Stain Removal Guide for Murray Households

Stains happen. Red wine at dinner, grass from Murray State tailgating, grease from working on the car. Every household in Calloway County deals with stubborn stains.

Here's what you need to know about treating common stains before washing at The Washboard.

The Golden Rule of Stain Removal

Act fast. The longer a stain sits, the harder it becomes to remove. Fresh stains come out much easier than set-in stains.

Never put stained items in the dryer. Heat sets stains permanently. If a stain didn't come out in the wash, air-dry the item and try treating it again.

Protein Stains (Blood, Sweat, Baby Spit-Up)

Treatment:

1. Rinse immediately with cold water
2. Apply enzyme-based stain remover or liquid detergent
3. Let sit 15-30 minutes
4. Wash in cold water

Never use hot water on protein stains. Heat cooks the protein into the fabric and makes it permanent.

For blood: hydrogen peroxide works well on white fabrics. Test on colored fabrics first.

Oil and Grease Stains

Treatment:

1. Blot excess oil (don't rub)
2. Apply dish soap directly to the stain
3. Rub gently with your fingers or a soft brush
4. Let sit 5-10 minutes
5. Wash in the hottest water safe for the fabric

Dish soap is designed to cut grease, which is why it works better than regular stain remover for these stains.

For set-in grease stains, apply the dish soap, let it sit overnight, then wash.

Grass Stains

Common in Murray, especially during spring and summer when kids are playing outside or families are tailgating at Murray State.

Treatment:

1. Apply rubbing alcohol or white vinegar to the stain
2. Let sit 15 minutes
3. Apply liquid detergent and rub gently
4. Wash in cold water

For tough grass stains, repeat the process before drying.

Red Wine

Immediate treatment:

1. Blot (don't rub) with a clean cloth
2. Pour salt or baking soda on the stain to absorb moisture
3. Let sit 15-30 minutes
4. Rinse with cold water
5. Apply white wine, club soda, or hydrogen peroxide
6. Blot again
7. Wash as usual

The key is absorbing as much wine as possible before it sets.

Coffee and Tea

Treatment:

1. Rinse with cold water immediately
2. Apply liquid detergent or stain remover
3. Rub gently
4. Let sit 5-10 minutes
5. Wash in cold water

For white fabrics, a mixture of water and white vinegar works well.

For set-in coffee stains: soak in cold water mixed with oxygen bleach for 30 minutes before washing.

Mud (Very Common in Murray)

Murray's red clay mud can be stubborn, but it comes out if you follow these steps.

Treatment:

1. Let the mud dry completely (this is important, wet mud spreads)
2. Brush off as much dried mud as possible
3. Rinse the remaining stain with cold water
4. Apply liquid detergent directly to the stain
5. Rub gently
6. Wash in warm water

Never rub wet mud. You'll push it deeper into the fabric.

Ink Stains

Treatment:

1. Place the stain face-down on paper towels
2. Apply rubbing alcohol to the back of the stain
3. Blot (the ink should transfer to the paper towels)
4. Repeat until no more ink transfers
5. Rinse with cold water
6. Wash as usual

For ballpoint pen ink: hairspray can work in a pinch (the alcohol in it breaks down the ink).

Tomato Sauce and Ketchup

Treatment:

1. Scrape off excess sauce
2. Rinse from the back of the stain with cold water
3. Apply white vinegar or lemon juice
4. Let sit 10 minutes
5. Apply liquid detergent
6. Wash in warm water

The acid in vinegar or lemon juice breaks down the tomato stain.

Makeup Stains

Foundation and concealer:

1. Apply dish soap to the stain
2. Rub gently with your fingers
3. Rinse with warm water
4. Wash as usual

Mascara and eyeliner:

1. Apply makeup remover or rubbing alcohol
2. Blot with a clean cloth
3. Apply liquid detergent
4. Wash in warm water

Lipstick:

1. Apply rubbing alcohol or hairspray
2. Blot with a clean cloth
3. Apply dish soap
4. Wash in warm water

Deodorant Buildup

Those yellow armpit stains on white shirts? That's a combination of sweat, deodorant, and body oils.

Treatment:

1. Make a paste: 3 parts baking soda, 1 part water
2. Apply to the stain and scrub with an old toothbrush
3. Let sit 30-60 minutes
4. Wash in hot water (if fabric allows)

For prevention: let deodorant dry completely before getting dressed.

General Stain-Fighting Supplies

Keep these on hand for Murray household stain emergencies:

• Liquid dish soap - Best for grease
• White vinegar - Multipurpose acid stain fighter
• Rubbing alcohol - Ink, makeup, grass
• Hydrogen peroxide - Blood, wine (test on colors first)
• Baking soda - Absorbs fresh stains, makes scrubbing paste
• Enzyme-based stain remover - Protein stains
• Oxygen bleach - Color-safe alternative to chlorine bleach

What NOT to Do

Don't mix chlorine bleach and vinegar. This creates toxic chlorine gas.

Don't use hot water on unknown stains. Heat can set certain stains permanently.

Don't put stained items in the dryer. Check that stains are completely gone first.

Don't rub aggressively. Blot stains. Rubbing pushes them deeper into fabric.

When to Give Up on a Stain

Some stains won't come out, and that's okay. If you've tried multiple treatments and washes, the stain is likely permanent.

At that point, you can:

• Embrace it (work clothes don't need to be perfect)
• Turn it into a cleaning rag
• Donate or toss if it's too stained to wear

Bring Stained Items to The Washboard

Even with pre-treatment, stubborn stains need a good washing machine to finish the job.

The Washboard's commercial machines provide better agitation and rinsing than home washers, which can make the difference between a stain coming out or staying.

Our attendants (on-site 8 AM to 5 PM daily) are experienced with all types of stains and can often suggest additional treatment options if your first attempt didn't work.

Location: 605 S. 12th St, Murray, KY

Hours: 6 AM to 11 PM daily

Phone: 270-768-7058

Questions about treating a specific stain? Stop by or give us a call. We're happy to help Murray families keep their clothes looking their best.