Updated
Updated · The Guardian · Jun 4
Liz Teich Shares 7 White-Clothing Stain Fixes as Summer Wardrobes Return
Updated
Updated · The Guardian · Jun 4

Liz Teich Shares 7 White-Clothing Stain Fixes as Summer Wardrobes Return

2 articles · Updated · The Guardian · Jun 4

Summary

  • Cold water and no heat are Teich’s main rules for white clothes: treat stains before washing, skip high-heat drying, and hang items to dry so missed spots do not set permanently.
  • Dawn dish soap is her go-to for oil stains, with baking soda plus low-heat ironing as a last resort; hydrogen peroxide is her pick for organic stains such as coffee, wine, blood and sweat.
  • OxiClean White Revive replaces bleach for sunscreen marks and general brightening, while micellar water can lift makeup transfer without sending garments straight to the dry cleaner.
  • The Laundress stain remover kit is her catch-all for mystery stains, and she says whites should be washed separately to avoid turning dull or muddy.
  • Unsalvageable pieces can still be reused: Teich recommends dyeing stained white garments with Rit or natural ingredients as an eco-friendlier alternative to throwing them out.

Insights

Are effective 'non-toxic' stain removers a myth, forcing a choice between bright whites and your health?
In the age of fast fashion, is saving a stained shirt a sustainable act or simply a waste of money?
Could your laundry detergent's hidden chemicals be a greater threat than the stains they remove?