How to get set stains out of white linens

Download and print out this guide to hang in your vacation rental’s laundry room or pass it off to your cleaners for reference!

Typically, when it comes to tackling stains on linens, it's widely understood that immediate attention is key to prevent them from becoming deeply embedded and irreversible. However, as vacation rental hosts, this ideal scenario isn't always feasible. Often, we're confronted with stains only after guests have departed or when they specifically request fresh linens. This means we're dealing with stains that may have been sitting for extended periods—hours, days, or even weeks (which can be quite alarming!).

But don't worry! We're here to lend a helping hand. Above is our comprehensive guide designed to assist you in removing common set stains from white linens commonly encountered when managing vacation rentals.

• Makeup Stains: To tackle makeup stains, start by applying a small amount of dishwashing soap or liquid detergent directly onto the stain. Rinse the fabric from the back with cold water. For stubborn stains, blot with 3% hydrogen peroxide and rinse again. Wash the fabric normally in your washing machine, air dry, and repeat until the stain disappears.
• Coffee or Tea Stains: Create a solution using ½ tsp. dishwashing detergent, 1 tbsp. distilled white vinegar, and 1 qt. hot water. Soak the stained fabric in this solution for 15-30 minutes, then rinse with warm water. Use rubbing alcohol on a sponge for any remaining stain before another warm water rinse.
• Drink and Food Stains: Mix equal parts warm water and distilled white vinegar. Soak the fabric for 15-30 minutes, then wash it as usual and air dry. Repeat the process if needed.
• Wine Stains: Start by using salt to absorb the stain and rinse with cold water. Create a paste with water and baking soda, apply it to the stain for 10-15 minutes, then wash the fabric.
• Blood Stains: For fresh blood stains, dab hydrogen peroxide on the stain and rinse. For older stains, mix cold water with salt and soak the fabric for 30 minutes before washing with cold water.
• Grease and Oil Stains: Use cornstarch or baby powder to soak up the grease for 30-60 minutes. Remove the powder and wash the item with warm water and strong detergent.
• Ink Stains: Use rubbing alcohol on a cloth to blot the stain until the ink transfers. Wash immediately afterward.

Sometimes, stains might require multiple attempts to fully remove, especially if they've been sitting for a while in your vacation rental. However, if the stain persists despite your efforts, it might be time to consider replacing the linen. Some stains can become permanent, and harsh stain removal methods might damage the fabric. In such cases, you might want to consider purchasing commercial linens designed for hospitality from brands like Standard Textile or Brooklinen Business. These linens are built to withstand frequent use and washing without compromising quality.

Liberasol Vacation Rental