Don't Give Up Yet—How to Remove Stains From Clothes After They're Dried

There are many reliable methods for removing stains from clothes, but once fabric has gone through the dryer, eliminating stains can become more challenging. Fortunately, getting rid of stains after they’ve been exposed to dryer heat isn't impossible.

"Drying doesn’t completely 'set' the stain as people might think," says Rhonda Wilson, the Quality Lead Cleaner at FreshSpace Cleaning. "It can make it harder, but the stain is still removable with the right treatment and a bit of patience."

The best techniques for removing stains from clothes that have already been through the dryer involve pretreating and presoaking the item with powerful ingredients like baking soda and hydrogen peroxide before rewashing.

We've put together a list of expert-approved stain removal tips you can use to get rid of stubborn stains and revive your previously ruined clothing.

Pretreat with Baking Soda and Dish Soap

Baking soda is an especially powerful stain remover, so my personal go-to stain removal method is a simple combination of baking soda and dish soap.

Start by laying out your clothing item so the stain is exposed. Sprinkle a layer of baking soda over the stain, then follow with a few squirts of dish soap. Use a toothbrush or your fingers to blend the two solutions into the fabric until it forms a paste.

Leave the paste on for five to 10 minutes to break down the stain, then wash as you normally would. This method is particularly effective for oil and grease stains.

Make sure to check the stained area before moving it to the dryer; you may need to repeat the process to completely remove the stain.

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Pretreat with Oxygen Bleach and Laundry Detergent

Bleach is a strong cleaning solution that can be used to remove set stains from clothing. However, many people, myself included, prefer using natural alternatives that aren't as harsh.

Fortunately, oxygen bleach is an excellent alternative for those who want a cleaner that is more environmentally friendly than chlorine bleach but still very effective.

Rhonda Wilson, Quality Lead Cleaner at FreshSpace Cleaning, often uses oxygen bleach together with everyday laundry detergent to tackle tough, dried stains.

"I soak the item in warm water with detergent and oxygen bleach to help loosen the stain," she says. "Sometimes, I let it sit for 15 minutes to allow the bleach to work. Then, I scrub it. If the stain is still there, I repeat the process as it sometimes takes a couple of tries. Once it’s gone, I wash it again as usual."

Pretreat with Hydrogen Peroxide and Dish Soap

Store-bought stain removers are very effective at dealing with general stains. However, for a stain that has set in, you might need a stronger solution to remove it.

To create a homemade laundry stain remover potent enough for stains that have been exposed to dryer heat, mix two parts hydrogen peroxide with one part dishwashing liquid in a spray bottle. Stir gently without shaking to avoid foaming up the contents.

Spray the DIY stain remover on the stained fabric, rub it in with a toothbrush or your fingers, and let it sit for five to 10 minutes to break down the stain.

Finish by washing the item as you usually do, but check the stained area before moving it to the dryer.

If this DIY stain remover hasn't fully worked, consider adding baking soda to the solution. Mix two parts hydrogen peroxide with one part dish soap and one part baking soda, then repeat the process.

FAQ

Can you remove stains that have been on clothes for a long time?

Yes, it is possible to remove stains that have been on clothes for a long time by presoaking and pretreating the fabric before washing.

Is vinegar or hydrogen peroxide better for stains?

Both vinegar and hydrogen peroxide are strong and effective stain removers. However, many people believe hydrogen peroxide is better for tackling tough, set-in stains.

What happens when you mix Dawn dish soap and hydrogen peroxide?

The combination of hydrogen peroxide and Dawn dish soap creates a powerful stain remover that works on a variety of fabrics. The mixture will foam and fizzle as it works, but always test on an inconspicuous section of fabric first, as this solution can damage delicate fabrics.