Your laundry detergent is supposed to clean your clothes–but what if it creates its own mess instead? Detergent stains are a cruel joke of the laundry room, causing additional work to spot clean your just-washed clothes. Not to worry–a stain from laundry detergent isn’t inevitable! We’ll teach you how to get detergent stains out of clothes, and how to prevent these troublesome spots from appearing in the future.
Why is laundry detergent staining my clothes?
Detergent stains occur when the very substance that's meant to clean our clothes decides to leave its mark instead. You see, laundry detergents are formulated with a combination of surfactants, enzymes, builders, and other special ingredients. These components work together to break down dirt, oils, and stains during the wash cycle. However, if detergent isn't properly dissolved or if too much is used, it can leave behind residue on fabrics, resulting in those pesky stains. The surfactants, which help lift dirt away, can become trapped in the fibers, while the enzymes and builders may leave a visible residue. This problem most commonly occurs with liquid laundry detergents, where a heavy handed pour can easily leave detergent stains on clothes.
To prevent detergent stains on clothes, we recommend using a premeasured laundry detergent, like Dropps Laundry Detergent Pods. Dropps pods are perfectly portioned in order to clean your clothes without leaving residue behind. In the meantime, we’re here to show you how to get detergent stains out of clothes so your laundry can be truly spotless.
How to Get Detergent Stains Out Of Clothes
What you’ll need: Oxi Booster Pods, White Vinegar, Laundry Detergent Pods
Step 1: Fill Sink or Basin
Let’s start treating that detergent stain! To start, fill a clean sink or basin with warm water. Add a stain fighting product, such as an Oxi Booster Pod or a cup of white vinegar, to create a stain fighting solution. Swish the solution until it is fully dissolved.
Step 2: Treat Stain
Soak the stain area in the stain fighting solution. Wet the garment, then rub the stained portion against itself to loosen the detergent. Allow it to sit for up to an hour. The vinegar or Oxi Booster pod should work to lift the detergent stain on clothes and completely remove it.
Step 3: Wash
Now that the stain has been removed, wash the item as normal. We recommend using a Stain & Odor Laundry Detergent Pod, which contains enzymes for extra stain fighting. You can also add an additional Oxi Booster Pod to the wash for extra cleaning power and brightening, particularly if the detergent stain contained artificial dyes!
Step 4: Prevent Future Stains
To prevent detergent stains in the future, we recommend using a pre-portioned laundry detergent, like Dropps Laundry Pods. Dropps are perfectly portioned for a foolproof wash–one pod is designed for loads up to 15 lbs. Eliminating the plastic jug in your laundry routine isn’t only good for your environment–it’s good for your clothes too! You may also want to take a look at your washing machine settings. If you are doing a particularly large load, you will want to be sure that your machine is using enough water to fully wash your clothes and rinse the detergent away. Overstuffing your machine may also cause this problem, so be sure not to overload your machine! If you are washing a particularly bulky item, like a comforter, consider bringing it to a laundromat that has commercial sized machines.
Frequently Asked Questions
Have more questions about how to get detergent stains out of clothes? We’re here to help.
Does laundry detergent leave residue on clothes?
Laundry detergent can sometimes leave residue on clothes if not used or rinsed properly. The residue may appear as white streaks, spots, or a dull film on the fabric. Several factors can contribute to detergent residue, such as using too much detergent or insufficient rinsing. You can combat this by switching to a different detergent, making sure you are using the correct settings for your load of laundry, and not overloading your machine.
Why do black clothes get white spots after washing?
Dealing with white stains on your black clothes after washing? The problem may be in the wash itself. When too much detergent is used or if it doesn't dissolve completely during the wash cycle, it can leave behind a soapy film on the fabric, which becomes more noticeable on dark-colored garments. Follow our above guide to remove the stain, then adjust your laundry routine to prevent detergent stains in the future.
Does vinegar remove soap residue from clothes?
Vinegar is the MVP of stain fighting, and a detergent stain is no exception! You can use a white vinegar solution to remove soap residue and detergent stains from your clothing.
Does Rewashing remove detergent stains?
Rewashing can often help remove detergent stains from clothes, especially if the stains are caused by detergent residue that didn't rinse out completely during the initial wash. When you rewash the clothes, it gives the detergent another chance to dissolve and rinse away, effectively reducing or eliminating the stains. You can even try washing them in warm water without any detergent.
How do you remove dried detergent stains?
Removing dried detergent stains from clothes can be a bit challenging, but with the right approach, it's possible to tackle them effectively. Follow our above guide to how to get detergent stains out of clothes to banish any detergent stain. Depending on the age and severity of the stain, you may need to repeat the process several times.