Merino Wool Care

How to Remove Stains from Merino Wool?

With 15+ methods, you can keep your clothes stain-free.

Stains on merino wool are unavoidable, particularly when dealing with newborns, toddlers, or outdoor use. Frequently, normal laundry will remove food, dirt, and organic stains from your wool clothing, but for persistent food, dirt, and organic stains, further treatment may be required. 

Numerous detergents and stain removers intended for cotton or artificial fabrics can cause damage to the fibers of wool. Wool requires soap or remover that does not include alkaline ingredients. Never use bleach or hot water to remove a stain, and remember that the fresher the stain is, the simpler it is to remove.

Different types of wool are more brittle than others, and removing stains on them may need the use of different treatments.

Here’s how to remove stains from merino wool using the methods described below. Nail polish and paint, for example, will almost certainly require professional cleaning.

How Can You Get Red Wine, Fruit, or Juice Stains From Your Clothes?

Make Your Clothes Stain-Free
Make Your Clothes Stain-Free (Step-by-Step}

Step 1: Remove as much of the beverage as feasible with clean water before soaking it in a weak solution of Woolmark-approved detergents in lukewarm water for a couple of minutes.

Step 2: If the stain remains, make a solution consisting of three parts medical spirit or rubbing alcohol and one part cold water and dab it on the discoloration. The excess liquid should be blotted.

Step 3: After rinsing thoroughly, use a Woolmark-approved detergent to wash the garment.

How Can You Get Rid of Black Coffee Stains?

Black Coffee Stains
Black Coffee Stains

Step 1: To dilute the coffee, it is best to rinse quickly under cold running water.

Step 2: If the stain has dried, add 1/2 teaspoon baking soda with 1 cup lukewarm water and use that mixture to remove it. Drench it in the solution and softly dab it over the stained area in a lint-free cloth. Using an absorbent cloth, gently press the area.

Step 3: If the stain continues, make a solution of three parts medical spirit or rubbing alcohol and one part cold water and apply it to the spot. Using an absorbent cloth, gently press the area.

Step 4: After rinsing thoroughly, use a Woolmark-approved detergent to wash the garment.

How Can You Get White Coffee, Tea, Milk, Hot Chocolate, and Chocolate Stains From Your Clothes and Carpet?

Coffee Stains on Carpet
Coffee Stains on Carpet

Step 1: Gently dab the stain with a lint-free cloth dipped in a weak solution of Woolmark-approved detergent in lukewarm water around the perimeter of the spot to remove it. Using an absorbent towel or cloth, gently blot the surface.

Step 2: After dehydrating, if an oil-based stain continues, dab softly from the side of the stain with a fabric soaked in white spirit until the stain disappears. Apply gentle pressure with an absorbing towel or cloth to soak up any excess solvent before allowing it to dry completely.

Step 3: Use a detergent that the Woolmark Company has recommended for washing wool.

How Can You Get Rid of Egg or Milk Stains?

Egg Stains
Egg Stains

Step 1: Half a teaspoon of salt is mixed into one cup of lukewarm water, and the solution is dabbed into the discoloration. Thoroughly rinse and blot away any excess water.

Step 2: If the stain remains, dilute one teaspoon of natural detergent in a cup of warm water and apply the solution to the stain, sitting for 15 minutes before washing it off. Rinse well with fresh water.

Step 3: To neutralize the biological detergent, repeat the procedure with a cloth soaked in concentrated white vinegar to remove any remaining residue.

Step 4: Use a detergent that Woolmark has authorized.

What Is the Best Way to Get Rid of Sauce, Butter, or Grease Stains?

Sauce Stains
Sauce Stains

Step 1: when a greasy stain occurs, wipe the bottom of the stain with a spatula to remove any extra oil before proceeding.

Step 2: Make use of a hot iron over many layers of tissue to absorb any surplus oil/grease.

Step 3: If necessary, immerse a lint-free cloth in a specialized grease remover or white spirit to remove stubborn grease. Use a gentle dabbing motion to remove as much solvent as possible from the region. If required, repeat the process and let it dry.

Step 4: Use a detergent that Woolmark has authorized.

What Is the Best Way to Get Rid of Alcoholic Drink Stains?

Alcoholic Drink Stains
Alcoholic Drink Stains

Step 1: Using an absorbent, lint-free cloth, gently dab the surface of the liquid to remove as much as possible.

Step 2: Sponge the affected area with hot water and medical spirit or wipe alcohol in equal parts to remove any remaining debris.

Step 3: After rinsing thoroughly, use a Woolmark-approved detergent to wash the garment.

How to Remove Ink Stain?

Ink Stain
Ink Stain

That’s one of the most difficult stains to remove completely. We, on the other hand, have a miracle remedy. Your product should be able to be restored to its former look with a little patience. 

To prevent the wool from being saturated with the stain, remove it as soon as possible using a paper towel once it has been cleaned. After that, wet a clean towel in lemon juice and gently massage the stain away. 

Numerous wet tissues may be required to remove the discoloration completely. It is possible to machine wash your merino wool goods once the stain has entirely or partially vanished.

How Can You Get Makeup, Lipstick, or Shoe Polish Stains From Your Clothes?

Lipstick Stains
Lipstick Stains

Step 1: Apply white spirit to clean cloth and gently wipe from the corner of the stain into the center.

Step 2: Apply gentle pressure with an absorbing cloth or towel to soak up any excess solvent before allowing it to dry completely.

Step 3: Use a detergent that Woolmark has authorized.

How to Get Rid of Gum Stains?

Gum Stains
Gum Stains

It is critical to allow the gum to cool before removing it. Select a plastic bag containing ice cubes for your project. Gently rubbing the cloth can help to break up the gum. 

A small amount may remain. The region can then be padded with a cloth that has been soaked in alcohol and water and rinsed with clean water.

What Is the Best Way to Remove Blood Stains?

Blood Stains
Blood Stains

Step 1: Remove any extra blood as soon as possible using an absorbent cloth.

Step 2: Gently dab the area with undiluted white vinegar before rinsing it off with cool water.

Step 3: Use a detergent that Woolmark has authorized.

How to Get rid of Candle Stain?

Candle Stain
Candle Stain

With a flat, rounded instrument, such as the handle of a spoon, you may gently scrape the candle mark away. Using a 50/50 combination of alcohol and water, wipe the stained area with a towel soaked in the mixture, and rinse well.

What Is the Best Way to Get Rid of Grass Stains?

Grass Stains
Grass Stains

Step 1: Apply a little amount of mild tablet soap to the discolored area with care.

Step 2: Using a lint-free cloth soaked in clinical spirit or alcohol, gently wipe the area where the stain appears.

Step 3: Use a detergent that Woolmark has authorized.

How to Get Rid of Mud Stain?

Mud Stains
Mud Stains

First and foremost, allow time for the mud stain to dry. Then, carefully massage the mud stain out of the carpet using a soft brush. If there are any stains left, all that has to be done is buff the spot with vinegar water and then rinse.

What Is the Best Way to Remove Ballpoint Pen Stains?

Ballpoint Pen Stains
Ballpoint Pen Stains

Step 1: Gently dab ball-point pen stains off the carpeting with a lint-free cloth moistened with the clinical spirit or rubbing alcohol. The excess solvent should be absorbed by pressing gently with an absorbing cloth or towel. Do not allow the paint to dry.

Step 2: Lightly swab with a lint-free cloth soaked in a diluted Woolmark-approved soap solution if the writing ink is water-based (i.e., non-ballpoint pens). To absorb extra liquid, gently press it with an absorbing cloth or towel until it absorbs. Do not allow the paint to dry.

Step 3: Hand-wash with a detergent that Woolmark has authorized.

How Do You Get Rid of Wine Stains?

Wine Stains
Wine Stains

To remove red wine stains from the cloth, place it in a hot milk bath for a few minutes. Once the soaking water becomes pink, the cloth may be removed. Gently lather and rinse afterward.

It is advisable to utilize oxygenated water instead of white wine for making white wine. First, use a paper towel to absorb the majority of the liquid. Afterward, soak a clean cloth in oxygenated water and dab it on the discoloration spots. After that, you may rinse with clean water and put the clothes in the washing machine to dry.

What Is the Easiest and Most Efficient Method to Remove Stains?

Treat the Stain:

First, wipe up any extra liquid or debris with a towel or a dry, clean cloth to prevent spreading. Using a knife or a spoon with a rounded edge, scrape away anything. 

To clean linen clothes (which do not lose lint), soak the fabric in a mixture of half white vinegar & half woolen detergent combined with lukewarm water for about an hour or more. 

Then dab the stain with this cloth, working your way inwards and down the reverse of the clothing to prevent the stain from spreading further.

Please remove any remaining residue from the spills by scraping it off one more. Gently wipe the stain away using a cloth drenched in spirit, careful not to rub and move inwards to confine the stain.

Soak the Wool:

After treating the individual stain site, soak the clothing in cold water in a sink or large tub with some wool detergent for a few minutes. Gently massage the stain with your fingertips, and then rinse well until all of the soap residues are gone.

Rinse:

Rinse the item in a water mixture and a splash of white vinegar until clean. Once this has been completed, continue rinsing until all vinegar solutions have been removed.

Dry:

A towel (linen is ideal for this because of its great absorbency) can be used to wrap smaller objects such as sweaters or scarves and gently folded to remove excess water. The towel should be able to absorb the majority of the moisture while also protecting the wool fibers. 

If the item is big, such as a wool blanket or coat, place it between several towels and press to absorb the excess water from the towels. Allow the item to dry naturally, and ensure it is flat and not exposed to direct sunlight.

Seek Professional Help:

Occasionally, though, the stains are either too persistent or too old to be removed in this manner. A dry cleaner will be able to tell you whether or not they will be able to remove the stain and that there are stain removal treatments available for purchase if necessary.

Stain Removal Tips and Tricks:

Tips and Tricks
Tips and Tricks
  • Always scoop or blot any surplus spills as soon as possible using a white tissue or an absorbent towel to avoid spreading them. Solid stains should be removed using a blunt knife or spoon.
  • Pre-test any therapy in an inconspicuous location to ensure no apparent change, color loss, or dye leakage before proceeding.
  • To cure a stain, dab tiny amounts of the liquid solution onto the stain and blot well. After each application, do not massage the area with a clean cloth. Work slowly and gently to release the stain from the perimeter to the center.
  • It is best to treat oily or greasy stains using solvents first, which must be allowed to evaporate completely before any water-based treatments may be used after that. The possibility of a colored ring developing if the solution is not thoroughly removed before drying exists. If possible, water-based treatments should be fully rinsed out of the fabric before hand-washing the entire item with neutral or wool detergent if the care label permits it to be done so.
  • A short online search will reveal several options for the wool stain removal procedures described above; however, keep in mind that these options are primarily intended for clothes made of cotton or synthetic fibers, and not all of them are appropriate for wool. If any, the origin of the stains and any remedies you have already performed should be disclosed to the dry cleaner if your garment’s care label specifies that it may be dry cleaned.
  • If you’re going to use chemicals to cure stains, use caution and operate in a well-ventilated environment.

Frequently Asked Questions:

What is the best way to clean old stains out of wool?

To clean linen clothes (which do not lose lint), soak the fabric in a solution of half white vinegar and part wool detergent combined with lukewarm water for about an hour or more. Then dab the stain with this cloth, working your way inwards and down the reverse of the clothing to prevent the stain from spreading further. Please remove any remaining residue from the spills by scraping it off one more.

Is it possible to use OxiClean on merino wool?

Oxiclean is my go-to stain-lifter for plant-based fabrics such as cotton and linen, but it should not be used on protein-based fabrics such as silk or wool since it can damage the fibers.

Is it okay to use vinegar on wool?

Using vinegar to eliminate smells and break down grime and stains is simply because of the liquid’s acidic nature. In addition, when combined with water to dilute it, vinegar will not harm wool or other textiles. Use vinegar to wash wool away from the detergent if you plan to use vinegar to clean wool by hand.

Bottom Line:

Remember that cleaning merino wool garments can be difficult because stains are difficult to remove. When cleaning your merino wool items, we recommend that you use a special soap made specifically for wool or a wool detergent made specifically for wool garments. 

Wool-specific detergents can also be used to spot clean stains on wool clothing. For difficult stains on your merino wool clothes, we recommend consulting with a professional dry cleaner who may be able to help you remove the stain!

James Parker is a 30-year-old creative writer who enjoys cookery, swimming and shopping. He is obsessed with bottled water and wool clothing.

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