6 Common Things That Stain Clothes Permanently (And How to Prevent It)

woman doing laundry

When it comes to our favorite clothes, we all want them to look their best for as long as possible. Unfortunately, many things can stain clothes permanently, leaving them looking ruined and unsightly. 

In this article, we’ll discuss some of the most common things that stain clothes permanently, as well as how to prevent permanent staining and what to do if your clothes do get permanently stained.

Let’s get started.

Common Things That Stain Clothes Permanently:

  1. Red Wine: Spilling red wine on your favorite blouse or dress can be devastating. The deep color and high tannin content of red wine make it a particularly difficult stain to remove. If you don’t act fast and use the right stain removal technique, red wine stains can set into your clothes permanently.
  2. Coffee and Tea: Just like red wine, coffee, and tea contain tannins that can leave a lasting stain on clothes. These stains can be particularly stubborn if they are allowed to dry, so it’s important to act fast if you spill coffee or tea on your clothes.
  3. Blood: Blood stains can be some of the most difficult to remove, especially if they have already dried. This is because blood contains proteins that can cause the stain to set in permanently. If you do get blood on your clothes, it’s important to soak the stain in cold water as soon as possible to help prevent permanent staining.
  4. Grass and Mud: If you spend a lot of time outdoors, you’re probably familiar with the frustration of grass and mud stains. These stains can be particularly difficult to remove if they are allowed to dry, so it’s important to act fast and use the right stain-removal technique.
  5. Oil-based Stains: Grease, oil, and other oil-based stains can be some of the most difficult to remove. If you don’t use the right detergent or stain remover, these stains can set into your clothes permanently.
  6. Ink: Whether it’s a pen that leaked in your pocket or a marker that your child got into, ink stains can be particularly stubborn. If you don’t act fast and use the right stain removal technique, ink stains can set into your clothes permanently.

How to Prevent Permanent Staining:

  1. Quick Action Is Key: The best way to prevent permanent staining is to act fast when you get a stain on your clothes. The longer you wait, the harder it will be to remove the stain.
  2. Pre-treating Stains Before Washing: To help prevent permanent staining, it’s a good idea to pre-treat stains before washing your clothes. Many stain removers on the market can help break down stains and make them easier to remove.
  3. Avoiding Hot Water and Heat Sources: Hot water and heat can cause stains to set into your clothes permanently. To prevent this from happening, it’s important to avoid using hot water or putting your clothes in the dryer until you are sure the stain has been removed.
  4. Choosing the Right Washing Method and Detergent: Finally, it’s important to choose the right washing method and detergent for your clothes. Some fabrics and stains require special treatment, so be sure to read the care label on your clothes and choose a detergent that is designed to tackle the specific stain you are dealing with.

What to Do If Clothes Get Permanently Stained:

Don’t Panic: The first thing to remember if your clothes get permanently stained is not to panic. While it may be disappointing, there are still options available to you.

Try Different Stain Removal Techniques: If you have a particularly stubborn stain, try different stain removal techniques until you find one that works. There are many different stain removers on the market, as well as DIY methods that can be effective. For example, mixing equal parts baking soda and water to form a paste and applying it to the stain can help break it down.  

Consider Professional Cleaning Services: If you’ve tried everything and the stain still won’t budge, it may be time to consider professional cleaning services. Dry cleaners and other professional cleaning services have access to specialized equipment and chemicals that can be effective in removing even the toughest stains.

Repurpose or Recycle Stained Clothes: If all else fails, you can still repurpose or recycle your stained clothes. For example, you could turn a stained t-shirt into a cleaning rag or cut the fabric into strips to use for crafts.

Conclusion: 

In conclusion, knowing what stains clothes permanently is an important part of caring for your favorite clothes. By understanding how to prevent permanent staining and what to do if your clothes do get permanently stained, you can keep your wardrobe looking its best for years to come. 

Remember, quick action is key when dealing with stains, and there are many different stain-removal techniques and products available to help you keep your clothes looking great.

Did you accidentally spill coffee on your shirt while you were at work? Read Coffee Stain Emergency: How to Remove Coffee Stains from Your Shirt at Work.

Thanks for dropping by my blog.

-Baking Soda Guy

Photo by Andrea Piacquadio from Pexels