Erase Pan Stains: Restore Your Clothes' Original Glory

It can be frustrating when a stray red sock turns your white laundry pink. But don't worry, there are several ways to get rid of these pesky stains and restore your whites to their former glory. Here are some tips and tricks to help you tackle those pink stains and prevent them from happening again.

Bleach and water solution

Bleach is a great tool to remove stains from clothes, especially white fabrics and some colour-fast clothes. It is also an excellent sanitising agent, designed to kill germs and mould before they have time to multiply. However, it is a harsh chemical that can be corrosive and will mark clothes and surfaces if used incorrectly.

Step 1: Check the fabric

Firstly, check the fabric of the stained garment. Bleach can be used on white bleach-safe clothing such as cotton or polyester. It is not suitable for wool, silk, mohair, leather, or spandex.

Step 2: Treat the stain

If the stain is fresh, start by applying liquid dish detergent to the stain and gently massage it in. Wait 5 minutes, then rinse with warm water. If the stain is old, you may need to soak the garment in a bleach solution for longer, or repeat the process several times.

Step 3: Prepare the bleach solution

For sodium hypochlorite bleach (chlorine bleach), read the label and dilute as directed. For oxygen bleach, add it directly to the wash water before adding the clothes. Wear rubber gloves and a plastic apron to protect your skin and clothes from the bleach solution.

Step 4: Soak the garment

Fully submerge the garment in the bleach and water solution. Use a spoon to swirl the clothing around in the solution to ensure it is completely saturated. Leave the garment to soak for 5 minutes.

Step 5: Wash the garment

After soaking, pour off the bleach solution and transfer the clothing to the washing machine. Use the hottest water recommended on the care label, along with a good detergent and 1/3 cup of bleach. Run a heavy-duty cycle and then check the results.

Step 6: Repeat if necessary

If the stain is still visible, repeat the process. For very old or stubborn stains, you may need to repeat the treatment several times.

Important things to remember:

• Always read the garment care label before using bleach.
• Test the bleach solution on an inside seam of the garment to ensure it does not affect the colour.
• Do not use bleach on wool, silk, mohair, leather, or spandex.
• Avoid direct contact between bleach and the clothes.
• Always follow the safety instructions on the bleach product and avoid contact with skin.

Oxygen bleach soak

Oxygen bleach is a powerful cleaner for your laundry needs. It is often used in place of chlorine bleach as it is gentler on clothes and safer for the environment. It is also called oxygenated bleach or chlorine-free bleach. It is safe for use on almost all washable white or colored fabrics and can be used in all water temperatures.

Oxygen bleach is made up of either sodium perborate, sodium percarbonate, or hydrogen peroxide. When the dry bleach powder is introduced to water, the main chemical component oxidizes to help remove soil and stains. It also cuts through residual detergent and fabric softener buildup that can stiffen fabrics and dull colors.

• Always follow the product directions for solution strengths.
• Prepare a solution of oxygen bleach and water by following the package directions. For very stubborn stains, you may need a more concentrated solution.
• Soak the stained garment in the solution for at least one hour. For tough stains, it is recommended to soak the item overnight.
• After soaking, run a wash cycle as you normally would, using your regular detergent.
• Finally, rinse the garment with plain water. Without rinsing, a powdery white residue can remain.

It is important to note that oxygen bleach can ruin silk, wool, or any garment with leather trim or wooden buttons. Therefore, always spot test a small hidden area before soaking the entire garment, especially for delicate or expensive items. Additionally, be sure to wear protective gloves when handling bleach and follow all guidelines listed on the product.

Vinegar and baking soda

A Dynamic Duo for Removing Pan Stains

Pan stains on clothes can be a nuisance, but vinegar and baking soda offer a powerful solution. Here's a detailed guide on how to effectively use this dynamic duo to tackle those stubborn stains.

Step 1: Prepare the Vinegar and Baking Soda Paste

The first step is to create a paste by combining equal parts vinegar and baking soda. Baking soda, or sodium bicarbonate, is highly absorbent and can effectively lift stains from fabrics. Meanwhile, the acetic acid in vinegar acts as a disinfectant and reacts with the baking soda to enhance its stain-removing capabilities. Together, they form a potent stain-fighting duo.

Step 2: Apply the Paste to the Stain

Once you have prepared the paste, it's time to apply it directly to the pan stain. Use a soft-bristled brush or an old toothbrush to gently work the paste into the stained area. Make sure to cover the stain completely and let the paste sit for about 30 minutes. During this time, the paste will work its magic, absorbing the stain and breaking down any oils or grime.

Step 3: Scrub and Rinse

After allowing the paste to sit, it's time to gently scrub the stained area with a brush or toothbrush. This action will help to further loosen and lift the stain from the fabric. Once you've finished scrubbing, thoroughly rinse the paste from the garment with cool water. It is important to use cool water as hot water can set some stains and make them more difficult to remove.

Step 4: Repeat if Necessary

If the stain persists, don't be afraid to repeat the process. Simply reapply the vinegar and baking soda paste, let it sit, scrub gently, and then rinse again. For particularly stubborn stains, you may need to repeat these steps a few times until the stain is completely gone.

Step 5: Wash and Dry as Usual

Once you've successfully removed the pan stain, you can proceed to wash the garment as you normally would. Check the care label instructions for any specific washing guidelines. After washing, allow the item to air dry. Avoid using a dryer until you are certain that the stain has been completely removed, as heat can set stains and make them more challenging to remove.

Why This Method Works

The combination of vinegar and baking soda is particularly effective for stain removal due to their unique properties. Baking soda is highly absorbent and can draw out stains, odours, and pigments from fabrics. On the other hand, vinegar acts as a disinfectant and helps to break down oils and grime. Together, they create a powerful, natural stain-removing solution that is safe and gentle on fabrics.

Hairspray or hand sanitiser

Hairspray and hand sanitiser are both effective at removing stains, especially those from ink. The alcohol content in these products is the key active ingredient that helps lift stains from fabrics.

Hairspray

Hairspray is a useful product to remove ink stains from clothing. It is best to use a cheaper brand of hairspray for stain removal, as these tend to have fewer additional ingredients, such as glue, which can damage fabrics. The higher the alcohol content, the better it will work to remove stains.

To use hairspray to remove a stain, place the garment on a flat surface, preferably on top of a towel to prevent any stain transfer. Spray the stain liberally with the hairspray and then blot it with a damp white cloth or towel. Repeat this process until the stain is gone.

Hand Sanitiser

Hand sanitiser is another useful product to remove ink stains. It is best to use an alcohol-based sanitiser for this purpose. Simply squirt the sanitiser directly onto the stain and leave it to sit for around five minutes. Then, blot the stain with a clean cloth or paper towel. Repeat this process until the stain is gone.

Tips for Stain Removal

• Always check the care label of the garment and test any stain removal products on a small, inconspicuous area first to ensure the fabric is not damaged or discoloured.
• Act quickly on fresh stains—the longer you leave it, the harder it will be to remove.
• Blot the stain gently to remove any excess, being careful not to rub it further into the fabric.
• Always follow up with a normal wash, using your regular detergent.
• Do not tumble dry or apply heat to the garment until the stain is completely removed, as this will set the stain.

Hydrogen peroxide

• Spray solution: Fill a dark spray bottle with 1 cup of hydrogen peroxide, 1/2 cup of dish soap, and 1 tablespoon of baking soda. Shake the bottle to mix the ingredients, then spray a liberal amount onto the stained area of your clothes. Work the solution into the fabric with your fingers and let it sit for 5-10 minutes before blotting it away with a damp cloth.
• Soak solution: Pour some hydrogen peroxide onto a clean cloth or paper towel and gently dab the stained area. Let it sit for 20 minutes, then wash the item as usual in your washing machine.
• Paste solution: For stubborn stains, create a paste with 1 cup of baking soda, 1 tablespoon of dish soap, and 2 tablespoons of hydrogen peroxide. Apply the paste to the stain and let it sit for at least 10 minutes before scrubbing and wiping it away.

Tips for Using Hydrogen Peroxide

• Always do a spot test on a small, inconspicuous area first to ensure it doesn't damage the fabric or cause colour-bleeding.
• Use a dark or black spray bottle to store any leftover hydrogen peroxide solutions, as light can cause it to break down and lose its effectiveness.
• Never mix hydrogen peroxide with bleach or ammonia.
• Wear rubber gloves when cleaning with hydrogen peroxide.
• Check the progress of the cleaner continuously to ensure proper lifting of the stain.
• Hydrogen peroxide has a shelf life, so make sure it still fizzes before use.

Frequently asked questions