Tips for Getting Tough Stains Out of Clothes

Handy, an on-demand home cleaning service, shares tips for getting tough stains—mud, tomato, juice, grass, crayon, and glue—out of your family’s clothes.

Grass Stains

Apply stain treatment then rub the fabric together. An old toothbrush can be very helpful to get the treatment into the fibers.
Use diluted white vinegar or ammonia to remove any remaining color.
Methylated spirits, also known as denatured alcohol, can be used and is available from hardware stores and supermarkets.

Crayon Stains

Apply product made to remove waxy and sticky substances and allow it to work for 10-15 minutes. Begin working out the crayon, repeating as necessary until gone.
Place the garment with the stain facing down on top of a stack of paper towels. Spray with a lubricant and allow it to sit for five minutes. Turn item over and spray it again, let sit five minutes. Rinse item well.
Liquid dishwashing soap and warm water can be used for lighter stains, as well.

Glue and Other Sticky Substances

Try using a product specifically made for getting rid of goo. These products are formulated to break down sticky residue, allowing it to wash out. Apply product and allow it to work for 10-15 minutes. Begin working out the sticky substance, repeating as necessary until gone.
Water-based glues (such as white school glue) simply need some dish washing liquid and water.
Glues that are permanent, such as epoxy or super glue, will require acetone followed by a thorough rinse and wash.

Mud Stains

Allow the mud to dry and brush off as much as you can. Using a gentle detergent and some water, rub the fabric to create suds. After rinsing, if there are any remaining stains, use equal parts white vinegar and water to remove, and finish with a wash in an enzyme detergent.
For items that can’t go in the washing machine, let dry and brush off as much mud as you can. Use a tablespoon of liquid dishwashing detergent and a cup water to work on the stain. Rinse with cold water.

Fruit Juice Stains

Soak clothing in cold water for 30 minutes. Use a drop or two of enzyme detergent and warm water to soak it further. Rinse with cool water, then apply a solution of one part white vinegar and two parts water and let sit for 10 minutes.
Apply a stain treatment product and wash in enzyme detergent.

Ketchup and Other Tomato-Based Stains

Whenever possible, rinse under cold running water right away. Then soak garment in warm water and dab the spot with a sponge that has been coated with dishwashing soap.
Apply a stain treatment and allow it to sit for 15 minutes. Use diluted white vinegar to remove any remaining color.
Stubborn stains can be treated with methylated spirits.

Handy is an on-demand home service that connects individuals looking for household services with top-quality, pre-screened independent service professionals, from home cleaning to handyman services.