Ultimate Stain Removal Guide for Kolkata’s Climate

Kolkata and its humid climate make it difficult to remove stains. That is why quick action is required to let it not completely destroying the look and color of clothes. Here are some quick tips and tricks that can make sure that garments remain stain-free from accidental spills. 

Sweat stains

Issue: In Kolkata, humidity levels are significantly high due to which excessive sweating is not uncommon. Due to this excessive sweating faded and stubborn yellow stains on clothing can be seen.

Solution:

• Pre-Treatment: Vinegar is effective in neutralizing the sweat odour and breaking down the oils. For this reason, mixing equal parts of water and white vinegar and soaking the affected area for 30 minutes before washing can help in stain removal.
• Baking Soda Paste: In order to remove tough stains, a paste can be created with baking soda and water. The paste needs to be kept for an hour before washing them.
• Washing: During the wash, a detergent with enzymes could be used alongside hot water for fabric.

Mud and Dust Stains

Issue: Frequent mud and dust stains are also common due to Kolkata’s dusty environment, especially during the dry season.

Solution:

• Pre-Treatment: Before brushing off the excess the mud should be dried completely and rubbing needs to be avoided in order to remove the stain.
• Cleaning: In order to remove dust stains, a simple brush-off or shaking can often be useful. In order to remove mud stains, washing the fabric with cold water applying a stain remover, and laundering as usual can be the suitable way.
  

Food Stains

Issue: The regular diet and cuisines consumed by the people of Kolkata consist of elements such as curry, sauce, tea, coffee, and spices, the removal of which is highly difficult in terms of washing clothes.

Solution: 

• Curry and Spice Staines: The stain needs to be treated by bloating it with cold water that removes any excess sticking to the surface. A commercial stain remover is applicable after rinsing and rubbing the area with water fails to remove the stain.
• Tea and coffee stains: Cold water is also applicable in this context where gentle rubbing within a small time period from the origin of the stain works best. After such applications, washing the stain normally with water and baking soda can eliminate the stains. 
• Sauces: The same process is applicable to tea strains where cold water is applied to remove the stain. Similarly, using baking soda solution and letting it sit before washing will work with maximum efficiency.  

Ink Stains

Issue: One of the most stubborn stains that are difficult to remove with normal methods. However, the tip will be very useful as ink from pens and printers is common in Kolkata.

Solution: 

• Instant treatment: The use of a napkin or a paper towel needs to be instant so that it absorbs the residual ink that would otherwise ruin the area of the cloth completely. A cotton ball is needed to apply rubbing alcohol gently on the surface.               
• Cleaning: Laundering the stain with a stain-fighting detergent is needed after applying cold water to remove it from the cloth completely.

Oil Stains

Issue: Most of the population in Kolkata are home cooks and oil stains are a general part of their regular lives. However, removing them can be a great issue if not acted on immediately.

Solution: 

• Pre-treatment: The use of cornstarch is effective in absorbing all of the excess oil that is still striking to the cloth. Brushing needs to be done after applying cornstarch and letting it sit for 20 minutes.
• Cleaning: Rinsing and laundering can work on rough clothes after applying dish soap over the surface. If the fabric is mild and soft, specialized stain removers are necessary to completely rub it off the dress.

Mildew Stains

Issue: Mildew stains are caused by fungi or any other organic matter that stays on clothes in humid weather. This is common in Kolkata because of the humid weather and less motivation for providing ventilation to clothes.

Solution: 

• Treatment: Brushing off is necessary to get rid of the mold and spores that have resulted from mildew with the help of a ventilated area. 
• Cleaning: The cleaning process needs about a single cup of vinegar and 2 cups of water to make the solution. Soaking it for an hour before washing is the best way to remove the stains. The cloth needs to be dried in the sun to kill the rest of the spores.

Blood Stains

Issue: The blood stains need to be removed immediately or else it can be difficult to remove after setting. 

Solution: 

• Pre-treatment: The stain needs to be removed with cold water to remove the setting of blood.
• Cleaning: The use of equal water and hydrogen peroxide needs to be done before rinsing it with cold water.