Do your best to identify the stain-maker before you begin, start with the least aggressive cleaner to prevent damage to the fabric, and give the products time to work. If you can identify the stain as oil-based (butter, mayonnaise, salad dressing), then move on to hot water with another cleaning agent. Do not use hot water for blood stains or protein-based stains like egg and dairy. Apply a dab of the detergent to the stained area and work into the fabric with your fingers or a soft-bristled brush. Allow the detergent to work for 10 to 15 minutes to begin breaking apart the stain molecules. Then wash the item as usual with the rest of your laundry and your usual detergent. For convenience, transfer a few ounces of the detergent to a squeeze bottle so you don’t have to lift a heavy bottle each time you find a stain. Be sure to label the bottle! To presoak stained laundry, add one tablespoon of the dishwashing liquid to one gallon of water. Mix well and submerge the dirty laundry and allow it to soak for at least one hour. For sweat stains, mix a one-to-one solution of white distilled vinegar and water and use a soft-bristled brush or an old toothbrush to scrub the armpits. Mix a pre-soak of one cup of vinegar per gallon of water and allow the clothes to soak for at least thirty minutes before washing as usual. Wet the stained area and place a pea-sized dab of toothpaste on the stain. Work it in with your fingers or an old toothbrush. Let it sit for five minutes and then rinse the area. Wash the garment as usual. Check the shampoo bottle label to make sure that it does not contain conditioners that could leave residue in the fibers. Best to stick with plain shampoo.
