Removing stains from clothing

Stains on clothing always come at the wrong moment. Whether it's a grease stain on your blouse, red wine on a white shirt or dried-on make-up on silk, every stain calls for a different approach. With the right knowledge, you can get almost anything clean again without damaging the fabric.

In this guide, you'll learn how to remove stains from clothing, which fabrics need extra care and how to tackle stubborn or old stains.

Why the type of fabric matters

Not every fabric reacts the same way to water, heat or cleaning products. The right treatment starts with recognising the material.

Cotton

Cotton is strong, breathable and can handle a lot. It can be washed with water and soap, and usually at higher temperatures too. Stubborn stains such as grease, coffee or mud are best removed with lukewarm water and a small amount of liquid detergent. For white cotton clothing, you can use oxygen bleach if needed, provided the care label allows it.

Wool

Wool is sensitive to friction and temperature changes. Always use lukewarm water and a wool detergent with lanolin. Gently dab the stain and avoid twisting or squeezing. Rubbing too hard can cause wool to felt or lose its shape.

Silk

Silk is a luxurious, natural fibre that quickly loses its sheen if treated the wrong way. Use lukewarm water with a few drops of baby shampoo or silk detergent. Dab instead of rubbing and let the garment dry flat. Avoid sunlight and heat, as these can fade the colour.

Satin

Satin isn't a material, but a weaving technique. It can be made of silk, cotton or polyester, so always check the label. Synthetic satin can usually be cleaned with cold water, while natural variants (such as silk satin) are best treated only with lukewarm water and mild soap.

Synthetic fabrics (polyester, nylon, acrylic)

These fabrics are strong and crease-resistant, but sensitive to high temperatures. Use cold or lukewarm water and a small amount of washing-up liquid or a water-based stain remover. Let the fabric air dry and avoid ironing over damp spots.

How do you get stains out of clothing?

The basic approach is the same for almost every type of stain:

Act immediately. The longer you wait, the more the stain soaks in.
Dab, don't rub. Rubbing makes the stain bigger and pushes it deeper into the fibre.
Use cold or lukewarm water. Hot water can make grease and protein stains permanent.
Always check the label. Some fabrics can't handle water or chemical products.

Removing stains by type

Grease and oil

Grease stains happen quickly when cooking or eating. They often leave a dark haze behind.

Sprinkle cornflour, baking powder or talcum powder on the stain and leave it for a few hours so the grease is absorbed.
Then gently brush it away. Next, wash the garment at the right temperature.
With delicate fabrics, it's better to use a small amount of washing-up liquid to loosen the grease.
Rinse with cold water and dab dry with a towel.

Wine, coffee and tea

Dab the stain immediately with cold water to prevent the colourants from setting.
Mix a solution of one part white vinegar to five parts water and gently dab with it.
Rinse with clean water and wash the garment according to the label.

For white clothing, it helps to soak the stain in lukewarm water with a little salt or a splash of lemon juice.

Blood and protein stains

Always use cold water. Warm water makes proteins coagulate, which makes the stain permanent.
Dab the stain with cold water and repeat until the water stays clear.
For old blood stains, you can soak the garment for half an hour in cold water with a little salt or soda.

Make-up and deodorant

You can carefully remove make-up stains with a little washing-up liquid or a special water-based stain remover. Gently dab with a damp cloth and rinse well. Avoid alcohol-based products on delicate fabrics.

You can treat deodorant stains with lukewarm water and a little vinegar. Let it soak in for a while before washing the garment.

Grass and mud

Always let mud dry first. Brush away the dry residue and dab the stain with lukewarm water and a small amount of liquid detergent. You can follow up on grass stains with diluted vinegar or lemon juice.

Ink or pen marks

Gently dab the ink stain with milk or lemon water. Let it soak in for a while, then wash with cold water. Don't use acetone or alcohol, as these can strip colourants from the clothing.

Old stains

Old stains are the hardest to remove because they have already dried and soaked into the fibres. Soak the garment in cold water with a splash of vinegar or a spoonful of soda. Leave it for a few hours, then wash as usual.

After washing, check whether the stain has gone. If not, repeat the treatment before letting the garment dry.

Stains on white clothing

White clothing needs special care because stains are more visible and the fabric is more prone to discolouration.

Use lukewarm water with oxygen bleach (never chlorine bleach) or a little baking soda.
Wash the garment at the highest temperature allowed on the label.
Let white clothing air dry in the sun. UV light has a natural bleaching effect and helps reduce any remaining stains.

Extra tips for removing stains from clothing

Always test on a small piece of fabric before using a product.
Never use hot water on blood, grease or protein stains.
Treat stains before washing the garment, because the stain can set further during the wash.
Avoid the tumble dryer: heat sets stains.
Preferably hang clothing to dry in the shade.