How to Get Rid of Stains from a Cotton Shirt: A Comprehensive Guide

August 1, 2023

How to Get Rid of Stains from a Cotton Shirt: A Comprehensive Guide

Cotton shirts are commonly worn and loved for their comfort and durability. However, accidents happen, and stains can become an unwelcome addition to your favorite shirt. The good news is that with the right techniques and a little bit of patience, you can successfully remove various stains from your cotton shirt. In this blog post, we will explore the most common stains and provide you with easy-to-follow steps to effectively eliminate them.

Most Common Stains on Cotton Shirts

Before we delve into the stain removal methods, let's take a look at the most common types of stains you might encounter on your cotton shirt:

Food Stains: These include common culprits like coffee, tea, wine, tomato sauce, chocolate, and grease.
Ink Stains: Ballpoint pen or marker stains are notorious for ruining shirts.
Blood Stains: Accidental cuts or injuries can lead to blood stains on your clothing.
Sweat Stains: Sweat can leave yellowish stains on your cotton shirt, especially in the armpit area.
Makeup Stains: Foundation, lipstick, and mascara can leave stubborn stains on your shirt collar or sleeves.
Grass Stains: If you enjoy outdoor activities or have kids who do, grass stains are a common sight on cotton shirts.

Now that we have identified the most common stains, let's move on to the step-by-step instructions for removing them from your cotton shirt:

Step-by-Step Guide for Stain Removal

1. Food Stains:

Blot the stain gently with a clean cloth or paper towel to remove any excess.
Rinse the stain under cold water to prevent it from setting.
Apply a small amount of liquid detergent directly to the stain and gently rub it in.
Allow the detergent to sit on the stain for 5-10 minutes.
Rinse the area thoroughly and wash the shirt as normal.

2. Ink Stains:

Place a clean towel underneath the stained area to prevent it from spreading.
Apply rubbing alcohol or hairspray directly to the stain.
Blot the stain gently to transfer the ink onto the clean towel.
Rinse the area with cold water and wash the shirt as usual.

3. Blood Stains:

Soak the stained area in cold water for 15-30 minutes.
Gently rub the stain with a mild detergent or soap until it starts to fade.
Rinse with cold water and wash the shirt using a bleach alternative or an enzyme-based detergent.

4. Sweat Stains:

Create a paste by mixing equal parts of baking soda and water.
Apply the paste to the stained area and let it sit for 1-2 hours.
Gently scrub the paste with a soft brush or toothbrush.
Rinse the area with cold water and wash the shirt as usual.

5. Makeup Stains:

Apply a small amount of dishwashing liquid or makeup remover to the stained area.
Gently rub the stain until it starts to fade.
Rinse thoroughly with cold water and wash the shirt as usual.

6. Grass Stains:

Apply a small amount of liquid detergent directly to the stain and gently rub it in.
Allow the detergent to sit on the stain for 10-15 minutes.
Rinse the area and treat it again with a stain remover or laundry detergent.
Wash the shirt as per the care instructions.

Remember to always check the care instructions on the garment label before attempting any stain removal techniques. Additionally, it's important to act quickly and treat the stain as soon as possible to increase the chances of successful removal.

By following these simple steps, you can bid farewell to stubborn stains on your cotton shirt and extend its lifespan. Remember, practice makes perfect, so don't be discouraged if you don't achieve spotless results the first time - with patience and persistence, you'll become a stain removal pro in no time!

Note: Always test the stain removal method on a small, inconspicuous area of the shirt first to ensure it does not damage or discolor the fabric.

Harper's Dry cleaning are our preferred & recommended dry cleaner.

"PEOPLE WILL STARE. MAKE IT WORTH THEIR WHILE" - HARRY WINSTON -

A Hand Tailored Suit, the bespoke tailoring company offering you a slice of London’s Savile Row, for a cut of the cost.

Custom clothing cut for Men, Women & Children. We offer only the finest of cloths from only the finest of cloth merchants from around the world. Showrooms & tailoring visits throughout England, Ireland & Mainland Europe.

For image & accreditation contact us at marketing@ahandtailoredsuit.com or review our image reference page.

Back to blog

Country/region