There are many ways to get stubborn stains out of white clothes. It really depends on the type of fabric, the source of the stain, how long it has been there, and the resources available to you.
Stains on white clothes are a total mess, especially when they refuse to go away after washing multiple times.
At Landryboy, we handle a lot of stain removal during our professional laundry process. So we know exactly what works and what doesn’t when it comes to white clothes.
In this post, you will learn how to get rid of tough stains on your white clothes using DIY and homemade products through a few tricks. Ultimately, you may have to
In This Article
Key Takeaways
- There is a natural or chemical approach to remove “permanent” stains on white clothes.
- Chemical methods like ammonia, bleach, and baking soda are trusted agents for removing tough stains.
- Using a Washing machine is less stressful, but without some techniques, you may not achieve a satisfactory sparkle.
- For absolute peace of mind and to save time, use professional dry cleaning from reliable laundry services like LaundryBoy.
Can Permanent Stains be Removed from Whites?
The short is yes. Stains can be removed from clothing, although it depends on factors like the choice of fabric, the type of stain on the cloth, and how long the stain has been there.
While some stains require a professional treatment, some only require a homemade approach.
Types of Stains on White Clothes
- Food and beverage stains: These are discolourations mostly caused by spills or splatters from liquids or pastes. Examples are soup, coffee, tea, wine, sauce, or juice stains.
- Ink Stains: Ballpoint pen, marker, and printer ink stains are usually difficult to remove from clothing items.
- Oil and Grease Stains: If you spend more time in the kitchen or mechanic workshop, these stains are almost unavoidable. Accidental spills or cooking oils are major stains that can affect your white fabrics. Certain cosmetic products like foundation or lip gloss can also stain white fabrics.
Different Methods To Remove Permanent Stains on White Clothes
You can consider either a natural solution or a chemical product depending on your available resources.
Natural Solutions
- Soaking for long: This is one of the easiest DIY methods for clearing stains on white clothes. The only thing required is to soak the clothes for about two hours before finally washing them to get your desired result.
- Baking Soda: One advantage of baking soda is its versatility. Aside from the normal baking purposes, it can also help eliminate stains. All you need to do is mix a cup of baking soda with water before applying it directly to the stain.
- White Vinegar: There are many white vinegar products for removing white stains. You can find them in an average superstore. White Vinegar is similar to baking soda in terms of versatility. However, you must leave the vinegar on the white fabric for thirty minutes before thoroughly rinsing it after application.
- Lemon juice: The ascorbic acid in lemon juice makes it an effective stain remover. Apply fresh lemon juice to the stain. Sprinkle some salt and leave it to dry under the sun before the washing begins.
Chemicals
You can try natural methods but still not get your desired results after trying them, and they don’t work for you; chemicals are potent enough to save you from dealing with tough stains. Here are some options
- Bleach products: When using bleach products, it is not advisable to go for chlorine bleaches except if you use them cautiously. Most especially, if they would be used on delicate fabrics, you might as well avoid using them. Bleach products like Hypo are easy to use, though. You’ll have to religiously follow the instructions on the label to get the most out of the liquid.
- Hydrogen peroxide: This is a rather safer option than Chlorine bleaches due to its ability to lighten stains effectively.
- Ammonia: You can trust ammonia because of its strong solvent properties. On the other hand, you might have to take precautions like diluting it with water. It is also not advisable to use other fabric materials like silk, lace, and chiffon, which are quite delicate.
Removing Stains From White Clothes: Washing Machine
Most washing machines have specific settings when it comes to the removal of stains on white. To maximise your washing machine, the following steps are necessary:
- Load up your washer with the clothes
- Add detergent, but use as directed on the label.
- Add 1/3 cup of bleach.
- Wash and dry.
Quick Tip:
- Hypo is a Sodium Hypochlorite Bleach. So, for best results, add 5 minutes after the wash cycle has begun to agitate to avoid destroying enzymes and fluorescent whiteners in the detergent.
Permanent Stains on White Clothes: Use a Dry Cleaning Service
While the above methods will work for removing stains on white fabrics, some stains can still prove stubborn.
This usually has nothing to do with the removal method but the stain’s duration. Imagine an ink or a mud stain on a white cloth for years.
To be satisfied with the outcome, you will need an industry-grade laundry machine and professional treatment to eliminate such permanent stains.
This is where using a dry cleaning service comes in. Delegating to a professional is also a good way to avoid the risk of spoiling the fabrics yourself.
The cost of special stain removal from white fabrics will vary depending on your chosen laundry company. Several factors can affect how much dry cleaners charge, such as the type of clothes, the amount, your location, and any special requests you may have.
Best Dry Cleaning Service Near Me in Lagos: LaundryBoy
If you’re looking for a reliable laundry service to handle the tough stains on your clothes, consider Laundry Boy.
We are the go-to choice for affordable, fast, high-quality laundry services, including dry cleaning stubborn stains.
You can contact us at 0809 678 9095 to schedule a pickup or visit us at our office in Akoka, Lagos if you’re around Somolu, Bariga, Herbert Macaulay, or Pedro.