5 Common Stains and How to Treat Them

5 Common Stains and How to Treat Them

It’s like stains have a sixth sense - they always land right where you don’t want them. Whether it’s a splash of coffee before a big meeting or jam-covered fingers on your fresh white shirt, stains happen. The good news? Most stains can be treated quickly and easily if you act fast and use the right method with our handy washing machines.

Here’s how to tackle five of the most common stains and keep your clothes looking fresh.

1. Wine Stains
A relaxing glass of red can turn into a laundry nightmare if it ends up on your clothes.

What to do:

  • Blot (don’t rub!) the stain with a clean cloth.
  • Sprinkle salt over the stain and let it sit for a few minutes to absorb the liquid.
  • Rinse with warm water and wash as normal.
  • If the stain remains, apply a stain remover or detergent before washing again.

2. Blood Stains
Cuts, scrapes, or nosebleeds can leave tricky stains if not treated quickly.

What to do:

  • Rinse immediately with cold water—hot water will set the stain.
  • Soak the fabric in lukewarm water with detergent for 15 minutes.
  • If needed, apply a small amount of household ammonia or an enzyme cleaner before washing separately.

3. Oil & Butter Stains
Cooking, eating, or even touching greasy surfaces can leave stubborn oil stains behind.

What to do:

  • Blot up any excess oil with a paper towel.
  • Sprinkle cornstarch or talcum powder on the stain to soak up the grease.
  • Let it sit for 10-15 minutes, then brush off the powder.
  • Apply dishwashing liquid (great for cutting grease), let it sit, then wash as normal.

4. Coffee Stains
A coffee spill is a classic morning disaster, but it doesn’t have to ruin your day.

What to do:

  • Blot with a paper towel to soak up excess liquid.
  • Rinse under lukewarm water immediately.
  • Apply a small amount of vinegar or mild detergent, let it sit for 5-10 minutes.
  • Wash on the hottest setting safe for the fabric.

5. Sweat & Yellow Armpit Stains
Over time, sweat can leave yellow stains on white clothes, making them look worn out.

What to do:

  • Soak in warm water with baking soda or white vinegar for 30 minutes before washing.
  • For stubborn stains, make a paste using baking soda and hydrogen peroxide, apply to the stain, and let it sit before washing.

Keep Your Laundry Fresh & Clean with the Right Appliances

The right washing machine or dryer can make stain removal easier and keep your clothes looking their best. Check out Betta’s range of high-performance laundry appliances to get the job done.