Stains are an unavoidable hazard of childhood. With a little luck and the right products, you can overcome those pesky stains. See our list of spot removers.
Grass
Cover the stain with a pre-wash removal treatment (or a solution of one part vinegar to two parts water) for anywhere from 15 minutes to an hour.
Next, gently rub the solution into the fabric with a toothbrush or a rag, depending on the delicateness of the material.
Finally, wash with color-safe bleach.
Grease
Combat grease stains with dish detergent. Cover the affected area as soon as possible and allow to sit for just a few minutes.
Rub the stain gently, pushing the detergent into the fabric.
Wash the item as normal.
Blood
Soak the garment in very cold water.
You can wipe the stain with hydrogen peroxide, if necessary, but you may not need it.
Finally, wash the item in cold water with color-safe bleach.
Ink pens
Pat the stain with a clean cloth dipped in rubbing alcohol. Keep rotating the cloth as it picks up ink so that it does not transfer back to the stained garment.
Next, wash the garment on the hottest setting then, before drying, check to see if the stain remains. If so, repeat the process.
Mud
Let the mud dry before attempting to treat. Once dry, brush off excess dirt then soak garment for 15 minutes in warm water with about a teaspoon of dish detergent and a tablespoon of white vinegar.
After soaking, rinse with water and let stand. If stain remains, pat with rubbing alcohol and rinse again with water.
Finish off by washing with color safe bleach.
Sticker residue
Start by applying an ice-cube to the stain, and let it sit for about five minutes.
Try to scrape off the adhesive with a butter knife, then cover with a prewash stain remover and launder as normal.
Crayon
Add a cup of baking soda to your normal load of laundry, add the stained item, and wash on the hottest setting.
Mustard
Rinse with cold water first, then pre-treat with a stain remover.
Wash with bleach on the hottest possible setting.
Chocolate
Scrape excess chocolate from clothing.
Next, flip the garment inside out and rinse the opposite side of the stain with cold water or soda water.
Rub the stain with dish soap then soak in cold water for about 15 minutes. Remove from soak then rub the stain, repeat until the stain is gone.
Ketchup
Treat with a stain removal product. If stain remains, lightly brush with a toothbrush and white vinegar.
