The Ultimate Stain Removal Guide - What To Do Now
Have you ever been harassed by stubborn stains that just won't go away? From juicy ketchup stains to spilled wine, dirt, or grass, it can be troublesome. Fortunately, we at New Wave Laundry, your local self-service laundromat in Salem, Oregon, have compiled this practical 'Ultimate Stain Removal Guide'. The guide covers all sorts of laundry detergents, including the new ones we carry at our laundromat, should you require any.
Let's dive right into it. It's essential to understand that stains are not created equal—they vary significantly in source and stubbornness, so proper handling depends on the nature of the stain. However, regardless of the stain, immediate response can significantly increase the likelihood of effective removal. Given that, here are the go-to techniques for dealing with common types of stains.
New Wave Laundromat Stain Treatment
Professionally washed, dried and treated
Friendly, 24/7 staffing
Affordable and convenient
At New Wave Laundromat in Salem, Oregon, we provide a stain removal service available with our amazing wash dry fold service. This allows you to get tough stains removed without lifting a finger after dropping off your laundry. This service is a fast, easy and allows us to do the work for you.
Just drop your clothes off at our location in Salem, have your choice of liquid laundry detergent and any other special requests and we will get right on it with a 24-48 hour turnaround, depending on your laundry service choice.
Benefits of High Quality Washing Machines
High quality washing machines allow for the best chance at removing stains from clothes. At New Wave Laundromat, we offer the highest quality commercial-grade washing machines and dryers to ensure damage free and stain free clothing.
1. Food Stains
Food stains like sauces, grease, chocolate, or fruits can be nagging. To tackle such stains, begin by gently scraping off any excess food then blot the stain with a clean white cloth or paper towel. Apply a pre-laundry stain remover, but if you don't have that at hand, white vinegar can be a great alternative. Next, select a suitable detergent. If you look into our post 'how much does a load of laundry cost to do', liquid detergents work perfectly for treating food stains.
"Liquid detergents are perfect for food stains, as their active enzymes are excellent at cutting through fats, oils, and proteins in food stains."
Next, soak the stained clothing in warm water for a few minutes then wash normally. For stubborn stains, you might need to repeat the process.
2. Ink Stains
Ink can stain your clothes in a blink of an eye, but the good news is that these stains can be removed. Start by placing a towel underneath the stained spot, then apply alcohol-based hairspray or hand sanitizer to the stain until it's thoroughly soaked. Let it sit for about 15 minutes, then dab the stain with a clean cloth until the ink lifts.
3. Blood Stains
Dealing with blood is quite a challenge, and it gets trickier when the blood dries. But don't worry, we've got you covered in our 'frequently asked laundry questions' page. Our top recommendation for removing blood stains is hydrogen peroxide.
Rinse immediately with cold water, then apply a small amount of hydrogen peroxide (3%) and let it fizz. Rinse again and apply your preferred liquid detergent directly to the stain. Wash as normal in a machine, and see the magic.
Lastly, the lifetime of your detergent is crucial in stain removal. Be sure to check out our recommendations on 'how long does laundry detergent last.' Your detergent needs to be potent for effective stain removal.
If you need more personalized assistance with your laundry needs, our contact page is always open for inquiries. New Wave Laundry is all about making your laundry days less daunting and more efficient. Happy washing!
4. Grass Stains
Grass stains can be a stubborn mess, especially on white clothes. But with the right process, you can get rid of them. Firstly, pre-treat the stained area with a liquid detergent. Our occupational hazard at New Wave Laundry is testing all sorts of detergents, hence we've got a variety of new ones in store, just in case you need a refill. After pre-treating the stain, let it sit for about 15 minutes then rinse with warm water. You can also use a soft brush to gently rub the detergent into the cloth fibers before rinsing.
5. Wine Stains
Celebrations can potentially lead to the unavoidable wine spill, and wine stains can be hard to remove if not dealt with immediately. But don't worry, there's a quick fix. Rinse the stain with cold water then apply a liberal amount of salt on the wet stain and let it sit. The salt should soak up the wine, turning into a pink color. Rinse the stain and apply a liquid detergent directly to it. Let it sit for a few minutes before washing.
6. Coffee Stains
Coffee stains are common culprits that can dampen your day. The key to eliminating coffee stains is acting fast. Start by blotting the excess coffee with a clean, dry cloth. Then rinse the back of the stain with cold water. Apply a liquid detergent and gently rub into the fabric. As detailed in our 'self-service laundry' guide, rinse thoroughly, then wash the clothing item in the washing machine.
"With persistent coffee stains, you may need to repeat the process until the stain is completely gone."
7. Sweat Stains
Sweat stains appear on clothes due to the reaction between the proteins in sweat and the aluminum in antiperspirants. Treating these stains can be quite easy. Simply create a mixture of baking soda, vinegar, and water. Apply this paste to the affected area and let it sit for about one hour. Once dry, wash as normal and the stain should lift off.
At New Wave Laundry, our goal is to make your laundry days as easy as possible. We equip you with practical stain removal and laundering tips to keep your clothes looking new and fresh. If you wish to explore more about laundry costs, detergents, and self-service tips, feel free to delve into our insightful 'how to laundry blog'.
Happy laundry(ing) at New Wave! We're always here to assist you in your journey to clean, stain-free clothes. Remember, if you have any queries about our laundromat services, don't hesitate to reach out through our contact page.
What Stains Are The Hardest to Remove and Why?
Overall, most stains in clothing are removable. But depending on the type of stain, material type of the clothing and how long the stain has been on the clothes, it can make the process tough. The key is attacking the stain as early as possible to give you the best chance of an easy removal.
Bodily Fluid Stains
Complexity of Proteins
Bodily fluids like blood and sweat contain complex proteins that bind tightly to fabric fibers when they dry. These proteins create a strong molecular bond that is hard to break, making the stain more resistant to removal.
pH Levels
The pH level of bodily fluids can also contribute to the difficulty of stain removal. For example, sweat is acidic and can react with the fabric, setting the stain more deeply.
Time Sensitivity
Immediate action is often required for effective removal of bodily fluids. The longer the stain sits, the harder it becomes to remove, as the proteins have more time to set.
Red Wine Stains
Tannins
Red wine is rich in tannins, which are organic substances found in plants. Tannins are known for their strong bonding capabilities, which make them particularly hard to remove once they've attached themselves to fabric.
Color Pigments
The deep, rich color of red wine comes from pigments that are also highly adhesive to fabric. These pigments can penetrate deeply into the fibers, making the stain more resistant to removal.
Alcohol Content
The alcohol in red wine can act as a solvent, helping the stain to penetrate more deeply into the fabric and set more quickly, making it harder to remove.
Tomato Sauce Stains
Natural Dyes
Tomatoes contain natural dyes that are highly pigmented and can easily adhere to fabric. These dyes can penetrate deeply into the fibers, making them difficult to remove.
Oil Content
Tomato sauce often contains oils, which can create a barrier that water-based cleaning agents find hard to penetrate. This makes the stain more resistant to common cleaning methods.
Acidity
The acidity of tomatoes can cause the stain to set more quickly, especially on natural fibers like cotton, making it more challenging to remove.
