Accidentally tossed a red cloth in a washer filled with whites? Or spilled red wine on your clothes? A big red stain on your white clothes isn’t ideal, whether it’s blood, wine, red lipstick, or dye.
Also, it’s so hard to hide away or cover red stains on whites, so you have to find some ways to tackle them. Don’t worry; we’ve got your back! In this post, we go through some methods to get red out of your white clothes.
Things to Note When Getting Red Stains Out of White Clothes
Here are some things you should consider before treating the red stains on your white clothes:
- Know The Kind of Stain You’re Dealing With
Is the red stain on your white from blood? Lipstick? Or from a red cloth? Knowing the kind of stain it is will help you determine the right step to get rid of the stain.
- Avoid Using Water On Oily Stains
Oil stains bind fast with fabrics, and adding water only adds to the strength of the bond. So if you are dealing with ketchup or lipstick stains, you now know not to add water.
- Rinse With Water
If you are not dealing with oil stains, consider rinsing under water to flush the stains from behind. You can rinse red stains like blood, dye, and wine to make washing easier.
- Don’t Put In Dryer Until Stain Disappears
If you have red on your clothes, it’s best not to dry them until you get out the stains. This is because the heat from the dryer can set in the stain, thus making it hard to remove.
8 Ways To Get Red Stains Out of Clothes
Have some red stains on your white clothes? Here are some effective methods to get them out:
1: Try Some Detergent or Dishwashing Liquid
Laundry detergent works great, especially when dealing with a small-sized stain. To get rid of red using detergent, follow these steps:
Step 1: Fill a basin with water, add some detergent, and drop in your clothes. Alternatively, you can add some detergent directly to the stained area.
Step 2: Use an old toothbrush to scrub the stained area, then leave for about 30 minutes.
Step 3: Wash the garment as usual and recheck for stains.
2: Apply Some Vinegar
Soaking your white clothes in vinegar solution is another option to remove red stains. To do this:
Step 1: Add some vinegar into a water basin and soak in your clothes for about 30 minutes.
Step 2: Alternatively, pour the vinegar into the stain directly and use a rag or toothbrush to work it in. Leave for 30 minutes.
Step 3: Wash as normal once the color bleed has faded, or try out another method if the stain is still obvious.
**You can also combine the vinegar with baking soda for added effectiveness.
3: Soak in Hydrogen Peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide works almost similarly to bleach and is safe to use on white clothes. Here is how to use it on your whites:
Step 1: Mix a part of hydrogen peroxide with a part of water. For better results, add some dishwashing liquid to the mix.
Step 2: Add your clothes and let them soak for up to 30 minutes until the red color starts fading.
Step 3: Rinse the cloth and rewash it before drying.
Note: This method is not recommended on delicates like wool and silk.
4. Oxygen-Based Bleach for Red Dyes
Another alternative to get red out of whites is by using color-safe oxygen bleach. Bleaches with oxygen are safer and kinder to clothes, so they are best for tackling stains. All you need is to add oxygen bleach to the washing cycle. After washing, check the clothes to see if the colors have faded and make sure the colors are gone before transferring them to a dryer.
5. Rubbing Alcohol for Red Lipstick Stains
If you are dealing with a red lipstick stain or makeup stain, you can try adding some rubbing alcohol to the stain. Next, use a ball of cotton wool or a clean rag to blot out the stain. Another option is to use hand sanitizer or hair spray over the stain and then blot it out.
6. White Wine for Red Wine Stains
If you accidentally spilled red wine on your white clothes, a good remedy is to add some white wine. It’s weird, but it makes your job a lot easier. To do this, just pour white wine over the stain and dab using a clean rag or towel. Next, wash your clothes as usual.
How To Remove Color Stains From Clothes After Drying
If you’ve dried your white clothes before noticing the red stains, you may need to try a commercial stain removal. You can try out any of the methods above to see if they will work. If it doesn’t, follow these steps:
Step 1: Find a stain removal of your choice and read the label instructions on how to use it. Stain removals will be available in different varieties, so ensure you go for something designed for white clothes.
Step 2: Soak the cloth in water and some stain removal according to the instructions.
Step 3: Leave for some minutes and then wash your clothes as usual.
How To Avoid Color Bleed On Your Clothes
Having a red cloth bleed on your white is a laundry disaster you can avoid with these tips:
- Sort Your Laundry
Before washing your clothes, it’s best to sort your laundry according to color. Also, you may want to check your clothes for hidden socks, mittens, and small clothes. Don’t assume a cloth doesn’t bleed unless the manufacturer’s label says so. To be on the safe side, assume that all colored clothes will bleed on your whites, so wash them separately.
- Remove All Clothe Before Adding A New Load
Make sure you remove all fabrics from the washer before adding new clothes. Sometimes some clothes can hang around the dryer and washer without you knowing.
- Wash New Clothes Separately
New clothes are more likely to bleed when washed compared to old ones. For this reason, it’s best to wash your new fabrics in a separate load.
- Read Fabric Care Label
Follow the manufacturer’s care instructions to get clear details on how to wash your cloth.