Wood stains are quite strong and can be a cause for concern if you get some on your clothes. However, while most wood stains can be removed, some are more stubborn. So, how can you remove wood stains without damaging your clothes?
To remove wood stains from clothes, apply a stain remover of your choice, gently blot it and wash the clothes. If the stains remain, repeat the steps but leave the stain remover a little longer. You can also try different stain removers or visit a professional laundry service.
Let’s explore what to use when removing wood stains from clothes and how to do so without damaging the material.
Which Stain Remover is Best for Wood Stains?
Mineral spirits, acetone, detergent, and ammonium solution are some of the best removers for wood stains. They contain a chemical concentration that soaks into the clothes and removes tough wood stains.
If the wood stains are really ingrained into your clothes, try dishwashing soap and peroxide or vinegar and baking soda.
Wood stains are furniture paints used to beautify and polish furniture (here’s a guide on how to use them). They contain dye, oil pigments, and chemicals and are necessary to help sustain the furniture’s original look as it fades over time. Wood stain also prevents termites and other microorganisms from feeding on the wood.
Therefore, it’s necessary to protect the quality and increase the longevity of your furniture.
However, you may get wood stains on your clothes while coloring the furniture or even when you pass by dyed furniture that hasn’t dried.
Usually, wood stains are permanent, but they can be removed with the right chemicals. If they have dried and won’t go away, your last option is to visit a professional laundry service.
What You’ll Need to Get Started
If you notice wood stains on your clothes, there’s no need to worry, as you can still remove them if they aren’t completely soaked into the cloth. However, visit a professional laundry service if the wood stains are permanent or have soaked into the clothes.
To remove the wood stains at home, you’ll need specific equipment and chemicals before starting. They include:
Tools and Equipment
- A piece of white cloth, paper towel, or cotton
- Washing machine
- Cloth cleaning brush
Chemicals
- Mineral spirits
- Acetone
- Ammonia
- Stain remover for clothes
- Detergent
What materials you need to remove the stains may vary based on the size of the wood stains. If the stains are large and have dried up, you’ll need more powerful chemicals to remove them.
Once you have the required chemicals, you’ll need to follow the specific guidelines to eliminate the stains. This includes applying the remover, blotting the stain, and washing the clothes.
Let’s discuss each step in detail.
Step 1: Apply the Stain Remover of Choice
The first thing you need to do is to apply the stain remover on your clothes. A stain remover is necessary as it will penetrate through the cloth fabric and decrease the strength of the wood stain.
You can use the stain remover of your choice based on the size and type of wood stain on your cloth.
Here are some of the most potent wood stain removers that may help you clean your clothes without damaging the fabric:
- Mineral Spirits: Mineral spirits are the best option if the wood stain on your cloth is from an oil-based product. Start applying mineral spirits from the cloth’s edges, and ensure the whole cloth is dipped. Then, follow the instructions on the tag of the bottle.
- Acetone: Acetone is one of the most potent stain removers and can help you retain the beauty of your clothes. It is best to use when the stains on your cloth come from a water-based source. Then, if the stains aren’t too hard to remove, a few drops of acetone will be enough to remove them.
- Ammonia and Detergent: You can make this solution by mixing a specific concentration of each ammonia and liquid detergent. Avoid adding too much ammonia, as it will damage the clothes. Also, reserve this option as a last resort.
You can also use other stain removers like vinegar and baking soda based on your choice or a professional’s recommendation.
Step 2: Blot the Stain Gently
The next step is to gently blot the stains. Blotting is necessary as it forces the stains to interact with the stain remover. Eventually, a chemical reaction between the two will break down the active ingredients in the wood stain so you can easily wash it off.
Avoid rushing the blotting process, as it may damage your clothes. Also, blotting too early or late can cause damage to the fabric. When you blot too early, the stain remover may not have soaked into the water and interacted with the stain. So, when you start blotting, nothing will happen to the stain, which could damage the fabric.
On the other hand, if you blot too late, the chemical reaction between the stain remover and the wood stains may damage the cloth.
Blotting should be done with care and caution as it is the most crucial step of the whole process. Avoiding blotting too harshly as it can result in your clothes tearing, and always follow the application instructions on the tag.
Step 3: Wash the Clothing Item According to the Instructions on the Tag
Following the instructions on the product tag can help prevent your clothes from getting damaged. For example, if the wood stain is on white garments, avoid washing them with dyed clothing, or they may get ruined.
Also, some clothes cannot be put in a dryer or washed in hot water, so follow the wash instructions on the clothing tag beforehand. The last thing you want is a dyed white shirt when trying to remove a small stain!
What to Do if the Stain is Still There?
The wood stains may remain on your clothes as they dry up. Some stains are more stubborn and won’t disappear in the first wash. Fortunately, you can still follow these guidelines to get rid of them:
- Repeat the Steps: Repeat all the steps, as it is expected that the stains don’t go away with the first wash. Be more careful this time with blotting.
- Leave Stain Remover a Little Longer: Wait a little longer after adding the stain remover. Then, let the remover penetrate completely into the stains.
- Don’t Use the Dryer Too Soon: Never use the dryer unless the stains are removed.
- Change the Stain Remover: If you think the stain remover you used isn’t powerful enough, change it immediately and repeat the cleaning steps.
- Visit a Professional: If the stains are too hard and don’t come off after the second wash, visit a professional laundry service.