Unilever logo
Cleanipedia ZA logo

How To Remove Dried Up Stains From Clothes

Learn how you can remove dried up stains from clothes here

Updated

Reading Time: 5 minutes

White shirt with coffee stain

How To Remove Dried Up Stains From Clothes

Dried-up laundry stains demand more attention and more work. But we’ve got some tricks up our sleeves. In this article, you’ll find laundry care tips that remove old, dried up stains.

Dealing with old stains? Here is what you'll need :

We suggest pairing your washing detergent with a stain remover. Here’s what you’ll need:

  • A trusted brand of laundry detergent such as OMO

  • A spray bottle

  • White vinegar

  • Baking soda

  • Turpentine

  • Peroxide

  • Glycerine

  • Dishwashing soap

Pro tip: Some stain removal agents are harsher than others. Consider how strong your fabric is when applying them. Remember to use less abrasive solutions on delicate garments.

How to remove dried-up stains from clothes?

Dried stains set right into cloth fibres, making them hard to get rid of. But before you give up on your favourite clothes, try these stain removal tips.

1. Coffee stains

If you want to remove stubborn coffee stains, use vinegar. Vinegar is considered the best stain remover for clothes. It’s versatile and great for non-grease stains. Read up on how to remove coffee stains.

2. Paint stains

While water-based paints are easy to wash off, oil paints are not. But don't worry. When dealing with oil paints, the best stain remover for clothes is turpentine. For detailed instructions on how to remove paint stains.

3. Ink stains

Ink stains happen more often than you’d think. If it happens to you, there is a simple solution. If you get ink stains on your clothes, it’s simple to clean them. Find out how to remove ink stains from clothes.

4. Grease stains

Grease stains on clothes are very unsightly. But there is nothing a few stain removers cannot fix. Learn how to remove grease stains.

5. Mustard stains

You can get rid of those dull yellow stains after a hearty meal by:

  • Mixing 1 part dish soap to 2 parts peroxide and water

  • Applying the mixture to the dried stains

  • Putting on a glove and rubbing the mixture gently onto the stain

  • Letting it sit overnight

  • Rinsing and repeating, if necessary

Pro tip: Sometimes, stain removing solutions are just as stubborn as stains. If they don’t work the first time, repeat the process as many times as needed until you get your desired results.

What is the best washing powder for stains?

Unilever has a range of laundry products that fight stubborn stains. So, if you’re looking for the best washing powder for stains, try Omo, Skip, Surf and Sunlight.

How often should laundry be done?

Some clothes need washing more than once a week, while others can go a bit longer between washes. Here’s a short guide:

  • Unless they smell or look dirty, you can wash jeans after 4 to 5 wears. Here's the best way to wash jeans.

  • Wash your bath towels once a week, but your hand towels would be cleaner with a wash every 2 or 3 days.

  • Clean your bedding every week. If you’re sick, wash them every other day to prevent the spread of germs. Learn more about how to wash pillows and duvets.

Dried-up stains on clothes are notoriously hard to get rid of. But don’t throw in the towel just yet. Give it another go with these tips. Keep your clothes looking clean and vibrant with some help from Unilever products.

Originally published