How to Get Detergent Stains Out of Clothes

Soap is a cleaning agent, but get it on the wrong surface and it has been known to leave a lasting impression. If you're wondering how to get detergent stains out of clothes, then you've come to the right place.

Few things stand out as much blue detergent stains on a light-colored fabric that you could have sworn you cleaned. It doesn't matter if you used too much detergent or are the victim of an accidental spill, the detergent stains have got to go.

To remove laundry detergent stains effectively, you must first assess the material type. After all, getting the detergent stain out is meaningless if you end up ruining the clothing in the process.

Follow these tips to breakdown buildup.

How to Remove Soap Spots From Cotton/Linen

Flush area with cold water until all trace of soap is gone. Launder as soon as possible. The acid treatment recommended for other fabrics cannot be used on cotton or linen, as they may be permanently damaged by acids [source: Whirlpool].

How to Remove Soap Spots From Felt

Brush (the method of using a stiff-bristled brush to sweep staining material up onto a piece of paper) in the direction of the nap with a sponge moistened with cool water.

If any stain remains, neutralize it with a few drops of lemon juice, white vinegar, or 10% acetic acid solution. Sponge thoroughly with cool water. Since felt is composed mainly of wool fibers, a strong soap may damage it permanently.

How to Remove Detergent Stains From Fur (Natural or Synthetic)

Dip a cloth or sponge in cold water and remove as much of the water as possible. Gently rub with the nap; do not over-wet the pelt or backing. Air dry away from heat.

How to Remove Detergent Stains From Leather/Suede

Dip a cloth into the suds of a mild detergent. Gently wipe away any soap film. Rinse with a clean dry cloth. Dry away from heat. Leather may be conditioned with Tannery Vintage Leather Cleaner & Conditioner or Fiebing's Saddle Soap.

How to Remove Soap Spots From:

Acrylic Fabric, Burlap, Carpet (synthetic or wool), Modacrylic, Nylon, Olefin, Polyester, Rayon, Silk, Spandex, Triacetate, and Wool.

Sponge (the method of using a dampened pad to apply light strokes, moving outward from the center of the stain) with cool water. If stain persists, thoroughly flush (the method of applying stain remover to loosen staining material and residue from stain removers) it with cool water.

If the color has been altered, or to prevent fading or bleeding, neutralize the spot with a few drops of a mild acid such as lemon juice, white vinegar, or 10% acetic acid solution. Sponge thoroughly with cool water. If soap has a high lye content, the fabric may be damaged permanently. Silk and wool are weakened and sometimes destroyed by strong soap, so be especially prompt in treatment.

How to Remove Soap Spots From:

Copper, Coral, Cork, Fiberglass, Glass, Gold, Grout, Iron, Ivory, Jade, Linoleum, Marble, Opal, Paint (flat or gloss), Pearls, Pewter, Platinum, Plexiglas, Polyurethane, Porcelain, Rope, Stainless Steel, Tin, Vinyl and Clothing.

Rinse well with a sponge dipped in cool water. Wipe dry with a clean soft cloth. Also, baking soda applied with a damp cloth should cut soap film. Treat pearls stained with strong soap immediately; they are permanently damaged by strong alkalis.

How to Prevent Detergent Stains

Detergent stains are certainly ironic. Making your clothes dirty by cleaning them? I mean, come on! In truth, these stains are often preventable. Here are some effective strategies to prevent detergent stains altogether:

Measure correctly: Overloading your wash with detergent is a common cause of stains. Always measure detergent according to the manufacturer's instructions and the size of your laundry load. Consider the water hardness in your area too, as this can affect how much detergent you should use [source: Maytag].
Dissolve detergent properly: If you're using powdered detergent, ensure it's completely dissolved before adding your clothes. You can start your washer, add the detergent, and let it mix with the water for a minute before putting in the laundry.
Use liquid detergent for cold washes: Powdered detergents might not dissolve fully in cold water, leading to stains or excess detergent residue. If you prefer cold water washes for energy saving or fabric care reasons, opt for a high-quality liquid detergent.
Load the washer correctly: Don’t overload the washing machine. Clothes need to move freely in the water for adequate cleaning and proper rinsing. An overloaded washing machine can trap laundry soap against fabric, causing stains.
Choose the right wash cycle: Use the appropriate washing cycle for your fabric type. Heavier fabrics can handle more vigorous cycles, which can help rinse out detergent more effectively, while delicate fabrics may require a gentler cycle.
Consider water-saving washers: If you use a high-efficiency washer that uses less water, choose detergents that are specifically designed for these types of machines. Regular detergents may not rinse out as effectively in low-water conditions.
Regular maintenance: Regularly clean your washing machine to prevent detergent buildup. This includes wiping down the drum, dispensers, and any other parts where detergent and fabric softener may accumulate [source: State Farm].

With these tips, you can significantly reduce the likelihood of laundry stains and keep your clothes looking their best. Remember, the key to preventing stains is not just in how you clean your clothes, but also in understanding and maintaining your washing machine.