Best stain-lifter for set-in stains available?

Question

I have clothes with various set-in stains on them. Grease, oil, ink, you name it. I need a real, proven stain-lifter to use on them. Tried Shout, very un-impressed. Tried Zout, also un-impressive. Only give examples of things that YOU PERSONALLY have seen work with ground-in stains, set-in, dried-in stains. These are for colored clothes by the way. Heard that Mary Ellen's was the bomb, but still have yet to see that in reality. Please help. Remember, I need an all-around fighter, not one that only takes care or grass or ink, or one that handles blood or dirt. I need it to take care of it all. Oh yeah, and save any suggestions of using Oxyclean or Oxy-style products. Those are a joke.

Answer 1

I know this sounds crazy, but Lysol works most anything to take the stain out..i have used it on Pen, permanant marker, blueberry, beet juice. just about everything...I also work in a hotel and thats what they use to get stains out of carpet and off walls. Just the regular unscented Lysol in the blue containor.... Hope this helps

Answer 2

The very best thing I have found for removing set in stains is Zippo-type lighter fluid. Sounds strange, but it really works, even on grease and oily stains that have been through the dryer more than once. Never tried it on blood or ink, but it has taken out everything I have tried it on, and hasn't damaged any fabrics yet. You may want to try it on a hidden spot to be sure, especially if you are working with delicate fabrics. But I just squirt a little on the stain and throw it in the washer with regular detergent with the rest of my laundry. By the way, I wash everything in cold water.

Answer 3

This Site Might Help You.

RE:
Best stain-lifter for set-in stains available?
I have clothes with various set-in stains on them. Grease, oil, ink, you name it. I need a real, proven stain-lifter to use on them. Tried Shout, very un-impressed. Tried Zout, also un-impressive. Only give examples of things that YOU PERSONALLY have seen work with ground-in stains, set-in,...

Answer 4

I use Dawn and Oxyclean to remove anything. If using Oxyclean you have to put a good handful into a dishpan and let the garment soak. Rub the stain every once in a while. have had good luck with stains. My other fix is Dawn dishwashing detergent ( in a bottle I use green apple ) this to you soak garments in BUT be careful about rubbing as it will take out some colors. if you put a little Dawn on the stain and let set before you soak it you should be ok. I think soaking is the answer. Good luck

Answer 5

I know that you want one product to handle all stains, but I don't think it exists. I rub dishwashing liquid into oil/grease stains and then throw the article in with the regular wash. This is the only thing I have found that works for grease stains. Oh yeah, forget about washing in cold water. Grease stains need warm to hot water.

Answer 6

Nothing I have used to date on grease stains has worked as amazing well as pouring some dish soap on your clothing, adding baking soda to it and making a paste, then run it in and leave it for about 10 minutes. Wash as normal. Totally gone!

Era is good for grass and blood stains and is available in any supermarket.

http://www.eraactive.com/laundryreference/frequentlyaskedquestions.shtml

Answer 7

I don't think you are going to find one single product to handle all your needs. ESPECIALLY if they are set-in, dried-in, etc. That's a major rule to laundry--don't set the stains by drying them. I find that Zout foam works well on the grease and blood, but before I found Zout, I used degreasers on grease.
Hydrogen peroxide works well on baby spit-up stains; alcohol works well to break up FRESH (not dried in) grass stains, as well as ink removal. I hear that aerosol hairspray works well on ink, too. To get out car grease, I've always used the pumice-based orange hand cleaner (the name escapes me at this time) that takes it off your hands.

Answer 8

I've never had much luck with the spray-on varieties. Stain sticks are so much better. I think Spray-n-Wash makes a stick version that works well if I remember correctly

Answer 9

yea I feel the same about those Oxy products.. this is different but should really work. it is called GoJo if is for greasy hands and oil and grease like the machanics use. it is safe to use also leaves a orange snell . for the blood once it is set in I dont know. give go jo a try. I use it on my hands and our work shirts, we work aroung trucks alday.

Answer 10

For oil stains. soak in dawn dish detergent and rub in the spots. For the others, try a heavy solution of oxyclean.