No one likes discovering a pasta sauce splatter or coffee spill on their favourite shirt. But don't panic - most food stains can be successfully treated if you act quickly and use the right techniques.

If you're not confident removing food stains at home, we advise you to find a professional laundry service or dry cleaner to do the job.

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General Rules to Follow

1. Act Quickly: The sooner you address the stain, the better your chances of removing it completely. Use a paper towel to gently remove any excess food from your clothing without rubbing it in further.

2. Test Cleaning Agents: Before applying any cleaning agent to your garment, always test it on an inconspicuous area first to ensure it won't damage or discolour the fabric.

3. Check the Care Label: Read the care label on your garment before washing or drying. It provides crucial information about the fabric and washing instructions, as some materials may require special care.

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How to Remove Common Food Stains From Clothes?

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Coffee & Tea

1. Flush with cold water immediately

2. Apply liquid laundry detergent directly to stain

3. Soak in cold water for 30 minutes

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Tomato-Based Sauces

1. Scrape off excess sauce

2. Run cold water through the back of the stain

3. Pretreat with stain remover

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Chocolate

1. Remove solid pieces with a dull knife

2. Apply dish soap and gently work into the fabric

3. Rinse with cold water

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Grease & Oil

1. Sprinkle baking soda or cornstarch to absorb excess oil

2. Let sit for 15-30 minutes

3. Brush off powder

4. Apply dish soap directly to the stain

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Last Steps

1. Machine Wash with Warm Water: After letting the cleaning agents work their magic, toss the garment into the washer and wash it with warm water (if possible).

2. Check the Stain Before Drying: Before you toss your garment into the dryer, make sure the stain is completely gone. If not, repeat the previous steps until the stain is fully out, as the heat can set the stain and make it even harder to remove. If you feel unsure about this step, you can hang dry your item.

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Final Thoughts

With these techniques and tools at your disposal, you can tackle most food stains with confidence and extend the life of your favourite garments. When in doubt, always err on the side of caution and consult a professional cleaner for valuable or sentimental items.

If you're still unsure about how to remove certain food stains at home, we advise you to find a professional laundry service or dry cleaner to get the job done.