Jeans Care - How To Remove an Unknown Stain From Your Jeans

Sometimes you come across a stain that you just can't identify. Is that dark spot on your daughter's jeans chocolate, mud or something else? Don't worry, help is here for that unknown stain.

General Rules:

1. Rinse or soak the unknown stain in cold water before laundering or applying a stain remover. Some stains, such as coffee, blood and wine, can set in warm water.

2. Blot the stain, don't rub it. Rubbing only spreads the stain and may damage the fabric.

3. Read and follow label directions before applying stain treatments. If it says no bleach, even color-safe bleach is a no-no.

4. Check that the stain is completely gone before drying the garment. Heat can set stains.

Small Spots and Fresh Stains

1. Blot directly on the unknown stain a prewash stain remover, a liquid laundry detergent, or a paste made from powder laundry detergent and a little water. Or dab with dry-cleaning fluid. Let the garment sit for several minutes or leave it overnight.

2. Launder in the hottest water safe for the fabric, using detergent and color-safe bleach. For bleach amounts, follow instructions on the bottle. Repeat if needed.

3. Tumble dry at the setting safe for your fabric.

Large Spots and Old Stains

1. Soak the garment with the unknown stain overnight in the warmest water safe for the fabric in a washing machine or sink with 1/2 cup (4 fl oz/125 ml) to 1 cup (8 fl oz/250 ml) enzyme-containing laundry detergent (adjust amount according to size of garment).

2. Launder as usual, using an enzyme detergent, color-safe bleach and the warmest water that is safe for the fabric. Repeat if needed.

3. Tumble dry.

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