Lifestyle

10 common stains and how to remove them like a pro

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No matter how careful you are, stains happen.


Whether it’s a coffee spill during your morning rush or grass stains from weekend play, knowing how to tackle stains quickly and effectively can save your clothes—and your sanity.

Here’s a guide to 10 common stains and how to remove them using simple household items and techniques.

1. Red wine

Red wine is notorious for ruining clothes, especially light-colored ones.

How to remove it:

  • Blot the stain—don’t rub.

  • Sprinkle salt or baking soda to absorb excess liquid.

  • Rinse with cold water.

  • Mix equal parts dish soap and hydrogen peroxide, apply to stain.

  • Let sit for 10–15 minutes, then launder.

2. Coffee

A coffee spill is common, especially during busy mornings.

How to remove it:

  • Blot with a clean cloth or paper towel.

  • Mix 1 tablespoon dish soap, 1 tablespoon white vinegar, and 2 cups warm water.

  • Dab with a sponge or cloth.

  • Rinse and wash as usual.

3. Grease and oil

These stains love to stick to fabrics, especially synthetic materials.

How to remove it:

  • Sprinkle cornstarch or baking soda to absorb the oil.

  • Let sit for 15–30 minutes, then brush off.

  • Apply liquid dish soap directly to the stain and rub gently.

  • Wash in the hottest water safe for the fabric.

4. Blood

Fresh blood stains are easier to treat than dried ones.

How to remove it:

  • Rinse immediately with cold water.

  • Soak in cold water with a bit of salt or use hydrogen peroxide (for whites only).

  • Wash with an enzyme-based detergent.

5. Ink

Pen leaks can do serious damage—but not if you act fast.

How to remove it:

  • Dab rubbing alcohol on the stain using a cotton ball.

  • Place a paper towel under the stained fabric to absorb the ink.

  • Blot until no more ink comes out.

  • Rinse thoroughly and wash.

6. Grass

Active kids (and adults) mean green stains.

How to remove it:

  • Pre-treat with liquid laundry detergent.

  • Add white vinegar if needed for extra strength.

  • Gently scrub with a toothbrush.

  • Wash in warm water.

7. Tomato sauce

Tomato-based stains can set quickly, so act fast.

How to remove it:

  • Scrape off excess sauce.

  • Rinse from the back of the fabric with cold water.

  • Apply dish soap or laundry detergent.

  • Soak for 30 minutes if needed.

  • Wash in cool water.

8. Sweat and deodorant

Yellow stains under the arms can ruin white shirts.

How to remove it:

  • Make a paste with baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, and water (1:1:1).

  • Apply to the stain and let sit for 30–60 minutes.

  • Scrub gently, rinse, and launder.

9. Chocolate

Delicious—but disastrous when it hits fabric.

How to remove it:

  • Scrape off excess chocolate.

  • Rinse with cold water.

  • Apply dish soap and gently rub.

  • Soak if needed, then wash in warm water.

10. Makeup (Foundation, Lipstick, etc.)

Cosmetic stains are common on collars and napkins.

How to remove it:

  • Blot with a makeup remover wipe or micellar water.

  • Apply dish soap or stain remover.

  • Let sit 10–15 minutes.

  • Rinse and wash normally.

Final tips:

  • Always check the fabric care label before treating.

  • Avoid heat (dryer or hot water) until the stain is completely gone—it can set the stain permanently.

  • Test stain removers on a small hidden area first, especially on delicate fabric

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