BATTLING CLOTHING STAINS: PREVETION AND REMEDIES
We've all experienced the frustration of discovering stubborn stains on our favorite clothing items! Whether it's cooking oil splatters or detergent residue, these unsightly marks can be such a headache to remove. Fortunately, there are several preventive measures you can take to avoid clothing stains, as well as effective remedies to eliminate them when they do occur. In this blog post, we will explore common reasons for clothing stains, practical tips to prevent them, and proven techniques to remove stains from your beloved garments!
Reasons Why Clothes Could Be Staining:
Cooking Oil: One of the most common culprits behind clothing stains is cooking oil. Accidental spills or splatters can leave greasy marks that are notoriously difficult to remove.
Overloading Your Washing Machine: Overloading your washing machine can lead to clumping of washing powder on a particular piece of clothing. These concentrated areas of detergent can cause stains during the wash cycle.
Combining Softener and Powder: Using fabric softener and washing powder together, especially in excessive amounts, can result in stains on your clothes. The combination may leave residues or cause chemical reactions that discolor the fabric.
Washing Powder with Built-in Softener: Some washing powders include softeners in their formulation. While convenient, these products can sometimes leave stains if not properly diluted or rinsed out.
Grease Buildup in the Washing Machine Drum: Over time, the washing machine drum can accumulate grease and residue from previous loads. When these substances come into contact with your clothes, they can leave unwanted stains.
Deposits from Undissolved Fabric Softener or Detergent: If fabric softener or detergent doesn't dissolve completely during the wash cycle, it can deposit onto your clothes, leaving visible stains.
Preventive Measures to Avoid Clothing Stains:
Avoid Pouring Detergents Directly onto Clothing: To prevent concentrated detergent stains, it is best to avoid pouring the detergent directly onto your clothes. Instead, add it to the detergent dispenser or dissolve it in water before adding it to the machine.
Regularly Clean Your Washing Machine with Vinegar: Giving your washing machine a regular clean with vinegar helps remove any buildup of grease, residue, or fabric softener. This simple maintenance step can prevent these substances from transferring onto your clothes.
Do Not Overload Your Washing Machine: Ensure you do not overload your washing machine beyond its recommended capacity. Overcrowding can prevent proper agitation and rinsing, leading to detergent clumping and potential staining.
Consider Switching to Liquid Detergent: If you frequently encounter detergent stains, switching to a liquid detergent might be a viable option. Liquid detergents tend to dissolve more effectively, reducing the chances of residue deposits on your clothes.
Effective Techniques to help Remove Stains from Clothing:
Dry Shampoo: For greasy stains, spraying dry shampoo onto the affected area can help absorb the oil. Leave it for a few minutes, then gently brush or wipe off the powder before washing as usual.
Pre-Treat with Washing Detergent: Apply a small amount of washing detergent directly onto the stain. Let it sit for approximately 30 minutes to allow the detergent to penetrate the fabric fibers. Afterward, give the stain a gentle scrub to agitate it before washing the garment as usual.
Baby Powder: For oil-based stains, such as cooking oil or makeup, sprinkle baby powder over the affected area. The powder will absorb the oil, making it easier to brush or shake off. Launder the garment afterward.
Stain Remover: Stain removers are specially formulated to tackle various types of stains. Apply a small amount of stain remover to the stain.
Wash on hot wash only: Add your stained clothes to a hot wash at 40/60 degrees! This magical temperature helps to break down even the most stubborn stains, leaving your garments looking fresh and clean!
Eucalyptus oil: Put a dab of eucalyptus oil on a cloth and then rub the stain and then wash.
Di-Sam: Spray onto stain and let it soak in Napisan and then hot wash.
Velvet soap: Scrub onto stain with soap and warm water. Leave on for 10 minutes and then wash as normal.
Kita xx