Stain removal can be challenging, as different stains require specific treatments, and success can depend on various factors.
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But don’t let a stain ruin your day. With some tips, tricks and a little expert knowledge, you can have stained clothes looking like new.
OMO laundry experts, Mums Who Clean, run a widely successful Facebook group of the same name. If you have cleaning-related questions, the mums are happy to help.
They say they often see some common mistakes when it comes to treating stains.
Common stain removal mistakes
1. Not paying attention to the type of stain
Before you dive into the stain-removal process, take a moment to understand the type of stain. Different stains demand different treatments. Identifying the stain type helps you choose the most effective removal method, whether it’s ink, wine, or grease.
“Spot testing, if you’re unsure, is a great way to proceed. Handing the clothing gently and understanding the process of stain removal all help to ensure your clothing lasts, even after a stain.”
2. Skipping pre-treatment
Prevention is better than cure, and the same goes for stains. Don’t skip the crucial step of pre-treating a stain before washing. Apply a suitable stain remover or a simple home remedy directly to the stain, allowing it to work its magic. This step significantly boosts your chances of complete stain removal.
“Getting to a stain as quickly as you can helps to stop the stain setting into fibres,” say Mums Who Clean. “It’s not going to make it impossible to remove, but acting quickly speeds the process up and limits the energy required.”
3. Reaching for bleach
“Something we see most often is the garment being bleached or the stain spread unintentionally,” says Mums Who Clean.
Recklessly reaching for bleach can cause more harm than good, leading to garment discolouration or the unintentional spread of the stain. Opt for gentler stain removal methods before resorting to bleach.
4. Over-aggressive scrubbing or rubbing
Remember, gentle treatment yields superior results. Vigorous scrubbing or rubbing can damage delicate fabrics and drive the stain deeper into the fibers.
Instead, “dabbing and gentle agitation will be kinder to the fabric and more effective at releasing the stain.”
5. Not treating the stain again
If the first round of stain removal doesn’t completely banish the blemish, don’t lose hope. Lightened stains can often be eliminated with a second attempt. However, don’t let the garment dry before re-treatment, as dry stains can become more stubborn.
The golden rule of stain removal is to act fast. While a stain that sets isn’t a lost cause, prompt action significantly streamlines the process. Quick intervention minimises the stain’s impact on the fabric, requiring less effort and energy to achieve a stain-free result.
Our top stain removal products
1. OMO Ultimate Laundry Detergent Front & Top Loader 7kg, $47, Big WOMO Ultimate Powder1
Omo Ultimate Powder effortlessly lifts even 48-hour dried-in stains, thanks to its meticulously packed blend of potent cleaning agents and activated oxygen bleach.
2. The Pink Stuff, $38.95, BHG SHOP
Tired of battling stubborn stains that refuse to budge, leaving your once-favourite clothes looking dull and lifeless? Enter the game-changing Pink Stuff Oxi Range – a solution that goes beyond traditional stain removers. Picture this: your whites restored to their original brilliance, and your colours again radiate vibrancy. The Pink Stuff Oxi Pack is your secret weapon against the laundry woes that have nagged at you.
3. Biozet Attack plus eliminator liquid laundry detergent 3L, $20 Big W
This laundry liquid annihilaties 99.9% of odor-causing bacteria, both on fabrics and inside washing machines. Suitable for Hot, Cold, or Short cycles, this value pack of 60 washes offers powerful stain removal and freshness maintenance, making it ideal for every family member’s garments, from baby clothes to bedding.
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