How To Remove Tough, Stubborn Stains from Clothing

Let’s face it, most of us aren’t toting around stain removal pens and treating stains isn’t something we think about until an accident actually happens. By then, it’s too late and you need a solution -fast! Especially when you’re out at dinner and suddenly your red wine has found its way all over your brand new white blouse. Or how about those impossible to remove grass and oil stains? Yes, we feel your pain, but before you panic or toss your soiled clothing, try these stain removal hacks using a few unexpected ingredients along with method‘s new super concentrated laundry detergent.

Thanks to method, removing tough stains has never been more easy or divinely fragrant. Not only is method biodegradable and hypoallergenic, but it’s 4x concentrated, so it’s extra powerful at treating stains while keeping your whites white and your colors bright. It also works great in cold water, so you use less energy every time you wash. For extra power, method has rolled out their 8x concentrated formula, so you can fight those tough stains with even less detergent.  And as if method’s cleaning power wasn’t enough, they have taken their fragrance game to a whole other level. With divine scents like ginger mango, floral spring garden, beach sage and fresh clover, you practically get a spa experience while doing your laundry! You can also forget about those boring, clunky laundry bottles that you want to hide away. method’s stylish transparent bottles and colorful formulas are so pretty you can go ahead and leave them on display!

method's new detergent: stylish, colorful, with modern scents!
method’s new detergent: stylish, colorful, with modern scents!

So, without further ado, here are a few hacks that will help remove even the most stubborn, hopeless stains!

Coffee & Tea

If the stain is fresh, immediately rinse in hot water. Coffee and tea tends to dissipate quickly under hot water. If the stain is older or really set in, use method detergent to spot treat the area and let it sit for 20 minutes. If a stain is extra stubborn, mix a little baking soda with the detergent. Apply to the stain for about 10 minutes then launder in the washing machine as usual.

Oil

Oil stains are real doozies. All stains should be treated immediately, but oil stains are extra urgent. Immediately upon discovering the stain, you need to use something to soak up the oil. You have a couple options here: try seltzer water and an artificial sweetener like Equal or Sweet & Low (only use real artificial sweeteners, not sugar based ones like Splenda) or a piece of chalk. If you opt for the artificial sweetener/seltzer combo, mix 1/3 cup of seltzer with a teaspoon of artificial sweetener and apply to the stain. Allow the spot to dry, then wash as normal. For the chalk technique, use a white piece of chalk and apply a thick layer all over the stain and launder.

Makeup/Lipstick Stains

Makeup and lipstick can be tough because of their oily bases. Believe it or not, a baby wipe works wonders on makeup stains! Use a baby wipe and a bit of rubbing alcohol to rub the stain out. If the stain still doesn’t come out, try the following: For foundation stains, try hydrogen peroxide. If you’re battling eyeliner, dishwashing liquid works best. For blush and eyeshadows, try spot treating with a bit of method laundry detergent.

Grass

Apply rubbing alcohol or white vinegar directly on the stain and let sit for 10 minutes. Next, apply a bit of method laundry detergent and rub into stain with a washcloth and throw in the washer machine as usual. This should help lift the stain, but you may need to do it a couple times before it comes out completely.

Red Wine

There are several ways to remove red wine, but the most popular is the club soda, salt, and boiling water method. Immediately upon spilling, pour club soda over the stain. Next, cover the stain in table salt and allow to dry. The salt will help pull the stain from the fabric. After the salt has done its job, you will probably still have a light stain left. Boil water and pour the hot water on the stain. Rinse and repeat until the stain is removed. If you need extra help, you can also apply baking soda for further removal.

Deodorant

Create a paste out of water and baking soda. Apply to the stains overnight. In the morning, pour pure white vinegar over the stains to further lift them and launder as usual.

Love method as much as we do? Use the code THREEFORME for $3 off your online purchase here. And don’t forget to check out the amazing ASOS X method collaboration -a 10-piece capsule collection of colorful, playful ’70s-infused styles of dresses, separates, and denim!

ASOS x method collection

I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.

 

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1 Comment
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