How to Remove Stubborn Stains: An Expert's Guide from Our Laundry

Tackling Stubborn Stains Like a Professional

We've seen it all in our 30+ years of laundry experience — red wine on white tablecloths, grass stains on cricket whites, ink on school shirts, and everything in between. The good news? Most stains can be removed if you know what you're doing.

Here are our expert tips for the most common stubborn stains.

Red Wine Stains

Act fast — the sooner you treat a red wine stain, the better your chances.

1. Blot (never rub) with a clean white cloth to absorb excess wine
2. Salt: Generously cover the stain with table salt — it draws out the moisture
3. Cold water rinse: Run cold water through the back of the fabric
4. White wine or soda water: Apply to neutralise the red pigment
5. Wash: Launder on the hottest setting the fabric allows

Pro tip: Never use hot water first — it sets the stain permanently.

Grease and Oil Stains

Whether it's cooking oil, butter, or engine grease:

1. Scrape off any excess with a blunt knife
2. Washing-up liquid: Apply neat to the stain and gently work in
3. Leave for 15 minutes to break down the grease
4. Hot water wash: Grease responds well to higher temperatures
5. Check before drying: If the stain remains, repeat — heat from the dryer will set it

Blood Stains

The golden rule: always use cold water. Hot water cooks the protein and makes it permanent.

1. Rinse immediately under cold running water
2. Salt paste: Mix salt with cold water to form a paste, apply and leave for 30 minutes
3. Hydrogen peroxide: For white fabrics, dab with a 3% solution
4. Cold wash: Launder on a cold cycle

Ink Stains

Ballpoint ink is one of the trickiest:

1. Hairspray or rubbing alcohol: Apply to the stain (test on a hidden area first)
2. Blot with a clean cloth — the ink should transfer to the cloth
3. Repeat until no more ink transfers
4. Wash normally

Grass Stains

Common on children's clothes and sportswear:

1. White vinegar: Soak the stain in undiluted white vinegar for 30 minutes
2. Baking soda paste: Apply and gently scrub with an old toothbrush
3. Wash on a warm cycle

When to Call in the Professionals

Some stains are best left to the experts — especially on delicate fabrics, expensive garments, or large items like rugs and upholstery. At Peak District Laundry, specialist stain removal is included as part of our standard laundry service at no extra charge.

We also offer professional rug and upholstery cleaning for those bigger jobs that need specialist equipment.

Got a stain you can't shift? Bring it to us or book a collection — we love a challenge! Call 01298 605555 or drop us a message.