Whether it’s Murphy’s Law or plain bad luck, stains often seem to appear at the most inconvenient times and can be a cause of concern if you value your clothing and wish to maintain a pristine appearance. Stains on your laundry in Singapore can come in the form of a splash of coffee, a splotch of oil, a smear of ketchup, and so on. They can also prove to be extremely stubborn and a real headache to get rid of. The good news is that with the right knowledge and treatment, you can effectively remove many common stains. In this article, we will give you several simple but effective guidelines on how to do so.
Act Fast: Time is of the Essence
Arguably the most important rule when it comes to removing stains on your laundry in Singapore is to nip it in the bud as soon as possible. The longer a stain sits on the fabric, the more time it has to penetrate and set, making it even more difficult to remove. By acting swiftly, there’s a higher chance of completely eliminating the stain.
Pre-Treat the Stain
Speaking of acting quickly, you might be tempted to immediately toss a stained piece of clothing right into a pail of water or the washing machine, but we recommend giving the stain a bit of pre-treatment before that. Doing so can significantly improve your chances of fully removing the stain.
Before pre-treating it, be sure to check the care label on your clothing, as different fabrics may require different treatment methods. For instance, delicates like silk or wool may require more gentle care, while robust fabrics like cotton or polyester can handle more aggressive methods.
Additionally, here’s a general guideline for pre-treating stains:
Blot, Don’t Rub:
Blot the stain gently with a clean cloth or paper towel. Avoid rubbing, as it can push the stain further into the fabric.
Stain Remover Application:
Apply a stain remover directly to the stain. You can use commercial stain removers or make a DIY solution by mixing one part liquid detergent with two parts water. Do a patch test in an inconspicuous area to ensure the fabric won’t be damaged.
Let It Soak:
Allow the stain remover to soak in for at least 15 minutes. This soaking time can help break down the stain and make it easier to remove.
Follow Fabric Care Instructions
As mentioned earlier, whether you’re doing a laundry dry clean or a regular one, it’s important to follow the fabric care instructions on the garment’s label carefully. This label provides proper guidance on the best water temperature, washing method, and other precautions.
For instance, some fabrics are machine washable, while others require hand washing or other delicate laundry services in Singapore instead. Abiding by these instructions minimises the risk of damage to your fabric.
Learn more: Laundry symbols Decoded: How to Read Wash Care Labels
Choose the Right Water Temperature
Water temperature is another key factor in stain removal. As a rule of thumb, most regular stains come out better in cold water; in fact, cold water also prevents the stain from setting.
However, for extra dry laundry in Singapore or stubborn stains, opt for the warmest water temperature that is safe for the fabric instead. That being said, very hot water can set some stains, so use warm water as a safe compromise.
Don’t Dry Until the Stain is Gone
Here’s a crucial point: do not put a stained garment in the dryer until you’re sure the stain is completely gone. The heat from the dryer can set the stain, making it much more challenging to remove. If the stain is still visible after washing, repeat the pre-treatment steps and wash the item again.
For Tough Stains, Trust the Professionals
While you can effectively remove many common stains using the aforementioned steps, some stains are particularly stubborn and may require expert care. In such cases, it might be better to rely on trusted laundry services in Singapore instead.
Here at Clean Care Dry Cleaning, our laundry dry clean professionals are well-equipped to deal with tough and stubborn stains of various types. They have the knowledge, experience, and specialised solvents to tackle even the most challenging blemishes. Furthermore, another advantage of dry cleaning is its ability to effectively remove stains without risking damage to the fabric.
Leave your stain-related worries to us today—for more information about our services, please contact us.