How To Get Old Stains Out Of Clothes—Even After Drying
The truth is that many stains can be removed, even after drying. While some stains do bond more stubbornly to fibers after exposure to heat, that doesn’t mean you have a lost cause. Try one of the methods below to get stains out of clothes after you’ve already dried them.
What You Need
Color-safe oxygen bleach stain remover
Laundry detergent
Toothbrush or small nylon brush
Drying rack or towel
Optional: Spray stain remover, dish detergent
How To Remove Set-In Stains With Oxygen Bleach
Many organic stains like spaghetti sauce, wine, chocolate, and coffee will disappear after treatment with oxygen bleach. You can also use oxygen bleach to remove yellow sweat stains, makeup, and grass stains. Oxygen bleach stain removers rely on hydrogen peroxide to lift stains and come in liquid or powder form. Though they are considered color-safe, oxygen bleach stain removers shouldn’t be used on wool or silk and can sometimes cause bleach spots. Test in an inconspicuous spot first if you’re not sure whether your clothing is colorfast.
1. Apply a generous dab of liquid oxygen bleach stain remover to each stain. For powder, dampen the fabric and then sprinkle powder on each stain.
2. Use a toothbrush to rub the stain remover and work it into the fibers.
3. Wait 10 minutes before washing.
4. Wash clothing with your usual detergent on the hottest water temperature that is safe for the fabric.
5. Air dry on a rack or towel. Once the clothing is dry, check for any remaining stains and treat again.
Soaking In Oxygen Bleach
If your clothing is covered in large stains or dingy all over, you can soak it instead.
1. Check the label first to make sure this is recommended for the oxygen bleach you have on hand.
2. Fill a tub or clean sink with hot or warm water.
3. Add the recommended amount of oxygen bleach to the water.
4. Submerge the clothing and soak for up to six hours or the length of time recommended on the label.
5. Then, wash with your usual detergent.
Laundry Detergent
Organic stains like blood and food stains can be treated with a laundry detergent that contains enzymes. The enzymes help break down proteins and starches in set-in stains. Often, your regular laundry detergent with enzymes will do the job.
1. Apply a dab of enzymatic detergent to each stain. Lightly rub into the fibers with a brush.
2. Wait 10 minutes before washing.
3. Wash clothing with your usual detergent on the hottest water temperature that is safe for the fabric.
4. Air dry, then check for any remaining stains and treat again.
How To Remove Set-In Stains With Spray
If you prefer to use a spray for pre-treating stains, skip the basic stain removers and try a tougher product like OxiClean MaxForce.
1. Spray stain remover onto each stain, making sure to fully saturate the area.
2. Wait 10 minutes before washing for milder stains or up to a week for more severe or stubborn stains.
3. Wash clothing with your usual detergent on the hottest water temperature that is safe for the fabric.
4. Air dry, then check for any remaining stains and treat again.
How To Remove Oil Stains With Dish Detergent
A grease-cutting dish detergent like blue Dawn works best for removing grease and oil spots. Don’t use a dish soap that has extra ingredients like lotion for softening hands.
1. Add a dab of dish soap to each stain.
2. Use your brush to lightly rub it into the fibers.
3. Wash clothing with your usual detergent on the hottest water temperature that is safe for the fabric.
4. Air dry, then check for any remaining stains and treat again.
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When To Take Clothes To The Dry Cleaner
Take delicate fabrics like silk, wool, and cashmere to the dry cleaner for stain removal. Dry cleaners use solvents that are safe for most fabrics. Dry cleaners may also be able to rescue clothing with tough stains like ink and paint. The longer a stain sits, the harder it is to remove, so try to take care of clothing stains as quickly as possible.
