It's easy if you act fast and follow these expert tips.
How To Get Laundry Detergent Stains Out of Clothes
Updated on Apr. 10, 2024
What Do Laundry Detergent Stains Look Like?
Laundry detergent stains can be a pesky side effect of trying to keep our clothes clean. These stains often appear as greasy or oily patches on the fabric. Liquid detergent stains might look like wet spots, while powder or dry detergent can leave white residue.
Whichever type of detergent stain you’re facing, there are some simple ways to get rid of it.
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Act Quickly
The sooner you address a detergent stain, the easier it is to remove. Fresh stains are always easier to treat than set-in ones. If you notice a stain right after washing, don’t put the item in the dryer. Drying can set the stain.
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Pre-Treat With a Vinegar Soak
I love vinegar because it’s so cheap, contains no harsh chemicals and has many uses around the house. It’s my first method of attack for all kinds of stains, from laundry detergent stains to spills on the carpet.
Fill a sink with warm water, add one cup of white vinegar and mix. Add the stained item and let it soak for an hour. Every 10 to 15 minutes, rub the stain gently to help lift it. After soaking, wash the garment without detergent.
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Dab and Rinse
An alternative to the vinegar soak: Dabbing and rinsing the stained area. Patric Richardson, the Laundry Evangelist, recommended this method to me.
“The best way to remove laundry detergent stains is to dab with some vinegar, and if you can, rewash,” he says. “If you can’t, dab with vinegar and rinse the garment under the faucet. The key here is that vinegar will break down the detergent and the rinse removes the residue.”
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Use a Stain Remover
There are so many stain removers out there, it’s hard to know which to choose. For detergent stains, opt for an oxygen-based pretreatment. Apply the stain remover directly to the stain, let it sit for a few minutes, then wash the item as usual.
Just be sure to check and make sure the product is compatible with the type of fabric you want to use it on.
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Try Degreasing Dish Soap
For those stubborn oily-looking stains left by liquid detergents, a drop of degreasing dish soap can do wonders. Wet the stain with hot water, apply the dish soap and rub in circular motions with a soft brush or cloth. Rinse and wash as usual.
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Bar Soap to the Rescue
If you’re not a fan of vinegar or expensive stain removal products, regular bar soap can be an effective alternative. Wet the stain, rub the soap over it and gently scrub. Rinse and wash the item. Be aware you might have to repeat this one a few times for it to be effective.
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Final Rinse With White Vinegar
Yes, vinegar again! Consider a final rinse with white vinegar to ensure all detergent residues are gone. Besides removing any leftover detergent, it also softens the fabric. I exclusively use plain old white vinegar as a fabric softener for my laundry.
