- What causes detergent stains?
- What you need to remove detergent stains
- How to get detergent stains out of clothes
- How to get stains out after the clothes are dry
- How to remove detergent pod stains
- Bonus: How to prevent detergent stains
When you’re washing your clothing, accidents can happen. It’s super frustrating, but you can easily end up with detergent stains on your favourite clothes. Whether you’re faced with stubborn blue marks from liquid detergent or residues from detergent pods, these can be hard to manage. Chances are, you have no idea where to start and don’t want to make it worse.
But don’t worry! The truth is that most stains are entirely removable so long as you know the proper techniques. In this guide, we’ll cover everything from how to get detergent stains out of clothes after drying to how to tackle specific challenges like blue stains on white fabrics. Here’s what you must know when dealing with pesky detergent stains on your clothes.
What causes detergent stains?
We’re glad you asked! Detergent stains happen when washing products — whether liquid, powder, pods, or sheets — fail to dissolve correctly during the wash cycle. That can happen by sheer accident in the wash or may be the result of your water being too low in temperature.
These stains often appear as white streaks, blue splotches, or greasy-looking marks. They are particularly noticeable on darker or lighter fabrics, such as black sweatshirts or white hoodies. When you find a detergent stain on your clothes, you need to act quickly.
If you want to avoid getting detergent stains — and you do! — you need to understand what the underlying cause may be. Let’s take a look at some of the common causes here.
Overloading the machine
Too many clothes in the washing machine can prevent detergent from distributing evenly. This means that the detergent may get stuck in one place and concentrate in that area, making it tricky to remove detergent stains from clothing.
Undissolved detergent
Low water temperatures can hinder the dissolution of powders and pods. While using a lower temperature for your cycle is better for the environment, it may mean that these things don’t melt away as they should, leading to unsightly stains on your clothes.
Poor dispensing
If you are dispensing your detergent incorrectly — such as adding it directly onto clothes instead of using a dispenser — that could be the issue. How you put your product in the machine will depend mainly on the type you use. Always be sure to read the instructions thoroughly first.
Fabric softener residue
If you use fabric softener, there’s one final thing to consider. Similar to detergent, this product can leave greasy stains if not diluted. Make sure you follow the instructions on the label.
What you need to remove detergent stains
Ready to start dealing with those nasty marks? Before tackling detergent stains, you’ll need to gather the following items:
- White vinegar
- Bicarbonate of soda
- Dish soap
- Rubbing alcohol
- Bar soap
- Soft brush
- Microfibre cloth
- Warm water
How to get detergent stains out of clothes
If you’ve noticed an annoying detergent stain on your clothing, you must act fast. Follow the steps below to ensure you get rid of these marks sooner rather than later. Here’s what you should do:
Step 1: Rise and rub the stain
First, remove as much of the detergent from the clothing as possible. If you have a fresh stain, rinse the affected area with warm water.
You can gently rub the fabric together to break up the detergent residue. Avoid scrubbing or using harsh brushes on this stain, as this may only work the colour deeper into the material.
Step 2: Use white vinegar next
Did you know that white vinegar is a powerful stain remover? While this is less effective on cotton products, it works as well as commercial cleaners on polyester. Learning how to get detergent stains out of clothes with vinegar doesn’t have to be complicated.
Start by mixing one part white vinegar with two parts warm water. Soak the stained fabric for 15–30 minutes. Finally, rinse thoroughly and inspect for any remaining residue.
When you notice a stain on your clothing, try this method. It works well for liquid detergent stains and fabric softener marks.
Step 3: Add some bicarbonate of soda
If vinegar doesn’t work, you may want to use a bicarbonate of soda paste instead. You can make this at home with things you already have in the cupboard. All you need to do is mix two tablespoons of bicarbonate of soda with water to form a paste.
Once you’ve done that, apply it directly to the stain. Using a soft brush, massage the paste into the stain and leave for a few minutes. You can then rinse it thoroughly. This is especially useful for white detergent stains and for how to get detergent stains out of clothes after washing.
Step 4: Treat with a bar of soap
Bars of soap are excellent for breaking down detergent residue. Make sure you use soap that does not have any colours in it. A plain bar will give you the results you’re looking for.
Start by wetting (or dampening!) the stained area and rubbing the soap directly onto it. Work up a lather, and then rinse as thoroughly as you can.
Step 5: Deal with blue stains directly
Do you have blue detergent stains on your clothes? These are common when using liquid detergent. However, there is a quick way to tackle them.
Begin by soaking the fabric in warm water with just a splash of white vinegar. If that doesn’t get rid of the stain, you can use a clean cloth and rubbing alcohol.
Dab the area with the alcohol and see if that makes a difference. You can also follow this up with a bicarbonate of soda paste to brighten it.
How to get stains out after the clothes are dry
Of course, you may not notice the stain immediately. If it has dried, you must use more elbow grease and effort. Begin by soaking your clothing in a vinegar-water solution for at least 30 minutes. You need to rehydrate the stain before you deal with it.
Next, massage the stain with soap or bicarbonate of soda paste. Then, you’ll need to rewash the clothing. Make sure you use cold water and dissolve the detergent beforehand.
How to remove detergent pod stains
Detergent pod stains are concentrated and can leave a greasy residue. To remove them from your clothes, apply a few drops of washing-up liquid to the area. Rub gently to loosen the stain, and then rinse thoroughly. After you do this, you will need to rewash your clothes.
Bonus: How to prevent detergent stains
Dealing with detergent stains is no fun. Here’s how you can avoid them in the future:
Follow the product instructions
Do you read the back of your cleaning products? You should. To avoid overuse, always follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
Don’t overload the machine
You want to leave enough room for your clothing to move around freely. You can do this by avoiding overloading your washing machine.
Clean your washing machine
Residue in the drum can transfer onto your clothes and lead to stains. To avoid this problem, you should run a cleaning cycle with vinegar or bicarbonate of soda monthly.
Don’t let these stains worry you. Simple household items like vinegar, bicarbonate of soda, and dish soap, you can restore your clothes to their former glory. Whether it’s white streaks on a black hoodie or blue marks on white garments, this guide provides everything you need to know about how to get detergent stains out of clothes effectively and quickly.
Frequently asked questions
Did we miss something along the way? Check out our FAQs below:
How to get detergent stains out of clothes quickly?
Start by rinsing the stain with warm water and apply vinegar or soap immediately. Massage gently and rinse again for the best results.
How to get detergent stains out of clothes without vinegar?
If you don’t have white vinegar in your home, you can use normal (non-colourful) soap or bicarbonate of soda. Use the steps we’ve outlined above to get it right.
Can detergent stains ruin clothes?
Not usually! The good news is that post-detergent stains are temporary and can be removed. However, persistent stains may cause discolouration if left untreated.
Did we save your clothes? Let us know in the comments below!
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