Of all the things that can happen when caring for laundry, a faded garment is one of the worst. We all know television scenes featuring laundry that has turned pink even though it was originally white and unfortunately, this type of mishap doesn’t only happen in fiction. In any case, we would do well without having to face it… especially with this new item of clothing that we have just fallen for which ends up being changed in the first wash because of another or which ruins all the clothes in the machine! So, how do you remove stained clothing effectively? We tell you everything here with some grandmother’s tips.
1) Basic steps to avoid the disaster of faded clothing
- Of course, while throwing everything in the machine and praying to the laundry gods that everything goes smoothly is a quick and convenient solution, sort carefully BEFORE washing is essential to have peace of mind and avoid unpleasant surprises.
- If you wait for the laundry to dry or put it in the dryer, you won’t be able to do anything afterward. Stubborn stains will no longer budge despite any attempt at stain removal! So, quickly separate the item of clothing that is bleeding from the others to prevent further bleeding and act immediately.
- Opt for the anti-bleaching wipe. It’s not very eco-friendly, so it is not recommended (nor necessary) to put it in each machine, but you can put it when you have doubts about a new item of clothing or if laundry continues to bleed despite the numerous washes.
2) Baking soda if there are only a few small spots
Luckily, sometimes there are only small traces of discoloration here and there. In this case, think about bicarbonate (or baking powder which contains 99% and which can therefore be substituted for it or mixed with it for greater effectiveness). Sprinkle it on the stains and scrub gently with a nail brush dampened with warm water. Rinse and wash.
3) Vinegar or bleach on white clothing
Prepare a basin filled with 4 liters of water with 250 ml of white vinegar or 60 ml of bleach. Soak your garment in it for half an hour, stirring with a spatula from time to time. Then rinse well with cold water and finish with a machine wash.
If you opt for bleach, note that you must follow the recommendations for use and check the clothing label beforehand to avoid completely ruining it with this product.
4) Soda crystals
Longer, but effective, the treatment with soda crystals can easily replace white vinegar. Pour a little cold water into a basin and add 50 g of crystals. Leave your laundry to soak in it for two days, stirring occasionally. Finish with a machine wash.
NB Remember to wear gloves when handling this product.
5) The very effective laurel infusion
Bay leaf has many interesting properties, but it is its stain removal power that interests us here. This tip is particularly suitable for more delicate clothes which include lingerie, embroidery or which have decorations (pearls, sequins, etc.), but these must withstand hot water. Infuse for 15 minutes ten bay leaves in boiled water. Strain the leaves and soak the cloth until the water becomes cold. Finish with a machine wash.
In addition, discover our tip for fixing the color of fading jeans.