A top-tier laundry routine involves much more than hitting start on a washer and dryer, especially when it comes to stains. In fact, removing stains often takes more than two, three, or even four steps, beginning with pretreatment.
But what does pretreating mean?
If the concept is totally new to you, don’t worry—pretreating stains isn’t as difficult as it sounds. Keep reading for an answer to this classic laundry question and tips for proper stain pretreatment.
What Does Pretreating Mean? And How to Pretreat Stains
Pretreating: a Basic Definition
Pretreating clothes refers to the process of applying a targeted cleaning solution directly to stains before proceeding with your usual laundry routine.
This often-overlooked step helps to break down and lift stains, ultimately making them easier to remove during a regular wash cycle.
If you skip pretreating, the stain may “set”—AKA, forming a permanent bond with the fabric that’s virtually impossible to remove!
When is Pretreatment Necessary?
The most stubborn stains that justify pretreatment are generally blood, red wine, paint, ink, makeup, coffee, red sauce, chocolate, and oil.
Pretreatment might not be as helpful if you’ve already run a stained item through the washing machine. However, fresh stains, particularly on light colors and delicate fabrics, should almost always be pretreated.
Additionally, always try to pretreat a stain as quickly as possible. Don’t delay!
How to Pretreat Stains
First and foremost, don’t expose a fresh stain to heat, hot water, or rubbing. This can cause the stain to set prematurely. Instead, your first step should be scraping away any excess product with the back of a spoon or knife.
We’ve covered a range of specific stain strategies for everything from Halloween stains to common Thanksgiving spills and makeup marks. But in general, reliable pretreating next steps include:
Soaking the soiled area in a basin of cold water for about 30 minutes
Dabbing dish or laundry detergent directly onto the stain and allowing it to soak for 10 minutes
Pouring white vinegar on the stain
Applying a commercial pre-treater (per the product’s instructions)
It may take a few tries to fully remove the stain, so don’t give up after one go!
No matter your method, don’t run the garment through a dryer until the stain is 100% removed.
When to Consult a Laundry Professional
Of course, not all stains can be removed DIY-style. For stubborn stains on precious garments, a dry cleaner might be your best option! Here’s some insight on what stains dry cleaning can effectively remove.
With pretreating on your side, stain stress can be a thing of the past!
When you do need help from the pros, WaveMAX is here to help with professional dry cleaning and laundromat services throughout the Denver metro area. Instead of searching ‘dry cleaner near me,’ head to our website to find your local WaveMAX laundry team.
