Cleaning with Kids - Removing Stubborn Stains from Clothing

Children just seem to attract stains.  Keeping their clothing clean and in good shape can be quite a challenge, especially when you happen to miss a stain or your regular stain remover doesn't work.  Here are a few tips to help you get rid of stubborn stains -

• Always pre-treat any stains before you wash clothing.  If a stain goes through the dryer it becomes much more difficult to get out.
• Ink stains can be some of the most difficult to remove.  Sometimes regular stain remover will do the trick, but you can also use carpet stain remover - it normally works well on tougher stains.  If all else fails, try bleach.  However, you should only use bleach as a last resort - obviously there is a good chance that your clothes could be ruined.  (I have used bleach to remove ink from colored clothes successfully in the past, but there are no guarantees.)
• I've also had good luck with Greased Lightening (from Walmart) on stubborn stains.  It seems to remove a variety of different stains.
• LifeHacker has a great graphic that gives you a simple guide to treating different types of stains - this might even be good to print for your laundry room!
• OxyClean is great to add to loads and remove stains, so why not make your own?  You just need baking soda and peroxide!
• And finally, combine Dawn dish liquid with peroxide for a great stain treater!

What tricks and products do you use to remove stubborn stains?

*Disclaimer - always follow manufacturer cleaning directions for clothing and follow all precautions suggested by various products.  Use common sense and try any suggestions and DIY recipes at your own risk.  We are not responsible for any damage or consequences that result from trying any of these tips.

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Bear Hugs Baby Boutique