How to Clean Stains on Synthetic Fabrics
Synthetic fabrics are easier to remove than more fragile fabrics. Synthetics can be treated the same way as wool: most of the time, soap and water remove all stains. Commercial stain removers are also very effective in cleaning stains on synthetic textiles.
Finally, machine washing usually removes superficial stains.
Here are our tips and advice to remove a synthetic textile depending on the nature of the stain.
Remove stains of do-it-yourself and gardening on a synthetic textile.
Oil paint stains (glycerophtalic)
To remove an oil paint stain from a synthetic fabric, dab a cloth soaked in white spirit onto the stain and machine wash the garment at the appropriate temperature.
Water-based paint stains (acrylic)
Acrylic paint stains can be removed in the washing machine at 40°C.
Grease stains
To remove a grease stain from a synthetic textile:
– Scrape the stain with the blade of a knife.
– Rub the remaining stain with a cloth soaked in F-gasoline.
– Wipe with a damp cloth.
Tar/oil/fuel stains
To remove a fuel oil stain from synthetic clothing: dab the stain with a cloth soaked in lemon juice.
Other effective detergents: turpentine, white spirit.
Mold and mildew stains
To remove a mildew stain from a synthetic textile:
– Dip the garment in a basin filled with milk.
– Wait for the milk to soak in.
– Soap the garment.
– Rinse with clean water.
Resin stains
To clean a resin stain on synthetic fabrics:
– Soak up the grease with a tissue.
– Place a second tissue on the stain.
– Approach the soleplate of an iron.
Another effective detergent is methylated spirits.
Grass stain
To remove a grass stain from synthetic linen:
– Smear the stain with a little 28 percent ammonia.
Other effective detergents: methylated spirits, vinegar, and rubbing alcohol.
– If the laundry is light-colored, use lemon instead, which is less aggressive to the fabric fibers.
Mud stain
To erase a mud stain on a synthetic textile:
– Wait for the mud to harden.
– Rub the stain with a sponge moistened with vinegar.
Other effective detergents: lemon, soap.
Gasoline stains
To clean a gasoline stain on a synthetic textile:
– Rub the fabric with a vinegar-soaked cloth.
– Put the fabric in the washing machine.
Mechanical oil stains
To remove a mechanical oil stain from a synthetic fabric:
– Rub the stain with a cloth soaked in ammonia water.
– Machine wash the fabric.
Other effective detergents: hand cleaner (from the garage), terre de Sommières.
Moisture stains
To remove a moisture stain from a synthetic garment:
– Prepare a basin containing vinegar and water.
– Immerse the garment in the basin for at least 2 hours.
– Run the garment through the washing machine.
Glue stains
To remove a glue stain from a synthetic textile:
– Remove the soft glue with a fingernail.
– If there are still traces, rub a cloth soaked in methylated spirits.
– Wipe with a cloth soaked in hot water.
Rust stains
To remove a rust stain from a synthetic shirt, for example:
– Dab a cloth soaked in the juice of a lemon on the stain.
– Rub the cleaned area with a damp cloth.
Soot stains
To remove a soot stain from a synthetic cloth:
– Rub the stain with a cloth dampened with F-gasoline.
– Pour talcum powder on the stain.
– Wait 1 hour.
– Brush.
– If the stain is encrusted, rub the rest with a cotton cloth soaked in turpentine.
List of detergents you will need to clean stains on a synthetic textile
White spirit, turpentine, milk bottle, lemon, ammonia, white vinegar, bleach, soap, Marseille soap, dish-washing liquid, carbonated water, baby powder, hydrosulphite powder, table salt, odorless mineral spirits, Shaving foam, Organic fabric stain remover, Hair spray, General cleaning product, Acetone, Domestic alcohol, Milk bottle, Lemon, Vegetable glycerin, Alcohol at 90° Burning alcohol, Organic washing powder, Hydrogen peroxide and Trichloroethylene.
Hope the tips above will help you clean stains on your synthetic fabrics. Remember to share your experience in the comments below.
