How to Wash Out Stubborn Stains on Clothes and Shoes: Tips & Products

Stubborn stains are a real headache even for experienced homemakers and professional cleaners. Grease, grass, blood, wine, coffee, ink – each type of contamination requires an individual approach. A mistake at the start (choosing the wrong product or washing temperature) can lead to irreversible fabric damage or make the stain permanent. Let’s break down how to effectively deal with the trickiest stains on clothes and shoes, and which products actually work.

What are considered stubborn stains?

Stubborn stains are contaminations that contain resistant pigments, fats, proteins, or tannins that deeply penetrate fabric fibers. These include:

• Blood and protein-based stains (egg, milk)

• Grease and oils

• Wine, berries, fruit juices

• Grass and soil

• Coffee and tea

• Cosmetics (foundation, mascara, lipstick)

• Ink and markers

Such stains cannot simply be rubbed with soap or regular detergent. Specialized approaches and formulas are needed.

General tips before stain removal

Before applying any method, it’s important to follow several universal rules that will help avoid fabric damage and increase the chance of success:

1. Act quickly – the fresher the stain, the easier it is to remove.

2. Don’t rub the stain dry — this pushes it deeper into fibers.

3. Test the product on an inconspicuous area first.

4. Check care labels – washing temperature, bleach restrictions, etc.

5. Never use hot water on protein-based stains (blood, dairy) — heat coagulates protein and locks in the stain.

TOP-5 Effective Methods for Removing Stubborn Stains

These methods are proven by time, cleaning companies, and chemists. They combine the right chemistry with practical application, do not damage fabric, and deliver high results.

1. Pre-soaking with oxygen stain remover

Ideal for stains from wine, berries, grass, coffee, juices, blood, grease.You’ll need an oxygen-based stain remover for colored fabrics (Dast Color) or an oxygen bleach for whites (Dast White).

Step-by-step:

• Dissolve 2–3 tbsp of powder in 1 L of hot water.

• Soak clothes in the solution for 30–60 minutes.

• Wash as usual with liquid detergent or gel. You can also add the oxygen stain remover directly to the detergent compartment:( 3–4 tbsp if used alone, 1–2 tbsp to boost the main detergent/gel, Wash at 40 °C or higher if fabric allows.)

Active oxygen breaks down organic and pigment molecules, is safe for most fabrics, and contains no chlorine.

2. Treating the stain before washing with universal gel

Best for grease, cosmetics, dust, foundation.Use Dast Universal Laundry Gel.

How to use:

• Apply a small amount of gel directly to the stain.

• Leave for 15–30 minutes.

• Wash as usual. For heavily soiled laundry (4–5 kg), use 70 ml of gel.

• For sturdy fabrics (jeans, cotton), gently rub with a soft brush.

3. Targeted removal with enzyme-based detergent

Effective for protein-based stains (blood, dairy, sauces).Use Chistolain Expert enzyme-based liquid detergent.

How to use:

• Prepare a soaking solution: for 4–6 kg of laundry use 3–20 ml of product, soak for 1–10 hours.

• Wash with the same solution: 4–12 ml per 4–6 kg of laundry.

Enzymes break down protein structures at the molecular level, effectively dissolving the stain.

4. Deep shoe cleaning with universal oxygen powder

Perfect for stains on sneakers, trainers, especially white ones.Use DAST universal oxygen powder.

How to use:

• Dissolve 100 g (5 tbsp) in 1 L of hot water (50 °C+).

• Apply solution to shoes, leave for 30 minutes.

• Rinse with water or wipe with a damp cloth.

Safe for white and light-colored shoes, fabrics, rubber, and soles. Not recommended for leather.

5. Stains on colored fabrics — pre-treatment + wash cycle with gel

Best for pigmented stains (wine, grass, sauces, berries).You’ll need Dast Color Oxygen Stain Remover and Dast Universal Gel.

How to use:

• Rinse stain under cold water.

• Prepare solution: 2–3 tbsp per 1 L of hot water.

• Soak for 30–60 minutes.

• Wash with Dast Universal Gel: 40–70 ml per 4–5 kg laundry (depending on dirt level and water hardness).

For stubborn stains, set washing temperature at 40–60 °C if fabric allows.

What NOT to do when removing stains

Sometimes good intentions can ruin clothes. Avoid these mistakes:

1. Don’t use vinegar and baking soda together — internet myth, ineffective and can damage fabric.

2. Other “folk remedies” may harm fibers, lock in stains, or cause new damage.

3. Don’t dry clothing until the stain is fully gone — heat sets it permanently.

4. Don’t use chlorine bleach on colored or synthetic fabrics — causes fading and damage.

Removing stubborn stains is a real science. With the right knowledge, approach, and effective products, almost any stain can be removed without a trace. The key is to understand the stain’s nature, choose the right method, and act quickly. Oxygen stain removers, enzyme cleaners, and modern laundry gels are your arsenal — with them, even the toughest stains are not a problem. Follow these tips and may cleanliness be with you!