5 of the Most Difficult Stains (And How We Can Treat Them)

We’ve all experienced the panic that sets in when one of our favorite outfits or sheets gets stained. It's crucial to know the immediate steps to take for some of the toughest stains.

Whether it's an accidental spill of red wine during a dinner party or the inevitable coffee mishap on your morning commute, quick action can make all the difference in preventing permanent damage. Acting fast can prevent the stain from setting into your clothing before you send it to our professional laundry service.

Let’s explore five common stains, the immediate actions you can take, and how professional laundry services can ensure your garments remain pristine.

Stain #1: Red Wine

Few things are as panic-inducing as the sight of red wine seeping into your clothing. However, swift action can mitigate the damage.

Here is how you can deal with a red wine stain: Immediately blot the stain with a clean cloth and then apply salt or club soda to absorb the wine.

The initial step of blotting the stain with a clean cloth is crucial because it helps to absorb as much of the wine as possible before it has a chance to set into the fabric fibers. By gently pressing the cloth onto the stain, you're essentially lifting the wine from the surface of the fabric, preventing it from spreading further and penetrating deeper into the fibers.

Next, when sprinkled onto the affected area, the salt or club soda begins to draw out the moisture from the wine that is left, gradually lifting it from the fabric. This absorption action helps to prevent the wine from saturating the fabric and setting it into a stubborn stain.

Stain #2: Coffee

Coffee spills are an unfortunate reality of daily life, but they needn't leave a lasting mark on your clothes. So, what should you do if you spill coffee?

Begin by blotting the stain with a paper towel, and then treat it with a mixture of mild detergent and water or a solution of vinegar and water. 

How do these work?

Coffee stains contain a mixture of water, oils, and tannins from the coffee beans. A mild detergent, when mixed with water, works to break down these components. By gently scrubbing or dabbing the stain with the detergent mixture, you're effectively breaking apart the bonds between the coffee molecules and the fabric fibers, making it easier to remove the stain.

On the other hand, vinegar is a mild acid, typically containing acetic acid, which gives it its cleaning properties. The acidity of the vinegar also works to weaken the bonds between the coffee molecules and the fabric fibers, and it also has the added benefit of neutralizing odors. 

Add this to vinegar's extensive repertoire—what a superstar!

Stain #3: Grease/Oil

Grease and oil stains can be particularly stubborn, but quick intervention can prevent them from setting.

So, how do you deal with oil or grease stains? Immediately sprinkle talcum powder or cornstarch onto the stain to absorb excess oil. 

Both talcum powder and cornstarch are highly absorbent substances. When sprinkled onto a grease or oil stain, they act like tiny sponges, absorbing the excess oil or grease from the fabric. 

As another benefit, unlike some other stain removal methods, such as scrubbing with harsh chemicals or abrasive materials, talcum powder and cornstarch are gentle on fabrics.

Additionally, talcum powder and cornstarch are readily available household items that are affordable and easy to use. You are likely to already have these items in your home, making them a convenient option for treating grease and oil stains without the need for specialized products or equipment.

Like vinegar, cornstarch is also one of those super ingredients that can have so many household uses beyond cooking!

Stain #4: Blood

Accidental blood stains can be notoriously challenging to remove.

As soon as you spot one, begin by rinsing the stain with cold water, avoiding hot water as it can set the stain further. 

Why use cold water for blood stains? Cold water is effective for treating blood stains because it helps to prevent the proteins in the blood from coagulating and setting into the fabric fibers. When blood comes into contact with hot water, it can cause the proteins to denature and bind more firmly to the fabric, making the stain more difficult to remove.

Additionally, applying a paste made from baking soda and water can help lift the stain. Baking soda's mild abrasive nature and alkaline properties can help break down the blood and absorb it from the fabric.

Rubbing the fabric while getting the stain out should be avoided as it can cause the blood to spread and penetrate deeper into the fabric.

Since blood is incredibly hard to get rid of, it might be useful to seek professional assistance following these immediate steps for complete removal.

Stain #5: Ink

Ink stains can wreak havoc on clothing, but they're not necessarily permanent.

As soon as you notice the ink stain, act swiftly by dabbing the stain with rubbing alcohol or hairspray to break down the ink molecules. 

Rubbing alcohol, also known as isopropyl alcohol, is a solvent with strong cleaning properties. It works by breaking down the ink pigments, causing them to dissolve and become easier to remove from the fabric. 

Hairspray contains alcohol as one of its main ingredients, along with other chemicals like polymers and propellants. Similar to rubbing alcohol, the alcohol content in hairspray helps to break down the ink pigments and loosen them from the fabric. Additionally, the sticky consistency of hairspray helps to adhere to the ink stain.

Trust Your Laundry to Professionals

While immediate action can mitigate the impact of stains, entrusting your laundry to experts can offer peace of mind and superior results that remove the stains and care for the quality of your fabrics at the same time.

From specialized treatments to advanced cleaning techniques, our team of experts ensures that your garments receive the care and attention they deserve. 

Book your laundry pickup today if you have difficult stains that you need help dealing with!