Stain guide: All tips per fabric
Ever wondered why some stains are so stubborn? In this stain guide, we share a wealth of tips for removing all kinds of stains from different fabrics. We use laundry strips – ultra-concentrated detergents also known as washcloths in the Netherlands – and simple home remedies like salt, vinegar, and baking soda. By consciously choosing sustainable products and using the right techniques, you're not only protecting your clothes but also the environment.
Laundry strips have become a popular alternative to traditional liquid detergents in recent years. They dissolve completely in water, leave no plastic residue, and are lightweight, making them easy to store and use. According to recent tests, by 2025, modern laundry strips will deliver cleaning results comparable to or even better than those of conventional detergents. This makes them ideal for a sustainable laundry routine.
What are wax strips (wax cloths) and how do you use them?
A laundry strip is a thin, concentrated sheet of detergent that dissolves completely in both cold and warm water. One strip is usually sufficient for a standard wash; for larger or heavily soiled loads, you can use two strips. Simply place the strip in the drum among your clothes, set the appropriate cycle, and let it do its work. Because laundry strips are lightweight and take up little space, they're ideal for small households, campers, or those who are often on the go. They're usually made with plant-based enzymes and are hypoallergenic, making them suitable for sensitive skin and baby clothes.
General tips for removing stains
The faster you act on a stain, the greater the chance of success. Here are the basic rules for any stain treatment:
- Act quickly: Immediately blot fresh stains with a clean cloth to absorb as much liquid as possible. Do not use hot water on protein stains (such as blood), as this will set the stain.
- Don't rub: Rubbing spreads the dirt and pushes it deeper into the fibers. Instead, dab gently with a clean cloth or paper towel.
- Test first: Always test a cleaning product on an inconspicuous area of ​​the fabric first. This prevents damage or discoloration.
- Read the care label: Check the care label for temperature and special instructions before putting any garment in the washing machine.
- Use sustainable products: Home remedies like salt, vinegar, baking soda, and lemon juice are often effective and environmentally friendly. For main washing, wax strips are an excellent choice thanks to their plastic-free packaging and easy dispensing.
Removing stains from cotton
Cotton is a strong, natural fiber that can withstand many different cleaning methods. The most important thing is to treat the stain as quickly as possible. Below are the most common stains and how to remove them from cotton:
Red wine
A spilled glass of red wine calls for quick action. Immediately sprinkle table salt or baking soda onto the wet stain; the crystals act like tiny magnets, pulling the wine from the fibers. Let this sit for a few minutes and then rinse with cold or sparkling water. For heavier stains, you can apply shaving cream and let it sit for up to an hour before rinsing. Rinse after pre-treating and wash the garment with a wax strip on the normal cycle. For detailed steps, you can read our separate guide on removing red wine from cotton .
Grease and oil stains
Grease stains easily develop when cooking or eating. First, dab fresh grease stains with a paper towel and then sprinkle cornstarch or flour over the area. Let this sit for ten minutes to absorb the grease, then wipe it away. Stubborn grease stains are best treated with a little dish soap; rub gently with a toothbrush and rinse. Then wash with a wax strip at a high temperature, if the care label allows it.
Coffee and tea
For coffee and tea stains, cold milk is a surprisingly effective remedy. Pour the milk over the stain and let it sit for a few minutes before gently rubbing and rinsing. An alternative is a mixture of baking soda and water. After treating, you can wash the garment with a laundry strip , which not only removes the stain but also leaves a fresh scent without synthetic perfumes.
Other stains (make-up, chocolate, sweat)
For makeup stains on cotton, you can use a little shaving cream or lemon juice. Let it sit for an hour and rinse. Remove chocolate stains by first carefully scraping off excess chocolate with a knife and then soaking the fabric in lukewarm milk. Treat sweat stains with diluted ammonia or white vinegar and let it sit for at least an hour. After pre-treating, always use a mild wax strip for the main wash.
Removing stains from wool
Wool is a delicate fiber that must be treated with care. Never use hot water and avoid rubbing to prevent felting. The following methods help with common stains:
Blood
First, rinse a blood stain on wool with cold water. Then, blot with a wax strip diluted in a small amount of water or white vinegar to break down the proteins. Let this sit for a few minutes and then rinse. You can treat old blood stains by soaking the fabric in cold water with salt or baking soda. A special wool detergent or a mild wax strip can then be used to completely remove the stain. For a detailed step-by-step guide, read our guide on removing blood stains from wool .
Fat, milk and baby food
Wool absorbs grease easily. Blot grease stains with a paper towel and sprinkle the area with potato starch. Let this dry and gently brush it away. A mild solution of lukewarm water and wool detergent will help remove the remaining stain. Then wash with a special wool wash strip on a delicate cycle.
Sweat and odors
Wool can retain odors when sweat penetrates the fibers. Dilute a small amount of white vinegar in water and gently dab it on the affected area. Let it sit before rinsing. Then use a delicate wash strip to get the garment clean and fresh.
Removing stains from sportswear and synthetic fabrics
Sportswear is often made of polyester, nylon, or other synthetic fabrics. These materials are durable and breathable, but can be more sensitive to certain cleaning agents. Here's how to proceed:
Grass stains
Grass stains are caused by chlorophyll and tannins that penetrate deep into the fibers. First, use gall soap, white vinegar, or lemon juice to loosen the stain. Apply a diluted solution and let it sit for ten minutes without water; water can further penetrate the green pigment into the fabric. Alternatively, you can use a little rubbing alcohol or glycerin for very stubborn stains. Then wash the garment with a strong but environmentally friendly laundry strip . For detailed instructions, see our article on removing grass stains from sportswear .
Sweat stains
Sweat stains on sports shirts and leggings are caused by deodorant residue. A good pre-treatment is to soak the clothing in lukewarm water with baking soda or white vinegar. Let the product sit for an hour and then wash the garment separately with a wash strip . This prevents residue from settling on other clothing.
Chewing gum and resin
Chewing gum and resin are difficult to remove. First, freeze the clothing to harden the gum, then scrape it off with a blunt knife. Treat any remaining residue with a little lemon juice or rubbing alcohol and then wash with a wax strip to thoroughly clean the fibers.
Removing stains from delicate fabrics
Not all fabrics can be treated the same way. Silk, satin, and linen, for example, are much more delicate than cotton or polyester. For these delicate materials, it's important to minimize moisture and friction. For stains on silk, it's best to use pure alcohol-free facial lotion or lukewarm milk; dab it gently with a cloth and then rinse carefully. A solution of lemon juice and water works well for linen, but always test on an inconspicuous area first to prevent discoloration. Always use an extra gentle wax strip for after-treatment and choose a hand-wash cycle to prevent damage.
Frequently asked questions about stain removal
When talking to customers and readers, we often get the same questions about stain removal. Below, we answer a few of these frequently asked questions.
- Can I use bleach on colored fabrics? Bleach can damage colored fabrics and cause unwanted stains. For safer results, use oxygen bleach or natural products like baking soda and vinegar.
- What do I do with stains that have already dried? For old stains, you can first soak the fabric in cold water with baking soda or milk to rehydrate the stain. Then you can choose one of the treatments from this guide and finish with a wash with wax strips .
- Are wax strips suitable for all types of laundry? Yes, modern wax strips are suitable for white, colored, delicate, and synthetic fabrics. They dissolve completely and leave no residue.
- How do I remove odors from sportswear? Odor stains are caused by bacteria and sweat residue. A vinegar-water or baking soda bath before washing is effective. Follow up with a laundry strip for fresh, odor-free laundry.
Checklist: Getting started quickly
Use this short checklist as a reminder when an accident happens:
- 1. Blot: Remove excess moisture or dirt as quickly as possible.
- 2. Choose the right remedy: Use salt for red wine, vinegar or lemon juice for grass, cold water for blood, and gall soap for grease stains.
- 3. Test in an inconspicuous area: Prevent damage by testing cleaning agents.
- 4. Repeat if necessary: ​​Difficult stains may require several treatments.
- 5. Wash with a wax strip: Finish the treatment with a sustainable, plastic-free wash.
Building a sustainable laundry routine
By using laundry strips instead of traditional detergents, you contribute to a reduction in plastic waste and COâ‚‚ emissions. These compact strips are lightweight, take up minimal space, and are ideal for both household and travel use. They're also easy to dispense, so you never use too much and minimize chemical disposal. Whenever possible, choose reusable cloths (the same as the laundry strips) for blotting and cleaning stains; they're made from sustainable materials like bamboo or cotton and are long-lasting.
Conclusion
Whether you're dealing with red wine, blood, grass, or other stains, most stains are easy to remove with the right preparation and eco-friendly tools. Wax strips (also known as washcloths in some regions) offer a sustainable alternative to traditional detergents and make laundry easier. Want more targeted tips for specific stains? Then read our comprehensive subblogs or go directly to our product page featuring wax strips for clean and sustainable laundry.