Life is messy, but that doesn’t mean you need to throw away your favorite clothes after they’re stained. With quick and appropriate action, you can remove most stains yourself. Use these simple laundry care steps below to tackle some of the most common stains. Check, however, that the stain is gone before placing the item in the dryer; the heat will set the stain if it’s still there.

Laundry Care Guide to Common Stains

1. Blood

If possible, treat the bloodstain before it has a chance to dry as this makes it easier to pull out of the fabric. If it’s still wet, soak the clothes in cold water and detergent for a minimum of 30 minutes. Apply hydrogen peroxide to the stain and wash it with cold water. If the blood has dried, brush it off with a toothbrush. Soak the item overnight in a mixture of cold water and laundry detergent. Treat the area with a stain remover before taking it to the laundromat.

2. Dark Drinks

Dark drinks include beverages such as coffee, tea, or dark sodas. If the spill is still wet, soak the item for 30 minutes in cold water. Dip a sponge in white distilled vinegar and apply to the stain before washing it. If the stain has dried, soak it and then brush the area with a detergent and hot water mixture. Rinse it out before washing.

3. Grass

Grass stains are notorious for being difficult in laundry care. Soak the item for ten minutes in hydrogen peroxide and dish soap. Scrub the stain with a toothbrush and rinse with hot water. Put it immediately in the wash.

4. Wine

Wash out the item immediately using a mixture of cold water and detergent for the most stubborn stains. Rub the stain with distilled vinegar before washing the item.

5. Grease

Grease stains should be soaked for at least one hour in a solution of detergent and hot water. If the stain is still visible, apply dishwashing soap to the stain with a toothbrush. Place in a washer on a hot water cycle for optimal laundry care.

If you’re looking for a laundromat in Lithonia, GA, stop by Evans Mill Laundry. The locally owned and operated laundry facility offers 22 efficient washers, folding tables and arcade games for the kids. Please don’t bring quarters. You can pay with convenient dollar coins, or your credit or debit card.  As you’re waiting for your clothes to wash and dry, you can enjoy the facility’s free wi-fi, and television. For more information about their services, call (770) 484-9974 or visit their website.