If you tend to avoid wearing white clothes because you’re worried about spills and stains, you’re not alone. Dealing with stains on a white shirt can be a real headache, whether it’s from food, ink, or wine. The last thing you want is to give up and buy a replacement. But before you reach for your wallet, there’s good news.
Getting rid of stains from a white shirt is challenging, but it’s not impossible. Acting quickly is key, and your favorite white shirt might still be saved. Just stay calm and follow our tips.
Learn the common types of clothing stains and how to tackle them. Continue reading to learn more.
Before You Start
When it comes to removing stains from white clothes, keep these simple rules in mind:
- Act Fast: Don’t wait; deal with the stains promptly.
- Blot, Don’t Rub: Lift the stain material instead of rubbing it in deeper.
- Avoid Spreading: Work from the outside of the stain toward the center to prevent it from getting larger.
- Check Before Drying: Inspect the stained area post-wash but before drying; heat can set the stain.
Things to Consider
The process for removing stains from white shirts aligns with that for colored clothes. Take note of the fabric type and the stain’s components. Always follow the care label instructions on the shirt. If it says “dry clean only,” remove solid stains, blot with dry white paper towels, and seek professional cleaning if needed.
Materials You’ll Need
Equipment / Tools
- Washing machine
- Tub for hand-washing
- Dryer, outdoor clothesline, or drying rack
- Soft-bristled nylon scrub brush
Materials
- Enzyme-based heavy-duty laundry detergent
- Enzyme-based laundry stain remover
- Dishwashing liquid with degreaser
- Oxygen-based bleach powder
- Paper towels
- Baking soda
- Hydrogen peroxide
- Cornstarch or talcum powder
Removing the Top 6 Common Stains from White Shirts
Removing Blood Stains from White Shirts
- Blot the stain: Use a dry paper towel to blot the blood stain gently.
- Coldwater flush: Hold the stained area under cold water to flush out the blood. Avoid hot water, as it can “cook” the proteins in the blood, making them harder to remove.
- Apply stain remover: Place a small amount of heavy-duty enzyme-based laundry detergent or an enzyme-based stain remover on the stain. Work it in with your fingers or a soft-bristled nylon brush, like an old toothbrush.
- Let it sit: Allow the stain remover to work for at least 15 minutes.
- Wash as usual: Launder the white shirt as you normally would.
- Check before drying: Before putting the garment in the dryer, check the stained area. If the stain persists, mix a solution of oxygen-based bleach and warm water following the package directions. Submerge the entire shirt, let it soak for four to eight hours, and then wash as usual.
Removing Makeup Stains from White Clothes
- Remove solids: Lift away solids with a dull knife, credit card, or blow away powdered makeup. Avoid rubbing, as it can push the makeup deeper into the fibers.
- Apply stain remover: Place a small amount of heavy-duty enzyme-based laundry detergent, dishwashing liquid with a degreaser, or an enzyme-based stain remover on the stain. Work it in with your fingers or a soft-bristled nylon brush.
- Let it sit: Allow the stain remover to work for at least 15 minutes.
- Wash as usual: Launder the white shirt as you normally would.
- Check before drying: Before putting the garment in the dryer, check the stained area. If the stain persists, repeat the steps.
Oil or Grease Stains
- Begin by blotting oily stains with a white paper napkin or lifting away greasy solids using a dull knife or credit card.
- Sprinkle cornstarch or talcum powder on the stain to absorb excess oil.
- Apply a small amount of heavy-duty enzyme-based laundry detergent, dishwashing liquid with a degreaser, or an enzyme-based stain remover on the stain. Work it in with your fingers or a soft-bristled nylon brush.
- Let the solution sit for about 15 minutes.
- Wash the white shirt as usual.
- Before putting the garment in the dryer, check the stained area. If the stain persists, repeat the steps.
Tip: Cornstarch is effective for oil-based stains.
Red Wine Stains
- Immediately blot the wine spill with a dry white paper towel.
- Dilute the tannins causing the stain by running cold water over the stained area or dabbing it with a wet paper towel.
- Create a paste of powdered oxygen-based bleach and a small amount of water. Apply it to the stain and let it sit for about an hour.
- Wash the white shirt as usual.
- If the stain persists, make a solution of oxygen-based bleach and warm water following package directions. Submerge the entire shirt and let it soak for four to eight hours, then wash as usual.
Removing Tomato Sauce Stains from White Clothes
- Remove solids: Lift away solids using a dull knife or credit card, then blot the stain with a dry white paper towel.
- Apply stain remover: Place a small amount of heavy-duty enzyme-based laundry detergent or an enzyme-based stain remover on the stain. Work it in with your fingers or a soft-bristled nylon brush, like an old toothbrush.
- Let it sit: Allow the stain remover to work for at least 15 minutes.
- Wash as usual: Launder the white shirt as you normally would.
- Check before drying: Before putting the garment in the dryer, check the stained area. If the stain persists, mix a solution of oxygen-based bleach and warm water following the package directions. Submerge the entire shirt, let it soak for four to eight hours, and then wash as usual.
Removing Underarm Stains from White Clothes
- Prepare mixture: Mix one part baking soda, one part hydrogen peroxide, and one part water (a quarter cup of each is sufficient for one shirt).
- Apply mixture: Rub the mixture thoroughly into the stained area with a soft-bristled nylon brush or an old toothbrush. Allow the solution for up to 30 minutes.
- Wash as usual: Launder the shirt with heavy-duty laundry detergent in the warmest water setting that is safe for the fabric.
Tips for Removing Stains from White Clothes
- Act quickly: Tackle the stains quickly.
- Avoid hot dryer: Never put a stained shirt in a hot dryer.
- Pre-soak method: If you can’t treat the stain immediately, fill a sink with cool water and one tablespoon of heavy-duty laundry detergent. Submerge the shirt and let it soak until you can properly treat the stain and wash the shirt.
- Use oxygen-based bleach: To whiten shirts that have yellowed or look dingy, use oxygen-based bleach.
