Olive & Oak Cleaning

THE EVERYDAY CLEANING LIBRARY

Laundry & Stain Removal

Practical help for stains, washing and fabric care. Start with the gentlest suitable method, and always check the care instructions.

TIP 01

Remove Greasy Food Stains

01

Blot excess grease, then pretreat washable fabric with liquid laundry detergent. Gently work it in and wash as the care label allows.

02

Alternatively, use a laundry stain remover labeled for oil, giving it the recommended treatment time.

Take careCheck before tumble drying; heat can make stains harder to remove. Test delicate or colored fabric first.

TIP 02

Treat Blood Stains on Clothing

01

Rinse a fresh stain from the back with cold water, then pretreat with laundry detergent and wash.

02

For dried stains, use an enzyme laundry product labeled for the fabric and soak according to its directions.

Take careAvoid hot water at the start. Enzyme products may be unsuitable for wool and silk; check both labels.

TIP 03

Brighten Dingy White Laundry

01

Measure detergent carefully, avoid overloading and use the warmest wash permitted by the fabric label.

02

For suitable washable items, add an oxygen laundry booster following its instructions or soak as directed.

Take careCheck trim and elastic as well as the main fabric. Never mix bleach with other cleaning products.

TIP 04

Remove Musty Towel Odors

01

Wash towels with the right amount of detergent on the warmest suitable cycle, then dry completely and promptly.

02

If residue remains, try an extra rinse and clean the washer using its recommended maintenance cycle.

Take careAvoid piling up damp towels. Excess detergent and fabric softener can leave buildup.

TIP 05

Treat Coffee and Tea Stains

01

Blot the spill and rinse washable fabric from the back with cool water. Pretreat with laundry detergent before washing.

02

For remaining discoloration, use a fabric-safe oxygen stain remover following the label.

Take careDo not put the item in the dryer until the stain is gone. Take dry-clean-only clothing to a cleaner.

TIP 06

Care for Delicate Fabrics

01

Use a gentle cycle and mesh laundry bag when the care label permits machine washing.

02

For hand-washable garments, use a suitable delicate detergent, gently press out water and dry as instructed.

Take careDo not wring wool or silk, and do not assume every delicate item can be washed in water.