Applying too much stain remover can make it almost impossible to rinse out completely (especially when you're working with carpets or upholstery). To avoid overdoing it, apply stain removers lightly in repeated applications if necessary.
By comparison, OxiClean suggests that you don't leave it on a garment for more than six hours, because it can start to damage the fabric. One should still be careful not to use the product on dry-clean-only clothing, but if you're doing laundry late at night, leaving Shout on a stain overnight is a risk-free treatment.
Ironically, some stain removers can cause more damage to fabric if they're left to sit on a stain. Make sure to read and follow instructions, particularly when it comes to how long the stain remover should treat a stain.
Show some patience, but not too much. You should only wait 1-5 minutes before washing in the warmest water your item recommends. Waiting any longer could mean putting your colors at risk, especially when using Shout® Advanced Ultra Concentrated Gel Brush on bright, khaki, or fluorescent colored clothes.
Yes, you should be able to. Soak the item of clothing in warm water, then apply a few drops of dish soap on the stain.
Sadly, there is no one-size-fits-all stain remover, so that's why we always ask that you share as much information as possible at drop off. There are some stains that are incredibly stubborn, but place that stain on a delicate fabric, then it becomes even more challenging and sometimes impossible to remove.
Greasy / Oil Stains – such as hand lotion, hair mousse, lard and butter. Oxidisable Stains – key ingredient in alcoholic drinks, coffee and tea (without milk) and soft drinks. Particulate Stains – such as mud and ground in dirt. Combination Stains – these stains can be a mix of two or more of the above stain types.
Our top pick for the best laundry stain remover is the Shout Advanced Grease Busting Foam. This affordable stain remover received perfect scores for ease of use, effectiveness, and value. It features stain-removing ingredients that dissolve tough grease stains, and it's safe to use on machine washable fabrics.
Yes! Vanish is capable of removing old stains as well as new stains.
If you find a stain on an item that has been through a hot dryer, it doesn't have to be permanent. By using the right laundry products and the right technique, stains that have been dried do come out. Back-to-school cleaning.
Typically, cold water works great on blood, as well as food, beverages and water-based paint, while hot water works best on protein-based stains. Unfortunately, there's no golden rule to stain removal. For example, most food stains should be soaked in cold water, unless it's egg, mustard or a tomato-based product.
From cuts to grazes to unceremonious bouts of nosebleeding, you can expect to get your clothes dotted with dark red stains if any of these happen to you. The proteins found in blood and the pigments that make up for it all contribute to a difficult stain removal process such as a hot cocoa drink.
Shout Advanced Stain Remover for Clothes with Scrubber Brush
It's no surprise that two products with built-in applicator brushes — our best overall pick from Carbona and this product from Shout — earned the top two spots in our stain-removing tests with both showing similar results in the Lab.
Dab the stain with a bit of heavy-duty liquid detergent or dishwashing liquid. Gently work the stain remover into the fabric with your fingers or a soft-bristled brush and allow it to work for at least 10 minutes before washing.
OxiClean™ is a Versatile Stain Remover in a powder form that is activated when added to water (warm or hot water work best). Oxygen is released and targets the stains, rather than the fabric, removing many tough stains on water-washable clothing, carpet, upholstery, and hard surfaces both inside and outside the home.
Rubbing. Frantically rubbing a stain can make it spread further and also damage the weave of the fabric. Try gently dabbing the stain away first.
The most likely reason is time. When it comes to stain removal, time is the biggest factor. The age of the stain often determines whether it's removable or not. If treated quickly enough, in the hands of a trained professional, almost any stain can be removed from almost any fabric.
Removal is Not Always Necessary
While it's never a bad idea to sand and strip old stain, doing so can certainly be time-consuming and challenging.
Even though the surface was cleaned and the spot disappeared, the fibers act like a wick to reabsorb the spilled liquid residue beneath. Much like an oil lamp “wick” that draws the oil to the top, your carpet fibers do the same as the spill dries. The stain then becomes visible again.
The best overall stain remover for most fabrics and stains is a 50-50 mix of white vinegar and water. Keep a spray bottle of this mixture on hand for quick treatment of most household stains.
The new stain you are applying over the old stain should be compatible. For instance, if it's an oil-based stain, apply another oil-based stain. If it's a water-based stain, apply another water-based stain. Incompatible stains can lead to poor adhesion or blotchy and uneven finish.