Top 3 Laundry Stain Removal Hacks (Tested): 2025

4 min readUpdated Feb. 27, 2025Terry MehilosWasher
laundry hacks

Discover effective stain removal hacks tested with common household ingredients to tackle grease, grass, and ink stains. From homemade solutions to surprising tricks like using cola, find out which methods actually work in salvaging your favorite clothing items. Watch as we put these hacks to the test and reveal the truth behind their efficacy.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

  • Grass stains can be removed by combining hydrogen peroxide, dish soap, and water, soaking the clothing item, then rinsing and washing as normal.
  • To remove ink stains, saturate the stain with either hairspray or hand sanitizer, blot, and wash as usual.
  • Saturating a grease stain with cola and letting it soak before washing will aid in removing the stain.

Remove grease stains, grass stains and ink stains. Find out which stain removal laundry life hacks actually work!

What’s the best way to get out grass stains? What about grease stains? Is hairspray or hand sanitizer better for removing ink stains? Just because you get a stain on your favorite clothing item doesn’t mean it’s ruined forever.

We’re testing three stain-removal hacks using common ingredients you should already have around the house to find out which ones actually work.

It’s time to test these hacks and reveal the truth!

Hack #1: Bid Farewell to Grass Stains

Grass stains are like trophies from the great outdoors, but they don’t have to be permanent. For this hack, you’ll be mixing up a homemade solution that tackles the chlorophyll pigment embedded in fabric fibers.

What You Need:

  • Hydrogen peroxide
  • Dish soap
  • Cold water

Steps:

  1. Mix It Up: Combine 2 parts hydrogen peroxide with 1 part dish soap. Hydrogen peroxide acts as a mild bleach, which helps in breaking down the grass stains, while the dish soap lifts the stain from the fabric. Add a bit of cold water to dilute the mixture slightly, making it gentle enough for most fabrics.

  2. Soak: Submerge the stained section of the clothing item in the mixture. Let it sit for about 15-20 minutes. This soaking period allows the solution to penetrate the stain and start the breakdown process.

  3. Rinse and Wash: After soaking, rinse the item under cold water to remove the mixture, then wash as you normally would. The stain should be significantly lighter or completely gone.

Hack #2: Ink Stain, No Pain

Ink stains can be daunting, especially on a white shirt. Whether it’s a pen explosion or a mishap while marking, here’s a hack using hairspray or hand sanitizer to save the day.

What You Need:

  • Hairspray (with high alcohol content) or hand sanitizer
  • A clean cloth

Steps:

  1. Prepare: Place a clean cloth or paper towel between the stained fabric layers. This prevents the ink from bleeding through to the other side as you treat it.

  2. Apply: Generously apply hairspray or hand sanitizer directly onto the ink stain. Both these items contain alcohol, which helps dissolve the ink. Let it sit for a few minutes.

  3. Blot: Using a clean, dry cloth, gently blot the stained area. Avoid rubbing, as this can spread the ink. You’ll notice the stain transferring to the cloth as you blot.

  4. Wash: Proceed to wash the clothing item as you would normally. The ink stain should disappear or be significantly reduced.

Hack #3: Grease Stains Meet Their Match

Grease stains are notorious for their resilience. However, an unexpected hero in the form of cola can make a significant difference.

What You Need:

  • Cola

Steps:

  1. Saturate: Pour cola directly onto the grease stain, ensuring it’s completely saturated. Cola’s acidic properties can break down the grease, making it easier to wash out.

  2. Soak: Let the stained item sit with the cola on it for a few hours or even overnight for tough stains. The longer it soaks, the more time the cola has to work on the grease.

  3. Wash: After soaking, wash the garment as usual. You’ll be surprised at how effective cola can be in removing grease stains.

Stains shouldn't be the end of your favorite garments. With these simple yet effective hacks, you can tackle most common stains with confidence. Remember, the sooner you address the stain, the better your chances of removing it completely. The next time life gets a little messy, turn to these hacks and watch your clothes come back to life.

Just as your garments need care, so does your washer. Regular maintenance not only extends the life of your machine but also ensures it cleans your clothes efficiently. Schedule a routine maintenance service today to prevent potential problems down the line. A well-maintained washer is key to making the most out of your stain-removing efforts, keeping your wardrobe in pristine condition.

From pretreating with a paste of detergent and water to applying vinegar or specialized stain removers, different hacks can tackle tough spots like grease, wine, or grass. However, even the best stain-fighting methods might fall short if your washer isn’t delivering adequate agitation or thorough rinsing. A clogged dispenser or malfunctioning pump can undermine the effectiveness of these hacks. If you consistently see stains lingering, it’s time to consider washer dryer repair near me. Expert maintenance can address hidden mechanical issues, improving overall washing performance and saving you from having to replace stained clothing prematurely.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which common stain removal hacks actually work?
Vinegar for mild organic stains, baking soda for odors, and dish soap for oil-based spots. Sears Home Services recommends testing a small area first.
Are there stains that require professional help?
Stubborn or old stains may need specialized treatment. Sears Home Services ensures your washer is functioning properly to tackle tough loads.
Will a high-efficiency washer improve stain removal?
It can, thanks to better agitation and spin cycles. Sears Home Services can advise on the best models or optimize your current unit.
What if frequent stains damage my washer’s interior?
Certain chemical treatments might corrode parts over time. Sears Home Services can replace worn or rusted components to maintain performance.

Schedule washer maintenance now!

Increase the lifespan and performance of your washer with our comprehensive maintenance service, ensuring reliable laundry care and continued peace of mind.

Call (213) 596-2538 or schedule online now.

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Glossary Terms

Hard water is water that contains high levels of dissolved minerals, particularly calcium and magnesium. It contrasts with soft water, which has lower concentrations of these minerals.

A washing machine pedestal is a platform that raises the washer off the ground, providing easier access to the appliances and often includes additional storage space such as drawers.

A washer tub is the interior part of a washing machine where clothes are placed for washing, typically made of stainless steel, plastic, or porcelain-coated metal, designed to hold water and withstand the agitation or spinning during the wash cycle.

Fabric softener is a laundry additive used to soften and freshen clothing, reduce static cling, and make fabrics feel smoother.

Common Repair Washer Symptoms

The most common reasons your Kenmore Elite washer won't drain are a broken motor, cracked drain hose or a jammed door lock assembly.

The most common reasons your LG washer vibrates are a damaged suspension rod, malfunctioning electronic control board or a dead fan.

The most common reasons your Whirlpool washer won't start cycle are a malfunctioning electronic control board, jammed door lock assembly or a faulty user interface.

The most common reasons your Admiral washer is leaking from bottom are a clogged water valve assembly, broken motor or a cracked drain hose.

The most common reasons your Admiral washer is not agitating are a malfunctioning electronic control board, faulty actuator or a jammed door lock assembly.

The most common reasons your Admiral washer is not draining are a broken motor, malfunctioning electronic control board or a jammed door lock assembly.