The 10 Toughest Stains to Remove and How to Treat Them Before Washing

Removing tough stains can be a real challenge, but with the right techniques and products, you can save your favorite clothes from those pesky marks. Here are the top 10 toughest stains and how to tackle them before washing:

1. Red Wine Stain

   • Description: Red wine stains can be particularly stubborn, but don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.

   • Treatment: Act quickly by blotting the stain with a clean cloth. Mix 1 tablespoon of white vinegar with 1 tablespoon of dish soap. Apply the solution to the stain and let it sit for about 10 minutes. Rinse with cold water and wash as usual.

2. Grease/Oil Stain

   • Description: Grease and oil stains can ruin your clothes if not treated promptly.

   • Treatment: Sprinkle talcum powder or baking soda over the stain to absorb the grease. Let it sit for a few hours or overnight. Then, brush off the powder and wash the garment as usual.

3. Ink Stain

   • Description: Ink stains can be a nightmare, but there’s hope.

   • Treatment: Dampen the stain with cold water and apply a small amount of rubbing alcohol. Gently rub the stain with a cloth until it fades. Rinse with cold water and wash as usual.

4. Blood Stain

   • Description: Blood stains require immediate attention to prevent them from setting.

   • Treatment: Rinse the stain under cold running water to remove as much blood as possible. Apply a stain remover or a mixture of equal parts cold water and white vinegar directly to the stain. Let it sit for about 10 minutes before washing.

5. Coffee/Tea Stain

   • Description: Coffee and tea stains can leave unsightly marks on your clothes.

   • Treatment: Blot the stain with a clean cloth to remove excess liquid. Mix equal parts water and white vinegar, and apply the solution to the stain. Let it sit for a few minutes before rinsing with cold water and washing as usual.

6. Chocolate Stain

   • Description: Chocolate stains can be tricky, but they’re not impossible to remove.

   • Treatment: Scrape off any excess chocolate with a blunt knife. Mix 1 tablespoon of dish soap with 2 tablespoons of cold water. Apply the solution to the stain and gently rub it with a cloth. Rinse with cold water and wash as usual.

7. Grass Stain

   • Description: Grass stains can be tough, especially on light-colored clothes.

   • Treatment: Mix 1 tablespoon of baking soda with 2 tablespoons of cold water to form a paste. Apply the paste to the stain and let it sit for about an hour. Rinse with cold water and wash as usual.

8. Makeup Stain

   • Description: Makeup stains can be frustrating, but there are solutions.

   • Treatment: For lipstick or lip gloss, use a makeup remover or a small amount of shampoo directly on the stain. For foundation or powder, try using a stain remover or a mixture of equal parts water and white vinegar. Let it sit for a few minutes before rinsing and washing.

9. Sweat Stain

   • Description: Sweat stains can leave yellowish marks on your clothes.

   • Treatment: Mix equal parts water and white vinegar, and apply the solution to the stain. Let it sit for about 10 minutes before rinsing with cold water and washing as usual.

10. Tomato/Salsa Stain

    • Description: Tomato and salsa stains can be vibrant and difficult to remove.

    • Treatment: Act quickly by rinsing the stain under cold running water. Apply a stain remover or a mixture of equal parts cold water and white vinegar directly to the stain. Let it sit for about 10 minutes before washing.