HOW TO GET DETERGENT STAINS OUT OF CLOTHES
A detergent stain can appear on your clothes as a waxy finish, blue and white splotches or a patch that is rough to the touch. Each stain depends on the type of detergent you’re using at the time as well as a few other factors, including the amount of detergent in your load, the hardness of your water and the size of the load.
CAN DETERGENT STAINS BE REMOVED FROM CLOTHES?
With a little elbow grease and the right products, removing detergent stains is possible. As with all stains, it helps to treat a detergent stain when it is the freshest—before it sets. However, there are still ways to try to “loosen” a stain so it's easier to treat. You can also repeat a few steps in the cleaning process to attempt to lift a stubborn stain.
WHAT PRODUCTS REMOVE DETERGENT STAINS?
There are a variety of products that can be used to help remove detergent stains. Always refer to your garment’s care label to ensure the proper way to treat stains on your clothes. It is also recommended to spot test an invisible corner of your clothes to see how each treatment reacts with your garment’s materials.
Household products like rubbing alcohol, baking soda, vinegar, bar soap or dish detergent are helpful for treating stains. Some of these options may take several attempts or may be time-consuming in order to lift a stain.
NOTE: Flammable products like rubbing alcohol should be avoided to prevent damage to your garment, washer and dryer. ONLY use if you are handwashing the garment.
REMOVING DETERGENT STAINS: A STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE
This general guide will help you learn how to get blue detergent stains out of most types of clothes. Items like suede may require a different approach. The material of your stained clothes is important to consider, as well as the care labels. Your detergent stain doesn’t have to be a headache. This simple and easy guide can help you tackle detergent stains with ease.
SUPPLIES
Enzyme or oxygen-based pretreatment, like Swash® laundry detergent1
Warm or hot water
TOOLS
Washing machine
Clean cloth
STEP 1: APPLY PRETREATMENT
Soak the stained item with warmest water allowed by the care tag. Apply the enzyme or an oxygen-based pretreatment directly onto the stain. Rub it in gently using a clean cloth.
For white clothes that possibly run the risk of discoloration, you can also apply an oxygen-based bleach pretreatment.
STEP 2: LET IT SIT
Allow your clothes to sit with the pretreatment for at least 10 minutes.
STEP 3: RINSE
Rinse off the pretreatment with warm water to check if the stain has dissolved.
STEP 4: REPEAT OR WASH
If the stain remains, you can try repeating the process before placing your clothes in the washing machine. If the stain has been removed, place the garment in a regular wash cycle. Don’t dry your clothes until the stain has been removed to your satisfaction.
HOW TO REMOVE DETERGENT STAINS FROM CLOTHES AFTER DRYING
It is sometimes possible to remove detergent stains from dried clothes. You will have to properly dampen your clothes with the warmest water possible, according to the item’s care label. Apply a pretreatment directly on the stain and let it sit for 10 minutes before washing. Repeat the process until the stain is removed.
Avoid drying the garment until the stain has been sufficiently removed as the heat from the dryer may set the remaining stain and make it difficult to remove.
HOW TO REMOVE DETERGENT STAINS FROM BLACK CLOTHES
Certain household stain fighters can risk removing the pigment from black clothes. Remember to spot test any cleaning method before treating the stain. Baking soda may be the ideal solution for black clothes. Using a regular wash cycle, wash your black clothes as normal and replace your detergent with ½ cup of baking soda. Air dry your garment and and ensure the stain has been removed before placing the item in the dryer.
HOW TO HELP PREVENT DETERGENT STAINS ON CLOTHES
Always use the correct amount of detergent, and do not overload your washing machine. Using too much detergent and overloading doesn’t allow the detergent to dissolve properly in the washing machine. If you have hard water, using liquid detergent in place of powder detergent may give you better results. Washing your clothes inside out may also help protect fabrics and reduce the risk of detergent stains. For a precise pour, opt for Swash® detergent1 to get the right amount of detergent for every load.
HOW TO GET DETERGENT STAINS OUT OF CLOTHES WITHOUT USING VINEGAR
Although vinegar can help treat certain stains, including detergent, it can sometimes warp your clothes or discolor your items. If you don’t have pretreatments or stain removers at the ready to remove detergent stains, there are other household items you can use:
Bar soap or dish detergent: Treat the stain with cold water. Gently rub with bar soap or dish detergent. Rinse with cold water.
Rubbing alcohol: Spot test first. Dab your stain gently with the rubbing alcohol. Hand wash without detergent.*
Baking soda: Add ½ cup of baking soda with no additional detergent to a wash cycle. Another option is to create a paste by mixing equal parts baking soda and water, and rub it into the stain.
*NOTE: Flammable products like rubbing alcohol should be avoided to prevent damage to your garment and should never be placed on garments going into the washer or dryer. ONLY use if you are handwashing the garment.
EXPLORE MAYTAG BRAND WASHERS
Maytag brand creates powerful washing machines to take the hard work out of your laundry routine. That way, you can walk away while stains wash away. Find the right Maytag® front load washer or Maytag® top load washer for your lifestyle.
GET MORE LAUNDRY ADVICE AND TIPS FROM MAYTAG BRAND
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1. Swash® products and the recommending brands’ products are all owned and distributed by Whirlpool Corporation.
