We get a lot of questions about how to get stains out of clothes. And we get it. Stains can be a real pain. That’s especially true if they happen to be one of the stains we dubbed on National Laundry Day as the stubborn six. These stains are notoriously difficult to remove and some of the ones we hear about the most. The good news is that with the right techniques and a little elbow grease, you can get them out. Here how:

Chocolate

• When the stain strikes, gently scrape off any excess chocolate.
• Once you get the item home, soak it in cool water.
• Then pretreat with a prewash stain remover.
• Launder in the hottest water that’s safe for the fabric.

NOTE: If stain remains, rewash using a bleach safe for fabric.

Coffee

• Sponge or soak stain in cool water.
• Pretreat with prewash stain remover, liquid laundry detergent, liquid detergent booster or paste of powder laundry product and water.
• Launder using sodium hypochlorite bleach, if safe for fabric, or oxygen bleach.

NOTE: Older stains may respond to pretreating or soaking in a product containing enzymes, then laundering. Try this, especially if the stain remains after laundering.

Grass

• Pretreat or soak in a product containing enzymes.
• Launder.

NOTE: If stain persists, launder using sodium hypochlorite bleach, if safe for fabric, or oxygen bleach.

Wine

• If the fabric is washable, dab the stain with cool water or soak it in cool water for about 30 minutes.
• Pretreat with a prewash stain remover.
• Launder

NOTE: If stain remains, rewash using a bleach safe for fabric.

Sweat

• Pretreat or soak in a product containing protease enzymes.
• Launder using sodium hypochlorite bleach, if safe for fabric, or oxygen bleach.

NOTE: If stain remains, retreat with enzymatic stain remover and rewash.

Tomato Sauce

• Remove as much of the excess tomato sauce as possible from the fabric.
• If the fabric is washable, run cold water through the back of the stain as quickly as possible. This will force the stain back out through the fabric. Don’t run it through the front of the tomato stain, which will only force it more deeply into your clothing.
• Rub a liquid laundry detergent into the stained portion of the fabric. Work it into the fabric gently in a circular motion beginning on the outside of the stained area, and working in.
• If the garment is white, or you have tested it for colorfastness, apply a mild bleaching agent. Possible agents include hydrogen peroxide or white vinegar applied with a sponge. You can also use lemon juice on white fabrics. Rinse well.
• Repeat with detergent followed by mild bleaching agent until the stain no longer appears. Hold the stain up to the light to make sure it is fully gone.
• Apply a stain remover stick, gel, or spray. Allow it to sit for at least 5 minutes while you wait.
• Wash normally with detergent. Before drying, double-check the stain. Stains that are dried will often be permanent.
• If it remains, rub detergent into the tomato stain. Next, soak in warm water for 30 minutes. Rinse well.

NOTE: If the tomato stain is still stubborn, apply stain remover stick, gel, or spray and launder according to directions.

If any of these stains persist, go through the process again. Do not put it in the dryer until the stain is completely gone. For more tips and tricks, visit our full stain removal guide.