Unfortunately, some stains never come out. This includes permanent marker, paint, and ink stains, as well as rust spots and oil stains. Stains caused by bleach and dyes, such as tie-dye, are also notoriously difficult to remove.
Typically, these stains are set in the fabric and cannot be removed by regular washing or other methods. The best advice for these types of stains is to avoid them whenever possible or cover them with a piece of clothing or an item of furniture.
If the stain is on something like clothing, it’s best to avoid bleaching and dying or other harsh chemicals that may set the stain in further and make removing it impossible.
Are some stains impossible to remove?
Yes, unfortunately some stains can be impossible to remove depending on the type of fabric and how long the stain has been present. For example, ink, mildew and rust can be very difficult to remove, even with professional cleaning.
If a stain is left in place for too long or if the fabric or material is not dye fast, some stains may permanently set or discolor the fabric and become impossible to remove. Additionally, some natural dyes or stains, such as on fruit or vegetable juice, can act as a dye bond and permanently color a surface, making them impossible to wash out.
What is the hardest stain to get out?
It depends on the type of stain, but generally the hardest stains to get out are oil-based stains like ground-in dirt, motor oil, lipstick, and grease. These types of stains can be difficult to remove from fabric because they are absorbed into the fibers, and usually require a combination of heavy-duty cleaning agents, scrubbing, and stain-prepping techniques to get out.
You may also have to consider pretreating the item with a special solution before it’s washed, or spot-cleaning the stain to remove as much as possible before prepping for a regular washing cycle.
