How To Do Your Laundry the Right Way, According to an Expert
How to Remove the Most Common Stains
If you’re like most people, your laundry often includes stubborn stains—from coffee and wine to grease. Luckily, Piombino offers expert advice to help you tackle these common challenges and restore your clothes to their best condition.
How to Remove Coffee Stains
“If you can address the stain while it’s fresh, gently blot it with a damp cloth to lift some of the coffee before it sets,” Piombino advises. “Avoid rubbing, as that could push the stain deeper into the fabric. For a fresh stain, rinse with water immediately to remove as much coffee as possible.”
She has tailored advice depending on how you take your coffee. “For black coffee, pre-treat the stain with an oxygen-based cleaner, which contains hydrogen peroxide that breaks down the stain. Let it sit for five minutes before washing.”
“For coffee with milk, use an enzyme-based stain remover to target the milk proteins,” she adds. “After pre-treating, wash with a stain-fighting detergent.”
We’ve handpicked some of the best detergent and stain remover options to upgrade your laundry routine below.
How to Remove Red Wine Stains
“Red wine stains need immediate attention to avoid permanent damage,” Piombino advises. If you’re out and about, club soda can help treat the stain until you get home.
“To fully treat the stain, pre-treat with an oxi-based cleaner or stain-fighting detergent,” she says. “Ensure the entire stain is covered, let it sit for at least five minutes, then wash. Check that the stain is gone before drying, as heat can set it permanently.”
