We all do it at one time or another–get something on our clothes that might leave a stain. There are lots of assorted stain removers on the market. Some work, some don’t. It seems there’s a chemical of some sort available for just about every job around the house. Is it truly necessary to buy a different chemical for literally everything? I think not. I’ve been using this trick for stain removal for YEARS. It works, plain and simple, and no special chemical is needed.

As soon as possible (and we know that right away is not always possible, hence…as “soon” as possible), take the item and run cold (yes COLD) water over the stain. Then use whatever soap is handy, preferably a BAR of soap (but liquid soap will also work–it’s just not quite as concentrated as a solid bar of soap) and rub the soap into the stain, working up a lather. Gently rub the soap in with your fingers. You could also take the fabric and rub it on itself to scrub the stain. As you work in the soap, you should see the stain diminish. Feel free to rinse with more cold water and repeat the process.

Leave some soap on the fabric, then put the item in the washing machine with your usual laundry detergent and cold or cool water. Do NOT use hot water, because heat will set stains. If there is any stain residue left on the fabric, any heat will set the stain and you won’t be able to get it out after that.

When the item comes out of the washing machine, inspect it to see if all the stain was removed. If you’re certain it came out, the item may be placed in the dryer. If you’re not certain–some stains can’t be seen easily on wet fabrics–allow the item to air dry. If the stain is still there, repeat the process. Do not subject the item to heat until you’re sure all the stain is out. Once it’s out, it can be dried in the dryer and will be good as new!

To see a demonstration of this where I took white cotton cloth and smeared blackberry jam on it and used this method to remove the stain, watch the video below.

Hope this trick helps you out someday!
Judi