Act fast: blot or rinse the stain with cold water from the back side
Check labels for fabric and temperature limits
Fresh oil/grease stains
Sprinkle cornstarch or baking soda to absorb oil for 15–30 minutes
Brush off and apply dish soap directly to the stain
Launder in warm water with detergent
Fresh blood
Rinse with cold water immediately
Soak 30 minutes in cold water with enzyme laundry detergent or oxygen bleach
Launder
Sweat/deodorant yellowing
Pre-treat with oxygen bleach or a paste of baking soda and water
Let sit 30–60 minutes
Launder with detergent; repeat if needed
Wine/berry/juice stains
Blot, then pour cold water through the fabric from the back
Soak in oxygen bleach solution (per label) for 1–6 hours
Launder
Coffee/tea stains
Blot and rinse with cold water
Apply a stain remover or liquid detergent directly
Soak in oxygen bleach if any tint remains, then launder
Ink stains
Dab with rubbing alcohol (test hidden area first)
Rinse, then apply detergent and soak 15–30 minutes
Launder
Rust stains
Use a rust remover safe for white fabrics (follow product directions)
Rinse thoroughly and launder
Do not use chlorine bleach on rust
Mold/mildew
Wash in the hottest water safe for the fabric
Soak in oxygen bleach solution (per label)
Launder and air-dry fully before storing
Grass stains
Pre-treat with enzyme laundry detergent or liquid detergent
Rub gently and soak 30–60 minutes
Launder
Greying/dull whites
Soak in oxygen bleach solution before washing
Use detergent only (avoid overloading)
Air-dry if possible to prevent set-in stains
General pre-treatment for most stains
Apply liquid detergent or oxygen bleach directly to the stain
Let sit 10–30 minutes (longer for older stains)
Launder
When using bleach
Prefer oxygen bleach for most white clothing
Use chlorine bleach only if the care label allows it and only for safe fabrics
Never mix bleach with ammonia or other cleaners
Drying rule
Air-dry or dry on low only after the stain is fully removed
Re-treat and re-wash if any stain remains before drying