How to Remove the Toughest Stains: From Red Wine to Sweat Stains

Life's messy, but that's where the magic happens. Don’t panic when you spill red wine on your favorite shirt or your puppy gives your rug a “surprise” (classic). Instead, let’s make sure you’re ready to handle any stain like a pro. In this post, we are going to drop some knowledge on how to deal with those tough stains, using the right laundry hacks and products to keep your clothes—and your chill—intact. Let’s get you stain-free, babe! 🧼✨

1. Red Wine Stains

Ah, the classic red wine spill. We’ve all been there. While it looks intimidating, it’s definitely fixable. Here’s how to do it:

What You Need:

• Paper towels or a clean cloth

• Salt or baking soda

• Laundry detergent (we recommend Wishing Well due to its stain fighting power)

Steps:

• Act Fast: Blot the stain gently with a clean cloth to absorb as much wine as possible—don’t rub it in!

• Apply Salt or Baking Soda: Sprinkle salt or baking soda on the stain to absorb the liquid. Leave it on for a few minutes.

• Wash: Rinse with cold water and apply your regular laundry detergent. Wash as usual.

• Pro Tip: For stubborn red wine stains, consider soaking the fabric in a mixture of cold water and detergent before washing.

2. Common Pet Stains

If you’re a pet parent, you’ve likely encountered the occasional mess from your little bestie. Good thing they’re so cute! Whether it’s a potty accident or even just muddy paw prints, quick action is key.

What You Need:

• Paper towels

• White vinegar and water (1:1 ratio)

• Laundry detergent (we recommend Wishing Well given its advanced anti-odor technology)

Steps:

• Blot the Stain: Blot as much as you can with paper towels to soak up the liquid.

• Neutralize Odors: Mix equal parts white vinegar and water. Apply to the stain and let it sit for a few minutes.

• Wash: Wash the item as usual with your detergent.

• Pro Tip: Add a little extra detergent to help remove odors and break down stains for extra stinky items.

3. Yellow Sweat Stains

Your favorite Pilates class or run club is great for breaking a sweat, but can come with a harsh reality for your clothes—that’s right, we’re talking about sweat stains. The combination of sweat, oils, and deodorant can be tricky, but don’t worry, we’re here to help keep your clothes looking fresh!

What You Need:

• Baking soda

• Hydrogen peroxide

• Dish soap

• Laundry detergent

Steps:

• Create a Paste: Mix 4 tablespoons of baking soda, 1/4 cup of hydrogen peroxide, and 1 tablespoon of dish soap to create a paste.

• Apply to Stain: Apply the paste directly to the yellow stain and gently scrub.

• Let It Sit: Allow it to sit for about 30 minutes to break down the buildup.

• Wash: Wash the item with laundry detergent, using the hottest water safe for the fabric.

• Pro Tip: For tough stains, repeat the process or soak the fabric in a solution of water and laundry detergent overnight.

4. Grass Stains

You’ve probably heard the whole “touch grass” thing, right? Well, what they don’t tell you is that grass stains are pretty stubborn – but no need to worry, with a little persistence, they come right out.

What You Need:

• Dish soap or liquid laundry detergent

• White vinegar

• Toothbrush

Steps:

• Scrape Off Excess Grass: Gently scrape off any excess dirt or grass before treating the stain.

• Pre-treat with Detergent: Apply a small amount of liquid detergent or dish soap directly to the stain.

• Scrub: Gently scrub the stained area with a toothbrush to work the detergent into the fibers.

• Wash: Wash the item in the warmest water recommended for the fabric.

• Pro Tip: Vinegar can help break down the stain further, so you can add a tablespoon of vinegar to the wash cycle.

5. Blood Stains

Blood stains can be straight-up terrifying, whether it’s from your period, a rogue cat scratch, or, you know, a dramatic moment (*queuing my true crime lovers*)...But don’t sweat it—if you jump on it fast, those stains won’t stand a chance!

What You Need:

• Cold water

• Hydrogen peroxide

• Laundry detergent

Steps:

• Rinse with Cold Water: Rinse the fabric under cold water immediately to remove as much blood as possible.

• Apply Hydrogen Peroxide: Pour hydrogen peroxide directly on the stain, and it will bubble up. Let it sit for a few minutes.

• Wash: Wash with your regular detergent in cold water.

• Pro Tip: For dried blood, soak the fabric in a mixture of cold water and detergent for an hour before washing.

6. Mustard Stains

Despite it being delicious and zero calories, mustard stains are one of the hardest types of stains to get out, especially if the mustard contains turmeric. Here’s what you can do if you accidentally find yourself in a mustard-related mess.

What You Need:

• Dish soap

• Baking soda

• Laundry detergent

Steps:

• Scrape Off Excess: Scrape off as much mustard as you can without spreading it further.

• Pre-treat with Dish Soap: Apply a small amount of dish soap to the stain and gently rub it in.

• Wash: Wash the fabric with cold water and your laundry detergent.

• Pro Tip: If the stain is stubborn, sprinkle some baking soda on it before washing to help absorb any remaining oils.

7. Hot Sauce Stains

We understand and support the desire to put hot sauce on everything you eat. With that said, hot sauce, with its vinegar and chili oils, does pose the very real risk of staining your clothes. Don’t worry—we’ll help you get them out so that you can peacefully continue to drench your food in it.

What You Need:

• Dish soap

• Baking soda

• Laundry detergent

Steps:

• Blot the Stain: Blot off any excess sauce with a clean cloth.

• Pre-treat: Apply a small amount of dish soap to the stain and let it sit for a few minutes.

• Scrub: Gently scrub the area with a toothbrush to lift the stain.

• Wash: Wash with cold water and your usual laundry detergent.

• Pro Tip: For stubborn stains, try adding a tablespoon of baking soda to the wash cycle for extra stain-fighting power.

Stains don’t have to be the end of your favorite outfits. With the right treatment and some quick action, even the toughest stains can be removed. Remember, the key to success is acting quickly and using the right techniques and detergents for each type of stain. So, next time you spill red wine at girls night or your puppy has an accident, you’ll be armed with the knowledge to keep your clothes looking fresh and clean.

Ready to tackle stains like a pro? Start by using Wishing Well, a laundry detergent that’s formulated to tackle tough stains and keep your clothes looking brand new.