Stains removal guide

Issue

• Stains removal guide
• How to remove different types of stains?

Applies to

• washing machines

Resolution

Shoe polish:

Garments which must be boil-washed:

• Dab the stain with liquid detergent. Leave it to soak for a few hours, then wash the clothing using an enzymatic detergent at the highest temperature the clothing allows. Wash white garments using an enzymatic detergent with bleach.

Garments which must be colour-washed:

• The same procedure as listed above under “Clothes which need to be boil-washed”.

Garments which must be washed in a wool cycle:

• Treat bright woollen clothing with turpentine oil. However, dark woollen clothing must be treated with alcohol. Then thoroughly wash clothes in soapy water, adding 8% undiluted ammonia. Rub woollen socks with diluted alcohol or heated alcohol. Then wash with 8% undiluted ammonia.

Garments which must be washed in a silk cycle:

• The same procedure as listed above under “Clothes which need to be washed in a wool cycle”. 

Rust:

Garments which must be boil-washed: 

• Rub the stain with salt and lemon juice. Let it stand and work overnight. Wash coloured clothing with an enzymatic detergent. Wash white garments using an enzymatic detergent with bleach.

Garments which must be colour-washed: 

• Leave the stain to soak overnight in buttermilk. Then wash the garment with an enzymatic detergent. Wash white garments using an enzymatic detergent with bleach.

Garments which must be washed in a wool cycle: 

• Dab bright wool clothing with lemon juice. Then rinse well before washing the clothes. Dark wool clothing needs treating as described above.

Garments which must be washed in a silk cycle: 

• Dab the stain with lemon juice, before rinsing your clothes well. 

Dust and dirt:

Garments which must be hot- or colour-washed: 

• Stains originating from soil and dust should dry before brushing away. Then wipe it down using warm water with 8% undiluted ammonia. Very dirty clothing should be soaked in a borax solution. Then wash the garment using an enzymatic detergent. Wash white clothes using an enzymatic detergent with bleach.

Garments which must be washed in a wool cycle: 

• Blend one egg yolk with alcohol and rub the mixture into the stain. Allow to dry and brush the spot on the clothing.

Garments which must be washed in a silk cycle: 

• Rub the stain off with alcohol. Allow to dry, brush the clothes and wash in warm water. Brush black silk clothes with black coffee and rub dry. 

Soot:

Garments which must be boil-washed:

• It is almost impossible to remove soot from your clothing. You should not rub soot stains. You can try to brush the soot stain away. Sprinkle salt over any remaining stain. Leave it for several hours, then shake it off. Wash the garment using an enzymatic detergent. Wash white garments using an enzymatic detergent with bleach.

Garments which must be colour-washed:

• Shake and brush off the clothes, then sprinkle hot potato flour over the stain. Leave it to stand, then shake the clothing and wash it, if necessary with an enzymatic detergent. Wash white garments using an enzymatic detergent with bleach.

Garments which must be washed using a wool or silk cycle:

• Do not rub the stain. You can shake and brush the clothing. Any soot residue can be removed with soft bread, before sprinkling hot potato flour over the stain. Leave it to stand, then shake and wash the clothing.  

Oil and grease:

Garments which must be boil-washed:

• Apply potato or rye flour to the stain. Let it dry and then brush it off. Rinse off with cold water and wash it in warm water. Blot stubborn stains with a degreasing agent or rub in enzymatic liquid soap and place the garment in a sealed plastic bag for a few hours. Then wash the garment at the highest possible temperature. Wash coloured garments with an enzymatic detergent. Wash white garments using an enzymatic detergent with bleach.

Garments which must be colour-washed:

• Apply potato or rye flour to the stains. Brush away and wash the garment using an enzymatic detergent. Wash white garments using an enzymatic detergent with bleach.

Garments which must be washed in a wool cycle:

• Apply potato or rye flour to the stains. Rub it away and brush it off. Then wash the garment.

Garments which must be washed in a silk cycle:

• Rub off new stains immediately with alcohol. You can also apply potato flour to the stain and then flatten the garment between two sheets of absorbent paper with an iron. Rub 8% undiluted ammonia solution into black silk garments. Then iron the garment between two towels.

Paints, dyes:

Garments which must be boil-washed:

• Dab oil colour stains with turpentine oil immediately. Place absorbent paper on it afterwards. Dab acrylic paint with a mixture of alcohol and a little 8% undiluted ammonia. Place absorbent paper on it. Repeat this process several times. Then wash the garment with an enzymatic detergent. Wash white garments using an enzymatic detergent containing bleach.

Garments which must be colour-washed:

• Rub the stain with a mixture of four parts alcohol, three parts soft soap and one part 8% undiluted ammonia. Soak this up using absorbent paper, and wash the clothing with an enzymatic detergent. Wash white garments using an enzymatic detergent containing bleach.

Garments which must be washed in a wool cycle:

• Dab the stains with turpentine oil, then soak it up using absorbent paper. Rub off old stains using a mixture of equal parts of turpentine oil, soft soap and 8% undiluted ammonia solution. Use absorbent paper to soak up any residue. Rinse immediately afterwards with water, then wash the garment.

Garments which must be washed in a silk cycle:

• First, perform a test to check if the garment is suitable for this process. Do this in a place where any damage is minimised. Rub off stains using a mixture of turpentine oil, 8% undiluted ammonia solution and soft soap. Use absorbent paper to soak up any residue, then wash the garment.

Tomato sauce:

Garments which must be boil- or colour-washed:

• Leave the clothing to soak in a mixture of hot water and glycerin for approx. one hour. Then rinse the clothing with water and wash with an enzymatic detergent. Wash white garments using an enzymatic detergent containing bleach.

Garments which must be washed using a wool or silk cycle:

• Rinse fresh stains immediately, then wash with a suitable detergent. Dampen old stains with a liquid detergent. Then, after a few hours, wash with a suitable detergent. Any stain residue can be bleached, but you need to do it with extreme caution. Make a porridge, using a detergent containing bleach, and place it on the stain. Keep the spot damp by placing a piece of plastic over the top of it. After a few hours, rub the stain gently and rinse with water – repeat the process if necessary.  

Vomit:

Garments which must be boil- or colour-washed:

• Rinse with water, then wash the clothing with an enzymatic detergent. Wash white garments using an enzymatic detergent containing bleach. The washing temperature must be at least 60°C.

Garments which must be washed using a wool or silk cycle:

• Rinse the garment thoroughly and then wash with a detergent designed for wool or silk.  

Tobacco:

Garments which must be boil-washed:

• Rub off the stain with glycerin. Leave it to stay for an hour. Then rinse with clean alcohol, before washing the clothes with an enzymatic detergent. Wash white garments using an enzymatic detergent containing bleach.

Garments which must be colour-washed:

• Rub off the stain using a mixture of glycerin and egg yolk. Leave it to stay for an hour. Then rinse off with alcohol and wash the clothes with an enzymatic detergent. Wash white garments using an enzymatic detergent containing bleach.

Garments which must be washed in a wool cycle:

• Rub off the stain using a mixture of glycerin and egg yolk. Leave it to stay for an hour. Then wash off using alcohol, before washing the clothes in soapy water.

Garments which must be washed in a silk cycle:

• Rub off the stain with glycerin. Leave it to stay for an hour. Then remove the stain using alcohol.  

Beer:

Garments which must be boil-washed:

• Soak the stain in 8% undiluted ammonia, before washing the clothing with an enzymatic detergent. Wash white garments using an enzymatic detergent containing bleach.

Garments which must be colour-washed:

• Rub the stain with hot diluted vinegar, then wash the clothing. Before washing the clothing with enzymatic detergent, soak old stains with glycerin. Wash white garments using an enzymatic detergent containing bleach.

Garments which must be washed in a wool cycle:

• Rub the stain with saltwater. Then rinse with warm water.

Garments which must be washed in a silk cycle:

• Before washing the clothes, rub the stain with a mixture of 50% alcohol and 50% water.  

Eggs:

Garments which must be boil-washed:

• Allow the egg residue to dry in and brush it off. Then rinse with cold water before washing the clothes. Soak old stains with glycerine before washing the clothes with an enzymatic detergent. Wash white garments using an enzymatic detergent containing bleach.

Garments which must be colour-washed:

• Allow the egg residue to dry in and brush it off. Then rub the stain with alcohol and wash the clothes. Soak egg yolk stains in soapy water and wash in warm water. Use enzymatic detergent. For white clothing, use enzymatic detergent with bleach.

Garments which must be washed in a wool cycle:

• Allow the egg residue to dry in and brush it off. Soak old stains with glycerine before washing the clothes.

Garments which must be washed in a silk cycle:

• Allow the egg residue to dry in and brush it off. Rub the stain with a piece of cloth dipped in 8% undiluted ammonia. Then wipe down with a damp cloth.  

Tea:

Garments which must be boil-washed:

• Remove old stains using alcohol. Alternatively, put clothes to soak in warm borax water before washing with an enzymatic detergent. For white clothes, select an enzymatic detergent with bleach.

Garments which must be colour-washed:

• Soak the stain with liquid detergent. Leave it to stay for a few hours, then wash the clothing in the normal way with an enzymatic detergent. Wash white clothing with an enzymatic detergent.

Garments which must be washed in a wool cycle:

• Whisk an egg yolk and glycerin. Rub the stain with this mixture. Leave to stand for approximately one hour, then rinse with warm water.

Garments which must be washed in a silk cycle:

• Soak new stains in cold water before washing the clothes. Treat old stains with glycerin. 

Sweat:

Garments which must be boil-washed:

• Dab the stain with clean alcohol before washing the clothes. If you encounter stubborn stains, the clothing can be washed in a crystal soda solution, or with an enzymatic detergent. Wash white garments using an enzymatic detergent containing bleach.

Garments which must be colour-washed:

• First, dab the stain with water and then with 8% undiluted ammonia and water. Dab sensitive colours with diluted vinegar, before washing the clothes in enzymatic detergent. Wash white garments using an enzymatic detergent with bleach.

Garments which must be washed in a wool cycle:

• Rub stains on white wool clothing with a powerful saline solution. Then rinse. Treat coloured wool clothing and old stains with diluted vinegar.

Garments which must be washed in a silk cycle:

• Sweat can destroy silk. Therefore, silk clothing that has sweat stains must be washed so soon as possible with unsalted potato water, with a little 8% undiluted ammonia added. 

Urine:

Garments which must be boil-washed:

• Rinse the garment and then wash it in the normal way.

Garments which must be washed using a wool or silk cycle:

• Rinse the garment and then wash it in the normal way.

Chewing gum:

Garments which must be boil- or colour-washed:

• Place an ice pack on the stain or put the garment in the freezer. Then scrape/break off as much of it as possible. Remove any excess chewing gum carefully using purified petrol (flammable). Then wash the garment in a normal way.

Garments which must be washed using a wool or silk cycle:

• Place an ice pack on the stain or put the garment in the freezer. Then scrape/break off as much of it as possible. Then remove any excess chewing gum carefully using purified petrol (flammable). Then wash the garment in a normal way.

Wax:

Garments which must be boil- or colour-washed:

• First, crumble off the wax. Scratch off residue and iron the stain out between absorbent paper. Remove any residue with alcohol. Then wash the garment with an enzymatic detergent. Wash white garments using an enzymatic detergent containing bleach. 

Garments which must be colour-washed:

• Place the clothes in cold water and rub the stain until the wax falls off. Iron any residue between absorbent paper using an iron. Remove any blotches with alcohol. Rub coloured wax stains with alcohol before washing the clothing with an enzymatic detergent. Wash white garments using an enzymatic detergent containing bleach.

Garments which must be washed using a wool or silk cycle:

• Dab warm water on the back of the clothing to melt the wax. Draw this out carefully using absorbent paper. Treat any coloured blotches with alcohol. 

Wine:

Garments which must be boil-washed:

• Sprinkle salt over red wine stains. Leave to stay, dab with lemon juice and wash with warm water. Soak old stains in buttermilk before washing the clothes. Rub champagne stains with warm water and soak in warm lemon water. Then wash the clothes with an enzymatic detergent. Wash white garments using an enzymatic detergent containing bleach.

Garments which must be colour-washed:

• Sprinkle potato flour over the stain. Brush off any residue before wiping with a borax solution. Then wash the clothes. Soak old stains in glycerin before starting the treatment discussed. Then wash the garment with an enzymatic detergent. Wash white garments using an enzymatic detergent containing bleach.

Garments which must be washed in a wool cycle:

• Sprinkle salt on the stain immediately. Wash the clothes as usual, but add 8% undiluted ammonia, and then rinse well. Treat stubborn stains with salt potato water before washing the clothes a second time.

Garments which must be washed in a silk cycle:

• Sprinkle the stain with absorbent material. Leave it to dry before brushing. Treat stains on light silk clothing with a soap solution. Sprinkle potash on the stain and leave for two days. Then wash the garment.

Discoloured clothing:

• White clothing (not wool), that has become discoloured can be restored to brilliant white by soaking in warm water with a mixture of sodium dithionite and sodium bicarbonate (soda), 1 tbsp. of each per litre of water.  

Chocolate:

Garments which must be boil-washed:

• Scrape off any chocolate gently with a knife. Dab the stain with warm, soapy water. Then wash the garment with an enzymatic detergent. Wash white garments using an enzymatic detergent containing bleach. 

Garments which must be colour-washed:

• Scrape off any chocolate gently with a knife. Then follow the same procedure as described above. Treat old stains with glycerin and alcohol. Then wash the garment with an enzymatic detergent. Wash white garments using an enzymatic detergent containing bleach.

Garments which must be washed in a wool cycle:

• Scrape off any chocolate gently with a knife. Rub off the stain using egg yolk and glycerin. Leave it to stay. Rinse off, firstly with cold water and then with warm water, before washing the clothes.

Garments which must be washed in a silk cycle:

• Scrape off any chocolate gently with a knife. Rub the stain with alcohol, then rinse carefully with warm water. 

Fruit:

Garments which must be boil-washed:

• Most stains from fruit will disappear when the clothes are washed with an enzymatic detergent. Wash white garments using an enzymatic detergent containing bleach. 

Garments which must be colour-washed:

• Pour boiling water over new stains. Treat old stains with 8% undiluted ammonia solution, and soak the stain in warm milk. Then rinse with saltwater. Wash the garment with an enzymatic detergent. Wash white garments using an enzymatic detergent containing bleach.

Garments which must be washed in a wool cycle:

• Rub the stain off with alcohol. For white wool clothing, use lemon juice. You can use soapy water on stubborn stains, adding 8% undiluted ammonia. Then wash thoroughly.

Garments which must be washed in a silk cycle:

• Rub the stain with alcohol or 8% undiluted ammonia. Dab stains on light silk clothing with lemon juice, then rub with alcohol immediately,    

Blood:

Garments which must be boil- or colour-washed:

• Rinse the clothes in cold water. Before washing, soak it in cold saltwater. Dab old stains with 8% undiluted ammonia. Then wash the garment with an enzymatic detergent. Wash white garments using an enzymatic detergent containing bleach. 

Garments which must be washed in a wool cycle:

• Rinse the clothes in cold water immediately, before leaving to soak. Alternatively, dab the stain using cold sodium bicarbonate water and rubbing between your fingers. Then rinse the clothing thoroughly with cold water.

Garments which must be washed in a silk cycle:

• Rub new stains using a cloth with alcohol, and use absorbent paper several times to soak it up.  

Petrol, kerosene, fuel oil:

Garments which must be boil- or colour-washed:

• Soak the stain in dissolved enzymatic detergent. After a few hours, wash clothing at the maximum recommended temperature. Wash white garments using an enzymatic detergent containing bleach. 

Garments which must be washed using a wool or silk cycle:

• Treat the stain exclusively with 8% undiluted ammonia, then wash the clothes with a detergent designed for wool or silk. 

Burn marks and scorched stains:

Garments which must be boil-washed:

• Sprinkle salt, lemon juice, vinegar water and brown sugar on the wet clothes. Leave them in the sun for a short time. Rinse the clothes, then wash with an enzymatic detergent. Wash white garments using an enzymatic detergent containing bleach. 

Garments which must be colour-washed:

• Brush the stain. Wipe off the stain with borax water and rub with glycerin. Repeat this process as necessary. Then wash the garment with an enzymatic detergent. Wash white garments using an enzymatic detergent containing bleach.

Garments which must be washed in a wool cycle:

• Apply to the stain a mixture of clay, sugar, starch and water. Leave it to dry and brush the stain. Rub white wool clothing with lemon juice. Dampen the stain. Then rinse with clear water.

Garments which must be washed in a silk cycle:

• On light silk clothing, apply to the stain a mixture of bicarbonate of soda and water. Leave it to dry in the sun, then carefully brush the stain. On dark silk clothing, wipe the stain immediately with a mixture of water and alcohol.

Ink:

Garments which must be boil-washed:

• Place the garment that has a stain on an absorbent surface. Dab the stain with alcohol several times. Then wash the garment with an enzymatic detergent. Wash white garments using an enzymatic detergent containing bleach. 

Garments which must be colour-washed:

• Dissolve the stain with buttermilk or glycerin. Soak stubborn stains in vinegar or milk the day before washing the clothes. Remove stains from a ballpoint pen using alcohol. Then wash the garment with an enzymatic detergent. Wash white garments using an enzymatic detergent containing bleach.

Garments which must be washed in a wool cycle:

• Dab the stain with milk. Leave to stand. Place absorbent paper on it afterwards. Rinse the clothes with cold water and wash them. Remove stains from a ballpoint pen using alcohol.

Garments which must be washed in a silk cycle:

• The site of the stain must be soaked in milk for 24 hours, before washing the clothes in cold, and then warm soapy water. Remove stains from a ballpoint pen using alcohol. 

Bird droppings:

Garments which must be boil-washed:

• Rub the stain with hot saltwater. Soak any dried-on stains in saltwater, then wash the clothing with an enzymatic detergent. Wash white garments using an enzymatic detergent containing bleach. 

Garments which must be colour-washed:

• Rub the stain with warm salt water and brush off with soapy water. Soak any dried stains in saltwater. Then wash the garment with an enzymatic detergent. Wash white garments using an enzymatic detergent containing bleach. 

Garments which must be washed in a wool cycle:

• Soak the clothes in saltwater and wash them.

Garments which must be washed in a silk cycle:

• Rub the stain with hot salt water, then rub with clear water. Do not bleach clothes. 

Cod liver oil:

Garments which must be boil-washed:

• Dab the stain with tartaric acid and soak in water overnight. Then wash the garment with an enzymatic detergent. Wash white garments using an enzymatic detergent containing bleach.

Garments which must be colour-washed:

• Firstly, rub the stain with a crystal soda solution and then with undiluted vinegar. Wash the garment with an enzymatic detergent. Wash white garments using an enzymatic detergent containing bleach.

Garments which must be washed in a wool cycle:

• Treat the stain exclusively with 8% undiluted ammonia. Garments which must be washed in a silk cycle: Remove the stain with 8% undiluted ammonia. 

Curry:

Garments which must be boil- or colour-washed:

• If possible, wash the clothes in an enzymatic detergent immediately. Wash white garments using an enzymatic detergent containing bleach. If the stain does not disappear completely, soak the stain in hydrogen peroxide. Rinse the garment thoroughly and wash it again.

Garments which must be washed in a wool cycle:

• Dab the stain with turpentine oil, then soak it up with absorbent paper. Rub off old stains using a mixture of equal parts of turpentine oil, soft soap and 8% undiluted ammonia solution. Use absorbent paper to soak up any residue. Rinse immediately afterwards with water, then wash the garment.

Garments which must be washed in a silk cycle:

• First, perform a test to check if the garment is suitable for this process. Do this in a place where any damage is minimised. Rub off stains using a mixture of turpentine oil, 8% undiluted ammonia solution and soft soap. Use absorbent paper to soak up any residue, then wash the garment.

Milk, yoghurt and ice cream:

Garments which must be boil-washed:

• Start by washing milk stains in cold soapy water, and then with warm soapy water. Rub off yoghurt stains with lukewarm water. Brush off old stains and wipe afterwards with warm water. Then wash the garment with an enzymatic detergent. Wash white garments using an enzymatic detergent containing bleach. Simply wash coloured clothes that have ice-cream stains with an enzymatic detergent. Wash white clothing with an enzymatic detergent containing bleach. 

Clothes which need to be colour-washed or washed on a wool cycle:

• Start by washing milk stains in cold soapy water, and then with warm water. Rub off yoghurt stains with lukewarm water. Brush off old stains and wipe afterwards with warm water. Wash clothes that have ice-cream stains with an enzymatic detergent.

Garments which must be washed in a silk cycle:

• Remove new stains with lukewarm water. Rub old stains with a mixture of alcohol and 8% undiluted ammonia, then wipe down with water. 

Lipstick, perfume, cosmetics:

Garments which must be boil- or colour-washed:

• Soak stains from cosmetics or lipstick in glycerin. Dab any residual stains with 8% undiluted ammonia. Soak the clothes in soapy water, then wash with an enzymatic detergent. Wash white garments using an enzymatic detergent containing bleach.

Garments which must be washed in a wool cycle:

• Rub stains from cosmetics or lipstick with glycerin. Leave to stand and for a few hours. Then wash the garment. Dab perfume stains with alcohol and wash with soapy water.

Garments which must be washed in a silk cycle:

• Rub stains from cosmetics or lipstick with a glycerine mixture, then dab with 8% undiluted ammonia. Rub with clear water. Dab perfume stains with alcohol, then rub with water. 

Resin:

Garments which must be boil-washed:

• Scratch off resin immediately. Then rub the stain with alcohol or turpentine oil. Use absorbent paper several times to absorb the liquid. Finally, dab the stain with turpentine oil. Then wash the garment with an enzymatic detergent. Wash white garments using an enzymatic detergent containing bleach. 

Garments which must be colour-washed:

• Dab the stain with alcohol, then wash the clothing. Iron out any remaining stains using absorbent paper. Then wash the garment with an enzymatic detergent. Wash white garments using an enzymatic detergent containing bleach.

Garments which must be washed in a wool cycle:

• Scratch off any resin first. Then rub the stain with grease and soap. Leave it to stay. Wash the clothes with warm water mixed with a few drops of turpentine oil.

Garments which must be washed in a silk cycle:

• Apply grease to the stain. Then leave it to stand. Apply a mix of potato flour and alcohol to grease stains. Allow it to dry. Then iron it using absorbent paper. Repeat this process several times.  

Grass:

Garments which must be boil-washed:

• Rub the stain with lemon juice. Soak old stains with soured milk, then rinse off with milk. Rinse the clothes well, then wash with an enzymatic detergent. Wash white garments using an enzymatic detergent containing bleach. 

Garments which must be colour-washed:

• Under no circumstances should you treat the stain with water, as this makes it difficult to remove. Instead, rub the stain with 8% undiluted ammonia, then rinse the clothing and wash with an enzymatic detergent at the highest temperature the clothing allows. Wash white garments using an enzymatic detergent containing bleach.

Garments which must be washed in a wool cycle:

• Sprinkle the stain with 8% undiluted ammonia, and dab it carefully. Then rinse with cold water.

Garments which must be washed in a silk cycle:

• Dab the stain with a mix of three parts alcohol and one part 8% undiluted ammonia, then dab immediately with cold water. 

Coffee:

Garments which must be boil-washed:

• Rinse new stains with lukewarm saltwater immediately before washing in warm, soapy water. Soak old stains in lukewarm saltwater and then rub with egg yolk and glycerin. Rinse the clothes, first in cold, then in lukewarm water. White clothing can be bleached using a mixture of one part hydrogen peroxide and nine parts water. Rinse and wash the clothes with an enzymatic detergent. Wash white garments using an enzymatic detergent containing bleach.

Garments which must be colour-washed:

• Soak the stained spot in milk., then rinse with lukewarm water. Wash the garment with an enzymatic detergent. Wash white garments using an enzymatic detergent containing bleach.

Garments which must be washed in a wool cycle:

• Dampen the stain with glycerin, then wash in lukewarm water. Iron out the stain using absorbent paper. Garments which must be washed in a silk cycle: Rub off the stain using egg yolk and glycerin. After 30 mins, rinse with lukewarm water. 

Mould:

Garments which must be boil- or colour-washed:

• Wash the clothes using an enzymatic detergent with bleach.

Garments which must be washed using a wool or silk cycle:

• Rub gently with household vinegar and then wash with a detergent designed for wool or silk. If the clothes still smell, dab with water mixed with Rodalon – follow the user manual for Rodalon.