How to Remove Stains from Wool

It can be frustrating when a stain gets on wool clothing. Because wool is a delicate material, removing stains carelessly may cause problems such as shrinkage, frizz, or pilling. In general, we recommend taking the garment to a professional cleaner and asking them to remove the stain.

However, some people may not be able to take it to the cleaner right away, or may want to remove the stain at home so they can wear the garment again as soon as possible.

In conclusion, stains can be removed even from wool garments. However, the word “stain” covers many different types of dirt and marks. In this article, we will introduce stain-removal methods according to each type of stain. By referring to this guide, you will be able to try stain removal at home, so please find the method that matches your stain and give it a try.

First, Check Whether Your Wool Garment Can Be Treated at Home

Some products made with natural wool fibers cannot be washed. First, check the care label to see whether it has a “machine washable” symbol or a “hand wash” symbol. If neither symbol is shown and the garment has a “do not wash” symbol, it cannot be washed at home. In that case, ask a professional cleaner to remove the stain.

▼ Machine-washable and hand-washable symbols


▼ Do not wash at home symbol

Basic Tips for Removing Stains from Wool

Wool fibers are very delicate, so you need to be careful about both the detergent and the washing method when removing stains.

Please use a detergent designed for delicate clothing. Biological detergents and detergents containing bleach may damage the fibers. Also, scrubbing the fabric harshly can cause shrinkage, pilling, and loss of shape. Instead, gently tap the stained area or wash it by lightly stroking it with your fingers.

8 Stain-Removal Methods According to the Type of Stain

Now, let’s look at stain-removal methods for different types of stains.

How to Remove Oil-Based Stains Such as Butter or Curry

1. Lightly wipe off the stain from the surface.
2. Apply hot or lukewarm water to the stained area to loosen the oil.
3. Place several sheets of tissue over the stain, then use an iron to absorb the excess oil.
4. If necessary, soak the stained area with a grease remover or volatile solvent, then gently tap the area. Repeat until the stain is removed, then allow it to dry.
5. Finally, wash with a detergent for delicate clothing.

How to Remove Stains from Egg, Milk, and Similar Foods

1. If possible, rinse with water as quickly as you can. If you are outside and cannot rinse it with water, wipe the stained area with tissue or a towel.
2. Next, prepare lukewarm water, mix in about half a teaspoon of salt, and apply it to the stained area. After that, rinse thoroughly and blot away excess moisture.
3. If the stain remains, add one teaspoon of biological detergent to lukewarm water and apply it to the stain. Leave it for about 15 minutes, then rinse thoroughly with water.
4. Next, soak the area with white vinegar diluted with water to neutralize the detergent. Leave it for about 15 minutes, then rinse thoroughly with water.
5. Finally, wash with a detergent for delicate clothing.

How to Remove Water-Based Stains Such as Wine or Soy Sauce

1. First, rinse the stain with water.
2. Then, mix rubbing alcohol and water at a ratio of 3:1, and apply it to the stained area.
3. Immediately blot away the moisture with tissue.
4. Finally, wash with a detergent for delicate clothing.

How to Remove Stains from White Coffee, Tea, Milk, Hot Chocolate, and Chocolate

1. Rinse with water as much as possible.
2. Gently tap the stained area with a cloth soaked in detergent for delicate clothing.
3. Blot away the moisture with tissue or a towel, then let it dry.
4. If an oily stain remains, gently tap the stain with a cloth soaked in volatile solvent.
5. Again, blot away the moisture with tissue or a towel, then let it dry.
6. After it dries, wash with a detergent for delicate clothing.

How to Remove Coffee Stains

1. First, rinse with water as much as possible.
2. Let it dry. If the stain still remains, mix about half a teaspoon of baking soda into lukewarm water, soak a cloth with the mixture, and gently tap the stained area.
3. If the stain still remains, mix rubbing alcohol and cold water at a ratio of 3:1, apply it to the stained area, and gently tap with a cloth.
4. After rinsing thoroughly, wash with a detergent for delicate clothing.

How to Remove Stains from Ballpoint Pens, Ink, and Similar Marks

1. Soak a cloth with rubbing alcohol and gently tap the stained area. For water-based ink, soak a cloth with detergent for delicate clothing and gently tap the stained area.
2. Do not let it dry. Wash it immediately with a detergent for delicate clothing.

How to Remove Blood Stains

1. Blot away excess blood with tissue or a towel.
2. Soak a cloth with undiluted white vinegar and gently tap the stained area.
3. After that, gently tap the stained area in the same way with cold water.
4. Finally, wash with a detergent for delicate clothing.

How to Remove Stains from Lipstick, Cosmetics, Shoe Polish, and Similar Products

1. Gently tap the stained area with a cloth soaked in volatile solvent or stain-removal spray.
2. Gently blot away excess liquid with an absorbent cloth or towel, then let it dry.
3. Finally, wash with a detergent for delicate clothing.

Summary

If a stain gets on wool, it is important to remove it as quickly as possible. Choose the stain-removal method according to the cause of the stain. If you cannot treat the stain immediately, rinse it with water and gently tap the stained area. Continuing the stain-removal process after returning home can help reduce the chance of the stain remaining.