How to Get Out Chili Stains

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Things You'll Need

  • ½ cup white vinegar

  • Paper towels

  • Pre-laundry stain treatment

  • Washer

  • Dryer

Although delicious, chili can leave behind red stains if not treated properly.

Chili is a delicious comfort food that can be made to satisfy anyone's palate from vegetarians to meat lovers, spice enthusiasts to those who enjoy a more mild flavor. While chili can hit the spot when hunger strikes, it can also hit your clothing, leaving behind red, greasy stains that can look next to impossible to get out. If you see a big pot of chili stewing in your future, arm yourself with the necessary tools and know how to combat chili stains.

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Step 1

Run the stain under cold water for a minute, then soak it in a mixture of ½ cup of cold water and ½ cup of white vinegar. Let it soak in the mixture for 10 minutes to help lift the stain and prevent it from setting on fabric.

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Step 2

Remove from soak and blot at the stain lightly with a white paper towel.

Step 3

Repeat steps 1 and 2 until the stain is removed or has been lightened significantly.

Step 4

Spray the stain on both sides with a pre-laundry stain fighter and wash the garment according to the instructions on the inside tag. Inspect the stained area; if the stain is still present, spray and wash until it has disappeared, then dry the garment accordingly.

Tip

Always treat a chili stain as soon as possible after it occurs. If you don’t have vinegar and stain fighter on hand, blot and soak the stain with cold water until you can get to your laundry room.

Ammonia can be used in place of a specialized stain fighter, but dilute it using one part ammonia and two parts warm water. Never combine ammonia with any bleach products.

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