How to Remove Common Laundry Stains: Expert Laundry Tips That Work

Want the “done-for-you” version? You can use our wash & fold pickup and delivery and we’ll handle stain checks, washing, and folding with care. You can also review pricing here or see how it works.

Why stains “stick” (and the #1 rule)

Stains usually become permanent for one reason: heat. If a stained item goes into the dryer before the stain is fully removed, the heat can set it into the fibers and make it dramatically harder to treat.

At Get Fresh Start Laundry, we treat stain checks as a process—pre-treat before washing, then inspect again before drying. That second check is where many “I thought it was gone” stains get saved.

Your simple at-home stain kit (what actually helps)

You don’t need a cabinet full of products. Most households do great with:

• Liquid laundry detergent (for most everyday stains)
• Dish soap (best for oils/grease)
• Oxygen-based stain remover (great for organic stains + brightening)
• Rubbing alcohol (for many ink stains)
• A soft brush or old toothbrush (gentle agitation)
• Clean white towel (blotting)

Curious about household “laundry hacks”? We broke down what actually works in: Vinegar vs Baking Soda vs Detergent .

How to remove grease & oil stains (food, lotion, butter)

Grease is common—and very fixable—if you treat it correctly.

1. Blot excess oil (don’t rub).
2. Apply dish soap directly to the stain and gently work it in.
3. Let it sit 10–15 minutes.
4. Rinse with cool water, then wash normally.
5. Check before drying. Repeat if needed.

Want the deep-dive version? Read: How to Remove Grease Stains From Clothes (Without Ruining Them) .

How to remove coffee & tea stains

1. Rinse from the back side of the fabric with cool water (push the stain out, not in).
2. Apply liquid detergent and let sit 5–10 minutes.
3. Wash on the warmest setting the care label allows.
4. Inspect before drying. If it’s faint, use an oxygen-based cleaner and rewash.

How to remove grass stains

Grass stains are tricky because they’re both protein and dye. The best approach is gentle, repeated treatment—not aggressive scrubbing.

1. Pre-treat with liquid detergent (or oxygen cleaner).
2. Use a soft brush to lightly work it in.
3. Let sit 15–30 minutes, then wash.
4. Air-dry to confirm success before using heat.

How to remove ink stains

1. Place a clean towel behind the stain.
2. Dab (don’t rub) with rubbing alcohol or alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
3. Blot until ink transfers to the towel.
4. Rinse with cool water, then wash.
5. Check before drying.

Always test first on an inside seam—some fabrics and dyes react differently.

How to remove wine, juice & berry stains

1. Blot immediately (no rubbing).
2. Rinse with cool water.
3. Soak with oxygen-based cleaner if available.
4. Wash and re-check before drying.

Common stain-removal mistakes (we see these daily)

• Drying “to see if it worked” (heat sets stains)
• Scrubbing too hard and damaging fibers
• Using bleach too early (or on the wrong fabric)
• Layering products without rinsing in between
• Waiting days before treating

When it’s smarter to let laundry experts handle it

Some stains aren’t just about the product—they’re about sequence, temperature control, and knowing how far you can push a fabric safely. If the item is expensive, delicate, or the stain has already been dried, professional handling can prevent permanent damage.

Learn more about our process here: How It Works and our wash & fold service here: Pick-Up & Delivery Wash & Fold. Have a question first? Visit the FAQ or contact us.

FAQ: How to Remove Common Laundry Stains

Should I always use cold water on stains?

Start with cool/cold water for most stains, especially unknown ones. Heat can set stains. After treatment, follow the care label for the wash cycle.

Why do stains come back after washing?

Some stains look “gone” when wet but reappear after drying. Always inspect in good light before using heat.

Can old stains still come out?

Sometimes—especially if they haven’t been heat-set. Results depend on the stain type, fabric, and how long it’s been there.

Is bleach the best stain remover?

Not usually. Bleach can damage fibers and isn’t safe for many fabrics. It’s typically a last resort and only for appropriate whites.

For more laundry education articles, visit: our blog.