Stains are a part of life—whether it’s salsa on your blouse or mud on your suit, they happen. But while stains are unavoidable, frequent trips to the dry cleaner aren’t always practical.

The key to stain removal is acting fast and using the right method for your fabric. If you’ve stained a dry clean only garment, follow these simple steps to remove the stain at home while skipping the trip to the cleaners.

Step 1: Check the Label

Before attempting any stain removal, always read the care label sewn into your garment. It provides important information about:
✅ Fabric type
✅ Cleaning instructions
✅ Products to avoid

If your garment is made of rayon, suede, leather, or cashmere, take it to a professional dry cleaner to prevent damage.

Step 2: Identify the Stain Type

Different stains require different treatments. Here’s how to tackle common ones:

• Oil-Based Stains (lotion, body oils, butter, salad dressing)
  🔹 Use baking soda or a citrus-based degreaser (like Palmolive dish soap).
• Protein Stains (meat, grass, eggs, blood, vomit, urine)
  🔹 Try ammonia, hydrogen peroxide, or dye-free detergent.
• Food & Beverage Stains (ketchup, coffee, red wine, mud)
  🔹 Use white vinegar or dish detergent (Dawn, Palmolive).
• Sweat Stains
  🔹 Apply an enzyme cleaner (like OxiClean).
• Ink Stains
  🔹 Use rubbing alcohol, hairspray, or hand sanitizer.

Step 3: Gather Your Supplies

To remove stains effectively, you’ll need:

• Scraper (credit card, plastic spoon, or brush)
  
• Absorbent white towel or cloth (to blot the stain)
  
• Paper towels, cotton balls, or cotton swabs
  
• Cold water

Step 4: Remove Excess Stain Residue

Before applying any cleaner:
1️⃣ Use a credit card or plastic knife to gently scrape off excess material (like lotion, makeup, or sauce).
2️⃣ Blot the stain with a clean cloth and cold water.
3️⃣ If water alone doesn’t work, apply the correct cleaning solution from Step 2.
4️⃣ Once the stain is gone, blot with a damp cloth to remove any leftover cleaning product.
5️⃣ Allow the garment to air dry flat.

Step 5: How to Remove Liquid Stains

1️⃣ Blot the stain immediately with a clean, soft washcloth to absorb as much liquid as possible.
2️⃣ Apply the correct cleaning solution with a cotton ball or swab.
3️⃣ Continue blotting, switching to a clean section of the cloth to avoid spreading the stain.
4️⃣ Repeat until the stain disappears.
5️⃣ Use a clean cloth and water to blot the area.
6️⃣ Lay the garment flat and allow it to air dry.

Step 6: How to Remove Oily Stains

1️⃣ Cover the stain with an absorbent powder (baking soda or cornstarch) and let it sit for 30 minutes.
2️⃣ Shake off the excess powder.
3️⃣ Apply the appropriate cleaning solution and let it sit for a few minutes.
4️⃣ Blot the stain with a clean cloth.
5️⃣ Lay the garment flat and allow it to air dry.

When to Choose Professional Dry Cleaning

For stubborn stains or delicate fabrics, Hangers Cleaners is here to help!

We offer:
✔ Dry cleaning & wet cleaning
✔ Alterations & pressing
✔ FREE pickup & delivery

Call us at 501-227-8500 to schedule your service today!

Experience the trusted care of Hangers Cleaners, a family-owned business with over 30 years of eco-friendly dry cleaning expertise in Central Arkansas. Enjoy convenience with five locations, 24-hour drop boxes, and free pickup and delivery—sign up today for 20% off your first two months!