How to Get a Tough Stain Out of a Shirt

It may looked ruined, but with quick action you can make a stained shirt look new. Determine the type of stain on the garment, then choose an enzyme stain remover for food or oil-based stains. For dye stains, use an all-fabric liquid bleach diluted with water. Apply the stain remover first, for combination stains. You may substitute a heavy-duty liquid or powder detergent for the enzyme stain remover. Add water to powder detergent to form a paste.

Enzyme stain remover (spray or stick)
Water
Clean white cloths

Instructions

- 1
  Presoak the stain in cold water for 30 minutes. This will loosen the stain on a washable garment. For older stains, add liquid detergent to the cold water.
- 2
  Test the stain remover on the underside of the fabric or hidden seam. Rinse with water after 5 minutes. If there is no fading or bleeding, the stain remover is safe to use.
- 3
  Place the garment, stain side down, onto an absorbent white cloth. Apply the stain remover to another white cloth, and gently dab the stain. Begin on the outer edge of the stain and work inward. Periodically rotate the bottom white cloth as it absorbs the stain.
- 4
  Repeat the process until the entire stain is completely removed. If using a diluted bleach solution, thoroughly rinse the stained area with water between applications.
- 5
  Wash the shirt according to the garment’s care label. Check for any residual stains before placing the garment in the dryer. If necessary, repeat the stain removal steps.

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