How to Get Laundry Detergent Stains Out of Clothes With 5 Simple Methods
The Spruce / Letícia Almeida
Mysterious stains on freshly washed laundry can actually be detergent stains—we know, it's surprising. Detergent is supposed to be a laundry hero in removing stains, so if you're noticing blue or white residue or stains in your clothes, your detergent could be to blame.
Using too much detergent or adding it to the washer incorrectly can leave streaks and spots on your clothes—and though we love them, laundry pods are guilty of leaving stains or residue sometimes.
No need to worry. Below, learn five simple methods to get laundry detergent stains out of clothes.
How Does Detergent Stain Clothes?
Whether you are using detergent pods, liquid, or powder, if the product doesn't disperse evenly in the wash water, it can leave residue or stains on clothes. Improper dispersal can happen if:
The washer is overloaded and the clothes don't have room to move in the drum.
The washer load size settings are not properly selected.
Too much detergent is added to the washer.
The detergent is added at the wrong time when doing laundry.
Automatic detergent dispensers are clogged and not functioning properly.
A laundry detergent pod is tossed on top of a load of dirty laundry and doesn't fully dissolve.
Liquid or powder detergent is poured directly on the load of clothes.
The wash water is too cold to dissolve powdered detergent.
Method One: Rewash the Load of Laundry
The simplest method to remove detergent stains is to wash the stained load of laundry again without adding any additional detergent.
Choose the proper settings. Set the load size to large or extra large so there will be plenty of water to rinse out the detergent residue.
Run the complete cycle.
Check for stains. Check for any remaining stains before you move the clothes to an automatic dryer.
Tip
The rewashing method works best if you catch the detergent stains before you put the stained items in a hot dryer. If you discover the stains after going through the dryer, use one of the other stain removal methods.
Method Two: Use Baking Soda
If there is a detergent stain on only one or two items, you can make a baking soda paste to remove the stains.
Mix a paste. In a small bowl, mix one-quarter cup of baking soda with one teaspoon of water.
Apply the paste. Use a soft-bristled brush (old toothbrush) to work the paste into the stained area.
Rinse the fabric. Hold the stained area under a running faucet of cold water and rinse out the baking soda paste and the detergent residue.
Method Three: Use Distilled White Vinegar
The mild acidity of distilled white vinegar will help break the bond between the detergent residue and the fabric.
Dilute the vinegar. Mix one part vinegar and two parts water in a spray bottle or bowl.
Apply the vinegar. Spray the stained area with the vinegar solution or use a sponge dipped in the solution to dampen the spots.
Gently scrub the stains. Use a soft-bristled brush to gently scrub the detergent-stained area.
Rinse well. Hold the fabric under a faucet of cold running water to rinse out the vinegar and detergent residue.
Warning
Do not pour undiluted distilled white vinegar directly on the fabric. Unstable dyes can bleed and some bleaching can occur.
Method Four: Use Rubbing Alcohol
Treat the stains with isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol for easy removal.
Apply the alcohol. Spray the stained area with rubbing alcohol or use a sponge to dampen the spots with alcohol.
Gently scrub the stains. Use a soft-bristled brush to gently scrub the detergent-stained area.
Rinse well. Hold the fabric under a faucet of cold running water to rinse out the alcohol and detergent residue.
Method Five: Use Dishwashing Liquid or Bar Soap
The grease-fighting ingredients in dishwashing liquid or bar soap will break the bonds between detergent stains and fabrics.
Apply the soap. Put a couple of drops of dishwashing liquid on the detergent stains. If you are using bar soap, dampen the stained area and rub the bar over the stains.
Gently scrub the stains. Use a soft-bristled brush to gently scrub the detergent-stained area.
Rinse well. Hold the fabric under a faucet of cold running water to rinse out the soap and detergent residue.
How to Prevent Detergent Stains on Clothes
Add detergent pods, liquid, or powder to the empty washer drum before adding clothes.
Clean automatic detergent dispensers regularly to prevent clogs and drips.
If using extremely cold water, dissolve pods and powder detergents in one quart of warm water before adding them to the washer drum.
Do not overload the washer drum with dirty laundry and adjust the washer settings to accommodate the size of the laundry load.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my laundry detergent staining my clothes?
There can be several reasons you are finding detergent stains on freshly washed laundry including: An overloaded washer drum, the wrong washer settings, using too much detergent and adding it incorrectly, or the automatic dispensers malfunctioning.
How do you get detergent buildup out of clothes?
The easiest method is to rewash the load of laundry without adding additional detergent. You can also remove the stains with distilled white vinegar, rubbing alcohol, dishwashing liquid, or baking soda.
Does vinegar remove laundry detergent stains?
Yes, a solution of one part distilled white vinegar and two parts water will remove detergent stains from clothes.
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