How to Remove Stubborn Stains from Clothing and Linens: The Ultimate Guide

Stubborn stains are every laundry enthusiast’s nightmare. Whether it’s red wine on a white shirt, grease on your favorite jeans, or blood on bed sheets, knowing how to treat different stains properly can save you time, money, and stress.

This comprehensive, long-form guide will walk you through proven techniques to remove the most persistent stains from clothing and linens using natural ingredients, store-bought solutions, and expert tips.

Understanding the Nature of Stains

Before we jump into treatments, it’s important to understand how stains work:

Fresh stains are easier to remove.
Heat sets most stains permanently, especially protein-based stains like blood or dairy.
Rubbing too hard can damage fibers and spread the stain.
Always test any cleaning method on a small hidden area first.

Types of Common Stains & How to Remove Each

1. Grease & Oil Stains (butter, cooking oil, makeup)

What to use: Dish soap or baking soda
How to clean:

Blot off excess oil with paper towel.
Apply liquid dish soap directly to the stain and gently rub with fingers or a toothbrush.
Let it sit for 10–15 minutes.
Rinse with warm water, then wash as usual.

Pro tip: For older stains, sprinkle baking soda on the fabric and let it sit for 30 minutes before applying soap.

2. Blood Stains

What to use: Cold water, hydrogen peroxide
How to clean:

Always use cold water—never hot.
Soak the fabric in cold water immediately.
Apply hydrogen peroxide (3%) to the stain and blot gently.
Rinse and repeat if necessary.

Note: For dried blood, soak in cold saltwater before using peroxide.

3. Wine, Juice & Berry Stains

What to use: Vinegar, baking soda, salt
How to clean:

Blot the stain without rubbing.
Pour white vinegar on the stain.
Sprinkle baking soda on top and let it fizz.
After 10 minutes, rinse and launder.

Alternative: Salt can absorb red wine if applied immediately.

4. Coffee or Tea Stains

What to use: Vinegar + dish soap
How to clean:

Mix 1 tablespoon vinegar, 1 tablespoon dish soap, and 2 cups warm water.
Blot the stain using a sponge or cloth dipped in the mixture.
Rinse with cold water and repeat if needed.

5. Sweat & Yellow Armpit Stains

What to use: Baking soda paste
How to clean:

Mix 4 tablespoons baking soda with a little water to make a paste.
Rub into the stain and leave for at least 1 hour.
Wash normally.

Optional: Add lemon juice for extra whitening.

6. Ink or Marker Stains

What to use: Rubbing alcohol or hairspray
How to clean:

Dab rubbing alcohol or hairspray directly onto the stain.
Place a paper towel underneath to absorb ink.
Gently blot, rinse with cold water, and wash.

7. Grass Stains

What to use: Vinegar and baking soda OR enzyme-based detergent
How to clean:

Mix equal parts vinegar and water, apply to the stain.
Sprinkle baking soda and scrub lightly.
Let sit, then rinse and wash.

8. Paint Stains

What to use: Dish soap for water-based, acetone for oil-based
How to clean:

For water-based paints, rinse with warm water and scrub with dish soap.
For oil-based paints, use a small amount of acetone (nail polish remover) on the area, then wash.

Cleaning Linens, Bedding & Towels

Larger items need a different approach:

General Method:

Soak in hot water + 1 cup vinegar for 1 hour.
Add ½ cup baking soda and regular detergent in the wash cycle.
Dry in sunlight to help naturally bleach out any residue.

For mildew or musty smells:

Use borax or oxygen bleach in the wash.
Always dry completely before folding or storing.

Best Commercial Stain Removers (2025)

If DIY doesn’t cut it, these products have great results:

OxiClean MaxForce Spray – for protein & oil stains
Shout Advanced Gel – especially for greasy stains
Zout Triple Enzyme Formula – targets sweat, food, and blood
Fels-Naptha Soap Bar – old-fashioned but effective

Extra Tips to Prevent Stains

Always treat stains before drying the fabric.
Avoid bleach on protein-based stains like blood or milk.
Don’t overload your washer; give clothes room to rinse.
Air dry first if you’re unsure if the stain is gone—heat sets stains permanently.