This is how you remove the 5 most common stains

We’re all familiar with the frustration you feel when you discover a stain on your new clothes. You might be afraid that you’ll never be able to remove the stain and that this was the last time you’d be wearing that beautiful, new blouse. But don’t panic! In this blog we’ll reveal effective and simple solutions for the most common stains. Quickly read on and discover. 

Before we treat the stains individually, first some general tips:

1. Always check what your garment is made of before trying to remove a stain with aggressive agents. Delicate fabrics such as silk are best treated with just a damp cloth.

2. Make sure that the stain doesn’t penetrate into the fabric, as this will make it difficult to remove the stain. So, immediately start treating the stain. Don’t put your garment in the washing machine without having treated the stain locally first, because the temperature of the washing machine can actually fixate the stain.

3. Because you want to act as quickly as possible, the first thing you can safely use on (almost) any kind of stain is a damp cloth with lukewarm water. Avoid rubbing, so dab and soak the stain to it from penetrating into the fabric. Then follow up with a special treatment for your type of stain.

4. The Stain Brush from The Laundress can be used instead of a cloth or sponge to avoid causing too much friction. This brush keeps the fibers of your garment in good condition.

Please note: after treating the stains locally, we advise you to wash your garment like you’d normally do – check the washing label to be sure about the washing program.

1. Makeup stain

The easiest way to remove foundation stains is to gently dab on the stain with a damp cloth using lukewarm water, a stain solution, dish detergent or vinegar. Never rub liquid makeup stains, as this makeup is often quite greasy and contains adhesive to adhere to your skin (read: also to your clothes!). For powder stains, first remove the top layer with a vacuum cleaner, then follow up with a damp cloth and some detergent. With lipstick stains it’s important to avoid touching the stain, because lipstick stains are easily absorbed by fabrics due the amount of oil and fragrance. Spray some hairspray on the stain. This will prevent the stain from running in the washing machine.

2. Wine stain

Treat immediately with (lukewarm) water. Then apply salt to the stain and let it rest for a few minutes. Wash of the salt with some detergent and let it rest upside down on a paper towel.

3. Coffee stain

Immediately soak in warm water – using the highest possible temperature that’s allowed for the material. Then gently dab a stain solution, laundry detergent or diluted vinegar on the stain, repeat if necessary. Baby wipes also help absorb most of the stain, but only if the stain is still damp.

4. Grease stain

The easiest way to remove grease stains is to sprinkle talcum powder* directly on it. Talcum powder absorbs the grease and prevents it from staining. This is only possible when the grease hasn’t been fully absorbed yet. Too late? Then apply some stain solution or dish detergent to the stain and let it soak in before putting the garment in the washing machine.

*Instead of talcum powder, you can also use baby powder, baking soda or flour.

5. Chocolate stain

As we all know, chocolate contains much fat, so choose an agent that dissolves fat. Think of the The Laundress Stain Solution, Danhera stain remover, dish soap, vinegar or even benzene. Mix one teaspoon of the product with cold water. Rub this in gently and let it soak in. You can also pour some milk over the stain, this will keep the stain from running in the washing machine.