of a spoon.
Dab on a drop of gentle dish soap mixed with cool water and press it in with your fingertips. Don't rub.
Rinse with cool water and blot dry with a clean towel.
Hand wash in cool water with a wool detergent, or use your machine's wool cycle. Press the water out in a towel and don't wring it.
Lay it flat to dry, away from radiators and direct sun.

Dried or set in

Dab on a drop of gentle dish soap mixed with cool water and press it in with your fingertips. Don't rub.
Rinse with cool water and blot dry with a clean towel.
Hand wash in cool water with a wool detergent, or use your machine's wool cycle. Press the water out in a towel and don't wring it.
Lay it flat to dry, away from radiators and direct sun.
If the mark is still there once it's dry, take it to a dry cleaner and tell them it's makeup and foundation. Set-in stains on wool are hard to shift at home without damaging the fibers.

Don't use enzyme detergent, chlorine bleach or oxygen bleach on wool. They damage the fibers.
Don't use hot water, rub hard or wring it. That's how wool shrinks and felts.

Steps for silk

Fresh

Scrape off any thick makeup with the edge of a spoon.
Dab on a drop of gentle dish soap mixed with cool water and press it in with your fingertips. Don't rub.
Rinse with cool water and blot dry with a clean towel.
Hand wash in cool water with a silk or delicates detergent. If the label says dry clean only, take it to a dry cleaner instead.
Lay it flat to dry, away from radiators and direct sun.

Dried or set in

Dab on a drop of gentle dish soap mixed with cool water and press it in with your fingertips. Don't rub.
Rinse with cool water and blot dry with a clean towel.
Hand wash in cool water with a silk or delicates detergent. If the label says dry clean only, take it to a dry cleaner instead.
Lay it flat to dry, away from radiators and direct sun.
If the mark is still there once it's dry, take it to a dry cleaner and tell them it's makeup and foundation. Set-in stains on silk are hard to shift at home without damaging the fibers.

Don't use enzyme detergent, chlorine bleach or oxygen bleach on silk. They damage the fibers.
Don't rub or scrub silk. It roughs up the surface and leaves a pale patch.

Checked against Univ. of Kentucky, Texas A&M and Pacific Northwest Extension.

Get the steps for your fabric Link to this stain

How to get lipstick out of clothes

Lift the color with rubbing alcohol, then use dish soap and warm water. Put a paper towel under the stain, dab alcohol on top so the color goes into the towel, work in dish soap and rinse warm.

Water Warm

Lipstick is wax, oil and strong color. Lift the color with rubbing alcohol, then dish soap for the oily part.

Fresh lipstick

Lift off any lipstick sitting on top with the edge of a spoon. Don't smear it.
Put a paper towel under the stain and dab rubbing alcohol on top with a cotton pad (test a hidden seam first). The towel underneath catches the color.
Work in a few drops of dish soap, then rinse in warm water.
Wash it as normal in warm water.

Dried or set-in lipstick

Put a paper towel under the stain and dab on rubbing alcohol (test a hidden seam first). Move to a clean part of the towel as the color comes through.
Work in dish soap, scrub gently with a soft toothbrush and leave it 30 minutes.
Rinse in warm water. Rub in a pre-wash stain remover if a mark is left.
Wash it as normal in warm water.

What not to do

Don't rub. Lipstick smears fast.
Don't use rubbing alcohol on wool or silk.

Other fabrics

Steps for polyester and synthetics

Fresh

Lift off any lipstick sitting on top with the edge of a spoon. Don't smear it.
Put a paper towel under the stain and dab rubbing alcohol on top with a cotton pad (test a hidden seam first). The towel underneath catches the color.
Work in a few drops of dish soap, then rinse in warm water.
Wash it as normal in warm water.

Dried or set in

Put a paper towel under the stain and dab on rubbing alcohol (test a hidden seam first). Move to a clean part of the towel as the color comes through.
Work in dish soap, scrub gently with a soft toothbrush and leave it 30 minutes.
Rinse in warm water. Rub in a pre-wash stain remover if a mark is left.
Wash it as normal in warm water.

Don't use hot water or a hot dryer on polyester. Heat can lock stains into synthetic fibers.

Steps for denim

Fresh

Lift off any lipstick sitting on top with the edge of a spoon. Don't smear it.
Put a paper towel under the stain and dab rubbing alcohol on top with a cotton pad (test a hidden seam first). The towel underneath catches the color.
Work in a few drops of dish soap, then rinse in warm water.
Turn it inside out and wash it as normal in cold or warm water.

Dried or set in

Put a paper towel under the stain and dab on rubbing alcohol (test a hidden seam first). Move to a clean part of the towel as the color comes through.
Work in dish soap, scrub gently with a soft toothbrush and leave it 30 minutes.
Rinse in warm water. Rub in a pre-wash stain remover if a mark is left.
Turn it inside out and wash it as normal in cold or warm water.

Don't use chlorine bleach on colored denim. It leaves pale patches.

Steps for wool

Fresh

Lift off any lipstick sitting on top with the edge of a spoon. Don't smear it.
Dab on a drop of gentle dish soap mixed with cool water and press it in with your fingertips. Don't rub.
Rinse with cool water and blot dry with a clean towel.
Hand wash in cool water with a wool detergent, or use your machine's wool cycle. Press the water out in a towel and don't wring it.
Lay it flat to dry, away from radiators and direct sun.

Dried or set in

Dab on a drop of gentle dish soap mixed with cool water and press it in with your fingertips. Don't rub.
Rinse with cool water and blot dry with a clean towel.
Hand wash in cool water with a wool detergent, or use your machine's wool cycle. Press the water out in a towel and don't wring it.
Lay it flat to dry, away from radiators and direct sun.
If the mark is still there once it's dry, take it to a dry cleaner and tell them it's lipstick. Set-in stains on wool are hard to shift at home without damaging the fibers.

Don't use enzyme detergent, chlorine bleach or oxygen bleach on wool. They damage the fibers.
Don't use hot water, rub hard or wring it. That's how wool shrinks and felts.

Steps for silk

Fresh

Lift off any lipstick sitting on top with the edge of a spoon. Don't smear it.
Dab on a drop of gentle dish soap mixed with cool water and press it in with your fingertips. Don't rub.
Rinse with cool water and blot dry with a clean towel.
Hand wash in cool water with a silk or delicates detergent. If the label says dry clean only, take it to a dry cleaner instead.
Lay it flat to dry, away from radiators and direct sun.

Dried or set in

Dab on a drop of gentle dish soap mixed with cool water and press it in with your fingertips. Don't rub.
Rinse with cool water and blot dry with a clean towel.
Hand wash in cool water with a silk or delicates detergent. If the label says dry clean only, take it to a dry cleaner instead.
Lay it flat to dry, away from radiators and direct sun.
If the mark is still there once it's dry, take it to a dry cleaner and tell them it's lipstick. Set-in stains on silk are hard to shift at home without damaging the fibers.

Don't use enzyme detergent, chlorine bleach or oxygen bleach on silk. They damage the fibers.
Don't rub or scrub silk. It roughs up the surface and leaves a pale patch.

Checked against Cornell, Univ. of Kentucky and Texas A&M.

Get the steps for your fabric Link to this stain

How to get ink out of clothes

Ballpoint ink comes out with rubbing alcohol, before the stain gets wet. Put a folded paper towel under it, dab on alcohol until the ink moves into the towel, then rub in liquid detergent and wash in warm water.

Water Warm

Ballpoint ink usually comes out with rubbing alcohol. Permanent marker often won't come out completely, but the same steps will fade it.

Fresh ink

Put a folded paper towel under the stain.
Dab rubbing alcohol onto the ink with a cotton pad (test a hidden seam first). Move to a clean part of the towel as the ink transfers.
Rinse, then rub in liquid detergent and leave it 10 minutes.
Wash it as normal in warm water.

Dried or set-in ink

Put a folded paper towel under the stain and dab on rubbing alcohol (test a hidden seam first). Keep going until no more ink comes off.
Soak in warm water with liquid detergent for 30 minutes, then rinse.
If you can still see it, soak it for a few hours, or overnight, in warm water with oxygen bleach mixed in as the tub says.
Wash it as normal in warm water.

What not to do

Don't rub. It spreads ink outwards.
Don't wet ballpoint ink before treating it. Water spreads it.

Other fabrics

Steps for polyester and synthetics

Fresh

Put a folded paper towel under the stain.
Dab rubbing alcohol onto the ink with a cotton pad (test a hidden seam first). Move to a clean part of the towel as the ink transfers.
Rinse, then rub in liquid detergent and leave it 10 minutes.
Wash it as normal in warm water.

Dried or set in

Put a folded paper towel under the stain and dab on rubbing alcohol (test a hidden seam first). Keep going until no more ink comes off.
Soak in warm water with liquid detergent for 30 minutes, then rinse.
If you can still see it, soak it for a few hours, or overnight, in warm water with oxygen bleach mixed in as the tub says.
Wash it as normal in warm water.

Don't use hot water or a hot dryer on polyester. Heat can lock stains into synthetic fibers.

Steps for denim

Fresh

Put a folded paper towel under the stain.
Dab rubbing alcohol onto the ink with a cotton pad (test a hidden seam first). Move to a clean part of the towel as the ink transfers.
Rinse, then rub in liquid detergent and leave it 10 minutes.
Turn it inside out and wash it as normal in cold or warm water.

Dried or set in

Put a folded paper towel under the stain and dab on rubbing alcohol (test a hidden seam first). Keep going until no more ink comes off.
Soak in warm water with liquid detergent for 30 minutes, then rinse.
If you can still see it, test oxygen bleach on an inside seam, then soak for a few hours in warm water with it mixed in as the tub says.
Turn it inside out and wash it as normal in cold or warm water.

Don't use chlorine bleach on colored denim. It leaves pale patches.

Steps for wool

Fresh

Blot off any wet ink with a dry paper towel. Don't add water.
Take it to a dry cleaner and tell them it's ink. Treating ink on wool at home risks a bigger stain and damaged fibers.

Dried or set in

Take it to a dry cleaner and tell them it's dried ink. Treating ink on wool at home risks a bigger stain and damaged fibers.

Don't use enzyme detergent, chlorine bleach or oxygen bleach on wool. They damage the fibers.
Don't use hot water, rub hard or wring it. That's how wool shrinks and felts.

Steps for silk

Fresh

Blot off any wet ink with a dry paper towel. Don't add water.
Take it to a dry cleaner and tell them it's ink. Treating ink on silk at home risks a bigger stain and damaged fibers.

Dried or set in

Take it to a dry cleaner and tell them it's dried ink. Treating ink on silk at home risks a bigger stain and damaged fibers.

Don't use enzyme detergent, chlorine bleach or oxygen bleach on silk. They damage the fibers.
Don't rub or scrub silk. It roughs up the surface and leaves a pale patch.

Checked against Pacific Northwest Extension, Univ. of Kentucky and Cornell.

Get the steps for your fabric Link to this stain

How to get chocolate out of clothes

Start cold for the milk, then use dish soap for the fat. Scrape off what you can, flush cold water through the back, rub in enzyme detergent and a drop of dish soap for 15 minutes, rinse and wash in warm water.

Water Cold to treat, warm to wash

Chocolate is fat, milk protein and brown color all at once. Start cold for the milk, then dish soap for the fat.

Fresh chocolate

Scrape off as much as you can with a blunt knife. If it's soft, put the garment in the fridge for 10 minutes first.
Hold the stain under cold running water from the back of the fabric, so the water pushes the stain out the way it came in.
Rub in enzyme detergent for the milk and a drop of dish soap for the fat. Leave it 15 minutes.
Rinse in cold water.
Wash it as normal in warm water.

Dried or set-in chocolate

Scrape off any hard bits.
Rub enzyme detergent or enzyme stain remover into the stain, then leave it to soak in cold water for a few hours or overnight.
Still there? Soak it for a few hours in cold water with oxygen bleach mixed in as the tub says.
Wash it as normal in warm water.

What not to do

Don't start with hot water. It melts the fat in and sets the milk.
Don't put it in the dryer until the mark is gone.

Other fabrics

Steps for polyester and synthetics

Fresh

Scrape off as much as you can with a blunt knife. If it's soft, put the garment in the fridge for 10 minutes first.
Hold the stain under cold running water from the back of the fabric, so the water pushes the stain out the way it came in.
Rub in enzyme detergent for the milk and a drop of dish soap for the fat. Leave it 15 minutes.
Rinse in cold water.
Wash it as normal in warm water.

Dried or set in

Scrape off any hard bits.
Rub enzyme detergent or enzyme stain remover into the stain, then leave it to soak in cold water for a few hours or overnight.
Still there? Soak it for a few hours in cold water with oxygen bleach mixed in as the tub says.
Wash it as normal in warm water.

Don't use hot water or a hot dryer on polyester. Heat can lock stains into synthetic fibers.

Steps for denim

Fresh

Scrape off as much as you can with a blunt knife. If it's soft, put the garment in the fridge for 10 minutes first.
Hold the stain under cold running water from the back of the fabric, so the water pushes the stain out the way it came in.
Rub in enzyme detergent for the milk and a drop of dish soap for the fat. Leave it 15 minutes.
Rinse in cold water.
Turn it inside out and wash it as normal in cold or warm water.

Dried or set in

Scrape off any hard bits.
Rub enzyme detergent or enzyme stain remover into the stain, then leave it to soak in cold water for a few hours or overnight.
Still there? Test oxygen bleach on an inside seam, then soak for a few hours in cold water with it mixed in as the tub says.
Turn it inside out and wash it as normal in cold or warm water.

Don't use chlorine bleach on colored denim. It leaves pale patches.

Steps for wool

Fresh

Scrape off as much as you can with a blunt knife. If it's soft, put the garment in the fridge for 10 minutes first.
Hold the stain under cold running water from the back of the fabric, so the water pushes the stain out the way it came in.
Dab on a drop of gentle dish soap mixed with cool water and press it in with your fingertips. Don't rub.
Rinse with cool water and blot dry with a clean towel.
Hand wash in cool water with a wool detergent, or use your machine's wool cycle. Press the water out in a towel and don't wring it.
Lay it flat to dry, away from radiators and direct sun.

Dried or set in

Scrape off any hard bits.
Dab wool or silk detergent (one without enzymes) onto the stain, press it in gently and leave it 30 minutes.
Hand wash in cool water with a wool detergent, or use your machine's wool cycle. Press the water out in a towel and don't wring it.
Lay it flat to dry, away from radiators and direct sun.
If the mark is still there once it's dry, take it to a dry cleaner and tell them it's chocolate. Set-in stains on wool are hard to shift at home without damaging the fibers.

Don't use enzyme detergent, chlorine bleach or oxygen bleach on wool. They damage the fibers.
Don't use hot water, rub hard or wring it. That's how wool shrinks and felts.

Steps for silk

Fresh

Scrape off as much as you can with a blunt knife. If it's soft, put the garment in the fridge for 10 minutes first.
Blot the back of the stain with a cloth soaked in cold water. Keep the rest of the garment as dry as you can.
Dab on a drop of gentle dish soap mixed with cool water and press it in with your fingertips. Don't rub.
Rinse with cool water and blot dry with a clean towel.
Hand wash in cool water with a silk or delicates detergent. If the label says dry clean only, take it to a dry cleaner instead.
Lay it flat to dry, away from radiators and direct sun.

Dried or set in

Scrape off any hard bits.
Dab wool or silk detergent (one without enzymes) onto the stain, press it in gently and leave it 30 minutes.
Hand wash in cool water with a silk or delicates detergent. If the label says dry clean only, take it to a dry cleaner instead.
Lay it flat to dry, away from radiators and direct sun.
If the mark is still there once it's dry, take it to a dry cleaner and tell them it's chocolate. Set-in stains on silk are hard to shift at home without damaging the fibers.

Don't use enzyme detergent, chlorine bleach or oxygen bleach on silk. They damage the fibers.
Don't rub or scrub silk. It roughs up the surface and leaves a pale patch.

Checked against Univ. of Kentucky, Texas A&M, Pacific Northwest Extension and Cornell.

Get the steps for your fabric Link to this stain

How to get tomato and ketchup stains out of clothes

Rinse tomato and ketchup in cold water before anything warm touches them. Scrape off the sauce, flush the back with cold water, rub in detergent for 15 minutes, dab white vinegar on any orange that's left, then wash warm.

Water Cold to treat, warm to wash

Tomato sauce leaves an orange color stain, often with oil in it. Cold water, detergent and a little white vinegar shift most of it.

Fresh tomato and ketchup

Scrape off the sauce with a spoon. Wiping pushes it in.
Hold the stain under cold running water from the back of the fabric, so the water pushes the stain out the way it came in.
Rub in liquid detergent or a few drops of dish soap and leave it 15 minutes.
Rinse in cold water. Dab white vinegar on any orange that's left, leave 10 minutes, then rinse well.
Wash it as normal in warm water.

Dried or set-in tomato and ketchup

Soak the stained part in cold water with liquid detergent for 30 minutes.
Rinse well, then soak for a few hours in cold water with oxygen bleach mixed in as the tub says.
Wash it as normal in warm water.

A pale orange shadow on white cotton often fades if you dry it outside in the sun.

What not to do

Don't start with hot water. Rinse it in cold water first.
Don't put it in the dryer until the orange is gone.

Other fabrics

Steps for polyester and synthetics

Fresh

Scrape off the sauce with a spoon. Wiping pushes it in.
Hold the stain under cold running water from the back of the fabric, so the water pushes the stain out the way it came in.
Rub in liquid detergent or a few drops of dish soap and leave it 15 minutes.
Rinse in cold water. Dab white vinegar on any orange that's left, leave 10 minutes, then rinse well.
Wash it as normal in warm water.

Dried or set in

Soak the stained part in cold water with liquid detergent for 30 minutes.
Rinse well, then soak for a few hours in cold water with oxygen bleach mixed in as the tub says.
Wash it as normal in warm water.

Don't use hot water or a hot dryer on polyester. Heat can lock stains into synthetic fibers.

Steps for denim

Fresh

Scrape off the sauce with a spoon. Wiping pushes it in.
Hold the stain under cold running water from the back of the fabric, so the water pushes the stain out the way it came in.
Rub in liquid detergent or a few drops of dish soap and leave it 15 minutes.
Rinse in cold water. Dab white vinegar on any orange that's left, leave 10 minutes, then rinse well.
Turn it inside out and wash it as normal in cold or warm water.

Dried or set in

Soak the stained part in cold water with liquid detergent for 30 minutes.
Rinse well, test oxygen bleach on an inside seam, then soak for a few hours in cold water with it mixed in.
Turn it inside out and wash it as normal in cold or warm water.

Don't use chlorine bleach on colored denim. It leaves pale patches.

Steps for wool

Fresh

Scrape off the sauce with a spoon. Wiping pushes it in.
Hold the stain under cold running water from the back of the fabric, so the water pushes the stain out the way it came in.
Dab on a drop of gentle dish soap mixed with cool water and press it in with your fingertips. Don't rub.
Rinse with cool water and blot dry with a clean towel.
Hand wash in cool water with a wool detergent, or use your machine's wool cycle. Press the water out in a towel and don't wring it.
Lay it flat to dry, away from radiators and direct sun.

Dried or set in

Soak the stained part in cool water with a little wool or silk detergent for 15 minutes.
Hand wash in cool water with a wool detergent, or use your machine's wool cycle. Press the water out in a towel and don't wring it.
Lay it flat to dry, away from radiators and direct sun.
If the mark is still there once it's dry, take it to a dry cleaner and tell them it's tomato and ketchup. Set-in stains on wool are hard to shift at home without damaging the fibers.

Don't use enzyme detergent, chlorine bleach or oxygen bleach on wool. They damage the fibers.
Don't use hot water, rub hard or wring it. That's how wool shrinks and felts.

Steps for silk

Fresh

Scrape off the sauce with a spoon. Wiping pushes it in.
Blot the back of the stain with a cloth soaked in cold water. Keep the rest of the garment as dry as you can.
Dab on a drop of gentle dish soap mixed with cool water and press it in with your fingertips. Don't rub.
Rinse with cool water and blot dry with a clean towel.
Hand wash in cool water with a silk or delicates detergent. If the label says dry clean only, take it to a dry cleaner instead.
Lay it flat to dry, away from radiators and direct sun.

Dried or set in

Soak the stained part in cool water with a little wool or silk detergent for 15 minutes.
Hand wash in cool water with a silk or delicates detergent. If the label says dry clean only, take it to a dry cleaner instead.
Lay it flat to dry, away from radiators and direct sun.
If the mark is still there once it's dry, take it to a dry cleaner and tell them it's tomato and ketchup. Set-in stains on silk are hard to shift at home without damaging the fibers.

Don't use enzyme detergent, chlorine bleach or oxygen bleach on silk. They damage the fibers.
Don't rub or scrub silk. It roughs up the surface and leaves a pale patch.

Checked against Texas A&M, Univ. of Kentucky and Pacific Northwest Extension.

Get the steps for your fabric Link to this stain

How to get mud out of clothes

Let mud dry before you touch it. Brush off as much as you can, rinse the back with cool water, rub in liquid detergent for 15 minutes and wash in warm water.

Water Cool to rinse, warm to wash

Mud is easiest once it's dry. Most of it brushes off, and detergent handles what's left.

Fresh mud

Leave the mud to dry completely. Wiping wet mud spreads it further into the fabric.
Brush or scrape off as much dried mud as you can, outside if possible, and shake the garment out.
Rinse what's left from the back with cool water.
Rub liquid detergent into what's left and leave it 15 minutes.
Rinse from the back with warm water.
Wash it as normal in warm water.

Dried or set-in mud

Brush off any loose dried mud.
Rinse it from the back with cool water.
Soak in warm water with liquid detergent for an hour, then scrub gently with a soft brush.
If you can still see it, soak it for a few hours, or overnight, in warm water with oxygen bleach mixed in as the tub says.
Wash it as normal in warm water.

What not to do

Don't rinse or wipe mud while it's wet.
Don't put it in the dryer until the stain is gone.

Other fabrics

Steps for polyester and synthetics

Fresh

Leave the mud to dry completely. Wiping wet mud spreads it further into the fabric.
Brush or scrape off as much dried mud as you can, outside if possible, and shake the garment out.
Rinse what's left from the back with cool water.
Rub liquid detergent into what's left and leave it 15 minutes.
Rinse from the back with warm water.
Wash it as normal in warm water.

Dried or set in

Brush off any loose dried mud.
Rinse it from the back with cool water.
Soak in warm water with liquid detergent for an hour, then scrub gently with a soft brush.
If you can still see it, soak it for a few hours, or overnight, in warm water with oxygen bleach mixed in as the tub says.
Wash it as normal in warm water.

Don't use hot water or a hot dryer on polyester. Heat can lock stains into synthetic fibers.

Steps for denim

Fresh

Leave the mud to dry completely. Wiping wet mud spreads it further into the fabric.
Brush or scrape off as much dried mud as you can, outside if possible, and shake the garment out.
Rinse what's left from the back with cool water.
Rub liquid detergent into what's left and leave it 15 minutes.
Rinse from the back with warm water.
Turn it inside out and wash it as normal in cold or warm water.

Dried or set in

Brush off any loose dried mud.
Rinse it from the back with cool water.
Soak in warm water with liquid detergent for an hour, then scrub gently with a soft brush.
If you can still see it, test oxygen bleach on an inside seam, then soak for a few hours in warm water with it mixed in as the tub says.
Turn it inside out and wash it as normal in cold or warm water.

Don't use chlorine bleach on colored denim. It leaves pale patches.

Steps for wool

Fresh

Leave the mud to dry completely. Wiping wet mud spreads it further into the fabric.
Brush or scrape off as much dried mud as you can, outside if possible, and shake the garment out.
Dab on wool or silk detergent mixed with cool water. Press, don't rub.
Rinse with cool water and blot dry with a clean towel.
Hand wash in cool water with a wool detergent, or use your machine's wool cycle. Press the water out in a towel and don't wring it.
Lay it flat to dry, away from radiators and direct sun.

Dried or set in

Brush off any loose dried mud.
Soak in cool water with a little wool or silk detergent for 30 minutes.
Hand wash in cool water with a wool detergent, or use your machine's wool cycle. Press the water out in a towel and don't wring it.
Lay it flat to dry, away from radiators and direct sun.
If the mark is still there once it's dry, take it to a dry cleaner and tell them it's mud. Set-in stains on wool are hard to shift at home without damaging the fibers.

Don't use enzyme detergent, chlorine bleach or oxygen bleach on wool. They damage the fibers.
Don't use hot water, rub hard or wring it. That's how wool shrinks and felts.

Steps for silk

Fresh

Leave the mud to dry completely. Wiping wet mud spreads it further into the fabric.
Brush or scrape off as much dried mud as you can, outside if possible, and shake the garment out.
Dab on wool or silk detergent mixed with cool water. Press, don't rub.
Rinse with cool water and blot dry with a clean towel.
Hand wash in cool water with a silk or delicates detergent. If the label says dry clean only, take it to a dry cleaner instead.
Lay it flat to dry, away from radiators and direct sun.

Dried or set in

Brush off any loose dried mud.
Soak in cool water with a little wool or silk detergent for 30 minutes.
Hand wash in cool water with a silk or delicates detergent. If the label says dry clean only, take it to a dry cleaner instead.
Lay it flat to dry, away from radiators and direct sun.
If the mark is still there once it's dry, take it to a dry cleaner and tell them it's mud. Set-in stains on silk are hard to shift at home without damaging the fibers.

Don't use enzyme detergent, chlorine bleach or oxygen bleach on silk. They damage the fibers.
Don't rub or scrub silk. It roughs up the surface and leaves a pale patch.

Checked against Texas A&M, Univ. of Kentucky and Pacific Northwest Extension.

Get the steps for your fabric Link to this stain

How to get deodorant marks out of clothes

Rub a fresh white mark with a clean, dry sock and most of it comes straight off. Dab a little liquid detergent and cool water on anything left, rinse, and wash in warm water.

Water Warm

Fresh white marks usually rub straight off. Stiff, crusty build-up in the underarms needs a soak to loosen it.

Fresh deodorant marks

Rub the white mark briskly with a clean, dry sock or a pair of pantyhose. Most fresh marks come straight off.
If any is left, dab on cool water with a drop of liquid detergent and rinse.
Wash it as normal in warm water.

Dried or set-in deodorant marks

Soak the underarms for 30 minutes in 1 part white vinegar to 4 parts cool water to loosen the build-up.
Rinse well, then rub in liquid detergent and scrub gently with a soft toothbrush.
If the area has gone yellow, use the sweat stain steps instead.
Wash it as normal in warm water.

What not to do

Don't use chlorine bleach on deodorant build-up. It can turn it yellow.
Don't iron over deodorant marks. Heat sets them.

Other fabrics

Steps for polyester and synthetics

Fresh

Rub the white mark briskly with a clean, dry sock or a pair of pantyhose. Most fresh marks come straight off.
If any is left, dab on cool water with a drop of liquid detergent and rinse.
Wash it as normal in warm water.

Dried or set in

Soak the underarms for 30 minutes in 1 part white vinegar to 4 parts cool water to loosen the build-up.
Rinse well, then rub in liquid detergent and scrub gently with a soft toothbrush.
If the area has gone yellow, use the sweat stain steps instead.
Wash it as normal in warm water.

Don't use hot water or a hot dryer on polyester. Heat can lock stains into synthetic fibers.

Steps for denim

Fresh

Rub the white mark briskly with a clean, dry sock or a pair of pantyhose. Most fresh marks come straight off.
If any is left, dab on cool water with a drop of liquid detergent and rinse.
Turn it inside out and wash it as normal in cold or warm water.

Dried or set in

Soak the underarms for 30 minutes in 1 part white vinegar to 4 parts cool water to loosen the build-up.
Rinse well, then rub in liquid detergent and scrub gently with a soft toothbrush.
If the area has gone yellow, use the sweat stain steps instead.
Turn it inside out and wash it as normal in cold or warm water.

Don't use chlorine bleach on colored denim. It leaves pale patches.

Steps for wool

Fresh

Rub the white mark briskly with a clean, dry sock or a pair of pantyhose. Most fresh marks come straight off.
Dab on wool or silk detergent mixed with cool water. Press, don't rub.
Hand wash in cool water with a wool detergent, or use your machine's wool cycle. Press the water out in a towel and don't wring it.
Lay it flat to dry, away from radiators and direct sun.

Dried or set in

Soak the underarms for 30 minutes in 1 part white vinegar to 4 parts cool water to loosen the build-up.
Rinse well, then dab on wool or silk detergent and press it in with your fingertips.
Hand wash in cool water with a wool detergent, or use your machine's wool cycle. Press the water out in a towel and don't wring it.
Lay it flat to dry, away from radiators and direct sun.
If the mark is still there once it's dry, take it to a dry cleaner and tell them it's deodorant marks. Set-in stains on wool are hard to shift at home without damaging the fibers.

Don't use enzyme detergent, chlorine bleach or oxygen bleach on wool. They damage the fibers.
Don't use hot water, rub hard or wring it. That's how wool shrinks and felts.

Steps for silk

Fresh

Rub the mark gently with a soft, dry cloth.
Dab on wool or silk detergent mixed with cool water. Press, don't rub.
Hand wash in cool water with a silk or delicates detergent. If the label says dry clean only, take it to a dry cleaner instead.
Lay it flat to dry, away from radiators and direct sun.

Dried or set in

Soak the underarms for 30 minutes in 1 part white vinegar to 4 parts cool water to loosen the build-up.
Rinse well, then dab on wool or silk detergent and press it in with your fingertips.
Hand wash in cool water with a silk or delicates detergent. If the label says dry clean only, take it to a dry cleaner instead.
Lay it flat to dry, away from radiators and direct sun.
If the mark is still there once it's dry, take it to a dry cleaner and tell them it's deodorant marks. Set-in stains on silk are hard to shift at home without damaging the fibers.

Don't use enzyme detergent, chlorine bleach or oxygen bleach on silk. They damage the fibers.
Don't rub or scrub silk. It roughs up the surface and leaves a pale patch.

Checked against Texas A&M, Univ. of Kentucky and Pacific Northwest Extension.

Get the steps for your fabric Link to this stain

How to get rust out of clothes

Rust needs an acid, not bleach. Squeeze lemon juice onto the stain, sprinkle it with salt, leave it in the sun until dry, then rinse and wash in warm water.

Water Warm

Rust is iron, and it needs an acid to dissolve it. Lemon juice and salt work on most cottons and synthetics.

Fresh rust

Lay the stained part flat, squeeze lemon juice onto it and sprinkle with salt. Test on a hidden seam first if it's colored.
Leave it in the sun for an hour or two, until dry, then rinse well.
If the rust is still there, use a rust remover made for fabric, following the label exactly.
Wash it as normal in warm water.

Dried or set-in rust

Squeeze lemon juice onto the stain and sprinkle with salt. Test on a hidden seam first if it's colored.
Leave it in the sun until dry, then rinse. Old rust may need two or three rounds.
If the rust is still there, use a rust remover made for fabric, following the label exactly.
Wash it as normal in warm water.

What not to do

Don't use chlorine bleach on rust. It reacts with the iron and can make the stain darker.
Don't use lemon juice on colored clothes without testing a hidden seam first.

Other fabrics

Steps for polyester and synthetics

Fresh

Lay the stained part flat, squeeze lemon juice onto it and sprinkle with salt. Test on a hidden seam first if it's colored.
Leave it in the sun for an hour or two, until dry, then rinse well.
If the rust is still there, use a rust remover made for fabric, following the label exactly.
Wash it as normal in warm water.

Dried or set in

Squeeze lemon juice onto the stain and sprinkle with salt. Test on a hidden seam first if it's colored.
Leave it in the sun until dry, then rinse. Old rust may need two or three rounds.
If the rust is still there, use a rust remover made for fabric, following the label exactly.
Wash it as normal in warm water.

Don't use hot water or a hot dryer on polyester. Heat can lock stains into synthetic fibers.

Steps for denim

Fresh

Test lemon juice on an inside seam first, as it can lighten dark denim. Then squeeze it onto the stain and sprinkle with salt.
Leave it in the sun for an hour or two, until dry, then rinse well.
If the rust is still there, use a rust remover made for fabric, following the label exactly.
Turn it inside out and wash it as normal in cold or warm water.

Dried or set in

Test lemon juice on an inside seam first, as it can lighten dark denim. Then squeeze it onto the stain and sprinkle with salt.
Leave it in the sun until dry, then rinse. Old rust may need two or three rounds.
If the rust is still there, use a rust remover made for fabric, following the label exactly.
Turn it inside out and wash it as normal in cold or warm water.

Don't use chlorine bleach on colored denim. It leaves pale patches.

Steps for wool

Fresh

Take it to a dry cleaner and tell them it's rust. Lemon juice and rust removers can damage wool.

Dried or set in

Take it to a dry cleaner and tell them it's rust. Lemon juice and rust removers can damage wool.

Don't use enzyme detergent, chlorine bleach or oxygen bleach on wool. They damage the fibers.
Don't use hot water, rub hard or wring it. That's how wool shrinks and felts.

Steps for silk

Fresh

Take it to a dry cleaner and tell them it's rust. Lemon juice and rust removers can damage silk.

Dried or set in

Take it to a dry cleaner and tell them it's rust. Lemon juice and rust removers can damage silk.

Don't use enzyme detergent, chlorine bleach or oxygen bleach on silk. They damage the fibers.
Don't rub or scrub silk. It roughs up the surface and leaves a pale patch.

Checked against Texas A&M, Pacific Northwest Extension, Univ. of Kentucky and Cornell.

Get the steps for your fabric Link to this stain

How to get gum off clothes

Freeze gum hard, then scrape it off. Put the garment in the freezer for an hour or hold ice on the gum, scrape it with a blunt knife, rub dish soap into what's left and wash in warm water.

Water Warm

Soft gum stretches into the weave. Freeze it hard and it snaps off in pieces.

Fresh chewing gum

Put the garment in a bag in the freezer for an hour, or hold an ice cube on the gum until it's hard.
Scrape the hard gum off with a blunt knife or the edge of a spoon. Work quickly before it softens.
Rub a few drops of dish soap into any sticky bits left, then rinse in warm water.
Wash it as normal in warm water.

Dried or set-in chewing gum

Freeze the gum hard, in the freezer or with an ice cube.
Scrape off as much as you can with a blunt knife.
For bits still stuck, work in a little vegetable oil to loosen them and wipe away. Then work in dish soap to remove the oil and rinse in warm water.
Wash it as normal in warm water.

What not to do

Don't put it in the dryer with gum on it. It melts and spreads.
Don't pull at soft gum. It stretches deeper into the fabric.

Other fabrics

Steps for polyester and synthetics

Fresh

Put the garment in a bag in the freezer for an hour, or hold an ice cube on the gum until it's hard.
Scrape the hard gum off with a blunt knife or the edge of a spoon. Work quickly before it softens.
Rub a few drops of dish soap into any sticky bits left, then rinse in warm water.
Wash it as normal in warm water.

Dried or set in

Freeze the gum hard, in the freezer or with an ice cube.
Scrape off as much as you can with a blunt knife.
For bits still stuck, work in a little vegetable oil to loosen them and wipe away. Then work in dish soap to remove the oil and rinse in warm water.
Wash it as normal in warm water.

Don't use hot water or a hot dryer on polyester. Heat can lock stains into synthetic fibers.

Steps for denim

Fresh

Put the garment in a bag in the freezer for an hour, or hold an ice cube on the gum until it's hard.
Scrape the hard gum off with a blunt knife or the edge of a spoon. Work quickly before it softens.
Rub a few drops of dish soap into any sticky bits left, then rinse in warm water.
Turn it inside out and wash it as normal in cold or warm water.

Dried or set in

Freeze the gum hard, in the freezer or with an ice cube.
Scrape off as much as you can with a blunt knife.
For bits still stuck, work in a little vegetable oil to loosen them and wipe away. Then work in dish soap to remove the oil and rinse in warm water.
Turn it inside out and wash it as normal in cold or warm water.

Don't use chlorine bleach on colored denim. It leaves pale patches.

Steps for wool

Fresh

Put the garment in a bag in the freezer for an hour, or hold an ice cube on the gum until it's hard.
Scrape the hard gum off with a blunt knife or the edge of a spoon. Work quickly before it softens.
Dab on a drop of gentle dish soap mixed with cool water and press it in with your fingertips. Don't rub.
Hand wash in cool water with a wool detergent, or use your machine's wool cycle. Press the water out in a towel and don't wring it.
Lay it flat to dry, away from radiators and direct sun.

Dried or set in

Freeze the gum hard, in the freezer or with an ice cube.
Scrape off as much as you can with a blunt knife.
Dab on a drop of gentle dish soap mixed with cool water and press it in with your fingertips. Don't rub.
Hand wash in cool water with a wool detergent, or use your machine's wool cycle. Press the water out in a towel and don't wring it.
Lay it flat to dry, away from radiators and direct sun.
If the mark is still there once it's dry, take it to a dry cleaner and tell them it's chewing gum. Set-in stains on wool are hard to shift at home without damaging the fibers.

Don't use enzyme detergent, chlorine bleach or oxygen bleach on wool. They damage the fibers.
Don't use hot water, rub hard or wring it. That's how wool shrinks and felts.

Steps for silk

Fresh

Put the garment in a bag in the freezer for an hour, or hold an ice cube on the gum until it's hard.
Lift the hard gum off gently with your fingernail or the edge of a spoon. Don't scrape silk.
Dab on a drop of gentle dish soap mixed with cool water and press it in with your fingertips. Don't rub.
Hand wash in cool water with a silk or delicates detergent. If the label says dry clean only, take it to a dry cleaner instead.
Lay it flat to dry, away from radiators and direct sun.

Dried or set in

Freeze the gum hard, in the freezer or with an ice cube.
Lift off what you can gently with your fingernail. Don't scrape silk.
Dab on a drop of gentle dish soap mixed with cool water and press it in with your fingertips. Don't rub.
Hand wash in cool water with a silk or delicates detergent. If the label says dry clean only, take it to a dry cleaner instead.
Lay it flat to dry, away from radiators and direct sun.
If the mark is still there once it's dry, take it to a dry cleaner and tell them it's chewing gum. Set-in stains on silk are hard to shift at home without damaging the fibers.

Don't use enzyme detergent, chlorine bleach or oxygen bleach on silk. They damage the fibers.
Don't rub or scrub silk. It roughs up the surface and leaves a pale patch.

Checked against Univ. of Kentucky, Texas A&M and Pacific Northwest Extension.

Get the steps for your fabric Link to this stain

How to get candle wax out of clothes

Let wax go hard, scrape it off, then melt what's left into paper towel with a warm iron. Dab rubbing alcohol on any color that's left, then wash in the hottest water the care label allows.

Water Hot

Let wax go hard, scrape it, then melt the rest out into paper with an iron.

Fresh candle wax

Let the wax harden, or hold an ice cube on it to speed it up.
Scrape off the hard wax with a blunt knife.
Put plain paper towel above and below the stain and press with a warm iron, no steam. Move to a clean bit of towel and repeat until nothing more comes up.
If colored wax left a mark, dab on rubbing alcohol (test a hidden seam first), then work in dish soap and rinse.
Wash it as normal in the hottest water the care label allows.

Dried or set-in candle wax

Chill the wax with an ice cube so it's hard and brittle.
Scrape off what you can with a blunt knife.
Put plain paper towel above and below and press with a warm iron, no steam. Keep moving to clean towel until no more wax comes through.
If colored wax left a mark, dab on rubbing alcohol (test a hidden seam first), then work in dish soap and rinse.
Wash it as normal in the hottest water the care label allows.

What not to do

Don't pour hot water on wax. It melts and soaks in deeper.
Don't put it in the dryer until all the wax is out.

Other fabrics

Steps for polyester and synthetics

Fresh

Let the wax harden, or hold an ice cube on it to speed it up.
Scrape off the hard wax with a blunt knife.
Put plain paper towel above and below the stain and press with an iron on its lowest setting, no steam. Synthetics melt at higher heat.
If colored wax left a mark, dab on rubbing alcohol (test a hidden seam first), then work in dish soap and rinse.
Wash it as normal in warm water.

Dried or set in

Chill the wax with an ice cube so it's hard and brittle.
Scrape off what you can with a blunt knife.
Put plain paper towel above and below and press with an iron on its lowest setting, no steam.
If colored wax left a mark, dab on rubbing alcohol (test a hidden seam first), then work in dish soap and rinse.
Wash it as normal in warm water.

Don't use hot water or a hot dryer on polyester. Heat can lock stains into synthetic fibers.

Steps for denim

Fresh

Let the wax harden, or hold an ice cube on it to speed it up.
Scrape off the hard wax with a blunt knife.
Put plain paper towel above and below the stain and press with a warm iron, no steam. Move to a clean bit of towel and repeat until nothing more comes up.
If colored wax left a mark, dab on rubbing alcohol (test a hidden seam first), then work in dish soap and rinse.
Turn it inside out and wash it as normal in cold or warm water.

Dried or set in

Chill the wax with an ice cube so it's hard and brittle.
Scrape off what you can with a blunt knife.
Put plain paper towel above and below and press with a warm iron, no steam. Keep moving to clean towel until no more wax comes through.
If colored wax left a mark, dab on rubbing alcohol (test a hidden seam first), then work in dish soap and rinse.
Turn it inside out and wash it as normal in cold or warm water.

Don't use chlorine bleach on colored denim. It leaves pale patches.

Steps for wool

Fresh

Let the wax harden, or hold an ice cube on it to speed it up.
Scrape off the hard wax with a blunt knife.
Put plain paper towel above and below the stain and press briefly with the iron on its wool setting, no steam.
Hand wash in cool water with a wool detergent, or use your machine's wool cycle. Press the water out in a towel and don't wring it.
Lay it flat to dry, away from radiators and direct sun.

Dried or set in

Chill the wax with an ice cube so it's hard and brittle.
Scrape off what you can with a blunt knife.
Put plain paper towel above and below and press briefly with the iron on its wool setting, no steam.
Hand wash in cool water with a wool detergent, or use your machine's wool cycle. Press the water out in a towel and don't wring it.
Lay it flat to dry, away from radiators and direct sun.
If the mark is still there once it's dry, take it to a dry cleaner and tell them it's candle wax. Set-in stains on wool are hard to shift at home without damaging the fibers.

Don't use enzyme detergent, chlorine bleach or oxygen bleach on wool. They damage the fibers.
Don't use hot water, rub hard or wring it. That's how wool shrinks and felts.

Steps for silk

Fresh

Let the wax harden, or hold an ice cube on it to speed it up.
Lift off the hard wax gently with your fingernail. Don't scrape silk.
Put plain paper towel above and below the stain and press briefly with the iron on its silk setting, no steam.
Hand wash in cool water with a silk or delicates detergent. If the label says dry clean only, take it to a dry cleaner instead.
Lay it flat to dry, away from radiators and direct sun.

Dried or set in

Chill the wax with an ice cube so it's hard and brittle.
Lift off what you can gently with your fingernail.
Put plain paper towel above and below and press briefly with the iron on its silk setting, no steam.
Hand wash in cool water with a silk or delicates detergent. If the label says dry clean only, take it to a dry cleaner instead.
Lay it flat to dry, away from radiators and direct sun.
If the mark is still there once it's dry, take it to a dry cleaner and tell them it's candle wax. Set-in stains on silk are hard to shift at home without damaging the fibers.

Don't use enzyme detergent, chlorine bleach or oxygen bleach on silk. They damage the fibers.
Don't rub or scrub silk. It roughs up the surface and leaves a pale patch.

Checked against Pacific Northwest Extension, Cornell and Univ. of Kentucky.

Get the steps for your fabric Link to this stain

How to get baby food and formula stains out

Formula and milk are protein, so use cold water and an enzyme detergent. Scrape off the food, flush cold water through the back, rub in enzyme detergent for 15 minutes and rinse in cold water.

Water Cold

Formula and milk are protein, and many purees are strong color too. Start cold, use an enzyme detergent, and treat formula even if it looks clean, as it can turn yellow later.

Fresh baby food and formula

Scrape off any food with a spoon.
Hold the stain under cold running water from the back of the fabric, so the water pushes the stain out the way it came in.
Rub a little enzyme laundry detergent or enzyme stain remover into the stain with your fingers and leave it for 15 minutes.
Rinse in cold water.
Wash it as normal in cold water.

Dried or set-in baby food and formula

Soak the stained part in cold water for 30 minutes.
Rub enzyme detergent or enzyme stain remover into the stain, then leave it to soak in cold water for a few hours or overnight.
Still there? Soak it for a few hours in cold water with oxygen bleach mixed in as the tub says.
Wash it as normal in cold water.

Orange stains from carrot or squash on white cotton often fade if you dry it outside in the sun.

What not to do

Don't use hot water first. Heat sets milk and formula.
Don't put it in the dryer until the stain is gone.

Other fabrics

Steps for polyester and synthetics

Fresh

Scrape off any food with a spoon.
Hold the stain under cold running water from the back of the fabric, so the water pushes the stain out the way it came in.
Rub a little enzyme laundry detergent or enzyme stain remover into the stain with your fingers and leave it for 15 minutes.
Rinse in cold water.
Wash it as normal in cold water.

Dried or set in

Soak the stained part in cold water for 30 minutes.
Rub enzyme detergent or enzyme stain remover into the stain, then leave it to soak in cold water for a few hours or overnight.
Still there? Soak it for a few hours in cold water with oxygen bleach mixed in as the tub says.
Wash it as normal in cold water.

Don't use hot water or a hot dryer on polyester. Heat can lock stains into synthetic fibers.

Steps for denim

Fresh

Scrape off any food with a spoon.
Hold the stain under cold running water from the back of the fabric, so the water pushes the stain out the way it came in.
Rub a little enzyme laundry detergent or enzyme stain remover into the stain with your fingers and leave it for 15 minutes.
Rinse in cold water.
Turn it inside out and wash it as normal in cold water.

Dried or set in

Soak the stained part in cold water for 30 minutes.
Rub enzyme detergent or enzyme stain remover into the stain, then leave it to soak in cold water for a few hours or overnight.
Still there? Test oxygen bleach on an inside seam, then soak for a few hours in cold water with it mixed in as the tub says.
Turn it inside out and wash it as normal in cold water.

Don't use chlorine bleach on colored denim. It leaves pale patches.

Steps for wool

Fresh

Scrape off any food with a spoon.
Hold the stain under cold running water from the back of the fabric, so the water pushes the stain out the way it came in.
Dab on a few drops of wool or silk detergent (one without enzymes) mixed with cool water. Press it in gently with your fingertips.
Rinse with cool water and blot dry with a clean towel.
Hand wash in cool water with a wool detergent, or use your machine's wool cycle. Press the water out in a towel and don't wring it.
Lay it flat to dry, away from radiators and direct sun.

Dried or set in

Soak the stained part in cold water for 30 minutes.
Dab wool or silk detergent (one without enzymes) onto the stain, press it in gently and leave it 30 minutes.
Hand wash in cool water with a wool detergent, or use your machine's wool cycle. Press the water out in a towel and don't wring it.
Lay it flat to dry, away from radiators and direct sun.
If the mark is still there once it's dry, take it to a dry cleaner and tell them it's baby food and formula. Set-in stains on wool are hard to shift at home without damaging the fibers.

Don't use enzyme detergent, chlorine bleach or oxygen bleach on wool. They damage the fibers.
Don't use hot water, rub hard or wring it. That's how wool shrinks and felts.

Steps for silk

Fresh

Scrape off any food with a spoon.
Blot the back of the stain with a cloth soaked in cold water. Keep the rest of the garment as dry as you can.
Dab on a few drops of wool or silk detergent (one without enzymes) mixed with cool water. Press it in gently with your fingertips.
Rinse with cool water and blot dry with a clean towel.
Hand wash in cool water with a silk or delicates detergent. If the label says dry clean only, take it to a dry cleaner instead.
Lay it flat to dry, away from radiators and direct sun.

Dried or set in

Soak the stained part in cold water for 30 minutes.
Dab wool or silk detergent (one without enzymes) onto the stain, press it in gently and leave it 30 minutes.
Hand wash in cool water with a silk or delicates detergent. If the label says dry clean only, take it to a dry cleaner instead.
Lay it flat to dry, away from radiators and direct sun.
If the mark is still there once it's dry, take it to a dry cleaner and tell them it's baby food and formula. Set-in stains on silk are hard to shift at home without damaging the fibers.

Don't use enzyme detergent, chlorine bleach or oxygen bleach on silk. They damage the fibers.
Don't rub or scrub silk. It roughs up the surface and leaves a pale patch.

Checked against Univ. of Kentucky, Texas A&M and Pacific Northwest Extension.

Get the steps for your fabric Link to this stain

How to get poop out of baby clothes

Rinse it cold, treat it with enzyme detergent, then wash it hot. Scrape what you can into the toilet, flush cold water through the back, rub in enzyme detergent for 15 minutes, rinse, and wash in the hottest water the care label allows.

Water Cold to treat, hot to wash

Scrape off what you can and rinse it in cold water. An enzyme detergent then breaks down the protein in what's left.

Fresh poop and diaper blowouts

Wear gloves. Scrape or shake as much as you can into the toilet.
Hold the stain under cold running water from the back of the fabric, so the water pushes the stain out the way it came in.
Rub a little enzyme laundry detergent or enzyme stain remover into the stain with your fingers and leave it for 15 minutes.
Rinse in cold water.
Wash it as normal in the hottest water the care label allows.

Dried or set-in poop and diaper blowouts

Wear gloves. Scrape off anything dried on.
Rub enzyme detergent or enzyme stain remover into the stain, then leave it to soak in cold water for a few hours or overnight.
Still there? Soak it for a few hours in cold water with oxygen bleach mixed in as the tub says.
Wash it as normal in the hottest water the care label allows.

Drying white cotton baby clothes outside in the sun fades what's left of the stain.

What not to do

Don't rinse with hot water first. Heat sets the stain.
Don't put it in the dryer until the stain is gone.

Other fabrics

Steps for polyester and synthetics

Fresh

Wear gloves. Scrape or shake as much as you can into the toilet.
Hold the stain under cold running water from the back of the fabric, so the water pushes the stain out the way it came in.
Rub a little enzyme laundry detergent or enzyme stain remover into the stain with your fingers and leave it for 15 minutes.
Rinse in cold water.
Wash it as normal in warm water.

Dried or set in

Wear gloves. Scrape off anything dried on.
Rub enzyme detergent or enzyme stain remover into the stain, then leave it to soak in cold water for a few hours or overnight.
Still there? Soak it for a few hours in cold water with oxygen bleach mixed in as the tub says.
Wash it as normal in warm water.

Don't use hot water or a hot dryer on polyester. Heat can lock stains into synthetic fibers.

Steps for denim

Fresh

Wear gloves. Scrape or shake as much as you can into the toilet.
Hold the stain under cold running water from the back of the fabric, so the water pushes the stain out the way it came in.
Rub a little enzyme laundry detergent or enzyme stain remover into the stain with your fingers and leave it for 15 minutes.
Rinse in cold water.
Turn it inside out and wash it as normal in cold or warm water.

Dried or set in

Wear gloves. Scrape off anything dried on.
Rub enzyme detergent or enzyme stain remover into the stain, then leave it to soak in cold water for a few hours or overnight.
Still there? Test oxygen bleach on an inside seam, then soak for a few hours in cold water with it mixed in as the tub says.
Turn it inside out and wash it as normal in cold or warm water.

Don't use chlorine bleach on colored denim. It leaves pale patches.

Steps for wool

Fresh

Wear gloves. Scrape or shake as much as you can into the toilet.
Hold the stain under cold running water from the back of the fabric, so the water pushes the stain out the way it came in.
Dab on a few drops of wool or silk detergent (one without enzymes) mixed with cool water. Press it in gently with your fingertips.
Rinse with cool water and blot dry with a clean towel.
Hand wash in cool water with a wool detergent, or use your machine's wool cycle. Press the water out in a towel and don't wring it.
Lay it flat to dry, away from radiators and direct sun.

Dried or set in

Wear gloves. Scrape off anything dried on.
Dab wool or silk detergent (one without enzymes) onto the stain, press it in gently and leave it 30 minutes.
Hand wash in cool water with a wool detergent, or use your machine's wool cycle. Press the water out in a towel and don't wring it.
Lay it flat to dry, away from radiators and direct sun.
If the mark is still there once it's dry, take it to a dry cleaner and tell them it's poop and diaper blowouts. Set-in stains on wool are hard to shift at home without damaging the fibers.

Don't use enzyme detergent, chlorine bleach or oxygen bleach on wool. They damage the fibers.
Don't use hot water, rub hard or wring it. That's how wool shrinks and felts.

Steps for silk

Fresh

Wear gloves. Scrape or shake as much as you can into the toilet.
Blot the back of the stain with a cloth soaked in cold water. Keep the rest of the garment as dry as you can.
Dab on a few drops of wool or silk detergent (one without enzymes) mixed with cool water. Press it in gently with your fingertips.
Rinse with cool water and blot dry with a clean towel.
Hand wash in cool water with a silk or delicates detergent. If the label says dry clean only, take it to a dry cleaner instead.
Lay it flat to dry, away from radiators and direct sun.

Dried or set in

Wear gloves. Scrape off anything dried on.
Dab wool or silk detergent (one without enzymes) onto the stain, press it in gently and leave it 30 minutes.
Hand wash in cool water with a silk or delicates detergent. If the label says dry clean only, take it to a dry cleaner instead.
Lay it flat to dry, away from radiators and direct sun.
If the mark is still there once it's dry, take it to a dry cleaner and tell them it's poop and diaper blowouts. Set-in stains on silk are hard to shift at home without damaging the fibers.

Don't use enzyme detergent, chlorine bleach or oxygen bleach on silk. They damage the fibers.
Don't rub or scrub silk. It roughs up the surface and leaves a pale patch.

Checked against Univ. of Kentucky, Pacific Northwest Extension and Texas A&M.

Get the steps for your fabric Link to this stain

How to get vomit out of clothes

Clear it fast, rinse it cold, then wash it hot. Scrape off solids, flush cold water through the back, use baking soda for the smell, rub in enzyme detergent for 15 minutes, then wash in the hottest water the care label allows.

Water Cold to treat, hot to wash

Vomit is mostly protein and acid. Clear it fast, rinse cold, and use baking soda for the smell.

Fresh vomit

Wear gloves. Scrape off solids with a spoon or a piece of card.
Hold the stain under cold running water from the back of the fabric, so the water pushes the stain out the way it came in.
Sprinkle baking soda over the damp area to soak up the smell. Leave it 15 minutes and brush it off.
Rub a little enzyme laundry detergent or enzyme stain remover into the stain with your fingers and leave it for 15 minutes.
Rinse in cold water.
Wash it as normal in the hottest water the care label allows.

Dried or set-in vomit

Wear gloves. Scrape off anything dried on.
Soak the stained part in cold water for 30 minutes.
Rub enzyme detergent or enzyme stain remover into the stain, then leave it to soak in cold water for a few hours or overnight.
Still there? Soak it for a few hours in cold water with oxygen bleach mixed in as the tub says.
Wash it as normal in the hottest water the care label allows.

What not to do

Don't use hot water first. Heat sets the stain and the smell.
Don't put it in the dryer until the stain and smell are gone.

Other fabrics

Steps for polyester and synthetics

Fresh

Wear gloves. Scrape off solids with a spoon or a piece of card.
Hold the stain under cold running water from the back of the fabric, so the water pushes the stain out the way it came in.
Sprinkle baking soda over the damp area to soak up the smell. Leave it 15 minutes and brush it off.
Rub a little enzyme laundry detergent or enzyme stain remover into the stain with your fingers and leave it for 15 minutes.
Rinse in cold water.
Wash it as normal in warm water.

Dried or set in

Wear gloves. Scrape off anything dried on.
Soak the stained part in cold water for 30 minutes.
Rub enzyme detergent or enzyme stain remover into the stain, then leave it to soak in cold water for a few hours or overnight.
Still there? Soak it for a few hours in cold water with oxygen bleach mixed in as the tub says.
Wash it as normal in warm water.

Don't use hot water or a hot dryer on polyester. Heat can lock stains into synthetic fibers.

Steps for denim

Fresh

Wear gloves. Scrape off solids with a spoon or a piece of card.
Hold the stain under cold running water from the back of the fabric, so the water pushes the stain out the way it came in.
Sprinkle baking soda over the damp area to soak up the smell. Leave it 15 minutes and brush it off.
Rub a little enzyme laundry detergent or enzyme stain remover into the stain with your fingers and leave it for 15 minutes.
Rinse in cold water.
Turn it inside out and wash it as normal in cold or warm water.

Dried or set in

Wear gloves. Scrape off anything dried on.
Soak the stained part in cold water for 30 minutes.
Rub enzyme detergent or enzyme stain remover into the stain, then leave it to soak in cold water for a few hours or overnight.
Still there? Test oxygen bleach on an inside seam, then soak for a few hours in cold water with it mixed in as the tub says.
Turn it inside out and wash it as normal in cold or warm water.

Don't use chlorine bleach on colored denim. It leaves pale patches.

Steps for wool

Fresh

Wear gloves. Scrape off solids with a spoon or a piece of card.
Hold the stain under cold running water from the back of the fabric, so the water pushes the stain out the way it came in.
Sprinkle baking soda over the damp area to soak up the smell. Leave it 15 minutes and brush it off.
Dab on a few drops of wool or silk detergent (one without enzymes) mixed with cool water. Press it in gently with your fingertips.
Rinse with cool water and blot dry with a clean towel.
Hand wash in cool water with a wool detergent, or use your machine's wool cycle. Press the water out in a towel and don't wring it.
Lay it flat to dry, away from radiators and direct sun.

Dried or set in

Wear gloves. Scrape off anything dried on.
Soak the stained part in cold water for 30 minutes.
Dab wool or silk detergent (one without enzymes) onto the stain, press it in gently and leave it 30 minutes.
Hand wash in cool water with a wool detergent, or use your machine's wool cycle. Press the water out in a towel and don't wring it.
Lay it flat to dry, away from radiators and direct sun.
If the mark is still there once it's dry, take it to a dry cleaner and tell them it's vomit. Set-in stains on wool are hard to shift at home without damaging the fibers.

Don't use enzyme detergent, chlorine bleach or oxygen bleach on wool. They damage the fibers.
Don't use hot water, rub hard or wring it. That's how wool shrinks and felts.

Steps for silk

Fresh

Wear gloves. Scrape off solids with a spoon or a piece of card.
Blot the back of the stain with a cloth soaked in cold water. Keep the rest of the garment as dry as you can.
Sprinkle baking soda over the damp area to soak up the smell. Leave it 15 minutes and brush it off.
Dab on a few drops of wool or silk detergent (one without enzymes) mixed with cool water. Press it in gently with your fingertips.
Rinse with cool water and blot dry with a clean towel.
Hand wash in cool water with a silk or delicates detergent. If the label says dry clean only, take it to a dry cleaner instead.
Lay it flat to dry, away from radiators and direct sun.

Dried or set in

Wear gloves. Scrape off anything dried on.
Soak the stained part in cold water for 30 minutes.
Dab wool or silk detergent (one without enzymes) onto the stain, press it in gently and leave it 30 minutes.
Hand wash in cool water with a silk or delicates detergent. If the label says dry clean only, take it to a dry cleaner instead.
Lay it flat to dry, away from radiators and direct sun.
If the mark is still there once it's dry, take it to a dry cleaner and tell them it's vomit. Set-in stains on silk are hard to shift at home without damaging the fibers.

Don't use enzyme detergent, chlorine bleach or oxygen bleach on silk. They damage the fibers.
Don't rub or scrub silk. It roughs up the surface and leaves a pale patch.

Checked against Univ. of Kentucky, Pacific Northwest Extension and Texas A&M.

Get the steps for your fabric Link to this stain

How we made this guide

We wrote every method in our own words, then checked each stain's water temperature, steps and what-not-to-do against the university extension stain guides below on October 23, 2026. Where two or more guides disagreed with our steps, we changed ours. Where the guides disagreed with each other, we kept the method most of them share.

Stain Removal Guide for Washable Fabrics (PNW 440), Pacific Northwest Extension (Univ. of Idaho, Washington State, Oregon State)
Removing Stains from Washable Fabrics, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension
Stain Removal for Washable Fabrics (FCS2-840), University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension
Removing Stains at Home, Cornell Cooperative Extension
How to Remove Pesky Stains, Mississippi State University Extension
Removing Clothing Stains (Guide C-502), New Mexico State University Extension

Last updated October 23, 2026.

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Writing about stains? You're welcome to quote this guide or link to it. Please credit HeySunday with a link.

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<a href="https://www.heysunday.com/pages/stain-remover-guide"><img src="https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0716/7426/5887/files/hstool-st-chart.png?v=1792781705" alt="Stain removal chart: water temperature and first move for 20 common stains, by HeySunday" width="1200" height="1362"></a><br>Stain removal chart by <a href="https://www.heysunday.com/pages/stain-remover-guide">HeySunday</a>

Download the stain guide (PDF), all 20 stains on one printable page.

To link to one stain, add its anchor to the page address, for example https://www.heysunday.com/pages/stain-remover-guide#stain-blood. Every stain heading has one.

Citation: HeySunday. "How to remove stains from clothes." Updated October 23, 2026. https://www.heysunday.com/pages/stain-remover-guide

More laundry help

Laundry symbols decoderTap the symbols on a care label and get plain washing instructions.
How hard is your water?Look up water hardness by zip code.
Hot or cold water for laundry?Which temperature to use for which load.
How to hand wash clothesFor wool, silk and anything marked hand wash.
How to remove bad smells from clothesWhen clothes still smell after washing.
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