Taking care of your clothing is an important part of looking good. It is as easy as paying attention to labels and adhering to the guidelines that fabrics and materials provide, in order to ensure durability of clothing.
As a modern man, it is paramount that you know how to remove stains effectively, rather than reaching for the salt every time you spill some wine. This will guarantee clothing that is pristine and cared for, emphasising pride in your possessions as well as style and confidence when wearing them.
Below is a list of common stains and how best to remove them.
- The most important thing about stain removal is timing. Do not allow the stain to settle into the clothing, as this makes it harder to remove, and leaves a more permanent mark.
- Avoid rubbing the stain forcefully or using hot water, as this can result in discolouration. If you do not have access to a solvent, stick to water.
- If you spill something on cotton, remember that it can endure soaking and drying, and heat- but this is not recommended. For white items, bleach might seem like a solution. Bleach should be a last resort as it is very hard on fabrics. If you choose bleach, make sure it’s a very light one. For cotton, the best stain treatments are light acids like lemon juice and vinegar.
- Wool is more heat sensitive than cotton, and therefore should be treated with care. It can be soaked, but should be dried flat in order to prevent discolouration. Use only wool-safe detergents and lukewarm water- never hot. Bleach and acidic treatments are not recommended.
- Synthetics vary depending on the material. They can generally be treated more harshly than cotton, but should be washed with laundry detergent or dish soap for greasy stains. Refers to the label for directions.
- A stain on silk can be treated with water, but it is best to submerge the entire item in water, otherwise water spotting can occur.
- The most common stain removal solutions are water, salt, vinegar/lemon juice and detergent. Water is the safest, but won’t always be the most effective.
Common stains
- For grass stains, use a prewash stain remover or liquid laundry detergent before washing.
- For tomato sauce, use a liquid laundry detergent and rinse. Then use white vinegar and rinse. Use a prewash stain remover, and then wash as normal.
- For grease on clothing, treat it with a prewash stain remover. Wash, using the warmest water safe for the fabric.
- For mud, brush off as much of the mud as possible. Use a prewash stain remover, then launder.
