7 Most Asked Laundry Questions and Answers: How do I remove set-in stains that have been washed and dried?
It is normal that people are curious or concerned about certain things pertaining to their clothes and cleaning it. So we get a lot of these curiosity and concerns in the form of questions from our customers at Satoriale Drycleaners. Some of these questions recur quite often but 7 of them stood out. Let us take a look together at the 7 most asked laundry questions and their answers in this series of articles.
Que 2: How do I remove set-in stains that have been washed and dried?
It has happened to all of us, a stain slips by and the clothes are washed and dried before the stain is discovered. The question that comes to mind is to figure out if it is too late?
Removing a set-in stain is more difficult because the heat of a dryer binds the stain more tightly to the fabric fibers. Let quickly run through some of the things you can do to remove them. Our focus will be on some tried and well known methods of tackling the most common stains so let get started.
Get an oxygen bleach product.
There are many to choose from and the specific product you buy is your preference, but you should look for a powdered formula that contains sodium percarbonate and sodium carbonate. Other fillers will reduce the efficacy of the product.
Find the right size container.
You need a container than can fit the piece you need to clean, plus enough water for the piece to soak in. For small items, a sink or bucket works well. For something large like sheets or a comforter, you might need to find a clean trash can or large plastic tub. For large items that are only stained in one particular area, you could place it so only the affected area is soaking in the container.
Fill the container with hot water.
Although it is sometimes recommended that you use cold water to avoid setting the stain, oxygen bleach requires hot water to work. For most items, you’ll want enough water to fully submerge the piece in the water.
Add oxygen bleach as directed by product label.
You want to follow the product use instructions because different products have different concentration levels. Following the label closely will ensure you use the right amount. Also, stir the bleach around to help it dissolve. The water should be cloudy and slightly grainy.
Soak the fabric.
The length of time needed depends on the type of stain and how bad it is. You may only need to leave the piece soaking for 30 minutes or so. For best results, let the item soak for about 5-6 hours, as this is the length of time the oxygen bleach will stay active. Check the piece of fabric every hour to see how well the stain is fading.
Occasionally stir the clothing around and try to mix up any oxygen bleach that has settled at the bottom. You can also add more hot water as it cools.
Wash the item.
After the item has soaked and the stain seems to be mostly gone, wash the item as you regularly would. You can also add a little more oxygen bleach to the wash cycle to give it an extra boost. Always check the stain again before drying the item, as drying can set the stain worse if it is not yet removed. If the stain remains after the soak and wash, either repeat the process or try another stain removal method.