No matter how careful we are, stains have a way of showing up at the worst possible time — a coffee spill right before work, oil splashes while cooking, or ink marks from a leaking pen. The good news? You don’t always need to rush to the dry cleaner. With the right techniques, you can remove most tough stains easily at home.

Here’s your complete guide on how to treat and remove common stains safely without damaging your clothes.

☕ 1. Coffee and Tea Stains

Coffee and tea stains are among the most common and can quickly set if not treated immediately.

What to Do:

• Rinse the stained area with cold water as soon as possible.
• Mix one tablespoon of liquid detergent with one tablespoon of white vinegar in two cups of cold water.
• Dip a clean cloth in the solution and blot the stain gently.
• Rinse again and let the fabric air-dry.

Pro Tip: Avoid using hot water on fresh coffee stains — it can cause the stain to set deeper into the fabric.

🍳 2. Oil and Grease Stains

Cooking oil, butter, or curry grease can leave ugly marks that are hard to wash off with regular detergent.

What to Do:

• Blot off any excess oil using a paper towel or tissue.
• Sprinkle some baking soda or cornstarch over the stain and leave it for 15 minutes — it helps absorb the oil.
• Gently brush off the powder and apply a few drops of dishwashing liquid directly to the spot.
• Rub lightly, rinse with warm water, and wash as usual.

Pro Tip: Dishwashing liquid is great for breaking down grease and oil — just use it sparingly on delicate fabrics.

🖊️ 3. Ink Stains

Ink stains can be stubborn, but with a bit of patience, they can disappear completely.

What to Do:

• Place a paper towel under the stained area.
• Dab the stain gently with a cotton ball dipped in rubbing alcohol or hand sanitizer (with alcohol base).
• Blot, don’t rub — this prevents spreading.
• Rinse with cold water and launder normally.

Pro Tip: Always test alcohol on a hidden part of the fabric first to ensure it doesn’t cause fading.

🍅 4. Tomato Sauce or Curry Stains

These stains can be tricky because of their bright pigments and oily base.

What to Do:

• Scrape off any excess sauce carefully.
• Run cold water through the back of the stain to push it out of the fibers.
• Apply a mixture of detergent and a few drops of lemon juice.
• Let it sit for 5–10 minutes, then rinse and wash in warm water.

Pro Tip: For older stains, soak the garment in warm water mixed with oxygen bleach (not chlorine bleach) for about 30 minutes before washing.

🍷 5. Wine or Juice Stains

A party spill doesn’t have to mean ruined clothes!

What to Do:

• Blot the area immediately with a clean cloth.
• Sprinkle salt or baking soda over the stain to absorb the liquid.
• After a few minutes, rinse with cold water.
• Apply a mixture of equal parts white vinegar and dish soap, rub gently, and wash normally.

Pro Tip: The sooner you act, the better — once the wine dries, it becomes much harder to remove.

💡 Extra Laundry Tips

• Always check care labels before applying any cleaning agent.
• Never rub stains harshly, especially on delicate fabrics.
• For colored clothes, test your solution first to avoid fading.
• Air-dry after treatment — heat from the dryer can permanently set any leftover stain.

✨ Final Thoughts

With a few household ingredients and the right approach, you can remove even the toughest stains at home. However, for delicate or expensive fabrics like silk or wool, it’s better to trust professional laundry services.

At FreshWash Laundry, we use eco-friendly detergents and advanced cleaning methods to remove stains safely while keeping your clothes fresh and bright.