Asuwere - Saturday 12th February 2022
The Stain Test - Part 1. Red Wine
We’re often asked how we keep our white tees fresh, or the best way to clean stains. So we put together a few likely scenarios and the usual household detergents which might help the next time you spill something on your white tee. We soaked 6 cuttings of our White Pima Cotton tee in red wine, washed them 6 different ways and these are the results.
This is the first instalment of The Stain Test series, helping you combat one of life's biggest annoyances, stains.
When it happens
Realistically these things happen when you're out and about, so here are some things you can do in the moment to ensure the survival of your staples.
Protect any layers of fabric or surfaces that might be underneath
Throw a napkin under the stain to prevent it from spreading.
Soak up red wine from the stain immediately
Press and dab a napkin or paper towel against the stained fabric to soak up as much of the excess wine as you can. Avoid rubbing, as you could spread the wine further into the fabric.
Keep the stain moist
It will be much easier to remove the stain if you keep it damp until you get home. You can do this with water, still or sparkling. Be careful of using hot water, as this can set the stain.
Add salt
Not compulsory, but still helpful. Cover the stain entirely with salt and press the crystals against the damp fabric. The salt will absorb much of the wine and help to lift the stain.Repeat as necessary. Brush off the salt as you go, and if it’s not budging, keep saturating the stain with cool water, soda water, etc. and dabbing at it with a napkin to lift the stain.
When you get home
1. For those who care
Stain kept moist + soaked in Napisan overnight, and washed in the morning.
Sleep easy with a result you can be happy with.
2. For those who care even more
Instantly sprayed with stain remover + rinsed thoroughly + soaked in Napisan overnight, and washed in the morning
Almost better than before the new.
3. When you’re onto it quick, but forget to follow through
Rinsed stain + sprayed with stain remover but left in the sink overnight.
Results aren't bad on their own, but it will never be that fresh white again.
4. A more likely scenario on a big night
Rinsed stain shortly after spilling, continued night out and left to dry + washed 8 hours later. If it’s a big stain, try not to let it dry and get into wash sooner.
This was the worst of the bunch.
5. The doer
Instantly sprayed with stain remover + rinsed thoroughly and washed shortly after.
Good results, not quite as good as original. Would have been better to soak.
6. The unknown stain, found in the morning
Left overnight with no treatment - sprayed with stain remover + rinsed thoroughly and washed shortly after.
This stubborn stain will take much more than some spray and a wash, worth attempting a soak pre wash.
In conclusion...
The results are self explanatory however, for best results we would suggest going with option 2.
If you spill red wine or anything of colour on your fresh white, let it soak in Napisan overnight or at least a couple of hours before washing.
We used Eco Store - sensitive wash powder - Napisan Oxy action powder for soaking - Napisan Stain remover for spray.
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If you've left a red wine stain too late, it may be time for a refresh
Learn more
