Stains on white midi dresses can be a real headache, especially if you’re not sure how to remove them properly. Whether it’s a coffee spill, a grease stain, or a grass stain, there are several common stain removal techniques that can help you get your white midi dress looking fresh and clean again.

Pre-treating the stain:

Before you begin any stain removal technique, it’s important to pre-treat the stain. This involves removing any excess substance from the fabric and applying a stain remover or detergent to help break down the stain.

Here’s how to pre-treat different types of stains:
Coffee or tea stains: Blot the stain with a clean cloth or paper towel to remove any excess liquid. Mix a solution of equal parts white vinegar and water and apply it to the stain using a clean cloth or sponge. Gently blot the stain until it starts to fade. Rinse with cold water and launder as usual.

Grease or oil stains: Place a clean cloth or paper towel under the stain to absorb any excess grease. Sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda or cornstarch onto the stain and let it sit for about 15 minutes to absorb the grease. Use a soft brush or toothbrush to gently scrub the stain. Rinse with cold water and launder as usual.

Grass stains: Mix a solution of equal parts hydrogen peroxide and liquid detergent and apply it to the stain using a clean cloth or sponge. Gently blot the stain until it starts to fade. Rinse with cold water and launder as usual.

Washing the dress:

After pre-treating the stain, it’s time to wash the dress. Follow these steps to ensure a thorough and effective wash:

Check the care label: Before washing the dress, always check the care label for any specific instructions or restrictions. Some white midi dresses may require special care, such as hand washing or a specific water temperature.

Use a laundry detergent: Choose a laundry detergent that is suitable for white fabrics. Look for one that contains enzymes, which can help break down stains. Follow the instructions on the detergent packaging for the correct amount to use.

Sort by fabric type: If you’re washing multiple items together, make sure to sort them by fabric type. Delicate fabrics may require a gentler wash, while sturdier fabrics can withstand a more vigorous wash.

Choose the right water temperature: For most white midi dresses, using cold water is the safest option to prevent color bleeding or shrinking. However, if the care label specifies a different water temperature, follow those instructions instead.

Select the appropriate wash cycle:

Use a gentle or delicate cycle to prevent excessive agitation, especially for delicate fabrics. If the dress is heavily stained, consider adding an extra rinse cycle to ensure all the stain remover or detergent is thoroughly rinsed out.

Spot treating stubborn stains:

Sometimes, stains can be particularly stubborn and require additional attention.

Here are some spot treating techniques for different types of stains:
Red wine stains: Blot the stain with a clean cloth or paper towel to remove any excess liquid. Mix a solution of equal parts hydrogen peroxide and liquid detergent and apply it to the stain using a clean cloth or sponge. Gently blot the stain until it starts to fade. Rinse with cold water and launder as usual.

Ink stains: Place a clean cloth or paper towel under the stain to absorb any excess ink. Apply rubbing alcohol to the stain using a clean cloth or sponge. Gently blot the stain until it starts to fade. Rinse with cold water and launder as usual.

Sweat stains: Mix a solution of equal parts white vinegar and water and apply it to the stain using a clean cloth or sponge. Gently blot the stain until it starts to fade. Rinse with cold water and launder as usual.

Bleaching the dress (if needed):

If all else fails and the stain is still visible, you may need to resort to bleaching the dress. However, be cautious when using bleach, as it can potentially damage the fabric or cause discoloration.

Follow these steps when using bleach:
Check the care label: Ensure that the dress is bleach-safe by checking the care label. Some fabrics, such as silk or wool, may be sensitive to bleach and should be avoided.

Dilute the bleach: If the dress is bleach-safe, mix a solution of 1 part chlorine bleach to 4 parts water.

Test on a hidden area: Before applying the bleach solution to the stain, test it on a hidden area of the dress to check for any adverse reactions or color changes.

Apply the bleach solution: If the test is successful, apply a small amount of the bleach solution to the stain using a clean cloth or sponge. Gently blot the stain until it starts to fade. Rinse with cold water and launder as usual.

Remember to always follow the manufacturer’s instructions and heed any warnings when using bleach.