How To Remove Stains From Dry Clean Only Clothing

Getting stains out of clothing is hard - but getting stains out of dry clean only clothing can be intimidating and complicated.

After all, you’re dealing with delicate fabrics. Which is why giving your laundry to a professional dry cleaner is our preferred method for handling stains. Professionals know how to treat tricky stains, so you will have the best outcome.

But in case you can’t get to a dry cleaners right away, here is a step-by-step guide to remove stains from dry clean only clothes.

1. Check the label.

2. Identify the stain.

3. Gather supplies.

4. Scrape off excess glop.

5. Removing liquid stains

6. Removing oily stains

7. Helpful cleaning tips

1. Check the Label

Always read the care label of your garments. This label will tell you the fabric content, how to care for your garment, and if you need to dry clean. 

Both dry clean and dry clean only fabrics can be carefully spot-cleaned at home..

Fabrics you should take straight to the dry cleaner: rayon, suede, leather, and cashmere. 

2. Identify the Stain

Once you identify the type of stain, you will know what products and methods you’ll use to remove the stain. Here’s a list of common stains and products that will remove them without damaging your clothing:

Oil-based stains including butter, mayonnaise, salad dressing, makeup, lotion and body oils:

• Baking soda

• Citrus-based degreasing detergent such as Palmolive dishwashing liquid (clear)

Food stains including ketchup, red wine, coffee, juice, soda, tea, and also mud: 

• White vinegar

• Dish detergent (Palmolive, Dawn)

Protein stains including grass, meat, eggs, vomit, blood, urine: 

• Ammonia

• Peroxide

• High quality detergent without dyes

• Alcohol or products with alcohol, like hand sanitizer or hairspray

Sweat: 

• Enzyme cleaner, such as OxiClean

3. Gather Cleaning Supplies

For all stains, these cleaning supplies will help you remove them.

• White cloth or towel to blot the stain and absorb water

• Paper towels, cotton balls, or cotton swabs

• A scraper (butter knife or credit card) or a brush

• Cold water

4. For Goopy Stains

1. For goopy stains (mud, food, etc) use a hard edge like a credit card or a butter knife to scrape off any excess.

2. Moisten a clean cloth with cold water and blot the stained area (avoid spreading the stain)

3. If water alone does not remove the stain, apply the cleaning solution appropriate for the type of stain to a clean cloth and dab the stained area. 

4. When the stain is gone, moisten a clean cloth and blot to remove the cleaning solution.

5. Repeat these steps until the stain is removed.

6. When you’ve successfully removed the stain, allow the garment to air dry. If any stain remains, have your dry cleaning service pick it up to have it cleaned

5. To Remove Liquid Stains 

• Place the stained area of your garment on a white towel.

• Pour cold water over the stain. Water will remove some liquid stains if you address it quickly.

• If water doesn’t remove the stain, make a cleaning solution with equal parts of white vinegar and dish detergent. 

• Dip a clean cloth or cotton swab into the formula, and dab the stain. 

• Allow the solution to soak in for 20 minutes, then rinse with cold water.

• Hang or lay flat to dry.

6. Method to Remove Oily Stains

• Sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda on the stain and use a white cloth or small brush (like a nail or  toothbrush) to work the powder into the stain. Wait a few minutes for the powder to absorb the oil, then flip the garment over and tap to shake off the excess powder. 

• If the stain is still visible, wet the spot with cold water and dab on a small amount of citrus-based degreasing detergent, like Palmolive or Dawn on the stained area. Allow to sit for a few minutes and then dab with cold water to remove the detergent (and the stain). 

7. Helpful Cleaning Tips For Dry Clean Only Clothes

• Alcohol will remove many types of stains. Carry a small bottle of hand sanitizer, a white cloth, and a handful of cotton swabs for immediate spot treatment.

• When a stain happens, act quickly. The sooner you can address a stain, the more likely you’ll be able to get rid of it.

• Not all stains can be removed at home. For tough stains or special pieces, you may need a professional cleaning service.

Removing stains from dry clean only clothing can be risky.  Some woven fabrics, like wool or silk, will stretch and leave the garment misshaped. 

Dry cleaning is not always practical, but it is usually the best solution, especially if you want to keep the garment looking new. Why take a chance? Dry cleaning doesn’t get easier than free pickup and delivery.