There is nothing worse than noticing that there is a stain on your favorite white shirt. When a garment is immaculate white, the dirt looks even more evident and there is no way to hide it from view. Fortunately, however, there are several methods to be able to remove the stains; you simply have to choose the right one based on the substance that caused the problem. While there is no guarantee that dirt will come off easily, either of these options should work for you too.
Steps
Method 1 of 5: Treat the Stain Before Washing the Garment in the Washing Machine
Step 1. Find out what the substance is
The first thing to do when you decide to remove a stain is to analyze what caused it. The main factor to determine is whether it is an oily substance or not. It is important to find out, because the first step to take varies according to the type of dirt.
- Most stain removers on the market are formulated to remove all types of stains. Understanding whether it is an oily substance or not serves mainly to decide how to act immediately.
- If you prefer to use a homemade stain remover, the third method of the article specifies which products are best to use based on the type of stain.
Step 2. If it is a greasy stain, it is best not to use water
If you have soiled yourself with an oily-type substance, avoid rinsing the garment immediately under water. Oil and fats are natural water repellents, so the risk is that they will penetrate even deeper into the fabric. Instead, blot the grease with a dry paper towel or paper towel. There are many fatty substances that do not get along with water; for example, you shouldn't use water if you have stained yourself with:
- Oil, butter, fat;
- Mascara;
- Lipstick;
- Fried foods or foods rich in oil or butter.
Step 3. If the stain was not caused by a greasy substance, usually the first thing to do is dab it with a piece of paper and then rinse the fabric with cold water
This way you should be able to remove excess dirt. Turn the garment upside down so that the water seeps into the fabric from the back of the stain and pushes the dirt out rather than squeezing it further in. There are many substances that do not have a greasy nature, but those that tend to stain clothing more frequently are:
- Sweat;
- Non-oily make-up products;
- Foods (which do not contain oil or butter);
- Blood;
- Land.
Step 4. Apply a stain remover directly to the dirt
In the supermarket you can find different products that are used to treat stains before washing dirty clothes. There are spray, powder or liquid stain removers. Read the labels and, if possible, choose one that is specially formulated to remove stains from whites. Once at home, simply apply it to the dirt following the directions on the package.
- Some products should be applied to the edges of the spots, others instead directly in the center.
- Normally a small amount should suffice, particularly if the stain is not very extensive.
Step 5. Put the garment in the washing machine
After applying the stain remover to the dirt, wash the white garment in the washing machine as usual. Remember to follow the washing temperature instructions on the garment label.
Method 2 of 5: Remove Stains from White Clothing Using Hydrogen Peroxide
Step 1. Get the hydrogen peroxide and dish soap
There are several cleaning solutions that you can prepare at home, but the one proposed here is particularly effective and simple to make. It only requires two commonly used ingredients: hydrogen peroxide (or hydrogen peroxide) and a liquid dish detergent. Preparation is simple: pour two parts of 3-4% hydrogen peroxide and one part of detergent into a basin. These are very small doses, but you can increase the amounts based on the size of the stain.
- This cleaning solution is also effective on grease or grease stains, as well as normal or food stains.
- This home remedy can be used to remove stains from cotton and common fabrics.
- However, it is not recommended for cleaning silk or wool garments.
Step 2. After mixing the two ingredients, pour them into a spray bottle
Once mixed inside the bowl, transfer the mixture to a clean container with a spray nozzle. Pour it carefully, preferably using a funnel, especially if the bowl is very large.
Step 3. Test a small area of fabric
Before using any stain remover, but particularly when it comes to a home remedy created using chemicals, it is advisable to do a test with a small dose of product, applied on a hidden point of the garment. Spray a small amount on an area that is generally not visible.
- The purpose of this test is to make sure that the stain remover does not alter the color or damage the fabric.
- This cleaning blend should be suitable for any color garment, but it is always best to test it in a hidden corner of the garment before proceeding.
Step 4. Spray the mixture directly onto the stain
Screw the dispenser cap firmly onto the container and test it by directing the spray into the sink. When you are sure it is working properly, apply it generously to the dirt. At this point, let the ingredients act for a few minutes or even longer, depending on the time you have available.
- Finally, rinse the garment with cold water.
- If the stain is still visible, repeat the application.
Step 5. If the stain is more than one or is very large or particularly stubborn, consider soaking the garment
If the amount or type of soiling requires it, you can use a different method than using the spray bottle. Making a diluted version of the cleaning solution will allow you to soak the garment. All you have to do is pour the mixture of hydrogen peroxide and dish soap into a basin filled with hot water rather than empty.
- Dip the dirty garment in the liquid and leave it to soak.
- Rinse it off and repeat as needed.
- Gently rubbing the stained fabric while it is submerged in water may help loosen the dirt.
Method 3 of 5: Remove Stains from White Clothing Using Natural Ingredients
Step 1. Try using baking soda
The chemicals in commercial stain removers are generally very effective, but they can irritate the skin, so some people prefer to use more natural alternatives. Baking soda is known for its stain removal properties, in fact many people have a habit of pouring it on freshly made stains. In this case, try to prepare a pasty mixture by adding a few drops of water, then apply it gently on the dirt and let it act.
By combining baking soda with white wine vinegar you will get an even more effective cleansing formula
Step 2. Try using lemon juice
It is particularly known for its ability to remove sweat stains from white t-shirts and shirts, especially in the armpit area. Make a cleaning solution by mixing lemon juice and water in equal parts, then apply it to the stained fabric and rub it gently.
- If the stain is caused by mold or rust, you will get a better result by mixing lemon juice with salt.
- Adding a little lemon juice to your washing machine detergent when washing whites is an easy and natural way to refresh fabrics.
Step 3. Try using white wine
One of the worst substances you can get stained with is red wine, but surprisingly the best remedy in this case is to pour other wine on the fabric, white though. Pour a small amount directly onto the stain, then gently blot it on the edges using a paper towel to prevent it from spreading further into the fabric.
The stain will not go away, but it should come off easily with a normal wash
Step 4. Try using a white chalk if the stain is caused by an oily substance
Grease stains are particularly tricky to get rid of because, as we said earlier, using water can make things worse. Gypsum is an effective natural remedy. Take a white chalk and rub it on the stain without applying too much force. The aim is to ensure that the grease is absorbed by the plaster rather than the fabric.
- Before putting the stained garment in the washing machine, shake it to get rid of excess chalk dust.
- If the stain was caused by an oily substance, wash the garment in cold water and do not put it in the dryer, as the heat could set the grease on the fabric.
Method 4 of 5: Remove Stains from White Clothing Using Bleach
Step 1. Differentiate between oxygen bleach and chlorine bleach (also called bleach)
The oxygen one is less powerful so it is more suitable for use on tissues. Hydrogen peroxide (aka hydrogen peroxide) is perhaps the most popular type of oxygen bleach and is commonly used to remove stains. Chlorine bleach is much more aggressive, more toxic and must be used with extreme caution.
- Chlorine bleach alters the colors of fabrics, but since it is a white garment it may not be a problem.
- If you are in the habit of adding bleach to your washing machine wash cycle, it is likely that yellowish marks will appear on whites over the long term.
Step 2. Use bleach to remove stubborn stains
If, despite previous attempts, the dirt on the white garment persists, a cautious use of bleach may be the solution you are looking for. After performing a quick test on a hidden area of fabric, gently blot a small amount of bleach on the back of the stain (on the inside of the garment) using a cotton ball. Then place the garment on a clean rag, with the outer side facing down. Do not rub or squeeze the fabric.
- After treating the stain with bleach, wash your garment as usual.
- Wear rubber gloves when using bleach.
Step 3. Add the bleach to the wash cycle
This is a less accurate method, but easier and faster than using bleach to whiten whites and remove stains. Check the directions on the garment label to find out if you can bleach and your washing machine instruction manual for how much bleach to add to your regular laundry detergent. Also read the instructions for use on the product packaging. Remember that delicate fabrics, such as wool or silk, cannot be treated with bleach.
Method 5 of 5: Remove Stains from White Clothing Using Ammonia
Step 1. Add ammonia to the wash cycle
Being an alkaline solution it is very effective in removing dirt and grease from fabrics. You can use it in the same way as bleach, by adding a small amount to the detergent in the washing machine. Ammonia is a powerful chemical found in many home care products, but you can also buy it pure.
- NEVER mix bleach with ammonia, as the resulting chemical reaction releases highly toxic and potentially fatal fumes.
- Put on a pair of rubber gloves before using ammonia and make sure the room is well ventilated.
Step 2. Use a mixture of ammonia and white spirit
If you want to apply ammonia directly to the stain, you can mix it in equal parts with white spirit to create a highly effective stain remover. Mix the two chemicals in very small doses, then pour the mixture over the stain and wait for it to work. You can wait up to 8 hours before washing the garment.
- After treating the stain with these substances, wash the garment separately from other clothes or linens.
- Concentrated ammonia can damage and stain fabrics.
Step 3. Use a sponge to apply ammonia to stubborn stains
If, despite all your efforts, the dirt has not yet come off, you can use pure ammonia directly on the fabric by tapping it with a sponge on the stain. Soak a corner of the sponge in ammonia and apply it gently where needed. This solution is especially recommended for stains caused by bodily fluids, such as blood, sweat or urine. After applying ammonia, wash your white garment as usual.
Warnings
- Whichever method you intend to use, it is best to do a trial test on a small, hidden area of fabric.
- If you need to use a toxic chemical, such as bleach or ammonia, make sure the room is well ventilated.
- Put on a pair of rubber gloves to protect your hands from chemicals.
