Stain Removal: Dry Cleaner vs. DIY
Not all clothing stains are created equal, so the process by which you eliminate them should differ.
The prevailing wisdom is suits and formal clothes should be dry cleaned. It's unlikely you'll ever see anyone walk into a dry cleaner with t-shirts and gym shorts. It's equally unlikely that someone would recommend you toss your suit into a washing machine.
Whether or not you dry clean a particular garment comes down to the fabric it's made out of. Typically, items made out of suede, leather, fur, or feathers should be dry cleaned. Anything made of cotton, wool, or silk can be machine washed or washed gently by hand.
There is nothing wrong with taking your clothes to the dry cleaner. For large stains, or if you're afraid of ruining your favorite blazer, it's a reliable option. However, most stains can be removed more quickly, and for less money, even from your "dry clean only" apparel, with some simple household items and DIY methods.
Club Soda: If you're out for a romantic night and find yourself wearing some of the night's fare, don't panic. Order a club soda and apply to the spot with a clean, damp cloth. Be mindful to dab not scrub, to lift the stain. Scrubbing will push the stain deeper into the fibers.
Toothpaste: Whether it's from playing in the yard with kids, or sliding into second base at the annual family wiffle-ball game, grass stains are an unwelcome guest on your favorite shorts. Head for the medicine cabinet and grab an old toothbrush and some toothpaste. Apply a small amount directly to the stain, dip the brush in water, and scrub lightly to lift the stain. Make sure to use a paste, not a gel.
Yes, White Wine: Though it seems counterintuitive, white wine is an effective solution for removing red wine stains out of clothing. The white wine neutralizes the red wine and makes the stain easier to remove from the fabric. Pour white wine over the stained area and blot gently with a rag. Be careful not to rub as that will force the stain deeper into the material.
Lemon Juice & Shampoo: Summer temperatures are tough on shirts, and sometimes a warm day will leave behind a nice sweat-stain as a reminder. Concentrated lemon juice and a pinch of salt is a simple and effective way to remove unsightly underarm stains. Saturate the stained area with the juice, add 1 tsp. of salt, and rub gently between your fingers.
Shampoo is also an effective do-it-yourself stain remover to combat the dreaded ring around the collar. A little bit of inexpensive generic shampoo will do the trick. Apply to the soiled collar, rub in gently, and rinse.
Why Take the Risk? Invest in a pair of khaki pants from our Traveler Casual Pants Collection, which are wrinkle, water, and stain resistant to save yourself the unnecessary trouble of blotting and scrubbing.
