How to Clean Stains from Clothes Without Washing

Sometimes soiled items have non-washable materials, such as leather or dry-clean only fabrics. Maybe it’s just the shirt you wear to the party and there’s no way to clean it right away. This article will tell you some ways to clean common stains on a variety of fabrics and materials for both washable and non-washable types.

Table of Contents

Clean stains on non-washable fabrics

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Know how to identify non-washable fabrics. Most ready-to-wear clothing has a label attached with basic washing instructions. If the label says “dry clean”, it means the item is not washable.Unfortunately not all products have the label, especially antique or used items. The following fabrics are generally not washable:

Acetate
Modacrylic
Rayon
Silk
Wool

Use cornstarch or talcum powder (talcum powder) to blot oil-based stains. Dust the stain with powder, wait 30 minutes, then shake off the powder. Dip a clean rag in the dry cleaning solution and dab it on the stain. To treat stubborn stains, you can use more vinegar. When you dab the solution on the item, you should see the stain seep into the rag. Remember to use a clean part of the damp cloth after each dot to prevent the stain from seeping back. When the stain is clean, moisten a rag and rinse the treated area and let it dry naturally. ^{[1] XResearch Source}

Oil-based stains include: lipstick, mascara, most dressings and salad dressings.
If the stain is thick, you should try to scrape it off with your fingernail or the edge of a spatula as much as possible.

Know what material to use to absorb liquid stains. Absorb as much of the stain as possible with a clean rag, then dip another clean rag in one of the cleaners listed below and dab the stain. You should see the stain seep into the rag. Be sure to turn the rag over to the clean side so the stain doesn’t seep back into the item. When you’re done with the stain, use a damp rag to clean and dry the item. ^{[2] XResearch Source}

Coffee and juice: use white vinegar
Ink: use alcohol to clean
Milk or cream: use dry cleaning solution
Red wine: use rubbing alcohol and white vinegar, or white wine
Tea: use lemon juice
Mud: use dish soap and white vinegar

Scrape thick stains before treating. If your clothes are stained with sauce or salad dressing, use a spoon or fingernails to scrape off as much or as much. Always start at the edge of the stain and scrape inward. You can then moisten a clean rag with one of the solutions below and dab the stain. Continue dotting until the stain is gone, then let it dry. ^{[3] XResearch Sources}

Oil-based stains: use dry cleaning solution
Protein-based stains: use soap
Mustard: use white vinegar

Remove stains with a homemade solution. Use your fingernails to scrape the stain as clean as possible. Next, you will mix 1 part coconut or mineral oil with 8 parts dry cleaning solution. Dab the solution on the stain, wait a few minutes, then dab it with a clean rag until the stain is gone. Hong dry.

Be careful with delicate fabrics, such as silk. These materials can be easily scratched and torn.
This is especially effective for nail polish.
Consider lining a piece of cloth underneath the stain before starting to apply the solution. The cloth will help absorb the stain and prevent it from getting to the back.

Try using duct tape to remove stains on non-washable fabrics. Simply rub a piece of tape over the stain and peel it off. If it’s an oil-based stain like lipstick, there may still be traces. Sprinkle some talcum powder on the stain, rub it vigorously with your fingers, then shake it off. Repeat this step if necessary. ^{[4] XResearch Sources}

This method is very effective for silk fabrics.

Try using a dry cleaning kit. This kit usually includes a stain remover pen, a zippered plastic bag, and a few clean cloths. Start by painting the stain with a stain remover pen, followed by placing the item in the plastic bag included with the cloth in the kit and placing it in the dryer. Dry according to the manufacturer’s instructions (usually 30 minutes), then take the item out and hang it up to dry; There will be a lot of steam inside the plastic bag. ^{[5] XResearch Sources}

However, you should be aware that the heat also often makes the stain stronger. You must pre-treat the stain with a stain remover pen.
Consider taking the item to a dry cleaner. Sometimes the stain remover pen can’t clean the item as expected.

Removes stains on fur, leather and suede materials

Use a damp cloth to wipe off small stains on the fur material. Dampen a cloth and dab over the stain. Remember not to scrub or scrub. Once the stain is clean, you can pat it dry with a clean cloth, then let it dry naturally.

Do not use soap to treat fur materials.

Try using sawdust to remove larger stains from fur. Spread the fur on a flat surface, then sprinkle sawdust over the stain and leave it overnight; Sawdust will help absorb stains. Vacuum off the sawdust the next morning with a vacuum on low to avoid damaging the fur.

Fur handlers and traders often use this method to clean fur.
Consider taking your fur coat to a fur cleaner or fur specialist for stubborn stains.

Use a solution of soap and water to clean stains on leather materials. Pour 1 part liquid soap with 8 parts filtered water into a spray bottle. Shake the spray bottle to dissolve the solution, then spray on a cloth and wipe the stain. Try to wipe in the direction of the ridges on the skin rather than in the opposite direction. Once the stain is clean, let the skin dry naturally, away from the sun. Consider treating the cleaned area with a leather conditioner to maintain skin suppleness. ^{[6] XResearch Sources}

Use a mild soap such as face wash or dishwashing liquid.
If you don’t have filtered water, you can substitute bottled or distilled water.
Never spray the solution directly on leather, as this will get too wet and can damage it.

Use masking tape to remove dirt from the leather. You just need to rub the tape over the stain and peel it off. ^{[7] XResearch Source} Adhesive will loosen stains. Some people find this also works to remove lipstick stains from leather.

Use hairspray to treat ink stains on the skin. Spray hairspray onto the stain and use a clean towel or rag to wipe it off. Wipe off traces of hairspray, then apply a lotion to maintain skin softness.

Use a suede brush to remove stains from suede. The bristles will loosen the suede fibers and make the item easier to clean. Sometimes this is enough to clean suede stains. ^{[8] XResearch Sources}

If you don’t have a suede brush, a regular eraser will also work when needed.
An old piece of bread can also be very effective at removing stains. ^{[9] XResearch Source}

Try using cornstarch to remove stains from suede. Sprinkle cornstarch on the stain, leave it for a few hours or overnight, then brush it off with a suede brush. The cornstarch will absorb the stain, and the brush will brush off the cornstarch. ^{[10] XResearch Source}

This method is very effective when dealing with grease and sweat stains.
If you don’t have cornstarch, you can substitute it with cornstarch.

Try steaming the suede. Hang the item in the bathroom right after you take a hot shower. The hot steam will loosen the stains. ^{[11] XResearch Source} If necessary, you can use a suede brush to remove stains.

Use a leather and suede cleaner and follow the instructions on the package to tackle stubborn stains. Make sure to choose the right product for the type of skin you are planning to clean. Inappropriate product may damage the item. ^{[12] XResearch Source} Most leather cleaning products list the skin types they can effectively clean, and most leather goods also indicate their skin type. Suede is no exception.

You may need to apply a skin cleanser to the entire surface of your skin to prevent discoloration. ^{[13] XResearch Source}

Remove stains from washable fabrics

Use tape to remove dry stains. If your clothes have patches of dirt, chalk, or foundation, you can stick tape over the stain and peel it off. Repeat these steps until the stain is gone. If necessary, you can wash away any remaining traces with water.

Try blotting the stain with water first, unless it’s an oil-based stain. Sometimes you just need to soak with water is enough to clean the stain. You can also use soda water when needed. Remove stains on the reverse side of the fabric if possible. If you’re at a party, you can blot with a damp cloth or paper towel. ^{[14] XResearch Source}

Sauce stains are often oil-based. Mascara and lipstick are also oil-based. You should avoid using water when handling these stains, especially soda water.
If the stain is coffee, sprinkle salt on it first, then use soda water to wash it off.

Use baking powder, cornstarch, or baby powder to remove oil-based stains. Line a piece of cardboard under the stain to protect the fabric underneath. Absorb stains as much or as much. Sprinkle the chosen powder on the stain and leave it for a certain time, then brush it off. The powder will absorb the stain. This is very effective for oil-based stains, including sauces.

Let the baking powder sit on the stain for 30 minutes, then brush it off. ^{[15] XResearch Source}
Leave the cornstarch on the stain for about 10 minutes and brush it off.
Rub baby powder into the stain and leave it overnight, then brush it off the next morning. ^{[16] XResearch Source}
Try using artificial sweeteners when needed. Sprinkle a few packets of artificial sugar over the stain and pat it down hard. Let the sugar absorb the oil, then brush it off.
Use baking powder to clean sweat stains. Mix the paste with baking powder and water, then rub into the stain. Wait 1 hour and wash it off.

Try using water or hairspray to clean up blood stains. Start by rinsing the stain with cold water. If possible, you should wash the wrong side of the fabric. If the stain remains, spray hairspray onto the stain, wait a few minutes, then wipe off with a damp rag. ^{[17] XResearch Source}^{[18] XResearch Source}

You can use soda water as a temporary solution.
If the blood stain is old or dry, soak the stain in hydrogen peroxide.
Hairspray also works to remove lipstick, mascara and other oil-based cosmetics. You just need to spray the eraser on the stain and wait 10 minutes. Use a damp rag to clean.

Use dish soap and water to clean cosmetic and oil-based food stains. Absorb or scrape the stain as much as possible, then pour dish soap over the stain and wait 10-15 minutes. Gently rub the stain with a damp cloth in a circular motion and from the edge of the stain inward to prevent further spreading. ^{[19] XResearch Source} When you’re done scrubbing, you can use water to remove the soap. ^{[20] XResearch Source}

For stains caused by browning sprays or colored moisturizers, simply dab the stain with a sponge dipped in warm soapy water. Rinse off the soap after cleaning the stain, if necessary.
You can also use shampoo instead of dishwashing liquid. Both of these products work to dissolve grease stains.

Use rubbing alcohol to remove ink, lipstick and red wine stains. Spread the item on a flat surface and line a paper towel inside, just below the stain. Soak a cotton ball in rubbing alcohol and dab it on the stain. If necessary, you can repeat this step even inside the item. Remove the tissue and use water to clean the stain inside if necessary. Dry naturally.

This method can also remove cosmetic stains, such as mascara or eyeliner.

Use acetone to remove nail polish. Start by scraping off the nail polish as cleanly as possible, then dab acetone on a clean rag and dab over the stain. Once the stain is clean, let the item dry on its own.

You can also use nail polish remover, but this product may not be as effective.
If you’re working with colored fabrics, you may need to try dabbing acetone first on an inconspicuous spot, such as the inside of a garment’s hem. Acetone also has the ability to fade dyes and can be used as bleach.

Quick action on red wine stains. To prevent red wine stains from sticking, sprinkle a little salt or white wine on the stain. Wait for about 5 minutes, then rinse. Use alcohol to wipe away any remaining traces. Rinse off with water and pat dry. ^{[21] XResearch Source} If that doesn’t work, try one of the following:

Mix liquid soap and hydrogen peroxide in equal proportions. Dab onto stain until clean.
Mix 1 tablespoon white vinegar, 1 tablespoon liquid soap with 2 cups (480 ml) of water. Dab this solution on the stain until it’s clean.

Use lemon or hydrogen peroxide to treat difficult-to-clean juice stains. You just need to pour lemon juice or hydrogen peroxide on the stain, let it dry overnight, and wash it off the next morning with water.

Both lemon juice and hydrogen peroxide can bleach fabrics. You should test first on a hidden corner of the item before pouring on the stain.

Advice

Consider trying stain-cleaning methods on an inconspicuous spot first (such as the inside of a border).
The stain remover pen is quite convenient and very effective. You can bring it with you in case you need it.
Read clothing labels before removing stains. Items that require dry cleaning or delicate fabrics such as silk require careful handling and sometimes need to be dry cleaned in the salon.
Remove stains as soon as possible. Once the stain has dried and adhered, it is very difficult to remove.
You may need to repeat some methods a few times to get the stain clean.
Sometimes you have to try several methods to get rid of stains..

Warning

Avoid using vinegar on wool. Vinegar can damage wool.
Some stains may not be clean forever, especially stains that have been around for a long time or have been deeply embedded in the fabric.
Avoid using bar soap and flake soap to wash stained clothes. These soaps can cause stains to stick. ^{[22] XResearch Source}
Never rub on stains. The pressure when scrubbing will cause the stain to stick deeply into the fabric and make it more difficult to clean. ^{[23] XResearch Sources}
Never put soiled fabric in the dryer. The heat will make the stain stick harder. ^{[24] XResearch Source}

Steps

Clean stains on non-washable fabrics

Removes stains on fur, leather and suede materials

Remove stains from washable fabrics

Advice

Warning

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