1. Blood
Rinse immediately with cold water.
Soak in cold water + enzyme detergent for 30+ minutes.
For old stains: apply hydrogen peroxide (test first), wait 5 minutes, then rinse.
Never use hot water—it cooks the protein into the fabric.
2. Grease / Oil
Sprinkle cornstarch or baking soda; let sit 15 minutes.
Brush off, then apply dish soap directly to the stain.
Let sit 10 minutes, then wash in warm water with detergent.
3. Red Wine
Blot, then pour club soda or white wine over the stain.
Cover with salt to absorb (let sit 5 minutes).
Rinse, then soak in cold water + oxygen bleach before washing.
4. Coffee / Tea
Rinse with cold water.
Soak in vinegar + water (1:2 ratio) for 30 minutes.
Wash as usual. For tannin stains, add oxygen bleach.
5. Grass
Pre-treat with rubbing alcohol or hydrogen peroxide.
Let sit 10 minutes, then scrub gently with an old toothbrush.
Wash in warm water with enzyme detergent.
6. Deodorant / Yellow Underarm Stains
Make a paste of baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, and water.
Apply to the stain; let sit 1 hour.
Scrub gently, then wash in warm water.
Prevention: Let deodorant dry before dressing.
7. Ink
Place a paper towel under the stain.
Dab with rubbing alcohol or alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
Blot until ink transfers to the towel. Repeat.
Wash as usual.
8. Rust (from water or metal)
Use a commercial rust remover (like Iron Out).
Never use bleach—it reacts with iron and makes stains permanent.
What NOT to Do
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