No matter who you are, or where you go. Staining your clothes is a part of life. You won’t know when it’s coming but it’s bound to happen. A stain can turn a good meal into a clothing tragedy. There are some foods and drinks to be wary of, or at least careful while consuming, especially if you have your favorite shirt on. These are 5 of the most common food stains:
Coffee
Many people drink coffee every day, sometimes a few times a day. Well, that is a risky business because coffee stains can be quite a pain. On your way to work in the morning and you spill coffee on your shirt can ruin your day. Once coffee sets into the fabric, it leaves a noticeable faint yellowish-brown stain. Right when coffee spills, dab it with warm water and a splash of vinegar if you have some, if the stain has already set in you can try dish detergent or stain removing liquid.
Mustard
Mustard can turn a delicious hotdog into a race to the laundry room quick. Mustard is particularly nasty because it acts as a dye, making it tough to get out. As soon as the mustard spills, wipe up all the solid portion of the spill and rinse the remainder with cold water. Treat it with detergent or spot cleaner before putting it into the wash.
Berries
Blueberries, strawberries, blackberries, you name it, most berries will leave your clothes with a mean stain. Berry stains can usually be treated with a mixture of detergent and white vinegar. Rub the mixture into the stain and let it sit for a few minutes, then rinse it off with hot water.
Tomato Sauce
Basically, any tomato-based sauce will leave a stain on your clothes. Ketchup and pasta sauce being the most common. Make sure to use cold water for tomato stains, a cold water, white vinegar, the detergent mixture can be soaked into the stain for a half hour and that should do the trick. If residue remains, just repeat the process until the stain is clear.
Grease
Grease stains are tough because they cannot be treated with water. For grease stains, cover the stain with a layer of cornstarch and let it sit, for about 30 minutes before gently rubbing the starch into the stain. Take the starch off and the stain should have faded dramatically, and then liquid detergent can be used to finish the job.
Some of these stain removal techniques differ and may require some creativity. Know that all stains are not permanent though and don’t be scared to eat your favorite foods. If you have any questions regarding stain removal or which wash cycle to use to fight certain stains, contact the experts at Automatic Laundry.
