As a busy working-mom with a little one running around, I know how frustrating it can be to keep clothes looking clean and fresh. Even when being the most careful, you might find an unexpected wine spill or spaghetti splatter. Luckily, over the years, I've learned some tips and tricks that will help you get rid of those stains fast.
Linen isn't resistant to stains (unless it's treated). Stains can be removed more easily than other fabrics like polyester. Why? You should know that linen fabric is highly absorbent. When washing your linen top or linen pants in a washing machine, the detergent helps the make the fabric more absorbent. But, the water effectively cleans the linen fibers. The more absorbent the linen fibers, the better it will clean.
So, here's what you do...
Quick! Treat the stain fast.
This prevents the stain from embedding itself into the linen fibers. Waiting until the stain has dried will only lower your chances of removing the stain.
OK. But, what do I use to treat the stain? Before treating it with any harsh chemicals, we like using natural stain removers. A bonus? It's inexpensive and it's probably in your kitchen pantry or home.
Try Baking Soda or Corn Starch
We start by sprinkling the stained linen with baking soda. The baking soda absorbs the liquid (ahem, wine, I see you). Then, rinse the linen garment in cool water. Wash with a mild detergent in your washing machine.
What About White Vinegar?
White vinegar is a great cleaning agent to remove the stains from our linen clothes. You can dab a little white vinegar to the stain. But, be aware that white vinegar is quite acidic. To dilute the acid, we mix a solution of 1 part water and 1 part vinegar.
Use Good Ol' Detergent
Don't have baking soda or white vinegar on-hand? You can also use mild laundry detergent. Just simply dab a little of the detergent on the stained area. Rinse and throw it into the wash.
Some other helpful tricks:
- Don't rub the stain as it will only make it more embedded in the linen fibers.
- Use the back of a butter knife to scrape off any leftover food.
- For stubborn stains, dry cleaning is always an option.
With these tips and tricks, you'll be able to keep your linen clothes looking fresh and new, even with a little one running around!
What are your stain-fighting tips for linen clothes and other garments? Let us know!
Until next time.
Xoxo,
Sam
Chief Brand Officer