From ink to sunscreen and makeup: how to remove the most difficult stains from clothes

There are stains that are difficult to remove with conventional means such as bleach or laundry detergent. Stains from ink, sunscreen, or some cosmetics are particularly tough.

Steve Anderton, a laundry expert with the LTC Worldwide consulting group, recommends checking your clothes for colorfastness before trying to remove stains. He advises choosing an inconspicuous area, such as the back of the hem, and testing the product. Different fabrics react differently to stains, so it's important to check the fiber composition when dealing with spills.

How to remove ink stains

Ink stains from ballpoint pens are one of the most insidious types of dirt. Experts recommend trying isopropyl alcohol, which is a really effective ink remover.

Ink stains can spread when wet, so it's important to put a cloth under your clothes that absorbs moisture and blot the marks with a little alcohol.

"You can surround the stain with a small circle of glycerin to form a protective barrier around (but not over) the stain," Anderton said.

Turmeric and spice stains

Tiny powder particles contain fats, so they can easily penetrate fabric. Begin by blotting (not rubbing) the stain with a clean white cloth to remove any excess spices. Next, make a solution of two tablespoons of white vinegar and one tablespoon of detergent and mix. Apply the solution to the stain and leave it on for at least half an hour. After that, wash the item as usual.

Black grease

Black grease stains are typically made up of tiny, dark mineral oil or grease particles. So, the key to removing these stains, according to Anderton, is to remove the grease and the dark particles at the same time.

If you remove the grease first, you run the risk of the dark particles lingering in the fibers.

"You need a mixture of strong organic solvents (to dissolve the grease) and a powerful liquid detergent," Anderton said. He suggests buying special products to remove this kind of stain.

Sunscreen

Sunscreen contains ingredients that oxidize in hard water. Salt or citric acid is the best way to deal with such stains. You can mix lemon juice and dishwashing detergent, apply it to the stain, wait at least 20 minutes, and wash the item as usual.

Stains from cosmetics

Experts recommend diluting a few drops of eucalyptus oil with water in a spray bottle, and then spraying the mixture onto a clean cloth. Next, gently blot the stain and proceed to the usual washing cycle with powder.

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