Bookmark this one. Better yet, screenshot it and stick it on the fridge next to the takeout menus.
Quick answer: most stains come out if you act fast, start with cold water and check before drying. Protein stains love enzymes. Oily stains love warm water.
Three golden rules
- Act fast. Fresh stains are easy stains.
- Start cold. Heat can set proteins.
- Check before drying. The dryer makes stains permanent.
The cheat sheet
| Stain | First move | Sheet |
|---|---|---|
| Grass (51) | Cold rinse, pretreat | Just 9 |
| Blood (52) | Cold rinse | Just 9 |
| Coffee (53) | Blot, rinse from back | Just 7 |
| Red wine (54) | Blot, cold rinse | Just 7 |
| Grease (55) | Absorb, warm wash | Just 7 |
| Pit stains (56) | Soak | Just 9 |
| Tomato (57) | Scrape, cold rinse | Just 9 |
| Chocolate (58) | Chill, scrape | Just 9 |
| Mud (59) | Let it dry | Just 7 |
| Ink (60) | Alcohol dab | Just 7 |
| Makeup (61) | Blot or brush | Just 7 |
| Baby food (62) | Scrape, cold rinse | Just 9 |
| Pet urine (63) | Blot, cold rinse | Just 9 |
Protein vs oil vs pigment
- Protein (blood, milk, grass): cold water, enzymes.
- Oil (grease, makeup): absorb, warm water.
- Pigment (wine, berries): rinse fast, sun-dry.
Once you know which family a stain belongs to, you basically know the fix.
FAQ
What's the best all-around stain remover? A fast cold rinse and an enzyme detergent cover most stains.
Does hot water remove stains? It helps oily stains but can set protein stains. Start cold.
Can I fix a stain after drying? Often, with a pretreat and a second wash.
Which Just sheet is best for stains? Just 9.
Seven ingredients. Zero compromise.
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