Whether you are having a sumptuous glass of red wine in your linen men’s suit or enjoying a catered smokey bar-b-q sandwich during lunch time at the office, you somehow always end up wearing part of your drink or food for the rest of the day. While you may have trouble preventing stains, this should not keep you from getting rid of them. Stains, left untreated, or incorrectly treated can ruin your wardrobe in a hurry. The following is a step by step guide on how to remove the most common stains from your clothing.

Men’s Clothing Stain Removal Guide

Removing a stain from a white suit, men’s formal shirt, or trousers can sometimes seem like studying a complex math problem. When you finally determine what caused the stain, the type of fabric you are working with, and the colour scheme, you may be left feeling pessimistic and frustrated about whether you will actually have any success at removing the stain. With a little help this process doesn’t have to be so complex. Just follow these simple rules to keep stains from ruining your wardrobe.

• Be Quick- Removing fresh stains is much more simple than removing stains that have had the chance to set. If you happen to notice you have spilled wine or food on yourself, or even perhaps cut yourself and are bleeding, treat the stain right away.

• Follow Directions- When removing stains from any of your clothing, be sure to follow the clothing’s direction. If the directions for the garment says “dry clean only,” don’t attempt to throw the piece in the washer at home. Eliminating the stain won’t really matter if you end up ruining your dress shirts and suits completely.

• Test First- Before you use any type of stain removal method, test it in an inconspicuous spot, like a hidden seam. Check for colourfastness before applying the method to a large area and don’t use the method if you notice any changes in colour.

• Be Patient- If at first you don’t succeed… yes, you know the mantra. In this case, it is very true. Your first attempt at stain removal may not be entirely successful. Some methods require you to repeat treatment. Be patient, but don’t let the stain dry, as it will set.

• Be Real- You may not want to hear this, but the truth is, some stain won’t come out. If the only stain removal method that will work will ruin your clothing, you may just need to consider purchasing a new shirt or suit jacket.

Now that those facts are out of the way, here’s a quick removal guide for the most common stains:

Blood

If fresh, sponge with a mixture of cool water and salt. Rinse and repeat as necessary. If set, dilute 20 volume hydrogen peroxide (1 part : 9 parts water). Sponge the stain and rinse well.

Shoe Polish

Sponge with laundry stain remover or use a dry-cleaning fluid as soon as possible.

Chewing Gum

Don’t rub it or scrape! Simply place your garment in the freezer until the gum is hardened. It will literally break right off.

Ink

Spray liberally with aerosol hair spray (only if the garment is machine washable). You’ll see the ink start to bleed and spread. That’s a good sign. Wash in cool or warm water and check garment before allowing to dry. Usually it comes out in the first round.

Chocolate / Cocoa

For washable items all you’ll need is hot soapy water. Be sure to scrape off any excess chocolate first. Use a spoon (since it is dull). Any type knife can affect the fabric. If the item is not washable, use a dry cleaning solution.

Motor Oil

If your garment is washable, rub the stain with Vaseline and wash as directed.

Lipstick

For non-washable garments you’ll need a dry cleaning spot remover solvent. For washable fabrics, spray with Resolve or other pre-wash spot treatment. Mix a paste using powdered laundry detergent and warm water. Spread paste on affected area, rub, rinse with warm water, repeat and let second round of paste set for 20-30 minutes. Wash garment in warm water (if allowable).

Barbeque sauce /Tomato sauce /Ketchup

Rinse thoroughly with cold water. Rub glycerine into the stain and let set for 20 -30 minutes. Machine wash.

Red Wine

This sounds like a party trick, but it really works. For red wine, immediately pour white wine on the stain and soak up with a cloth or towel. Wash in cold water and ammonia.

Tired of dealing with stains on your men’s suits or men’s formal shirts? With these removal tips,  you won’t have to panic the next time an accident occurs.

About Susan Grant

Susan has more than 7 years of experience as a Fashion Advisor for several reputed fashion houses and manufacturers including Brook Taverner. Her ultimate dream is to design and sell her own clothing line worldwide!

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