How to get stains out of white clothes!
White clothing is an absolute staple when it comes to wardrobe essentials. No matter the season you’re guaranteed to carry out a whitewash. This classic colour does have its downfalls – it shows no mercy when it comes to stains. Especially grass stains on school uniforms. Dark colours can become our safe colours especially when we don’t have the knowledge on how to treat these issues.
Thankfully we have an answer that will stop your whites from turning grey, yellow or any other colour for that matter. Your local washing machine repairs experts have pulled together their top tips on how to keep your whites white without compromising on your machine health. Some DIY methods of stain removal can be damaging to your machine leading to the additional cost of a washing machine repair. You can rest assured that this guide will remove your stains and not your healthy washing machine.
How to remove stains from your white clothes?
You want to start off by working out what type of stain it is; oily or dry?
If it’s oily do not rub the stain, simply press with kitchen roll or a paper towel and then rub some original fairy washing up liquid directly onto the stain. This can seem alarming considering the liquid is green but trust the process. Fairy up liquid is an oil-buster – afterall, it removes the grease from our dishes?
If the stain is dry you can submerge the item in cold water – This helps to dilute the colour instantly.
Once you have determined the type of stain you are dealing with and actioned the above it’s time to head to your washing machine to follow these steps:
1. Choose a detergent and stain remover to suit your skin and safe for white clothing.
For help on which detergent to use, head over to our handy guide which is all about the best washing detergent to use for your clothes and machine?
2. Pre-treat the stained area with your chosen stain remover.
Stain removers are personal preference and come in a variety of formulas such as spray, liquid and powder form. Our team personally prefer Vanish stain removers however the Fairy stain removers are also great.
3. Place the garment in the washing machine or rinse out the item depending on the severity of the stain.
If the stain is deeply ingrained then it’s at the stage where you may need to get brave. It’s bleach time. Bleaching white clothes can help to make them whiter and brighter as well as removing those tough stains. Follow the steps below on how to bleach your clothing.
4. Check to see if the stain has gone and repeat any necessary steps to remove the stains.
How to bleach your white clothes
Bleaching clothing can be daunting so here are a few top tips to ensure you get the results you desire.
- Bleach should always be a last resort when it comes to stain removal as it can be damaging if not used correctly.
- Get the right bleach for the job. We would recommend Ace however there are a host of great bleaches specifically designed for laundry. Please DO NOT use toilet bleach – This is not the same as Ace.
- Wear rubber gloves when working with bleach and always test on a small piece of the fabric before tackling the stain head-on.
- You can use bleach like a spot treatment working on a particularly ingrained stain before putting it in the washing machine.
- Mix an oxidising bleach with cool water to whiten your dull garments. You can leave these items to soak for around 4 hours before washing in your washing machine like normal.
What to avoid when trying to remove stains from white clothes
There are a few dos and don’t when it comes to washing your whites. Your local washing machine repair experts say that being tough on stains is great but timing is key. The earlier you can treat the stain the higher your chances of removal. Here’s what we would recommend not to do when removing stains:
- Do not use dark material when working with bleach. This can make the whole mess worse not just for the white item but for the dark cloth or clothes item too.
- Never mix oil and water – Grab your Fairy up liquid instead.
- If you notice a stain post-wash, do not dry the item as this will ingrain the stain more.
- Be incredibly careful when it comes to mixing cleaning products especially when bleach is involved as this can be harmful to you and the garment.
Pro tips on how to keep your whites white and your washing machine from needing a repair
- Always wash your whites separately to any other colour. This includes some pastels!
- Attach the stain fast.
- Read the label when it comes to stain removers and fabric bleaches because the dose on each of these items matters.
- Rewash your whites immediately after you notice a colour run. Make sure you remove the item causing the colour run.
When it comes to keeping your clothes white, it can be challenging. By following our advice you can prolong the life of your whites whilst keeping your washing machine from needing a repair. It’s important to maintain your washing machines generate health by performing a drum clean every few months or when instructed as well as not overloading your machine. These small hygiene factors can make a huge difference to the quality of your whitewashes.
Should the worst occur, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with our washing machine repair experts where we can find out where you’re going wrong.
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Service Areas
Our engineers perform appliance repairs across central England including Worcestershire, Herefordshire, Gloucestershire, Birmingham, and Oxfordshire. You can see a full list of counties we service on our coverage page. Alternatively, view the map below.
The easiest way to see if there are engineers in your area, and to check if we support your brand of appliance, is to fill out the online booking. It only takes a few seconds and the form will automatically tell you if your area and appliance is covered.
Repairs can be booked online or over the phone by calling 0330 205 0220.
