White out stains are a common issue that can be tough to remove from clothes. Not only do they leave an unsightly mark, but they can also ruin the fabric. Whether you accidentally spilled white out on yourself while working or your little one got creative with the office supplies, don’t panic. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to remove white out from clothes.
Types of White Out
Before we dive into how to remove white out from clothes, it’s essential to understand the different types of white out.
Water-Based White Out
Water-based white out is the most common type of white out. As the name suggests, it’s a water-based liquid that you can use to correct mistakes. Water-based white out is relatively easy to clean, especially if you spot it early.
Oil-Based White Out
Oil-based white out is thicker and more difficult to remove than water-based white out. It’s a solvent-based product that uses naphtha or xylene as the active ingredient. Oil-based white out can leave a greasy stain on clothes, and if left untreated, can permanently damage the fabric.
What You’ll Need
Before we get into the step-by-step process of removing white out from clothes, gather the following supplies:
- Clean, white cloth
- Paper towels
- Laundry detergent
- Hydrogen peroxide
- Acetone
- Isopropyl alcohol
- Bucket
- Clean water
How to Remove White Out from Clothes
Step 1: Remove Excess White Out
Use a white cloth or paper towel to blot the excess white out stain. Make sure not to rub it as this can spread the stain and make it harder to remove.
Step 2: Apply Detergent
Pour a small amount of laundry detergent directly onto the white out stain. Gently rub the fabric together to work the detergent into the stain.
Step 3: Rinse with Water
Rinse the fabric under cold running water to remove the detergent and white out stain. Check the stain to see if it has disappeared. If the stain remains, move on to the next step.
Step 4: Apply Hydrogen Peroxide
Soak the affected area in hydrogen peroxide for 15 minutes.
Step 5: Rinse with Water
Rinse the fabric under cold running water to remove the hydrogen peroxide. Check the stain to see if it has disappeared. If the stain remains, move on to the next step.
Step 6: Apply Acetone
Dampen a clean white cloth with acetone and gently rub it on the white out stain. Make sure to work from the outside of the stain towards the center to prevent it from spreading.
Step 7: Rinse with Water
Rinse the fabric under cold running water to remove the acetone. Check the stain to see if it has disappeared. If the stain remains, move on to the next step.
Step 8: Apply Isopropyl Alcohol
Dampen a clean white cloth with isopropyl alcohol and gently rub it on the white out stain. Like with acetone, work from the outside of the stain towards the center to prevent it from spreading.
Step 9: Rinse with Water
Rinse the fabric under cold running water to remove the isopropyl alcohol. Check the stain to see if it has disappeared. If the stain remains, repeat steps 6 to 9 until the stain is no longer visible.
Step 10: Launder as Usual
After the stain has been removed, launder the fabric according to the care label instructions.
Tips for Removing White Out from Clothes
- Act quickly: The longer you wait to remove the stain, the harder it will be to remove.
- Use a clean, white cloth: Colored cloths can transfer dye and leave behind more stains.
- Do a spot test: Before applying any chemicals, test it on a small, inconspicuous area of the fabric to ensure it doesn’t damage or discolor the fabric.
- Work from the outside of the stain towards the center: This will prevent the stain from spreading.
- Never use hot water: Hot water can set the stain and make it permanent.
FAQs
- Can I use bleach to remove white out stains?
- I accidentally dried my shirt with white out on it, is it ruined?
- Can I use nail polish remover instead of acetone?
- What if the white out stain is on a delicate fabric?
No, bleach is not effective in removing white out stains and can even make them worse.
Drying the fabric can make it harder to remove the stain but it’s not necessarily ruined. Try following the steps above and don’t give up hope.
Yes, nail polish remover is a type of acetone and can work to remove white out stains.
For delicate fabrics, skip the acetone and isopropyl alcohol and try washing the stain in cold water with laundry detergent.
Conclusion
Removing white out stains from clothes doesn’t have to be stressful. With the right method and supplies, you can banish those stains for good. Remember to act quickly, use a clean white cloth, and do a spot test before applying any chemical. And if all else fails, take it to a professional cleaner.
References
1. “How to remove white-out”. Stain 101. https://www.stain-101.com/how-to-remove-white-out/
2. “How to Remove White Out Stain from Clothes: a Comprehensive Guide”. Top Cleaning Secrets. https://www.topcleaningsecrets.com/cleaning-tips/clothing/remove-white-out-stain-from-clothes.html