Let’s face it. Taking the time to treat stains feels like a lot to ask – especially when you’re a busy parent. Because when you have a family (big or small), the stains are seemingly endless. CLEAN PEOPLE can help you become a master of stain removal!
The Basics of Stain Treatment:
Rule 1. Always check for stains before laundering.
Rule 2. Timing is everything.
Rule 3. Always read product labels and clothing care labels before taking action.
Rule 4. Always blot first.
Rule 5. Rinse from the inside out.
Rule 6. Use the right water temperature.
Rule 7. Know when to call in reinforcements.
BONUS TIP: Some stains make take several attempts, do not dry your garment until you are sure the stain has been removed. You can continue to treat the stain 2-3 times until successful, washing between each treatment.
10 Ways to Use Stain Spray
Tomato-Based (Ketchup, Red Sauces, and Soups): Remove as much of the food as possible without rubbing the stain into the garment. Rinse using cold water, working from the inside out. Apply a generous amount of Stain Spray and let sit for 30 minutes. Rinse in warm water, working the stain from the inside out. Repeat as necessary until removed. Then launder according to the care label.
Baby Formula: If dried, scrape or brush off any leftover formula. Rinse the garment in cold water. Apply Stain Spray directly to the stain using a soft brush. Let sit for 5 minutes, then launder in cold water.
Deodorant & Pit Stains: For yellow armpit stains, wet the stained area with hot water. Apply a generous amount of Stain Spray and work into the fabric. Allow to sit for 30 minutes. Wash as normal. For white deodorant residue stains, heat the fabric to loosen the deodorant using a steam cleaner or steam setting on your iron. Gently rub with a damp washcloth until the stains are removed. Wash on warm.
Coffee & Tea: Blot the area to remove as much of the stain as possible. Apply Stain Spray and scrub item with a soft brush. For heavily stained items, let Stain Spray sit for 10-15 minutes before washing in warm water.
Grease/Oil: For heavy stains, place the stain face down on clean paper towels and press. This will remove as much of the residue from the fabric as possible. Generously spray the back of the stain with Stain Spray. Work it into the fabric with a soft brush in gentle circular motions. Rinse and repeat. Allow the garment to air dry to be sure the stain is fully removed.
Juice, Jams, and Jellies: Gently remove excess food particles. Apply a generous amount of Stain Spray and allow to sit for 30 minutes and rinse on the hottest water safe for your garment. Wash as normal, repeat as needed.
Makeup: Gently blot any wet makeup from the area making sure you’re not rubbing it deeper into the garment. Rinse in hot water, wash as usual. For really stubborn stains, apply Stain Spray and work into the stained area. Allow to sit for several hours before laundering again. Repeat as needed.
Permanent Markers: Permanent markers are….well permanent! But we know you may want to try anyways. Our best advice is using a cotton swab soaked in isopropyl alcohol and gently blot the stain. Continue this process with a new cotton ball until the stain is lightened or removed. If the stain remains, apply Stain Spray to the area and let sit. If the stain is gone, launder as normal. If not, repeat!
Urine: This method will work for both human and pet urine on washable fabrics. If you can’t treat the stain right away, rinse and soak in cold water until you can get to it. If possible, add 1/2 cup of baking soda to the water to help break down the odor. Do not use hot water!! Apply Stain Spray and let sit for 20 minutes. Then add 2-3 scoops of Oxygen Brightener to your washer, along with your CLEAN PEOPLE Ultra Concentrated Laundry Detergent. Allow to soak for 30 minutes, release the water and rewash on the hottest setting safe for the garment with more Oxygen Brightener and detergent. Allow the item to dry in the sun.
Turmeric Stains (Mustard and Curry): Both mustard and curry contains turmeric, a bright yellow spice. This is what gives both sauces their characteristic warm, golden color. It’s also the spice that is responsible for terribly stubborn stains. Turmeric-based stains set quickly, so time is of the essence. If the stain has already dried on, your only chance is soaking the garment in a tub of water and Oxygen Brightener for 8 hours. You’ll likely have to repeat several times before, and if you’re able to get it out.
For fresh stains, scrape off the excess with a blunt edge of a knife or spoon. Press a napkin into the stain to soak up the excess liquid. DO NOT RUB. Rinse the stain thoroughly with cold water, from the inside out. Be sure to use cold water, as hot water will actually set the stain. Apply Stain Spray to the stain, and work it in with your fingers or a soft brush. Allow to sit for up to 15 minutes before rinsing. You will likely have to repeat this step several times. A paste of warm water and Oxygen Brightener may also be used.
If you aren’t successful, it doesn’t mean you did anything wrong – it’s just a tremendously difficult stain to tackle!
If you are at home, rinse the stain with cool water. Apply Stain Spray directly on to stain until thoroughly saturated. Allow the Stain Spray to sit for 10-15 minutes then wash normally.
