No matter how careful you are, stains happen — coffee spills, sweat marks, oil splashes, kids’ art markers… your T-shirts go through a lot. The good news? Most stains can be removed at home with the right method. This complete guide shows you how to tackle the most common types of stains without damaging your favorite tees.
1. Coffee & Tea Stains
These stains can set fast, so act quickly.
- Flush the stain with cold water immediately.
- Apply liquid laundry detergent and gently rub.
- For stubborn stains, soak in warm water + baking soda mixture for 20 minutes.
2. Oil & Grease Stains
Kitchen splashes are the hardest — but not impossible.
- Sprinkle baking soda or cornstarch to absorb the oil.
- Let it sit for 10–15 minutes.
- Scrub gently with dish soap and rinse.
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3. Ink Stains
- Place paper towel underneath the stain.
- Dab with rubbing alcohol — do not rub.
- Rinse and repeat until ink lightens.
4. Sweat & Yellow Collar Stains
These can build up over time.
- Mix baking soda + hydrogen peroxide + dish soap.
- Apply paste, scrub lightly, let sit 30 minutes.
- Rinse with warm water.
5. Mud & Grass Stains
- Let mud dry completely.
- Scrape off excess.
- Rub with vinegar and wash normally.
6. Chocolate & Food Stains
- Scrape off excess chocolate.
- Rinse with cold water from the BACK of the stain.
- Apply enzyme detergent and wash warm.
Pro Tips
- Never use hot water on protein stains (milk, blood).
- Avoid dryers until stains are fully gone — heat will set them.
Internal Resource
Learn how to keep kids’ tees clean year-round: How to Keep Kid Tees Stain-Free All Year Long
Final Note: With the right steps, almost any stain can be removed. Don’t rush — treat gently, and your T-shirts will look new again.
