What’s the first thing I should do when I notice a fresh stain on my clothes?

Always begin by rinsing the stained area under cold running water from the back of the fabric to flush out as much of the staining substance as possible before applying any treatments.

How can I remove tea (and other tannin-based) stains effectively?

Mix equal parts white vinegar and water (or apply liquid laundry detergent directly), then let the solution soak into the stain for about 15 minutes. Rinse again with cold water and launder as usual.

What’s the best way to tackle rust stains without damaging fabric?

Avoid bleach (it can set rust permanently). Instead, apply lemon juice directly to the stain, sprinkle with salt, and let it sit in direct sunlight for 30–60 minutes. Rinse thoroughly and wash normally. For very stubborn rust, a fabric-safe commercial rust remover can be used.

What washing temperature should I use after pre-treating a stubborn stain?

Wash the garment in the warmest water that’s safe for the fabric (as indicated on its care label). If the stain remains, repeat the pre-treatment and wash again before drying, since heat can set stains permanently.

If a stain still persists after initial treatment, what’s the next step?

Soak the item in warm water with a dedicated stain remover for a bit before re-washing. This extended pre-soak helps break down tougher, set-in stains before they go through the dryer cycle.

Laundry

How to Remove Stubborn Stains from Clothes: Quick & Easy Tips

ibrahim

16 Jul 2025 — 6 min read

Wondering how to remove stubborn stains from your clothes at home?

Stains are a part of life - from morning tea spills to oil splashes while cooking, they tend to show up when you least expect them. But don’t worry: with the right steps, you can remove even the most stubborn stains at home, no professional cleaning required.

In this guide, you’ll learn exactly how to get rid of stains from clothes - fast. We’ll cover different stain types (like oil, rust, and tea), the best products to use, and step-by-step tips that actually work. Whether you're dealing with fresh spills or set-in marks, these methods will help you save your clothes - and your time.

How to Remove Stains from Clothes

When you spot a stain, you might get the urge to try and clean it immediately — and you should! But before you get cleaning, pause and consider three important things:

• What fabric is it?

• What are the wash instructions?

• What kind of stain are you dealing with?

Understanding these will help you treat the stain effectively without damaging your clothes.

How to Treat a Fresh Stain Immediately

The first step is to resist the urge to aggressively rub the stain away. Instead, you want to gently dab the stain with cold water. Rubbing can cause the stain to be pushed further into the fabric, which can cause it to set — and we definitely don’t want that! So if it is a fresh stain, gently pat it down with a paper towel or tissue to absorb the excess and prepare it for cleaning. Quick action here can make a big difference later!

Identify the Stain Type Before Washing

Before you get into the cleaning, you might want to first figure out what kind of stain you’re dealing with. That’s because different stains are made of different elements that may need to be treated differently to get the best removal results. Here’s a quick guide:

Organic stains

Examples: tea, coffee, ketchup, curry, blood, grass
These come from natural substances and are best tackled with enzyme-based detergent and cleaners.

Oil-based stains

Examples: ghee, cooking oil, makeup
Since these are water-resistant, break them down first with dish soap before washing.

Water-based stains

Examples: juice, sweat, soda
These are relatively easier to clean — rinse with water and soak as needed.

Pro tip: For stubborn stains like chai and oil (common offenders in Pakistani households), pre-treating is key — more on that below!

How to Pre-Treat Stains for Best Results

Don’t skip this step! Pre-treating is extremely important to ensure that your stain is ready to be cleansed from the fabric. Skipping pre-treatment means your wash might not be as effective. So choose any detergent or even dish soap, gently rub the product into the stain with your hands or an old toothbrush to really get it into the fabric to thoroughly treat and break down the stain.

Soak Clothes Before Washing Stains Out

If you’re dealing with a stubborn stain, soaking is your secret weapon. Soaking allows for greater time for the stain to break down even further, coming loose from the fabric. So when you eventually give the stained clothes a wash, half the work will already be done! Soak your clothes in lukewarm water along with either a stain-remover, such as, white vinegar or specialised detergent, and let it soak for 30 minutes to an hour.

Wash Clothes Carefully for Effective Stain Removal

Once your clothes have been pre-treated and soaked, it’s time for washing! Many of us are tempted to just use the same washing method for all our clothes, because it is easier and saves time — resist this urge! It’s important to understand the fabric and the stain and wash the item accordingly. Follow the care instructions on the label and use the appropriate water temperature. Hot water can help break down grease stains, but it can also set protein-based stains like blood. When in doubt, use cold water for delicate fabrics and stubborn stains.

Use High-Quality Detergent for Stain Removal

A good detergent can be the difference between squeaky clean clothes that look brand new, or stains that will haunt you forever! Just kidding, but the detergent you choose can definitely make the stain removal process much easier and more efficient. Rather than having to put your clothes through multiple rounds of cleaning, a good detergent will tackle that stain with strength, hopefully making this wash the final step of your stain removal journey. Whether you prefer liquid or washing powder, there are so many Pakistani detergent brands to choose from. We recommend are Sufi Surf, Tez Clean and Bonus (p.s. Bazaarapp might have the best Bonus 1 kg price in Pakistan 👀).

Check Clothes Before Drying

You’ve made it to the finish line! We know you’ve worked very hard to get here, but before you wrap things up, we have one more recommendation to make sure your item is truly stain-free. Before leaving your clothes out to dry, it’s important to check that the stain is completely gone, especially if you hang your clothes to dry outside in the sun. Heat can cause stains to set permanently, making them much more difficult to get rid of.

Still see something? Repeat the steps above. But if the stain is gone, congratulations — you’re done!

Quick Recap: Stain Removal Made Easy

Dab the stain (don’t rub!)
Identify what type of stain it is
Pre-treat with detergent or dish soap
Soak in lukewarm water with vinegar or stain remover
Wash carefully based on fabric
Check before drying to avoid setting the stain

Ready to Stock Up on Stain-Fighting Essentials?

Whether you need a powerful detergent, dish soap for pre-treating, or gentle fabric care products, you’ll find everything you need on Bazaar. Enjoy the convenience of online shopping, low prices, and next-day delivery straight to your doorstep. ✨

Frequently Asked Questions

How to remove oil stains from clothes?

To remove oil stains, act fast. First, blot the excess oil gently with a paper towel—don’t rub it in. Sprinkle baking soda or cornstarch over the stain to absorb oil for 15–20 minutes. Brush it off, then apply a few drops of dishwashing liquid directly to the stain and gently rub it in. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes. Finally, wash the garment in the warmest water safe for the fabric. Repeat if needed before drying.

How to remove tea stains from clothes?

Start by rinsing the tea stain under cold running water from the back of the fabric. Mix a solution of equal parts white vinegar and water, or apply a liquid laundry detergent directly to the stain. Let it soak for about 15 minutes. Rinse again with cold water, then wash as usual. For stubborn stains, soak in warm water with a stain remover before washing.

How to remove rust stains from clothes?

Rust stains need special care. Avoid using bleach—it can set the stain permanently. Instead, place the stained area over a towel, then apply lemon juice directly on the stain and sprinkle salt on top. Let it sit in sunlight for 30–60 minutes. Rinse thoroughly and wash as usual. For tough rust marks, use a commercial rust remover that’s safe for fabrics.

Where can I buy stain removers and laundry products online in Pakistan?

You can shop all your cleaning essentials — from detergents and dish soaps to fabric softeners and stain removers — on Bazaarapp. It’s fast, affordable, and delivers right to your doorstep the next day. Whether you need everyday laundry products or quick fixes for surprise stains, Bazaarapp has you covered with trusted brands and great prices. Shop now!