Our Laundry Tips

#STAINS

How to Remove Tough Stains

Boy with Stains

Life gets messy, and stains are bound to happen – even tough ones. But with these handy tips, you’ll soon learn how to remove stains easily.

The science of stains

When something like red wine, sauce, oil or blood comes into contact with your clothes, it coats the fibres of the fabric. This means that instead of seeing the colour of the material, you see the colour of the substance that caused the stain.

Regardless of what causes a stain on your clothes, try to treat it immediately for the best result in keeping your clothes looking newer for longer.

NEW Sta-soft Ultra Concentrate is Sta-soft’s best formulation yet. Designed with a superior formula that is 4X more* concentrated for more washes and 4X more* fragrance.

*vs Regular Sta-soft

General Tips for Removing Stains

  • For any stain, the best thing is to wash it out using cold water immediately.
  • Never iron over stained laundry, as this will leave a permanent stain.

After getting rid of those tough stains, to make your ironing easier, try new ! Sta-soft Ultra Concentrate

*vs Regular Sta-soft

  • Prevention is better than cure – using a good laundry detergent helps to eliminate stains, don’t forget to use Sta-soft according to your laundry’s needs.
  • If a stain persists, don’t experiment – take your garment to a professional, such as a dry cleaner or laundromat.

Removing oil and grease stains

Oil and grease stains can be tough to get out of clothing as these substances are insoluble. But, with a bit of elbow grease, you can get rid of these tough stains.

  1. For fresh grease stains, sprinkle them with baby powder or cornstarch and place a piece of paper towel or a few layers of toilet paper over this. Then iron over the paper towel using a low temperature setting. The powder will absorb the grease from the fibres of the fabric.
  2. Just like your trusted liquid soap gets rid of grease on your knives and forks, it can also take care of older grease stains on clothing. Rub your liquid soap into the area of the stain without any water using your finger.
  3. Once you’ve done this, wash the item of clothing in the hottest water possible.

It costs less** for more washes* try NEW Sta-soft Ultra Concentrate!

*vs Regular Sta-soft

**Sta-soft Ultra Concentrate 500ml vs regular Sta-soft

Removing blood stains

When it comes to removing blood stains, acting fast is your best bet.

  1. Soak the piece of clothing in cold water immediately, rubbing your fingers over the area to remove as much of the blood as you can, and then wash as normal.
  2. Never use hot water to treat blood stains, as this will make the blood set into the fabric’s fibres.
  3. If you are treating an old or dried blood stain, wash the garment in cold water and ammonia (a household cleaning agent available at supermarkets and specialist cleaning suppliers).

After getting rid of those tough stains, try NEW Sta-soft Ultra Concentrate!

  • General Tips

    1. If a stain resists, do not experiment. Leave the garment in the hands of a professional.
    2. Do not iron stained laundry as you will only settle the stain in.
    3. The immediate stain removal action taken is very important: wash the stain out with cold water immediately to prevent the stain from settling in.
    4. Use a good detergent to help eliminate any stains on your garments, and don´t forget to use Sta-Soft according to your laundry´s needs

    Common Kitchen Essentials for Stain Removal

    Vinegar

    Oxygen Bleach

    Hydrogen Peroxide

    Lemons or Lemon Juice

    For 50% more fragrance* try Sta-soft Aromatherapy. 

    *vs Sta-soft without encapsulated fragrance

  • Oil and Grease Stain Removal

    1. Before washing the garment, rub any oil stains with liquid soap while dry and without adding any water. Be careful if the fabric is washed cotton, because the stain may form a white ring.
    2. You can also sprinkle the stain with baby powder, and then place a piece of toilet paper over the powder. Iron over the toilet paper at a very low temperature – this allows the powder to absorb the grease, and will help the stain on the garment disappear.

    NEW Sta-soft Ultra Concentrate has an ultra concentrated formulation, which means it is ready to use and there is no need to dilute it.

  • Shoe Polish Stain Removal

    Apply some paint thinner (turpentine oil) on the stain and wash as directed by the label.

    After getting rid of those tough stains, try NEW Sta-soft Ultra Concentrate.

  • Coffee Stain Removal

    1. Dilute an egg yolk in water and rub the stain, and then rinse only with cold water.
    2. A second option is to rub the stain with equal amounts of vinegar and alcohol, then wash and dry the garment as directed by the label.

    NEW Sta-soft Ultra Concentrate has a superior formulation that is 4X more* concentrated to give you 4X more* washes from a single bottle. 

    *vs Regular Sta-soft

  • Candle Wax Stain Removal

    First, remove all the wax possible from the garment by scraping it. Then place the fabric between two pieces of paper towels or parchment paper and iron the stain at medium temperature. This makes the wax stick to the paper. Then wash the garment as directed by the label.

    It costs less** for more washes* try the NEW Sta-soft Ultra Concentrate!

    *vs Regular Sta-soft

    **Sta-soft Ultra Concentrate 500ml vs regular Sta-soft

  • Beer Stain Removal

    1. You should rub the stain with a mixture of ¼ parts vinegar and ¾ parts water. Following this rinse with water.
    2. If this does not work, spray the stain with a little hydrogen peroxide and then soak in water with a few drops of ammonia. Then wash the garment as directed by the label.

    NEW Sta-soft Ultra Concentrate’s superior formula is developed with unique microcapsules that contain Touch Release Technology for intense and longer lasting** fragrance, giving you 4X more* fragrance, and long-lasting** freshness with every wash

    *vs Regular Sta-soft

    **Sta-soft Ultra Concentrate 500ml vs regular Sta-soft

  • Gum Stain Removal

    1. Rub the stain with ice or put the garment in the freezer inside a plastic bag to harden the gum.

    2. Remove as much of the hardened gum as possible by scraping it.

    3. Then wash the garment as directed by the label.

    After getting rid of those tough stains, try NEW Sta-soft Ultra Concentrate.

  • Deodorant Stain Removal

    If you have a garment with a deodorant stain, try to dissolve the stain by soaking it in detergent and warm water. Then wash as directed by the label.

    For 50% more fragrance* try Sta-soft aromatherapy

    *vs Sta-soft without encapsulated fragance

  • Nail Polish Stain Removal

    Use nail polish remover or acetone on the stain (do not use on synthetic fabrics such as acetates, or bright colors, or black, because you can spread the stain). Then wash the garment as directed by the label.

    After getting rid of those tough stains, try NEW Sta-soft Ultra Concentrate.

  • Fruits Stain Removal

    1. Wash with soap and water and then rub them with a cloth soaked in alcohol.
    2. If traces of fruit remain, you must first remove by scraping. Then apply some coarse salt on the stain and brush. Finally, put a damp cloth on it, all preferably immediately after the stain occurs.
    3. If the spots are from red fruits, you should make a mixture of water and detergent. Apply the mixture on the stain and let it dry. Then wash the garment as usual.

    After getting rid of those tough stains, try NEW Sta-soft Ultra Concentrate.

  • Ice Cream Stain Removal

    Wash clothes with warm water. If the stain persists, dilute hydrogen peroxide in water and apply on the stain using a cotton ball.

    It costs less** for more washes* try NEW Sta-soft Ultra Concentrate!

    *vs Regular Sta-soft

    **Sta-soft Ultra Concentrate 500ml vs regular Sta-soft

  • Mold Stain Removal

    To remove a mildew stain from your clothing, make a paste with vinegar and baking soda, apply it on the stain and leave it on for a while and then wash the garment as directed by the label.

    It costs less** for more washes* try the NEW Sta-soft Ultra Concentrate!

    *vs Regular Sta-soft

    **Sta-soft Ultra Concentrate 500ml vs regular Sta-soft

  • Oxide Stain Removal

    1. Sprinkle a little salt on the stain, then squeeze a little lemon juice and leave it on the garment overnight. Then wash as usual.
    2. If you do not want to use lemon, use vinegar the same way.

    For 50% more fragrance* try Sta-soft Aromatherapy !

    *vs Sta-soft without encapsulated fragrance

  • Glues and Adhesives Stain Removal

    1. Check if the glue has a single component, because unfortunately strong glue stains and / or combined cannot be removed. If not, try to remove the stain with nail polish remover or acetone (do not use on synthetic fabrics).
    2. You can also try soaking the garment for a few hours with a mixture of warm water and vinegar, and then wash the garment as usual.

    After getting rid of those tough stains, try NEW Sta-soft Ultra Concentrate.

  • Paint, Lacquer and Enamel Stain Removal

    1. For oily paints and varnish, clean the stain with a sponge soaked in turpentine or commercial paint solvent before washing.
    2. If a garment has been stained with resin, soak the stain with olive oil and then rub thoroughly with water and detergent, then put your garment in the washing machine and you're done!

    For 50% more fragrance* try Sta-soft Aromatherapy !

    *vs Sta-soft without encapsulated fragrance

  • Blood Stain Removal

    1. If the stain is recent, immediately rinse the garment with cold water and wash as directed on label. Never wash the garment in hot water.
    2. If the blood stain has dried, it is best to wash the garment with water and ammonia.
    3. Warm water and vinegar, and then wash the garment as usual.

    NEW Sta-soft Ultra Concentrate has an ultra concentrated formulation, which means it is ready to use and there is no need to dilute

  • Ink Stain Removal

    1. To remove pen ink stains, soak the garment overnight with liquid detergent. Then wash as directed on label.
    2. You can also dip the stain in warm milk or lemon juice for an hour and then rinse with water.

    NEW Sta-soft Ultra Concentrate has a superior formulation that is 4X more* concentrated to give you 4X more* washes from a single bottle.

    *vs regular Sta-soft

  • Red Wine Stain Removal

    1. You should soak the stain for a few hours in cold milk, then wash your garment as usual.
    2. You can also remove the stain by spreading white wine on the stain. Soak for a few hours and then wash the garment as usual.
    3. If you dropped wine on a white shirt or blouse, try to soak the affected area in boiled milk. If it is colored, gently rub the stain with cold water mixed with a little ammonia.
    4. Mix a little liquid soap with hydrogen peroxide and rub mix on the stain. If it does not come out, add a bit more peroxide to the mixture.

    NEW Sta-soft Ultra Concentrate’s superior formula is developed with unique microcapsules that contain Touch Release Technology for intense and longer lasting** fragrance, giving you 4X more* fragrance, and long-lasting** freshness with every wash. 

    *vs regular Sta-soft

    **vs Sta-soft without encapsulated fragrance

  • Spinach Stain Removal

    Rub the stain with a raw potato and later wash the garment with soap and water.

    For 50% more fragrance* try Sta-soft Aromatherapy !

    *vs Sta-soft without encapsulated fragrance

  • Sweat Stain Removal

    1. To remove sweat stains from your clothes, it is best to soak them with water and vinegar.
    2. Try using a deodorant that is specially formulated to prevent stains on clothing.

    NEW Sta-soft Ultra Concentrate  gives you more washes and 4X more* fragrance.

    *vs regular Sta-soft

  • Tea Stain Removal

    Soak garment in cold water for an hour. Then wash as usual. If the stain does not come off, try removal with a mixture of white vinegar and alcohol.

    NEW Sta-soft Ultra Concentrate is Sta-soft’s best formulation yet. Designed with a superior formula  that is 4X more* concentrated for more washes and 4X more* fragrance.

    *vs regular Sta-soft

  • Worcestershire or Soy Sauce

    1. Blot up any excess sauce with a clean cloth.
    2. Soak the stain in a solution of 1 litre warm water, 1/2 teaspoon liquid detergent, and 1 tablespoon white vinegar for 15 minutes.
    3. Rinse with water.
    4. Sponge the remaining stain with surgical spirits and wash as normal as soon as possible.

    NEW Sta-soft Ultra Concentrate is Sta-soft’s best formulation yet. Designed with a superior formula  that is 4X more* concentrated for more washes and 4X more* fragrance.

    *vs regular Sta-soft

The above tips are provided for informational purposes only. Colgate does not accept any liability should the below recommendations have a contrary result to the intended result. Always seek the advice of a qualified professional. Never disregard professional advice or delay seeking it because of something you have read in this article.