Best Ways to Remove Stains from Work Uniforms

Why does it seem far easier to get stains on your work uniform than it is to remove them? It doesn’t have to be that way!

It’s usually not possible to wash the stain right away, say you spill something on your uniform while you’re at work. Once you get home, you can tackle that stain with a laundry pre-treater like Outrageous by Rejuvenate. But what’s a person to do if you can’t get to the laundry room right away?

Today we’re going to share some ideas on pre-treating clothing stains and some tips, tricks, and techniques for removing stains from scrubs, painter’s bibs, automotive mechanic shirts and other work uniforms.  So here are some laundry hacks for cleaning stains off of uniforms. While these tips might not completely remove the spilled item, they are a way to deal with the stains on your work clothes until you get the chance to throw them in the wash.

Doctors - Nurses - EMT’s = Blood Stains 

Blood seems to set quickly resulting in a rusty-brown stain. The longer a stain sits the harder it becomes to remove it. Here are some tips that may work to treat the stain until you get the chance to throw it in the wash. 

• Ice: Hold an ice-cube to the stained area until it is thoroughly saturated then use a clean dry cloth to blot the blood spot.

• Window Cleaner: There’s just something about window cleaner that makes it useful for far more than just windows and glass. Spray some cleaner on the stained area and it will work similarly as a pre-treatment product.

• Peroxide: Peroxides bubbly action is great for drawing out stains. It’s best to reach for the peroxide rather quickly after the mess as it works best that way. This method will also work on a dry stain but it will have to soak for a little while. One downfall is that peroxide can actually bleach colored clothing so it’s best for light colors. Always do a dab test in a small area to be sure it doesn’t bleach your favorite set of nursing scrubs.

Painters - Renovators - Remodelers =  Paint Stains

There are three different types of paint commonly used by painters; acrylic, oil, and latex. If you are not sure what type of paint it is, you can pour a little rubbing alcohol on a white rag and dab the stained area. If the paint rubs off onto the rag then you’re working with latex which isn’t so bad. If the paint doesn’t transfer in that way then you are going to have to use some form of paint remover or paint thinner. 

• Latex: Use a spoon or something of the sort to scoop off the wet paint so it doesn’t run and spread further. Turn the article of clothing inside out and rinse under lukewarm water and rinse out as much of the paint as possible. Once you get home, place some detergent or laundry stain remover directly on the stained spot, scrub, and repeat if necessary then toss it into the washer.

• Acrylic & Oil: Scoop off the paint just as you would with the latex. Using your paint thinner and a rag clean the painted area. Dab the stain until you get the paint out. You may want to wash the clothing alone or with other clothes that have been through the process, as well as, air drying or drying on a low heat in the dryer. 

Mechanics - Machine Shop Workers = Grease Stains

Grease and oil are some of the toughest stains to remove from clothing! Follow these steps and removing stains from your mechanic’s uniform will no longer be a chore. 

• Baby Powder or Cornstarch: Pour a decent amount of either of these powders on a greasy spot, especially if the grease is thick or runny. This will suck up the grease and then use a spoon to wipe away the grease filled powder. At home, or the local laundromat, apply your stain remover and toss it in the washer on warm by itself or with the rest of your work shirts.

• Soak & Scrub: You can use dish liquid, laundry detergent, or stain remover for this job. Pour your choice of soap on the spot and use an old toothbrush to scrub the spot and remember, it’s always best to scrub the clothes inside out of wherever the stain set. Wash the clothes alone or with other greasy clothes. Dry on a low-temperature setting or hang dry.

Any Job =  Sweat Stains

Sweat stains can be pretty embarrassing. It’s one of the common clothing stains and here’s how to remove them.

• Soak the clothing in equal parts of lemon juice and water and then give the specific area a good scrub. Wash the clothing and see the difference.

• If you’re out of your normal stain remover or pre-treater go into the kitchen and grab some vinegar. Pour some directly onto the sweat stain, rub it in, and toss it into the washer

Landscapers = Grass Stains

It’s a beautiful green color but it doesn’t always accent our favorite white shirt.

• Homemade Mix: Soak your clothing stain in a mixture of dish soap, cool water, and vinegar for about three minutes before washing. This works for mild stains!

• Pre-treater & Stain Remover: For those tough grass stains in material like cargo pants and jeans it’s best to use a quality product like Outrageous Stain Remover. Allow the clothing to soak longer before washing and don’t be afraid to give it a little scrub to really work the product into the stain.x

Pre-treating is the key to removing stains from your work uniform. We hope these tips work for you and your work clothes. But if they don’t, then try a product specifically made for the job. Rejuvenate’s Outrageous Stain Remover & Laundry Pre-Treater is ready to tackle even the toughest, dried-out stains on your uniforms and more.

Happy Washing!