Are you frustrated in not getting those stubborn laundry detergent stains removed from your clothes? You have tried everything to remove it, but nothing going seems to work. So now, the question that arises in your mind is how to remove laundry detergent stains. Well, guess what you are at the right place.
Laundry detergents come in various forms, such as powder or liquid. They contain surfactants, enzymes, bleaches, and other chemicals that break down dirt. These ingredients also leave behind residues that can stain clothing.
Finding detergent stains on your clothes can be heartbreaking especially after putting so much effort while cleaning them. Stain removal is not easy but trying a few household tricks will help you to get rid of it once in for all.
Therefore, in the following article, I will explain how to remove detergent stains from clothes by adopting some simple methods.
What are Detergent Stains?
Detergent stains are one of the most common types of stains that people encounter when washing clothes. Several things, including detergents and fabric softeners, can cause these.
If you notice white or yellowish spots on your clothes after washing them, there is likely a residue from these products left behind. The good news is that this type of stain can easily be removed with some simple home remedies.
What causes detergent stains in clothes?
Laundry detergents contain chemicals that are harmful to the skin and can cause irritation as well. These chemicals react with dyes and fabrics, causing discoloration or fading of colors.
But, how do you remove detergent stains? Well, it is a question many people ask when they find their favorite shirt stained by the washing machine.
The reason why your clothes are stained with detergent is that it contains an alkaline substance. The alkaline substances react with the acidity of the sweat on the skin and form a salt.
This salt is then absorbed by the fibers of the fabric and leaves behind a white or black stain. The best way to avoid this problem is to wash your hands before you handle your laundry, and wear dark-colored clothing to prevent staining from occurring.
Potential causes of Laundry Detergent stains on Clothes
Before exploring the methods of how to remove laundry detergent stains, let us first look at some of the expected reasons that cause stains on your fabrics.
1. Laundry Detergents
Laundry detergents are designed to remove dirt and grease from clothing. However, they may leave behind residue that can cause staining. Commonly, these residues are composed of fatty substances, including fats, oils, waxes, and soap. These substances can stain fabrics permanently if left untreated.
2. Soap Scum
Soap scum is a buildup of soap residue on surfaces. When washing dishes, soap scum can build up on countertops, sinks, tubs, and other surfaces. If not removed promptly, soap scum can become permanent stains on surfaces.
3. Hard Water
Hard water contains high levels of dissolved solids, including calcium and magnesium ions. As these ions enter fabric fibers, they can cause them to swell and create permanent stains.
4. Bleach
Bleach is a powerful oxidizing agent that may harm a variety of materials. It can react with certain fabrics, causing them to turn yellow or brown. Bleach can also react with some plastics, turning them brittle and making them susceptible to cracking.
Steps for removing detergent stains from clothes
If you want to learn how to get detergent stains out of clothes then you need to go through the following steps. These steps can be applied every time you see a spot on your fabric.
- First, put all the selected stained clothes in a bucket full of water.
- Now in a water bucket, drop 1 cup of vinegar and allow the clothes to soak in it completely for about 15 minutes.
- Next is to loosen the detergent particles by rubbing your fingers on the stained area. A cloth brush is also an option for rubbing it.
- The clothes must be soaked in the vinegar water solution for 30 minutes.
- After taking out the clothes from the bucket put them in running water, then rinse them once more.
- After rinsing, make sure that there are no stains left on the fabric. If there are spots left, just repeat these steps all over again.
How to Remove Laundry Detergent Stains-Six Ways
Despite all the necessary precautions, it is very common to get a stain on your fabrics because of using too much laundry detergent. However, there is no need to worry as these stains do not remain forever and can be removed easily. The most crucial thing is to act right away as soon as you see a stain on your garments.
Here are the six ways of getting rid of detergent stains from clothes.
1. Use cold water
The best way to get rid of laundry detergent stains is to use cold water. The cold water removes dirt and grease much easier than warm water, so if you have any detergent left over after washing your clothes, try using cold water to wash them again.
In the absence of cold water, you should use hot water. Hot water will not work well at removing detergent stains.
2. Use vinegar
Vinegar is great for getting rid of laundry detergent. Just mix 1/4 cup of white vinegar with 2 cups of cool water. Then pour the mixture onto the stain and then let rest for roughly five minutes. After that, rinse the item thoroughly with clean water.
3. Use baking soda
Baking soda is a good alternative to vinegar. Apply equal parts of baking soda and water immediately on the stain. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes before rinsing.
4. Use hydrogen peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide is a bleaching agent that works well for cleaning laundry. To make your homemade solution, mix 4 cups of water with 1 tablespoon of hydrogen peroxide. Directly apply the mixture to the stain, and allow it to settle for 15 minutes. Rinse the item off with clean water afterwards.
5. Use lemon juice
Lemon juice is a natural cleaner that works well for removing laundry detergent stains. Apply some fresh lemon juice on the stain and allow it to sit for 30 minutes. Then, rinse the item off with clean, running water.
6. Use salt
Salt is a natural deodorizer that helps eliminate odors on clothing. Before letting the stain dry overnight, sprinkle some salt on it. In the morning, rinse the item off completely with clean water.
Conclusion
To sum up, the best way to remove laundry detergent stains is to use a good-quality stain remover. You must select the ideal product for your specific stain and fabric.
In this article, I have mentioned the steps and various methods of how to remove laundry detergent stains from clothes. So the next time you see a detergent stain on your fabric, follow these simple tricks to clean out the stains in your precious garments.