How to Remove Common Stains from Clothes: Ink, Grease, Sweat, Wine and More

The golden rules of stain removal

Stain removal works best when you follow a few rules regardless of the stain. Act quickly, because a fresh stain has not had time to bond with the fibers. Blot with a clean cloth rather than rubbing, which spreads the mark and roughens the fabric. Treat from the back of the fabric so the stain is pushed out rather than deeper in. Use cold water first for unknown stains, and avoid heat, including hot water, a tumble dryer or an iron, until the stain has completely gone, because heat can set many stains permanently.

Always check the care label and test any treatment on a hidden area, such as an inside seam, before using it on the stain.

Ink stains

Ballpoint ink is one of the most searched-for clothing problems. Place a clean paper towel under the stained area, then dab the stain with a cotton swab or cloth dampened with rubbing alcohol (isopropyl alcohol). Work from the outside edge toward the center and replace the towel underneath as it absorbs ink. When the mark has faded, rinse with cool water and wash as usual. Check that the stain is gone before drying.

Permanent markers and gel inks are tougher and may need repeated treatment. Do not use alcohol on silk, wool, acetate or leather without professional advice, because it can damage the fibers or dyes.

Grease and oil stains

Cover the stain with a thick layer of baking soda or cornstarch to absorb the oil, and leave it for at least 15 to 30 minutes. Brush off the powder, then work a small drop of dish soap into the area with your fingers or a soft brush and let it sit. Wash in the warmest water the label allows. If a shadow remains, repeat before drying.

Sweat and deodorant marks

Yellow marks under the arms come from a reaction between sweat proteins and the ingredients in some antiperspirants. Soak the area in cool water with an enzyme-based laundry detergent for 30 minutes or more, brush gently and wash. Avoid chlorine bleach on these stains, because it can make the yellowing worse. Letting deodorant dry before dressing and washing sweaty clothes promptly both help prevent build-up.

Red wine, coffee and tea

Blot up as much liquid as possible immediately, then rinse from the back with cold running water. Apply a little liquid detergent, gently work it in and let it rest for several minutes before washing. Old wine stains may need a longer soak in water with an oxygen-based stain remover. Do not rub, and avoid hot water.

Blood and other protein stains

Rinse blood, sweat and similar stains with cold water only. Hot water cooks the proteins into the fabric. Soak in cold water with a little detergent, rub the fabric against itself, rinse and repeat until the stain lifts.

Delicate fabrics and when to call a professional

Silk, wool, viscose, leather, suede and fabrics marked dry clean only should be treated by a professional cleaner. Point out the stain and tell them what caused it. Do not try several remedies in a row, because the mix of chemicals can make a stain impossible to remove.

• •Blot, do not rub.
• •Cold water first for unknown stains.
• •Test any product on a hidden area.
• •Do not dry the garment until the stain is gone.
• •Take delicate fabrics to a professional.

Preventing stains in the first place

Wash new clothes before wearing, carry a stain-removal pen for emergencies and treat marks the same day. Fabrics treated with a protective finish resist spills better. Dark and patterned fabrics hide marks, while white and pale clothes show them immediately. Our guides to fabric choice and washing cover how fiber type and care affect long-term wear.

Stain emergency kit

Keeping a few basics at home makes quick action easy.

• •Clean white cloths or paper towels.
• •Liquid dish soap.
• •Baking soda or cornstarch.
• •Rubbing alcohol (for ballpoint ink, with care).
• •An enzyme laundry detergent.