Whether it’s your favorite plush bath towel or the guest set you keep for special occasions, nothing is more frustrating than discovering stubborn stains that seem impossible to budge. Learning how to remove tough stains from towels—like coffee, makeup, or even ink—can save your linens and keep them looking fresh and new. In this comprehensive guide, you’ll discover the best methods, products, and expert tips to get stains out of towels, no matter what life throws at them.
Key Takeaways: How to Remove Tough Stains from Towels
- Act quickly: The sooner you treat a stain, the easier it is to remove.
- Use the right products: Different stains require different cleaning solutions.
- Avoid heat: Don’t put stained towels in the dryer until stains are fully removed.
- Test before using: Always test stain removers on a small towel area first.
- Prevention is key: Regular care and prompt action prevent permanent damage.
Why Towels Get Stained So Easily
Towels are magnets for stains because they’re used every day for a variety of tasks. From drying off after a morning coffee to wiping away makeup or dealing with accidental spills, towels bear the brunt of daily messes. Their absorbent fibers soak up liquids quickly, making prompt action essential.
Common Culprits:
- Coffee and tea
- Makeup (foundation, mascara, lipstick)
- Blood
- Oil and lotion
- Sweat and deodorant
- Ink and dye
Each type of stain requires a slightly different approach, so let’s dive into the specifics.
Understanding Stain Types and How to Tackle Them
| Stain Type | First Step Action | Best Cleaning Agent |
|---|---|---|
| Coffee/Tea | Blot, rinse with cold water | Baking soda, vinegar, dish soap |
| Makeup | Scrape excess, pre-treat | Makeup remover, dish soap |
| Blood | Rinse with cold water | Hydrogen peroxide, salt |
| Oil/Lotion | Blot, sprinkle baking soda | Dish soap, hot water |
| Ink/Dye | Blot, avoid spreading | Rubbing alcohol, hairspray |
How to Remove Tough Stains from Towels: Step-by-Step Guide
1. Coffee and Tea Stains
- Act Fast: Immediately blot the stain with a clean, dry cloth to absorb as much liquid as possible.
- Rinse with Cold Water: Run cold water through the back of the stain to push it out.
- Apply a Paste: Mix baking soda and water to form a paste. Apply to the stain and let sit for 10–15 minutes.
- Scrub Gently: Use a soft brush or cloth to work the paste into the fibers.
- Launder as Usual: Wash the towel in the hottest water safe for the fabric, using a quality detergent.
Pro Tip: Add a cup of white vinegar to the rinse cycle for extra stain-fighting power.
2. Makeup Stains (Foundation, Mascara, Lipstick)
- Remove any solids with a blunt knife or credit card.
- Dab (don’t rub!) with a makeup remover or rubbing alcohol.
- Pre-treat with dish soap, working it into the stain.
- Wash in warm water with regular detergent.
Pro Tip: For stubborn stains, repeat the process before drying the towel.
3. Blood Stains
- Rinse the stain under cold running water.
- Sprinkle salt or baking soda on the wet stain, then rub gently.
- Let it sit for 15 minutes.
- Wash with cold water and detergent.
Pro Tip: For dried blood, apply hydrogen peroxide directly to the stain, let bubble, then rinse and launder.
4. Oil, Lotion, and Grease Stains
- Blot the stain with a paper towel.
- Sprinkle baking soda or cornstarch to absorb oil; let sit for 30 minutes.
- Brush off powder and apply dish soap directly to the stain.
- Scrub gently and rinse with hot water.
- Wash in the hottest water safe for your towel.
5. Ink and Dye Stains
- Place a paper towel under the stained area.
- Dab with rubbing alcohol or hairspray, using a cotton ball.
- Blot, don’t rub, as the ink begins to transfer to the paper towel.
- Rinse and repeat if necessary.
- Wash as usual.
Stain Removal Methods
| Stain Type | Quick Removal Steps |
|---|---|
| Coffee/Tea | Blot, cold water, baking soda paste, wash |
| Makeup | Scrape, makeup remover, dish soap, wash |
| Blood | Cold water rinse, salt/baking soda, wash |
| Oil/Lotion | Blot, baking soda, dish soap, hot water, wash |
| Ink/Dye | Rubbing alcohol, blot, wash |
Essential Products for Stain Removal
- Baking soda: Natural deodorizer and stain remover
- White vinegar: Breaks down tough stains and odors
- Hydrogen peroxide: Great for blood and organic stains
- Dish soap: Cuts through grease and oil
- Rubbing alcohol: Effective for ink and dye
- Enzyme laundry detergent: Breaks down protein-based stains
Buying Guide: Best Stain Removers for Towels
| Product Name | Best For | Why It’s Great |
|---|---|---|
| OxiClean Versatile Stain Remover | All stains | Oxygen-based, safe on colors |
| Zout Laundry Stain Remover | Protein & food | Works on blood, sweat, food |
| Tide To Go Instant Stain Remover | On-the-go stains | Portable and easy to use |
| Shout Advanced Gel | Set-in stains | Thick gel clings to fabrics |