Few things are as frustrating as getting a new shirt or favorite pair of jeans stained. Coffee spills, wine drips, or grass marks always seem to show up at the worst possible time. While the internet is full of stain-fighting hacks, not all of them work. The good news? Some tried-and-true methods actually do. If you’d rather let professionals handle it, you can always trust the best laundry in London, but here are seven stain removal hacks you can count on at home.
1. White Vinegar for Sweat Stains
Those yellow underarm marks on white shirts are tough but not impossible. Mix equal parts vinegar and water, apply to the stain, and let it sit for 30 minutes before washing. Vinegar helps break down the deodorant and sweat residue that causes discoloration.
2. Baking Soda for Grease
For fresh grease stains, sprinkle baking soda directly on the spot. It absorbs the oil before it settles deep into the fibers. After 10–15 minutes, brush it off and launder as usual. For tougher stains, mix baking soda with water into a paste and rub gently into the fabric.
3. Hydrogen Peroxide for Blood
Blood stains need quick action. Rinse the fabric in cold water, then apply hydrogen peroxide directly to the stain. Let it bubble, blot with a clean cloth, and repeat until the stain lifts. Avoid hot water, which can set the stain permanently.
4. Salt for Red Wine
Spill red wine? Cover the area immediately with table salt. The salt absorbs the liquid before it penetrates too deeply. Once it dries, brush the salt away and wash the fabric. For set stains, use a mix of dish soap and hydrogen peroxide.
5. Lemon Juice for Rust
Rust stains are tricky, but lemon juice helps. Squeeze fresh lemon over the mark, sprinkle with salt, and place the fabric in the sun for a few hours. The natural bleaching effect can fade or completely remove the rust spot.
6. Dish Soap for Makeup
Foundation or lipstick smudges on clothes respond well to dish soap. Dab a small amount directly onto the stain, rub gently with your fingers, and rinse with warm water before tossing into the wash.
7. Club Soda for Coffee
Blotting coffee stains with club soda works surprisingly well. The carbonation lifts the stain, while the salts prevent it from setting. Follow up with a wash cycle to finish the job.
Tips to Maximize Success
- Always treat stains as soon as possible—fresh stains are easier to remove.
- Blot instead of rubbing to avoid spreading the stain.
- Test treatments on an inconspicuous area to avoid damaging delicate fabrics.
- Avoid heat until the stain is completely gone, since heat sets stains.
When to Call in Extra Help
Some stains—like ink, dye transfer, or old set-in spots—are nearly impossible to fix at home. That’s when professional cleaning makes the difference. Laundry specialists have access to stronger treatments and equipment that won’t damage fabrics.
Final Thoughts
Not all viral hacks work, but these seven stain removal methods are reliable and practical. They use everyday household items and can save your clothes from being ruined. For more practical laundry tricks, inspiration, and discussions, check out Hamlet Laundry’s Facebook community, where people share solutions that actually make a difference.