White Stains On Clothes

By Matt Oden | Comments | Fabric Stains → Clothing

White stains on clothes can be just as problematic as dark stains on light colored fabrics. All is not lost, however. Some stains, like those from chlorine bleach, might not be cooperative, but there are definitely methods for removing other types of white stains on your clothing.

Despite our best efforts, our clothes bear the brunt of our clumsiness when we are eating, drinking, working, or even running them through the washing machine. White stains on clothes can be a bright reminder that it isn’t just our brilliant white t-shirts that are susceptible to unsightly stains.

Before you give up on your favorite black shirt or maroon silk skirt, there are several cleaning methods that you can try in order to remove those irksome stains.

White Stains On Clothes, From The Washing Machine

What You Will Need Before You Start

Soft bristled brush or old toothbrush
White vinegar

After running your clothes through the washing machine, it can be a heart stopping moment when you notice white stains on clothes that didn’t have stains before they went into the machine. Unless you have accidentally added a cup of bleach to your load of darks, it is very likely that you are looking at soap residue stains.

The good news is that this is a simple fix that can get your clothes looking brand new again.

Fill a basin or sink up with cold water and a quarter cup of white vinegar.
Immerse the garment.
Work the stain with your hands and the soft bristled brush to release the soap residue; it should come right off without much effort.
Rinse the garment in clean water. The stain should be completely removed.

Before you run the same garment through the washing machine and repeat the staining, you should consider switching to a different type of laundry detergent. Powders, especially when too much is used, can stick to clothing that is packed too tightly in the washing machine drum. Wash smaller loads of laundry, switch to a liquid detergent or simply use a smaller amount of your preferred powder.

Run a full cycle in your washing machine, without clothing in it, with Epsom salts. This will help to break down any lingering residue inside of your machine’s drum.

Remove White Stains On Clothes, From White Wine

What You Will Need Before You Start

Clean absorbent towels – white is best
Club soda
Clean sponge

Entirely too much attention is given to stains from red wine. While red wine can certainly be a challenge to remove in some situations, it is a little known fact that your favorite chardonnay can also leave white-tinged stains on your darker clothing.

Before you panic, put down the wine glass and get to work treating that stain before it sets in. While it is still relatively easy to remove dried white stains on clothes caused by white wine, the sooner that you treat it, the easier it will be to completely remove.

Place a clean absorbent towel on a flat surface.
Place the garment on top of the towel.
Blot up any excess liquid. Be sure to blot and not wipe or scrub.
Soak one end of the sponge in club soda.
Start to dab at the stain, starting from the outside edges of the stain.
Rinse the garment under cool water, the stain should be completely gone.

The garment can now be laundered, following the directions on the attached tags.

Remove White Stains On Clothes, From Bird Accidents

What You Will Need Before You Start

Hydrogen peroxide
Clean sponge

Despite what some say, it is hardly a blessing or sign of incoming good luck when a bird sends a messy white splattering your way. Before you start picturing roast pigeon, there are few quick steps to get this unpleasant mess off of your clothing.

In most cases you can simply wash the white stains on clothes from bird droppings right out, using cold water.
If the stain is persistent, pour a bit of hydrogen peroxide onto a sponge and dab at the stain.
Rinse thoroughly once the stain has been removed.

Always be sure to test the garment for colorfastness before using a cleaning agent like hydrogen peroxide on it.

Remove White Stains On Clothes, From Milk And Baby Formula

What You Will Need Before You Start

Clean absorbent towel
Baking soda
Soft bristled brush or toothbrush

Don’t cry over spilled milk, especially when cleaning it up is a snap. As with most stains, the sooner that you are able to treat them, the better your chances are at completely removing them. If you are able to clean up before the stain has a chance to set, then you may be able to simply rinse the milk or formula out of the garment.

If the stain has set, then it is a quick process to remove the stain before you pop the garment into the washing machine.

Make a paste with one part baking soda and three parts water.
Carefully smooth the paste onto the stain.
Using the soft-bristled brush, work the paste into the stain.
Allow the baking soda to dry on the stain and then rinse under cold water.

If the stain is still visible then you may have luck using meat tenderizer, of all things. Many people have reported great success at making a paste with meat tenderizer and allowing it to work through the white stains on clothes from milk. Meat tenderizer contains enzymes that can help to break down the milk or formula. Just don’t be surprised if you have an inexplicable craving for a steak.

These steps will also work at removing white stains on clothes from cheese, ice cream, and other dairy-based items.

Remove White Stains On Clothes, From Correction Fluid

What You Will Need Before You Start

WD-40
Clean absorbent white towel
Stick or gel stain remover

When writing or typing, correction fluid can be the quickest way to correct a mistake. But what do you use to correct the situation when you accidentally get correction fluid on your dark clothing? White stains on clothes, caused by correction fluid, can be a lot easier to remove than you might believe.

Lay a clean absorbent white towel on a flat surface.
Place the garment on top of the towel.
Lightly spray a small amount of WD-40 onto the correction fluid; it should immediately start to loosen.
Rinse the stain with cold water until the WD-40 and the correction fluid flakes have been rinsed away.

If a bit of the white stain is still lingering, you can apply a coating of gel or stick stain removers before running it through the washing machine.

Nail polish remover can also work, in a pinch, if you do not have WD-40 on hand. Just be sure to test for colorfastness in an inconspicuous area. These methods will also work with some types of paints and markers.

The quicker you are to take action against the white stains on clothes, the better your chances are at a complete recovery for your dark colored clothing. Swift treatment is the best course of action with most stains.