5 Common Stains and How to Handle Them Before the Dry Cleaner

Stains Happen — Here Is What to Do

A splash of coffee before a meeting, a drop of red wine at dinner, or a grass stain after the weekend — stains are part of life. The good news is that how you respond in the first few minutes can make all the difference. Here are five common stains and expert advice from the Woodhaven Dry Cleaners team on how to handle them.

1. Coffee and Tea

Blot the stain immediately with a clean cloth — do not rub. Rubbing pushes the stain deeper into the fabric. If possible, rinse the back of the stain with cold water. Avoid using hot water, which can set the stain permanently. Then bring it to us for professional treatment.

2. Red Wine

Gently blot with a white cloth to absorb as much as possible. A small amount of club soda can help lift the stain, but skip the salt trick — it can actually damage certain fabrics. The sooner you get it to a professional cleaner, the better the outcome.

3. Grease and Oil

Sprinkle a small amount of cornstarch or baby powder on the stain to absorb the oil. Let it sit for 15 to 20 minutes, then gently brush it off. Do not apply water — it can spread the grease. Our team has specialized solvents that remove grease without damaging the garment.

4. Ink

Ink stains can be tricky. Place a paper towel behind the stain and dab gently with rubbing alcohol using a cotton ball. Do not scrub. For delicate fabrics like silk, skip the home remedy entirely and bring it straight to us.

5. Grass

Pre-treat with a small amount of white vinegar before washing. For dry-clean-only garments, avoid any home treatment and let our experts handle it. We see grass stains regularly and know exactly how to remove them without fading the color.

When in Doubt, Bring It In

The number one rule with stains: do not let them sit. The longer you wait, the harder they are to remove. If you are unsure, just schedule a free pickup or drop your garment off at our Old Bridge location. We will take care of the rest.