How to Remove Tough Stains from Clothes

Stains on clothes are unavoidable—whether it’s an oil splash from cooking, ink marks from a pen, curry stains, makeup smudges, or stubborn sweat patches.
The good news? Most stains can be removed easily if you know the right technique.

This guide explains step-by-step stain removal methods for each type of tough stain, along with expert tips, what to avoid, and DIY home remedies.

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⭐ Why It’s Important to Treat Stains Correctly

• Prevents permanent fabric damage
• Maintains the color and texture of clothes
• Saves money by extending the life of garments
• Improves hygiene and appearance

Tip: Always treat stains as early as possible. Fresh stains are much easier to remove than old ones.

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1. How to Remove Oil & Grease Stains

Oil stains come from cooking oil, butter, ghee, hair oil, car grease, etc.
They often look light but spread deep into fabric fibers.

Step-by-Step Method

1. Blot the oil using tissue or a cloth. Do NOT rub.
2. Sprinkle baking soda or cornflour on the stain → absorbs excess oil.
3. Let it sit for 10–15 minutes, then brush off.
4. Apply dishwashing liquid directly onto the stain (best for cutting grease).
5. Gently scrub with a soft brush or fingers.
6. Rinse with warm water.
7. Wash normally in the machine.

Works Best On

Cotton, polyester, denim, uniforms, kitchen wear.

Avoid

Hot water before pre-treatment—it sets oil permanently.

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2. How to Remove Ink Stains

Ink stains from pens, markers, or sketch pens are tough but removable.

Method for Ballpoint Pen Ink

1. Place tissue under the fabric.
2. Dab the stain with rubbing alcohol (IPA) or hand sanitizer.
3. Keep blotting until the ink transfers to the tissue.
4. Rinse with cold water.
5. Wash normally using liquid detergent.

Method for Marker Ink

• Use nail polish remover (acetone) only on white or light clothing.
• Test on hidden area first to avoid fading.

Avoid

• Rubbing aggressively → makes ink spread.
• Washing before pre-treatment.

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3. How to Remove Curry & Turmeric Stains

Curry stains (especially turmeric) are one of the most stubborn stains because turmeric reacts with sunlight and turns bright yellow.

Step-by-Step Method

1. Rinse the area with cold water immediately.
2. Apply liquid detergent and rub gently.
3. Add lemon juice or white vinegar on top.
4. Let it sit for 10 minutes.
5. Rinse thoroughly.
6. Wash the garment in warm water if safe for the fabric.

Sunlight Trick for Turmeric

After washing, keep the cloth in direct sunlight for 30–60 minutes.
Sunlight helps naturally fade turmeric stains.

Avoid

Hot water in the beginning → sets turmeric permanently.

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4. How to Remove Makeup Stains (Foundation, Lipstick, Kajal)

Makeup stains can be greasy or pigment-based, but easy to remove with the right technique.

Foundation / Concealer Stains

1. Scrape off excess makeup.
2. Apply liquid dish soap or makeup remover.
3. Massage gently and rinse.
4. Wash using a normal cycle.

Lipstick Stains

1. Dab using rubbing alcohol or hairspray.
2. Sprinkle baking soda.
3. Rub gently and wash.

Kajal / Eyeliner / Mascara

1. Use micellar water on a cotton pad.
2. Blot until makeup dissolves.
3. Wash normally.

Avoid

Using hot water — it melts makeup deeper into the fabric.

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5. How to Remove Sweat & Yellow Underarm Stains

Sweat stains are caused by a chemical reaction between body sweat and deodorant.

DIY Sweat Stain Removal Paste

Mix:

• 2 tbsp baking soda
• 1 tbsp hydrogen peroxide (or use lemon juice)
• 1 tbsp detergent

Steps

1. Apply the paste to the stain.
2. Scrub gently with a toothbrush.
3. Let it sit for 20–30 minutes.
4. Wash in warm or cold water.

For Very Tough Yellow Stains

Soak the garment in:

• 1 bucket warm water
• 1 cup white vinegar
• 2 tsp detergent

Let it soak for 45 minutes → rinse → wash normally.

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Important Tips for All Types of Stains

• Always test stain-removal chemicals on a hidden area.
• Never use hot water first, except for sweat stains.
• Act quickly — fresh stains remove faster.
• Do not iron stained clothes — heat locks stains forever.
• For delicate fabrics (silk, wool), prefer professional laundry services.

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Stain Removal Cheat Sheet (Quick Reference)

Stain Type	Best Treatment	Avoid
Oil/Grease	Baking soda + dish soap	Hot water initially
Ink	Rubbing alcohol	Rubbing hard
Curry/Turmeric	Lemon/vinegar + sunlight	Hot water first
Makeup	Makeup remover, dish soap	Scrubbing aggressively
Sweat	Baking soda paste	Bleach on colored clothes

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can all stains be removed completely?

Most stains can be fully removed if treated quickly and correctly. Old stains may need multiple treatments.

2. Should I use bleach for tough stains?

Bleach works only on whites, and can damage colored or delicate clothes.

3. What is the quickest stain removal hack?

Dishwashing liquid + baking soda removes most fresh stains effectively.

4. Does detergent alone remove stains?

Regular detergent cleans dirt but not deep stains—pre-treatment is necessary.

5. When should I take garments to a dry cleaner?

For:

• Silk
• Wool
• Expensive garments
• Very old stains

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Conclusion

Stains don’t have to ruin your clothes.
Using the right methods—whether it’s dish soap for oil, alcohol for ink, lemon for curry, micellar water for makeup, or baking soda for sweat—you can restore your garments easily at home.

For extremely stubborn stains or delicate fabrics, a professional laundry service like Cleanz24 ensures thorough, safe cleaning with advanced stain-removal techniques.