Home Cleaning Laundry 5 DIY Laundry Stain-Fighting Tricks Using Pantry Staples Get rid of tough stains like mustard, lipstick, ink, and more with these DIY pre-treating stain solutions. By Real Simple Editors Real Simple Editors Facebook Instagram Twitter An article attributed to "Real Simple Editors" indicates a collaborative effort from our in-house team. Sometimes, several writers and editors have contributed to an article over the years. These collaborations allow us to provide you with the most accurate, up-to-date, and comprehensive information available.The REAL SIMPLE team strives to make life easier for you. They are experts in their fields who research, test and clearly explain the best recipes, strategies, trends and products. They have worked for some of the most prestigious brands in lifestyle journalism, including Apartment Therapy, Better Homes & Gardens, Food & Wine, the Food Network, Good Housekeeping, InStyle, Martha Stewart Living, O: The Oprah Magazine, Parents, POPSUGAR, Rachel Ray Every Day, and Vogue. Real Simple's Editorial Guidelines Updated on December 1, 2022 Share Tweet Pin Email In This Article View All In This Article Mustard Stains Lipstick Stains Ink Stains Tomato Sauce Stains Candle Wax Stains The number one rule of stains is that they always happen at the most inconvenient times—when guests are over, you're running late for a meeting, or your mother-in-law stops by—so you need a stain remover for clothes and other fabrics that is quick and convenient. That's where these DIY pre-treating solutions come in. They call for ingredients you probably already have in your pantry (such as white vinegar), and they help speed up the stain-removal process. So the next time an unexpected stain happens—spaghetti sauce or lipstick—you'll be ready! Just follow these quick pre-treatments immediately, and save the thorough wash for later. How to Remove Every Type of Stain, in One Simple Chart Mustard Stains Wipe away any excess, then soak the stain in a small bowl of white vinegar. Combine 10 ounces of clean water and 1 tablespoon of clear dish soap. Then apply the solution to the stain and let sit for 15 minutes. Once most of the stain disappears, run the shirt through a washing machine cycle. (Don’t put the shirt in the dryer until the stain is gone, as the heat can set it into the fabric.) Lipstick Stains Talk about a stain remover that's so simple—it's just one step! Simply spritz the stain with hairspray and let sit for 10 minutes. Wipe the spot with a damp cloth until the residue and stain disappear. Ink Stains For ballpoint pen stains, pour a tablespoon of full-fat milk onto the spot and let sit for 20 minutes. Rub the fabric together until the stain is gone, then toss it into the washing machine. Tomato Sauce Stains Wipe off any excess, then apply a solution of 10 ounces of water and one tablespoon of clear dish soap. Blot with a damp towel. If the stain doesn't disappear, add a splash of white vinegar. How to Remove a Red Wine Stain Candle Wax Stains When a candle drips wax onto your placemats during a dinner party, rub an ice cube over the wax to freeze it quickly. Remove as much wax as possible with a plastic knife. Then, stretch the fabric over a bowl and pour boiling water onto the spot from about a foot above. The heat will melt the waxy residue away. 6 Clever Ways to Repurpose Your Empty Candle Jars Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit