No one’s clothing is safe from even the most innocent of stains, such as a drop of soup at dinner. Men’s suits are not an exception to this rule. One way to clean your suit of wine from a wedding or finger paint from your excited toddler is to send the suit to the dry cleaner. However, if you’re on your way out the door or not home when you discover a stain there are a few things you can do to minimize, and even remove, the damage caused by unexpected stains.
Step One
Determine what caused the stain. Knowing whether the spot on your tux is from red wine or a drop of blood makes it easier to determine how to remove the stain. The majority of stains can be categorized as greasy or non-greasy.
Step Two
Treat a non-greasy stain, such as blood, with water. Dab a bit of water onto the fabric with a clean towel to remove or significantly lighten the stain. Dabbing is imperative; rubbing sets stains into fabric.
Step Three
Apply a spot removal treatment to greasy stains such as butter. The solution will help dissolve the stain as it is dabbed into the fabric.
Step Four
Dab water onto the stain to clean the spot remover off. Do not try this treatment on dry clean-only garments, as applying soap and water could set the stain.
Step Five
Remove stains by blotting them up. Place a thick napkin or two to three paper towels over the stain and apply pressure to the stain. Replace the napkin when it becomes saturated and continue the process until the stain is gone or no longer transferring to the napkin.