I’ve been doing laundry for quite a few years, during which time I’ve found several tricks for removing various stains. I didn’t come up with any of these on my own, but these are the ones I have found work for me in most cases.
Remember not to put a stained article in the dryer until you are sure the stain is out. Some things go through several stain treatments and washes before the spot is removed satisfactorily.
Spray ‘n Wash Stainstick: this is my main go-to and it does a good job in most cases. You can treat stains even days before it goes through the wash, and the sooner you treat something, the better luck you will have getting it out.
Hairspray: use hairspray on ballpoint pen ink. Just spray the ink spot and throw the article in the wash as usual. I buy the cheapest hairspray I can find just to keep in the laundry room.
Dish Soap: you know those grease spots that inevitably show up on dark clothing? Dish soap usually does the trick for those. Just rub some into the stain and wash as usual.
OxiClean: when all else has failed, this will often take care of it. I usually save up items that need this treatment and do several at once. I mix up a paste of OxiClean and warm water and spread it on the spot. Then I let it sit, usually for a day or so, until it has totally dried out. Then wash as usual. 
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12 comments:
Thanks for sharing these! I've heard people rave about OxiClean and I've added it to my washer with stained clothes and haven't been that impressed with the results. Now I know, I need to make a paste with it to put on the clothes and let them sit!
Oh I love a good stain aresnal :) I had not thought of the dish-soap or tried that stain stick,although I am a big believer in hairspray. Thanks very much :)
When I was in high school and cheering we spilled something on our uniform. The only thing we had on the bus was hairspray. We used it and then washed it out when we got to the gym. It worked. I used peroxide for blood, it bubbles up and the gone.
Thank you so much for sharing! I definitely need some of these.
I LOVE the Stain Stick. With a three year old son and a husband who apparently can't eat like a normal adult, I use it almost every day. LOL
Thanks for the other tips! I've never actually tried hairspray, but I'll add that to my mental list of things to try.
I am going to have to remember to use dish soap for grease stains. I always get those and they drive me nuts. I'm sure it won't work for the clothes that have already been stained, since I've probably washed/dried them numerous times but I will remember it for next time. Thanks!
I love oxyClean. I also keep stain removers in every bathroom - so I can grab it as soon as the clothes come off. I've never used hairspray, though. Going to try that one out!
Thanks for the great tips!! We also use Dawn to spray down wasps out of their nests--it weighs their wings down--then you can stomp them.
I just used hairspray to remove PERMANENT marker from my carpet this weekend. Lokng story and I don't want to make myself sound like a bad mom...lol. Anyhow it was a pack of colored permanent markers. The hairspray took out all the colors expect the dark green one. Even that one was lightened to unnoticeable though. Oh and oxi clean makes a spray stain remover that is AMAZING.
Thanks for the reminder about all these tips...I've known them at one time or the other, but don't use them all currently!
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Another great stain remover is Goo Gone. This is the stuff you use when that barrel of industrial oil leaks all over your living room rug. And doesn't that just happen a little too often? It uses "citrus power and scientific technology" (robots with lemons maybe?) and it's supposedly a greener solution.
I also love the stain stick.
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