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.
Many food or beverage stains, such as chocolate, jam, baby food, beer, and dairy are more easily removed with cold water soaks and washes. Cold water is also recommended for urine and blood stains. Other stains, especially oily or greasy ones, do better in warm or hot water.
Hot water removes stains by breaking down and dissolving the stain-causing substances. Cold water has a different mechanism – it prevents the binding between proteins from the stain and the fabric, making it better for protein-based stains like baby food or blood.
Heavily soiled clothing such as towels or bedding should be washed in warm or hot temperatures, but delicate fabrics such as lingerie wash better in lower temperatures. If you have stained whites with things such as blood or wine, a hot/warm wash could help the stain to set in, so a cold wash should do just the job.
Launder according to the fabric care instructions. Regular stains should come out in cold water but for extra dirty clothing or very tough stains, use the warmest setting safe for the fabric.
The heavy-duty or stain removal cycle works best for tough stains. If your washer has a pre-wash or steam function, use it for added cleaning power. Hot water settings are ideal for greasy stains, while cold water helps with protein-based stains. For delicate fabrics, stick to a gentle cycle to avoid damage.
Removes Stains
Vinegar is a great solution. "Especially on white fabrics, vinegar can tackle stubborn stains by being added directly to your laundry or used as part of a pre-treating soaking solution," says Morgan LaLonde, laundry brand manager for Whirlpool.
Stain when the temperature is between 50 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Start staining early in the day. Stain dries quicker in higher temperatures in the midafternoon and parts of the project may dry faster than other areas resulting in a splotchy, uneven finish.
Cold water is fine for most clothes and other items that you can safely put in the washing machine. It can remove many stains from clothing, including grass on your kid's jeans or makeup smudges on a sweater. Delicate fabrics (lace and silk) and dark, colorful fabrics actually do best in cold water.
Amongst all the golden rules for stain removal, acting quickly is by far the top of the list. The longer you leave the stain, the harder it will be to remove. As soon as the stain lands, we recommend getting onto it. How quickly and speedily you get to the stain determines how successfully it is removed.
If it's too hot outside, the stain will dry too quickly, causing unsightly marks and uneven penetration and protection. If the forecast is for temperatures above 90 degrees Fahrenheit, you're better off choosing another day when it's a little bit cooler.
Sponging is one of the most frequently used methods of applying many stain-removing agents, including water. Sponging is another technique in which clean absorbent pads are used.
In general, hot water is more effective for removing oily or greasy stains as it helps to dissolve and lift the oils. However, hot water can also set protein-based stains like blood or sweat, making them harder to remove.
Tomato Stains
When attempting to remove a tomato stain, make sure you do not use hot water as this could set the stain. Instead, use cold water to flush it, then rub enzyme detergent into the stain and let it sit for five minutes.
However, the removal of stains can be hazardous to the fabric - and to the person attempting to get the stain off. To be successful, care and caution must be exercised. Old Stains There is often the effect of time upon a stain: the older the stain, the harder it is to remove.
With a staining brush, work both with the grain and against it. Don't worry about being neat; all that matters is getting a nice, even, liberal coat over the wood. Wipe the stain off immediately if you'd like a lighter tone. But for a deeper tone, leave the stain on the wood for 5 to 10 minutes before wiping it off.
A surface that is too cold (as well as air temperatures that are too low) will interfere with coalescence (cure) of the coating, which can lead to premature adhesion failures (cracking and peeling) and less durability. A surface that's too hot to touch is generally too hot to stain.
Two Coats Recommended: Most manufacturers suggest applying two coats for optimal protection and appearance. Drying Time Matters: Wait at least 4 hours between coats and 24 hours before using the deck. Avoid Over-Application: Too much stain can lead to poor adhesion, peeling, and uneven color.
Mix 1/4 cup of white vinegar, 1 tbsp. of dish soap, and water in a spray bottle. Spray the area liberally and let soak for 5-10 minutes and then blot again with a clean, dry towel until stain is removed.
White vinegar, also known as distilled vinegar or spirit vinegar, is made by fermenting grain alcohol (ethanol) which then turns into acetic acid. Water is then added to the vinegar, so white vinegar is made of five to ten percent acetic acid and ninety to ninety-five percent water.
If it's a food or beverage stain, soak in white vinegar and dawn dish soap for about a half hour. Rinse and wash as normal in the machine. If it's a blood stain, you may have luck with hydrogen peroxide. If it's a grease stain, rub in Dawn dish soap, then, soak in hot water.
Mix Dish Soap and Hydrogen Peroxide
Add 2 parts hydrogen peroxide (1 cup suggested). Add 1 part dishwashing liquid (1/2 cup suggested).