Your laundry detergent is supposed to clean your clothes–but what if it creates its own mess instead? Laundry detergent stains are a cruel joke of the laundry room, causing additional work to spot clean your just-washed clothes. Not to worry–you don’t need to put up with stains from laundry detergent forever! We’ll teach you how to get laundry detergent stains out of clothes, and how to prevent these troublesome spots from appearing in the future.
Why is laundry detergent staining my clothes?
Laundry detergent stains occur when the very substance that's meant to clean our clothes decides to leave its mark instead. 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 laundry detergent stains out of clothes so your laundry can be truly spotless.
How to Get Laundry 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 those laundry detergent stains! 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. We particularly recommend this if your previous detergent contained artificial dyes or left a blue stain on clothes after washing.
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 laundry detergent stains out of clothes? Removing detergent stains can be tricky–but we’re here to help.
Why are my clothes coming out of the washer with stains?
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.
Are detergent stains permanent? Do detergent stains come out?
Detergent stains can come out if treated quickly and correctly. The key to successfully removing detergent stains is to address them as soon as possible. The longer a stain is left alone, the more it will settle into the fibers of your clothing and set. Promptly rinsing the affected area with water and treating the stain as soon as possible can help prevent the stain from setting.
Does vinegar remove laundry detergent?
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.
How do you get old laundry detergent stains out of clothes?
Removing old 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.