We all know the feeling: you’re getting ready for an important meeting or a special date, and realize that your favorite shirt has a big, ugly stain or funky odor. Fortunately, most of these wardrobe malfunctions can be addressed much faster and with less effort than people realize. These clothing hacks for removing stains and other problems can help save the day. Most of them take only a minute, and use materials you probably already have sitting around anyway. Some people even prefer these hacks to commercial products, since they’re just as effective, but without harsh chemicals.
Clear Nail Polish Hack
Clear nail polish can provide a great temporary fix if threads start to unravel. It’s particularly effective for holding shirt buttons in place if one of their stitches come loose, and at stopping tears in tights from growing. Just paint a little bit on over the ripping area, and a single coat should at least get you through the day. Colorful nail polish will also work, but it may not be very subtle.
Petroleum Jelly Hack
Petroleum jelly offers not one, but two great clothing hacks: it can loosen a stuck zipper, and also hide scuffs on leather. In both cases, only a tiny scoop on the end of a cotton swab is required. To fix a zipper, apply it to the teeth just above where the pull is stuck, and it should slide easily. For scuffed leather, spread the jelly evenly, and the scuff will mostly – if not entirely – disappear.
Makeup Remover Wipe Hack
For foundation or powder makeup stains, makeup remover will help lift them out. Wipes work the best, but the liquid version will work as long as you dab it gently and don’t get it too wet.
Nail File Hack on Suede
If your suede is scuffed or has stubborn dirt stuck in it, try using a nail file. Just rub it lightly against the trouble spot, and it should come right out. The coarseness shouldn’t matter, as long as you rub gently. If you don’t have a nail file, a pencil eraser should work just as well.
Rubbing Alcohol Hack
Isopropyl rubbing alcohol is remarkably effective for treating both grass and lipstick stains, because alcohol breaks down the pigments in both. Dab it on full-strength, not watered down. Rubbing alcohol is the most effective, but witch hazel and white vinegar should work similarly.
Freezer Hack
This hack takes the longest, but it’s one of the most effective ways to beat foul odors without washing. Most bad smells on clothes are caused by bacteria which can’t survive freezing temperatures, so putting your stinky clothes in the freezer overnight will usually significantly improve the smell. Make sure the clothes are dry, and put them in a plastic bag with the air squeezed out for the best results.
Microfiber Hack
Microfiber is one of the best materials for cleaning in general, because the ultra-fine threads can trap messes better than almost any other fabric. They also happen to be great for removing even the most stubborn deodorant stains. Just wipe the stains with a dry microfiber cloth, and they should disappear. If you don’t have any microfiber cloths around, baby wipes can also very effectively remove deodorant stains.
Lemon Juice Hack
What if you forgot your antiperspirant, and find yourself dealing with sweat stains instead? Spraying some lemon juice on them will help with both the smell and appearance, because its natural acidity will break down the alkaline sweat.
Vodka Hack
The most powerful cleaning solution in your house is probably in your liquor cabinet. Even if you don’t drink, you should consider keeping a bottle of cheap vodka on hand; many people are surprised to learn that it’s a remarkably flexible cleaner. It can work like Febreze, killing odor-causing bacteria on fabrics, and also clean many surfaces. Put it in a spray bottle, not watered down, and don’t spray so much that the fabric gets damp.
If you ever have stains that you are having trouble getting out, Red Hanger can help. We offer stain removal services and have special treatments for various stains.
Learn more or call us today.