Leave the garment to soak in the milk for 30 minutes to an hour. This will give the proteins, fats, and mild acidity in the milk time to break down the stain and lift it from the fabric. The longer the fabric soaks, the better the results—so feel free to leave it for up to an hour, especially if the stain is old or particularly stubborn.
Step 5: Gently Scrub the Stain
After soaking, gently rub the stained area with your fingers or a soft cloth. This will help further loosen any remaining bits of sauce from the fabric fibers. Avoid using anything abrasive, as this can damage the fabric. For particularly tough stains, you can use a soft toothbrush to gently scrub the area.
Step 6: Rinse and Wash
After the stain has been treated, rinse the garment thoroughly with cool water to remove any remaining milk. Then, wash the garment as usual according to its care label instructions. If you have a washing machine, simply throw it in with the rest of your laundry. If the stain persists, you can repeat the process until it’s gone.
Step 7: Dry and Inspect
Once the stain is removed, hang the garment to air dry or tumble dry as directed. Before putting it in the dryer, check to ensure the stain is completely gone. If any remnants remain, it’s better to rewash the garment rather than drying it, as heat can set the stain permanently.
Additional Tips for Removing Sauce Stains
While milk is an excellent option for many sauce stains, there are a few additional tips and tricks to keep in mind for tackling tough stains:
1. Use Dish Soap for Greasy Stains
If the sauce contains a high amount of grease (like curry or creamy dressings), try adding a small amount of dish soap to the stain before applying the milk. Dish soap is designed to break down grease and works well in tandem with milk to lift oily stains.
2. Test Fabric Sensitivity
Before applying milk to a garment, test it in an inconspicuous area to ensure it won’t cause any damage to the fabric. While milk is gentle on most fabrics, it’s always best to test first on delicate fabrics like silk or wool.
3. Avoid Hot Water
When washing a stained garment, avoid using hot water until the stain has been completely removed. Hot water can sometimes set stains, making them much harder to get rid of.
4. Try Vinegar for Tomato-Based Stains
Tomato-based sauces, such as marinara or ketchup, can sometimes be tricky to remove. For these types of stains, try adding a little white vinegar to the milk mixture. The vinegar helps neutralize the acidity in the tomato, making it easier to remove the stain.
5. Use Baking Soda for Tough Stains
For extra stubborn stains, you can create a paste by mixing milk with baking soda. Apply the paste to the stained area, leave it to sit for 15-20 minutes, and then rinse and wash as usual. Baking soda acts as a mild abrasive and can help lift stains that have set into the fabric.
Conclusion
Sauce stains on clothes are an inevitable part of life, but that doesn’t mean they need to ruin your favorite garments. With the simple, effective trick of using milk, you can easily remove stubborn sauce stains without resorting to harsh chemicals or expensive cleaners. Whether you’re dealing with a fresh splatter or an older, set-in stain, milk can help break down oils, pigments, and grease, leaving your clothes looking as good as new.
So, next time you’re faced with a sauce stain, head to the fridge, grab the milk, and follow these easy steps. With just a little time and a few simple ingredients, you can save your clothes and keep enjoying your meals without fear of those pesky stains.
