DENIM STAIN REMOVAL GUIDE

The bane of any denim: stains. Whether it’s a bowl of spaghetti gone wrong or a trip in the grass, staining your favorite jeans or denim jacket can throw off your look. Here’s how to remove them at home to keep your denim looking fresh.

TYPES OF STAINS & HOW TO REMOVE THEM

Not all stains are created equal; some require a different cleaning approach. But there are tricks to get them out of any denim, whether it’s skinny jeans, cargos, or a jacket.

GREASE STAINS

Nothing is worse than a nice, big grease stain on your favorite jeans. Is it just sweat, or is it fallout from a piece of bacon? Whatever the origins of your grease stain may be, you only need common household ingredients to get rid of this oil-based nuisance: baking soda, water, and a paper towel.

1. Begin by dabbing the affected area of your denim to absorb excess grease.
2. Pour baking soda over the stain, ensuring it’s fully covered. Leave it on for a few hours.
3. Gently remove the baking soda by using a handheld device (like a vacuum) or by brushing with a dry towel.
4. If that doesn’t work, use dish soap and water to cover the area. Take an old toothbrush and move it in circular motions over the stain.
5. Rinse with cold water and air dry.

INK STAINS

Ah yes, you forgot about the pen in your pocket, and it’s now all over your denim fit. Ink stains are an unsightly blemish. For these, you’ll need a solvent (like hairspray, isopropyl alcohol, or hand sanitizer).

1. Take the solvent of your choice and apply it to the stain. Leave it on for a couple of minutes.
2. Use a paper towel to blot out the area. Repeat several times if no color appears on the towel.
3. Rinse the stained area with cold water.
4. If it’s still unsuccessful, wash on cold with detergent.

GRASS STAINS

For grass stains, you’ll need vinegar.
If the stain is fresh:

1. Soak a sponge or rag in white vinegar, applying it gently to the stain(s).
2. Put your denim in the washing machine on cold.
3. Hang to air dry.

For larger, set-in stains:

1. Cover with a solution that uses three parts white vinegar to one part cold water, ensuring the stains are completely saturated.
2. Let soak overnight.
3. Wash them on cold.

COFFEE STAINS

So, your daily cup of coffee splashed over you. Luckily, coffee stains are easy to remove at home.

1. If fresh, use a dry towel to absorb the excess coffee.
2. Mix warm water, a small amount of dishwashing detergent, and a tablespoon of white vinegar. Blot the solution on the stain and let soak for about 15 minutes.
3. Wash the affected area with warm water.
4. Let it dry, then wash it again on cold.

TOMATO BASED STAINS

If you get a tomato-based stain, follow these steps:

1. Remove the excess tomato sauce as soon as you can. Scrape it away with a dull knife or spoon to avoid pushing the sauce deeper into the clothing.
2. Run the reverse side of the stain under cold water for a few minutes.
3. Using laundry detergent or dishwashing liquid, apply a small amount to the affected area and leave it on for about 10 minutes.
4. Throw into the wash, following your denim’s care instructions.

Don’t let a stain on your favorite jeans or denim kill your mood. With these tips, you’ve hopefully gotten it out. However, there’s no shame in amping up your wardrobe. Keep things stylish and versatile with more denim from True Religion.