Kids stain their clothes. They stain the carpet. Their bed sheets. They stain everything. Kids are messy. We know this. But we don’t have to wait for a stain to appear to learn how to best get rid of it. Instead, we can be prepared with this ultimate stain guide and have the best products and tricks to get up anything. So if you’re like me and learned that my tried and true trick of soaking any stained item in warm water with Oxi-Clean detergent mixed in didn’t solve every stain, this guide is for you!
How to Get Out Common Stains
- Grass: Washing in the laundry should get out most stains. Ammonia can be used for particularly tough grass stains. Another great tip is if you have a pressure washer to use if the stains are particularly bad.
- Grease And/Or Oil: Use an absorbent powder such as baking soda. Apply it on the grease stain and let it sit for a minute or two before washing out.
- Tomato-Based Products: Try to rinse in cold water ASAP. Soak in warm water for a few minutes then rub the stained patch using a sponge. If it stays on, you can use methylated spirit.
- Juice: Soak the garment in cold water for 30 minutes. Use warm water and about two drops of detergent to soak the clothing even further. Afterward, use cool water to rinse the garment. Apply a solution of vinegar and water and leave it there for ten minutes before washing.
- Mud: First, let it dry. Put it in water mixed with washing detergent. Using a brush with gentle bristles, brush the mud off.
- Crayons: Apply mayonnaise on the crayon markings and leave it there for five minutes. Using a damp piece of cloth slowly wipe it away.
- Permanent Marker: Mix water with portions of white vinegar and washing liquid and pour the mixture on the stain. After 30 minutes, blot the stained patch with a cloth then flush with water.
- Chocolate: Throw in the laundry as soon as possible. Soak in cold water with some detergent if stain stays on after a wash.
- Blood: Use hydrogen peroxide and blot. Rinse and repeat as much as needed.
- Poop: Rinse and remove any excess poop. Soak in warm water and throw in laundry. Dab on hydrogen peroxide if that doesn’t work.
Best Stain Removing Products
- Rubbing alcohol and hydrogen peroxide: Works for a variety of stains
- Oxi-clean: Great laundry detergent for washing stained items and for making a solution to soak stained items in
- Miss Mouth’s products: Great for when you’re out and a stain happens. This has honestly made some stains like berry stains disappear in front of my eyes.
- Folex Carpet Spot Remover: Holy grail of spot removers for tough stains on carpets and couches! Gentle enough for some clothes too.
Staining is a part of life, but thankfully we can take charge with these techniques and products. If you have a wild stain story, share it in the comments!
