All kids seem to get the same grubby remnants of their day on their clothes. Here’s a list of the top common kid-stains and the secret to removing them:
1 How to remove glue, stickers and gum
For gum, you will need to rub an ice cube over it to freeze it first, as this will make it easier to scrap off. Apply a lubricant, like glycerine, to loosen any remaining residue, then scrape it off and rinse. Rub in liquid dishwashing detergent to remove any leftover stain and toss in the washing machine.
2 How to remove grass stains
Treat grass stains with a dry solvent, such as mineral spirits or acetone. Do this in a well-ventilated room as the fumes are pungent! Press the area with cheesecloth or a rag and agitate the stain by rubbing together or using a brush. Repeat the process a few times to remove as much as you can, then rinse with isopropyl alcohol and let dry. Spray with stain remover before washing.
3 How to remove paint
Wipe off any dried paint residue with a paper towel. Sponge on a solution of laundry washing detergent and water. Once the paint has softened, remove as much as possible with a dull knife or a spoon. Rinse and repeat until most of the stain has been removed. Machine wash.
4 How to remove blood stains
Run water through the stain then apply some laundry soap to the stained area. Rub vigorously until removed. Machine wash.
Alternatively, soak the stained garment in soapy water. If the stain is set, apply glycerine with a cotton ball to either side of the stain. Rub together in circles until the stain starts to shift at the edge, then wash.
5 How to remove ink stains
Rot some milk in the sun until solids form. Place the solids onto the stain and leave until the ink starts to rise up in the solids. Wash the milk solids out using detergent and water. Toss the garment in the washing machine.
6 How to remove mud stains
Shake off, or scrape off, as much mud as possible. Apply a mixture of diluted dishwashing detergent and soap and let soak for a few hours. Spray with prewash stain remover before tossing in the washing machine.
7 How to remove tree sap stains
Remove as much as possible with a dull knife or a spoon. Rub in a lubricant, like glycerine, and let sit until the sap softens. Place the garment stain-side down on a stack of paper towels and tap to loosen the sap. Rinse. If any stain remains, apply a spray of stain remover and let sit for 15 minutes. Machine wash.
8 How to remove chalk stains
Shake out, or vacuum up, any loose chalk particles. Place the garment stain-side down on a stack of paper towels and blot the back of the stain with a cloth dipped in rubbing alcohol. Rinse. Rub liquid dishwashing detergent into any leftover stain and let sit for several minutes. Machine wash.
9 How to remove tomato sauce stains
To remove tomato or spaghetti sauce stains from clothes, scrape off any leftover sauce, then spray the area with a mixture of dishwashing detergent and water. Soak in lukewarm water. Apply a drop of white vinegar to get rid of any more stain. Treat with an enzyme detergent, and wash. If after washing the stain persists, apply several drops of hydrogen peroxide, and let sit before washing again.
