Stains may ruin your favourite clothes, sofa, or even carpet. The good news is, with some specific products and a couple of tips, you can get out even the most stubborn stains. Coffee, oil, blood, or ink, SAAFCO Cleaning Products has a guide on how to get out any type of stain effectively and safely.
Why You Should Act Fast
The stain is much easier to remove when you treat it right away. When a stain is left to dry, it starts permanently altering the fabric within a few minutes. Always:
- Blot, don’t rub– if you rub the stain, it will spread and get worse.
- Use cold water first– this is especially important for blood and milk stains.
- Check the label– some fabrics need a little extra care.
Common Stains and How to Remove Them
Common Stains and How to Remove Them
Grease and Oil Stains
These are among the most difficult stains.
How to remove:
- Put a couple of drops of dishwashing liquid directly onto the stain.
- Rub with your fingers or a soft brush, then let it sit for 10–15 minutes.
- Rinse with warm water.
- If the stain lingers, sprinkle a little baking soda on it to soak up the excess oil and wash again.
Coffee and Tea Stains
That morning coffee spill can leave an ugly brown mark.
How to remove:
- Immediately rinse with cold water, then apply a little liquid detergent or a vinegar solution (1 part vinegar + 2 parts water).
- Gently blot the stain and wash normally once it fades.
Chocolate Stains
Chocolate is quick to melt and trickier to remove from fabric.
How to remove:
- Using a spoon, remove excess chocolate.
- Rinse the area stained with chocolate in cold water.
- Apply dish soap, letting it sit for 10 minutes.
- Wash in cold water again.
Red Wine Stains
This is a very tough stain, but not impossible.
How to remove:
- Blot the spill right away using a paper towel.
- Cover the stain with salt and let it absorb the wine for 10–15 minutes.
- Then, rinse with cold water.
- Use a baking soda paste or white vinegar solution, and wash again.
Ink Stains
As with any stains, time is of the essence.
How to remove:
- Use a cotton swab moistened with rubbing alcohol, and dab the area.
- Blot the area until the alcohol lifts the ink.
- Wash as usual.
Always test alcohol on a free hidden area of the fabric first; some fabrics may fade with alcohol.
Blood Stains
Only cold water for blood stains, never hot!
How to remove:
- Run it under cold running water immediately.
- Apply a baking soda paste. (baking soda + water)
- Let it sit for 30 minutes, then wash.
Grass Stains
These stains are often found on kids’ clothes.
How to remove:
- Prepare a gentle, soapy dishwasher water.
- Apply it directly to the stain.
- Lightly rub and rinse with cold water before washing.
Lipstick or Makeup Stains
These stains consist of oils and pigments.
How to remove:
- Dab with rubbing alcohol or dish soap.
- Gently blot until the colour fades.
Everyday Household Heroes for Stain Removal
You don’t need expensive chemicals; your kitchen already has powerful cleaning allies:
| Item | Use |
| Baking Soda | Absorbs oil and removes odours. |
| White Vinegar | Lifts tea, coffee, and sweat stains. |
| Dish Soap | Cuts grease and oil stains easily. |
| Lemon Juice | Naturally whitens and brightens fabrics. |
| Hydrogen Peroxide | Great for white fabrics and tough organic stains. |
Natural Ways to Get Rid of Stains
Trying to be environmentally conscious?
- Lemon + Sun: This is all-natural bleaching for white clothes. Add lemon juice to your clothes and let it sit in the sun.
- Baking Soda: Make a paste with water and baking soda. Spread it on the stain, let it sit for an hour, then rinse.
Successful Stain Removal
- Always read and follow the fabric care label instructions.
- Don’t dry a textile with a stain; heat will make it set and be there forever.
- Use cold water first, especially with a random stain.
- Don’t get frustrated if it takes a few tries. Stains sometimes take a long time to fade.
When to Call in Professionals
If the stains aren’t coming out, it is time to get professional help. Professional cleaning services are perfect for cleaning expensive silk and wool clothes, or you could try a SAAFCO cleaning product for specific stains.
Conclusion
It doesn’t have to be hard to deal with stains. Quick action, cleaning household ingredients, and the right approach will help with permanent damage to your clothes and fabric.
SAAFCO strives to make cleaning simple, cheap, and efficient. You can browse environmentally safe cleaning supplies made for tackling stains while being safe for your clothes and the planet.
Keep it clean. Keep it SAAF.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: What’s the best way to remove old, set-in stains?
A: Try soaking the fabric in a mixture of warm water, detergent, and baking soda for a few hours. Repeat the process before drying. You can also use SAAFCO’s stain remover products for faster results.
Q2: Should I use hot or cold water for stains?
A: Use cold water for protein-based stains like blood or milk, and warm water for oil or grease stains. Always check the care label first.
Q3: Can vinegar damage clothes?
A: No, when diluted properly (1 part vinegar to 2 parts water), it’s safe for most fabrics. However, avoid using it on silk or delicate materials.
Q4: How do I remove stains from white clothes?
A: Use a mix of lemon juice and baking soda, then dry the clothes in sunlight. For stronger results, hydrogen peroxide also helps brighten whites.
Q5: Why shouldn’t I dry-stain clothes right away?
A: Heat from dryers can set stains permanently. Always make sure the stain is completely gone before drying.