Treating common stains is one of the most important parts of conquering the tasks of laundry.  Stains are inevitable. So, knowing how to handle them is necessary to keep your clothes looking good.  Depending on the cause of the stain determines the treatment, but one thing is consistent; the faster you notice and treat a stain the best chance you have at getting rid of it.

Here is a quick guide to how to best treat common stains.

Fresh Blood Stains - Soak in cold water and launder as normal.

Dried Blood Stains - Pretreat/soak in warm water with a product that contains enzymes.

Beverages (Coffee/Tea/Soda/Wine) - Sponge/Soak in lukewarm water first and then pretreated with either stain remover, liquid laundry detergent, a paste of powder laundry detergent and water.  Launder using sodium hypochlorite bleach, if fabric safe, or oxygen bleach.

Cosmetics - Pretreat with either stain remover, liquid laundry detergent, the paste of powder laundry detergent and water or rub with a bar of soap.  Then, launder.

Grass - Pretreat/Soak in a product containing enzymes.  If stain persists, launder using sodium hypochlorite bleach, if fabric safe or oxygen bleach.

Mud - Brush off as much dried mud as possible.  Pretreat either stain remover, liquid laundry detergent, a paste of powder laundry detergent. Launder.

Paint (water-based paint) - Rinse in warm water while stains are still wet and clean.  Important note: One cannot remove dried paint.

Paint (oil-based paint) - Use the same solvent the label on the can advises for a thinner or turpentine and rinse.  Pretreat with either stain remover, a paste of powder laundry detergent and water or bar soap.  Rinse and launder.

Perspiration - Pretreat with either stain remover or bar soap.  If perspiration has changed the color of the fabric, apply ammonia to fresh stains or white vinegar to old stains and rinse.  Launder using hottest water that is safe for the fabric.

Now, you know how to treat these common stains. So your clothes are always looking their best and last longer.  With these tips on how to treat stains, you should have no problem removing stains and having your clothes