First steps for any stain
- Act soon. Fresh stains lift far more easily than old ones.
- Blot with a clean cloth. Rubbing can push the stain deeper and roughen the fabric.
- Rinse from the back of the fabric with cool water, which pushes the stain out the way it came in.
- Test any stain remover on a hidden spot, such as an inside seam, before using it on the front.
- Check the stain is gone before drying. Heat from a dryer or iron can set what is left.
Common stains in general terms
| Stain type | Examples | General approach |
|---|---|---|
| Protein | Sweat, blood, egg, milk | Cool water only at first. Hot water can set protein stains. |
| Oil and grease | Cooking oil, makeup, lotion | Work in a little dish soap, let it sit, then wash in the warmest water the label allows. |
| Tannin | Coffee, tea, red wine, juice | Rinse with cool water, then treat with laundry detergent before washing. |
| Dye | Ink, color run from other clothes | Hard to remove. Try a stain remover made for it, or ask a professional cleaner. |
Silk, wool, leather and anything labeled dry clean only are safer with a professional cleaner. Tell them what caused the stain.
Pilling
Pills are small balls of fiber that form where fabric rubs, such as under the arms or at the sides of a sweater. They are normal, especially on soft knits and blends. A fabric shaver or a sweater comb removes them. Lay the knit flat, hold it smooth, and work gently in one direction. Washing knits inside out and on a gentle cycle slows new pills.
Hang or fold?
- Fold: sweaters and heavy knits, which stretch on hangers, plus tees and jeans if you have shelf space.
- Hang: shirts, blouses, dresses, tailored trousers and jackets. Use shaped hangers for jackets so the shoulders keep their form.
Storing between seasons
Clothes stored dirty attract insects and can stain as old marks oxidize. Before storing:
- Wash or clean everything, even pieces that look clean.
- Make sure clothes are fully dry.
- Store in breathable containers, such as cotton bags or lidded boxes, in a cool, dry, dark place.
- Skip long-term storage in thin plastic dry-cleaning bags, which can trap moisture.
- Check stored wool and silk every few months.
Clothes moths
Clothes moth larvae feed on animal fibers such as wool, cashmere and silk, especially when they are soiled. Small holes and fine webbing are common signs. Clean storage, regular airing and vacuuming closet corners are the best prevention. Cedar may help a little but works best alongside clean, sealed storage. If you find a large infestation, wash or clean everything nearby and consider a pest control professional.
Back to clothing care by fabric.