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Dirty Laundry

Have you ever found yourself putting laundry into the washer only to find some serious stains that you have no idea how to get out? Or, pulled laundry out of the dryer only to find it still has a stain on it that you were sure would come out on its own? If so, then you’re in some serious luck! Thanks to Laurie from Tip Junkie and GreatCleaners.com, here is her Stain Removal Guide complete with common types of household stains and how to get them out.

The printable is so handy and helpful that it's pretty frame worthy. See? Now you don’t have to try to remember what works best for which stain when doing laundry, the information is right there!

This makes for a great gift as well. Pair the framed list with cleaning products from the list in a laundry basket.


Print FREE Stain Removal Guide here.


If you don't want to frame, simply print it out and use this Stain Removal Guide as a quick reference for when you’re doing laundry. Here are the suggestions on how to treat these common stains:

CHOCOLATE - Remove excess and rinse with cold water. Next, rub in liquid laundry detergent and let sit for 5 minutes. Then, soak garment for 15 minutes in cold water. Periodically rub the stain between fingers to loosen the stain. Rinse thoroughly. If an oily stain persists, use OxiClean Max Force Gel Stick and wash normal.

COFFEE OR TEA – Rub liquid laundry detergent and a little cold water into the coffee stain. If an stain persists, use a stain stick and let sit for 5 minutes, then wash normal.

CRAYON – Sprinkle Baking Soda on a damp cloth and rub gently.

FRUIT or RED WINE – Treat immediately, but if you’re in a hurry, pour a little Baking Soda on the stain, and then later run hot water through the back of the stain.

GRASS - Remove excess stain then spray OxiClean Maxforce directly until saturated. Rub in and let stand 5 minutes. Then wash normal.

GREASE - (butter, oil, mayonnaise) Apply liquid detergent to the stained area and let it sit for 5 minutes. As it soaks into the fabric it begins to break down the grease. Wash in the hottest water safe for the fabric.

INK (BALLPOINT) - Dab rubbing alcohol onto the stain, blotting with a clean cloth. Continue until no ink remains. Rinse then apply liquid laundry detergent and soak for 5 minutes. Wash in the hottest water that is safe for the fabric. If rubbing alcohol doesn’t work, rinse THOROUGHLY then try nail polish remover, using steps above.

INK (FELT-TIP) - Place a rag under the stain. Saturate stain with an alcohol-based hair spray. Blot the stain with a rag and repeat until stain is removed. Launder as usual.

LIPSTICK - Start by treating the oily/waxy component of the stain with a pre-treater like OxiClean Max Force Gel Stick. Then rub with liquid detergent and water. Scrub stain lightly and rinse in hot water. Next, wash in the hottest water suitable for the fabric using detergent and an all-fabric bleach like OxiClean Versatile Stain Remover.

MUD - Soak and rub the stain in cold water before washing in a color safe bleach like OxiClean Versatile Stain Remover for 30 minutes. Then launder in warm water with detergent. If stain remains, soak an additional 30 minutes, then rewash.

MUSTARD - Treat the stain with a heavy-duty liquid detergent and then rinse thoroughly. Soak the garment in a dilute solution of all-fabric bleach like OxiClean Versatile Stain Remover. Launder as usual in cool water. Do not dry the garment if the stain remains. Repeat the steps until stain is removed.

PERSPIRATION - Scrub in a paste of Baking Soda and water then let it sit for an hour. Wash as usual.

PROTEIN (blood, egg) - Scrub in a paste of Baking Soda and water then let it sit for an hour. Wash as usual.

RING AROUND THE COLLAR – Mix a paste of 4 tablespoons Baking Soda and 1/4 cup water and rub it onto the collar. Add a additional vinegar to the collar and then wash as usual.

RUST - First sprinkle salt on the stain and then squeeze lemon juice onto the salt. Spread out the garment in the sun to dry. Tip: Test on a seam or inconspicuous spot to see if bleaching occurs.

SAUCES (tomato, ketchup, barbecue) - Remove excess stain then spray a deep cleaner like OxiClean Maxforce directly until saturated. Rub in and let stand 5 minutes. Then wash normal.

VOMIT or BABY SPIT UP - Sprinkle Baking Soda on the site and rub it in prior to washing. This will also eliminate the smell from lingering.

WAX OR GUM - Harden by using an ice cube or put in freezer for several hours. Scrape off excess. When all been removed, treat the remaining spot with an equal mixture of liquid dish washing soap and white distilled vinegar. Rub in gently and then wash the garment as usual.

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