[GuatMommy2Be]

Hi all,

Just looking for some tips on stain removal from color clothes? Thanks!

[busterleroy]

Aaahhh, at the risk of sounding like a major weirdo, effective stain removal strategy is one of my most favorite subjects. Much depends on the type of stain and the type of fabric; however, I can tell you that soaking the kids clothes in powdered OxyClean mixed with water has been positively fantastic for some tough stains asof late. I recommend you test for colorfastness first, although I have had only one article of clothing fade in this. Powdered OxyClean is especially good for food-based stains ( tomato sauce, mustard, kool-aid, chocolate. Also great on grass stains and dirt)

I do not think the OxyClean spray works as well overall, but it is okay in a pinch.

Other favorites:

Spotshot carpet cleaner, also works on laundry stains

Grease - a drop of charcoal lighter fluid on the stain before washing, and it will vanish ( I put lighter fluid in a small dropper bottle, it comes out too qickly in the large bottle and I don't like keeping that flammable of a liqid in a alrge quantity in the house.)

I have found it helps to put a light colored towel behind whatever spot you are battling, anything released will transfer into the towel and not back on to another part of the fabric.

One of my favorite reference tools is the book 'Talking Dirty with the Queen of Clean' she has a great section on laundry.

I wish you well in your quest and look forward to other responses. I know there are other stain removal junkies out there!

[ana-mom]

Wow - I'm a little embarassed - we just use Spray 'n Wash stain stick.

[Snook182]

I Finally have a solution that works....I have fought stain's over and over and finally something work's, this is what I use...I spray the clothes with oxy clean spray and then I use Biz Ultra and water and it makes a paste like solution and then i soak in the biz and wash and The stain's come out ecah and every time...It works Great....The oxy clean does not work so great on it's own but with the biz it works....My sis in law tried this and now I use it and It's worth the try!Good Luck!

[cheychey]

I'm another Spray 'n' Wash stain stick fan.

The only stain I could not get out with it was ink from a pen on a cotton suit. For this, bonaca (the little breath spray) or rubbing alcohol.

As for non-clothing items (floors, beds, sofas) I love Kids 'n' Pets, it works every time and gets any smells the stain my have out too.

[prayingmommy]

I'm a big Oxy Clean soaker (powder only). I put a bunch on the stain and make kind of a paste and then let it soak in the sink filled with water. I've used it on carpets too. I think the last incident and carpet soaking may have taken the color out of the carpet, so be careful. I haven't ever had this problem with clothes. I don't like the spray as much, either.

[Slatond10]

Originally Posted by prayingmommy

I'm a big Oxy Clean soaker (powder only). I put a bunch on the stain and make kind of a paste and then let it soak in the sink filled with water. .

I 2nd this approach!!! This is what I do! Works Wonders and gets out ground in mud! Haven't had anything it didn't clean!

[Leigh131313]

I ALWAYS add a scoop of the oxy clean if I'm worried about something coming out...

The best actual stain remover I have used was that spray in wash with the 2 different sides (pink and clear) but unfortunately every once in a while it would completely bleach out the colour - so I don't use that one anymore...

SO, my latest discovery....I use DAWN dish detergent. Seriously!! It has NEVER failed me. While I'm putting the load in, if i see something, I get the spot wet and put a dab of dawn on it...a light scrub.....and voila!

Of course I do put that scoop of oxy in the wash as well......

[lou0728]

Mean Green spray cleaner. I have 2 boys and Anne Pearce, and it gets out EVERYTHING. It works miracles. I also use Dawn on grease stains.... I just dot it on the spots, and away they go..... I have to admit..... I'm serious about stain removal. My bf jokes about this all the time.

[giannismom]

I've had a lot of luck using spray n' wash and presoaking in the washer before I run the regular wash. I usually only wash once a week, so if it is stained on Monday it stays until Saturday or Sunday when I do the laundry.

I've also had a lot of luck with the tide pen. I use that one alot for me. I'm almost as bad as my son. If it is a small spot that usually gets it right out with in a minute or two.

[shoegirl06]

I LOVE OxyBaby! The soak works great on all sorts of stains!!

[akasohappy]

You guys are awesome!
I have been soaking some gray baseball pants for 2 days and am at my wits end.
They have ground in red clay/dirt on the back and one leg.
I found some powdered oxy clean under my sink today and put that on it (made a solution with water), but now I am going to try making a paste out of it.
Thanks for the tips!

What about set in grease stains???? I have shirts with movie popcorn butter on them. It never fails I always drop a piece on my shirt. Is it too late to take out the grease stain once it is set in??

[lou0728]

Amber,
Just put some DAWN dishwashing detergent directly on the grease stains....... rub it in good....It should come right out!

[Waiting4OURBOY]

I am a huge fan of Shout Advanced. It's in a blue bottle and is for set-in stains. There are very few stains that it hasn't gotten out, especially if I scrub it a little with a washrag and then let it soak.

[Guatemom]

I really like the Dreft stain spray. I have a little travel-size bottle I keep handy for Cristian's things. Used it for Connor's and it even takes blood out (how do I know this? Connor had lots of tummy troubles and ruined lots of onesies til I found this stuff)