Homemade tricks to remove paint, sweat and heavy dirt from white and colored school uniforms
Keeping the school uniform impeccable is a daily challenge for parents and guardians. Continuous use, combined with routine studies and games, exposes the pieces to different types of dirt, from pen ink to the yellowing caused by sweat. Knowing how to remove stains from uniforms correctly not only preserves the aesthetics of the clothes, but also extends their useful life, generating savings in the household budget.
Applying inappropriate products or washing incorrectly can further set the dirt or damage the fabric. Therefore, using tested methods and accessible homemade ingredients is the best strategy for recovering items, especially white uniforms that require extra care.
Pen and ink stain tricks
Ballpoint pen or marker ink stains are the most common in the school environment. The chemical composition of the paint requires specific solvents so that the pigment is released from the fabric fibers without staining the rest of the piece.
1. Removal with liquid alcohol
Alcohol is one of the most effective solvents for paints. For this process, use a piece of cotton wool soaked in 70% liquid alcohol or higher. Press the cotton ball over the pen stain, without rubbing, so that the ink is transferred to the cotton ball. Repeat the process, changing the cotton until the ink stops coming out and then wash the item normally with coconut soap or neutral detergent.
2. Warm milk technique
This is a classic and safe method for delicate or colorful fabrics. Heat some milk (do not let it boil) and apply it to the stained area, or leave the affected area to soak in the milk for about 30 minutes. The enzymes and fat in milk help dissolve the pigments in the paint. After soaking, scrub lightly and rinse before placing in the washing machine.
3. Use of detergent and white vinegar
For marker stains, a mixture of neutral detergent and white vinegar may be the solution. Apply the detergent directly to the dried stain, rub gently, then apply the white vinegar. Leave it to act for 10 minutes and rinse. Vinegar helps revive whites and loosen water-based pigments.
Recovering the white school uniform from sweat
Yellowing in the armpit and collar area is caused by the reaction between sweat salts, bacteria and deodorant residue. Removing these stains from white school uniforms requires bleaching agents that don’t wear down the fiber like pure chlorine would.
1. Powerful mixture of baking soda and lemon
Baking soda acts as a gentle, brightening chemical exfoliant. Mix a tablespoon of baking soda with the juice of half a lemon until it forms an effervescent paste. Apply to the sweat stain and let it act for 45 minutes. Scrub with a soft bristle brush and then wash. Attention: never expose the item to the sun while it has lemon on it, as this may cause new stains.
2. Hydrogen peroxide solution
Hydrogen peroxide 10 volumes is excellent for removing old organic and yellow stains. Mix equal measures of hydrogen peroxide, warm water and washing powder. Leave the piece to soak in this solution for 30 minutes. For persistent underarm stains, apply pure hydrogen peroxide directly to the area before soaking.
Removal of other common dirt
In addition to paint and sweat, everyday school life involves contact with food, grass and earth. Each type of waste requires a different approach to ensure complete cleanup.
- Fat and foods: Remove excess food with a spoon. Apply talcum powder or cornstarch to the grease stain immediately to absorb the oil. After 10 minutes, remove the dust and apply colorless dish detergent, rubbing before washing;
- Clay and earth: Never try to clean clay while it is wet, as this will spread the dirt. Wait for the clay to dry completely, use a dry brush to remove the hardened soil and only then leave it to soak in warm soapy water before washing;
- Grama: Green chlorophyll stains come off well with white vinegar. Apply the vinegar to the stain and let it act for 30 minutes. If the stain is old, use a vinegar and bicarbonate paste.
Essential washing care
To prevent stains from becoming permanent, the washing routine must follow some fabric preservation criteria.
- Strict separation: Never mix white and colored uniforms, not even with pastel-colored items. White uniforms must be washed exclusively with white items to avoid pigment transfer;
- Pre-check: Before putting the clothes in the machine or dryer, check that the stain is completely gone. The heat from the iron or dryer can “cook” the stain, making it impossible to remove later;
- Moderate use of bleaches: Avoid frequent use of bleach (chlorine), as it weakens the fabric fibers and can cause yellowing in the long term. Choose non-chlorine bleaches based on hydrogen peroxide.
FAQ
Can I use bleach on colored uniforms?
No. Bleach (chlorine) fades colors and irreversibly stains colored fabrics. For colored clothes, use non-chlorine bleach or white vinegar to enhance the color and remove odors.
How long can I leave the uniform to soak?
The ideal is not to soak for more than two hours. Leaving clothes submerged for a long time (such as overnight) can cause the dirt dissolved in the water to deposit back into the fabric, in addition to causing a bad smell.
Does vinegar leave a smell on clothes?
No. The vinegar smell is volatile and disappears completely after rinsing and drying the item. It also acts as a natural softener.
How to remove white glue stains?
School glue is usually washable. If it dries on the fabric, carefully scrape off the excess and leave the item to soak in warm water before washing. The heat from the water softens the glue, making it easier to remove.
Adopting these procedures ensures that school uniforms remain looking new throughout the school year. The key to successful stain removal is agility: the quicker the treatment is started, the greater the chances of the item’s full recovery. Always test products on a small hidden area of the fabric before applying to the main stain.
