7 Common Household Items That Can Actually Get Out Old Stains

Although it's much easier to remove stains as soon as they happen, it is possible to remove set-in stains. Not all old stains on clothes are the same and each type requires unique treatment.

Most methods to remove old stains use basic household supplies you probably already have in your pantry or closet like baking soda, lemon juice, liquid dish detergent, and more.

Keep reading to learn about six effective methods for how to get old stains out of clothes.

Types of Set-In Stains

Below are some of the most common types of set-in stains and tips for removing them. Always treat stains as quickly as possible, but if they have already set-in, here is how they can be treated.

• Coffee: Coffee contains tannin which can dye fabrics, and if you added cream to your coffee, that likely contains some kind of fat or oil. To treat a set-in coffee stain, opt for liquid laundry detergent, oxygen bleach, or a commercial stain remover.
• Oil-based: An oil-based stain can be hard to remove once it has set in, but it's not impossible. While it may be counterintuitive, re-activate the oil stain by applying WD-40 and letting it sit for up to 30 minutes. Then, add a couple drops of grease-fighting dish detergent directly onto the stain and work it in using a soft-bristled brush. Rinse off and repeat the process if the stain has not lifted.
• Ink: There are several ways to remove set-in ink stains from clothes. For permanent ink stains, apply rubbing alcohol to the stain and let it sit for 15 minutes before rinsing it with cold water and washing the garment as usual. To treat water-based ink stains, work liquid laundry detergent into the stain with a soft-bristled brush, before rinsing it off and washing the piece of clothing as usual.
• Blood: Pre-treat a set-in blood stain on your clothes with an enzyme-based detergent. Gently work it into the stain using a soft-bristled brush, then let it sit for up to 24 hours before rinsing it off and washing the garment as usual.
• Wine: Although it's always best to treat a wine stain as soon as it happens, there's a chance that you will be able to remove a set-in stain. Apply liquid laundry detergent or liquid dish soap to the wine stain, then work it in using a soft-bristled brush. Allow the garment to soak for up to 24 hours to lift the stain. If the stain remains, apply a commercial stain remover and follow the product directions, then wash the garment as usual.
• Pigment stains: Pigment stains range from coffee to mustard to grass, and can be hard to remove. Some effective ways to remove pigment stains include distilled white vinegar, grease-fighting dish soap, liquid laundry detergent, and washing soda.
• Chocolate: Given its dark color and oily texture, set-in chocolate stains can be a challenge to remove. Start by pre-soaking the garment in a mixture of oxygen bleach and water (follow the product directions for exact measurements) for up to 24 hours, then wash the clothing as usual.

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How to Get Old Stains Out Using Baking Soda

1. Make a baking soda paste. Mix baking soda with water to make a thick but spreadable paste.
2. Apply to the stain. Spread an even layer of the baking soda paste on the stain, making sure it's covered entirely.
3. Let sit. Allow the paste to sit and harden for 30 minutes.
4. Scrape off. Use a dull cooking utensil to scrape the dried baking soda paste off the stain.
5. Rinse and wash. Rinse off any remaining paste with cold water then wash the garment as usual.
   

How to Get Old Stains Out Using Liquid Laundry Detergent

1. Apply the laundry detergent. Squeeze a couple drops of the detergent directly onto the stain, covering it entirely.
2. Work it in. Use a soft bristled brush or non-abrasive sponge to work the laundry detergent into the stain.
3. Let sit. Allow the detergent to work for up to 30 minutes.
4. Rinse and wash. Rinse off the laundry detergent and wash the piece of clothing as usual.
   

How to Get Old Stains Out Using Vinegar and Lemon

1. Mix the ingredients. In a small bowl, mix together equal parts distilled white vinegar and lemon juice, then stir to combine.
2. Apply to the stain. Pour the mixture directly onto the stain, ensuring it covers it completely.
3. Let it sit. Allow the acidic mixture to work for up to 30 minutes to lift the stain.
4. Rinse and wash. Rinse off the mixture under cold water, then wash the garment as usual.
   

How to Get Old Stains Out Using Vinegar and Baking Soda

1. Apply the vinegar. Pour distilled white vinegar directly onto the stain, making sure you cover it entirely.
2. Sprinkle with baking soda. Generously sprinkle the vinegar-covered stain with baking soda, again making sure that the whole stain is covered.
3. Work it in. Use a soft-bristled brush or a non-abrasive sponge to work the baking soda and vinegar into the stain. If the baking soda is too dry, simply add a couple more drops of vinegar to make a spreadable paste.
4. Let it sit. Allow the vinegar-baking soda mixture to sit on the stain for 30 minutes.
5. Scrape off the baking soda. Take a dull kitchen utensil and scrape the dried baking soda off the stain.
6. Rinse and wash. Rinse off any remaining baking soda and vinegar residue under cold water, then wash the item as usual.

How to Get Old Stains Out Using Hydrogen Peroxide

1. Apply hydrogen peroxide. Pour a small amount of hydrogen peroxide directly onto the stain.
2. Blot the stain. Take a paper towel or a clean, dry cloth and carefully blot the stain, working your way from the outside in but never rubbing to prevent the stain from spreading.
3. Rinse and wash. Rinse the stained area under cold water, then wash the garment as usual.

How to Get Old Stains Out Using Dish Soap

1. Apply the dish soap. Squeeze a couple drops of grease-fighting dish soap onto the stain, ensuring you cover it completely.
2. Work it in. Use a soft-bristled brush or a non-abrasive sponge to gently work the dish soap into the stain.
3. Let it sit. Let the dish soap work for up to 30 minutes.
4. Rinse and wash. Rinse off the dish soap with cold water, then wash the piece of clothing as usual.